Ocasio-Cortez Statement on Removal of Cuba from SSOT List and Release of Over 500 Political Prisoners

Washington, D.C. —Today, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) released the following statement after the Biden administration announced its decision to lift the U.S. designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism:

"I am pleased to hear that President Biden will remove Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terrorism List in exchange for the gradual release of upward of 500 political prisoners from its jails.

"Cuba’s designation on the list, paired with economic sanctions and the failed US embargo, has directly harmed innocent Cubans and made life even more difficult for the Cuban people. Its repeal is an important step forward.

"With its removal from the SSOT list, the Cuban people will now be able to access international credit and financial services—making everything from accessing food and medicine to disaster recovery easier for struggling families across the Island.

"This deal is a welcome development for human rights, normalizing relations, and relieving the suffering of the Cuban people." 

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