Cuba Concessions in Vatican Brokered Deal

In cooperation with the Vatican, the Biden Administration made several meaningful diplomatic concessions in a negotiation for the release of political prisoners by the Havana regime. Cuba has announced that it will release from prison 553 people “convicted of various crimes.”

"We are taking several steps to support the Cuban people as part of an understanding with the Catholic Church under the leadership of Pope Francis and improve the livelihood of Cubans," said Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announcing the measures.

• "First, today we notified Congress that President Biden determined Cuba should no longer be designated as a State Sponsor of Terrorism.  [President Biden notified Congress of his decision to remove Cuba from this list, which imposes strict sanctions. This follows Cuba’s earlier removal from the list of countries not cooperating in counterterrorism efforts. The removal will take effect after a 45-day congressional review period unless blocked.]
• "Secondly, we notified Congress that the President issued a waiver for Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, otherwise known as the Libertad Act, for a period of six months [temporarily suspending lawsuits related to confiscated properties in Cuba.]
• "Finally, President Biden rescinded the 2017 National Security Presidential Memorandum 5 on Cuba policy to eliminate the so-called “restricted list” and by extension the additional regulations on engagement by U.S. persons and entities with Cuban persons and entities, beyond that which is currently prescribed in U.S. legislation.   [The memorandum restricted U.S. financial transactions with Cuban entities controlled by the military, easing some economic limitations. However, sanctions under the U.S. embargo remain in place.]

"In taking these steps to bolster the ongoing dialogue between the government of Cuba and the Catholic Church, President Biden is also honoring the wisdom and counsel that has been provided to him by many world leaders, especially in Latin America, who have encouraged him to take these actions, on how best to advance the human rights of the Cuban people. 

"We take these steps in appreciation of the Catholic Church’s efforts to facilitate Cuba to take its own, constructive measures to restore liberty to its citizens and enable conditions that improve the livelihood of Cubans.   

Cuba’s statement on Tuesday said the country maintains “a respectful, frank, and constructive relationship with the Vatican and the Supreme Pontiff, which facilitates decisions such as the one recently taken.”