Obama ready to act on Cuba’s ‘terrorist’ label
During an interview on the subject of Iran, released Tuesday (April 7) by National Public Radio, President Obama answered some questions from NPR correspondent Steve Inskeep on the subject of Cuba. Progreso Weekly reprints here that segment of the interview.
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Inskeep: The United States is close, we are told, to removing Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. I know you have a process to go through, but give me a sense of your inclinations.
Why would that make sense to do now, and what would — what has Cuba done to deserve it?
Obama: Well, I think there is a process, as you said, and the State Department will be reviewing it. And as soon as I get a recommendation I’ll be in a position to act on it.
Understand that the criteria is very straightforward: “Is this particular country considered a state sponsor of terrorism,” not, “do we agree with them on everything,” not whether they engage in repressive or authoritarian activities in their own country. And so those standards, those criteria are the ones that are going to be measured against the current activities of the Cuban government.
Overall, I think our goal here is what I discussed back in December, which is, do we have the ability to change the relationship of the United States and Cuba in such a way that it benefits the Cuban people over the long term?
I think there’s a real opportunity here, and we are going to continue to make — move forward on it. Our hope is to be in a position where we can open an embassy there — that we can start having more regular contacts and consultations around a whole host of issues, some of which we have interests in common.
There are areas where there are serious differences, and you know, I don’t expect immediate transformation in the Cuban-American relationship overnight. But I do see the possibility — a great hunger within Cuba — to begin a change — a process that ultimately, I think, can lead to more freedom and more opportunity.
Inskeep: Are you saying they haven’t necessarily done anything to deserve being removed from the list, but you want to take that chance and see what…
Obama: I’m — that’s not what I’m saying. What I’m saying is, I’m going to be taking a very close look at what the State Department recommends.
Inskeep: Mr. President, thanks very much.
Obama: I enjoyed it very much, Steve. Thank you.
