US Puts Cuba on State Sponsor of Terrorism list (United Nations General Assembly)
The State Department of the United States of America (USA) has designated Cuba as a terrorism sponsor state, providing repeated assistance for acts of international terrorism and providing safe harbors to terrorists.
List of states sponsors of US terrorism :
- The US lists countries that repeatedly provide support for acts of international terrorism under state sponsors of terrorism.
- The list was first released in 1979 along with Iraq, Libya, Syria and South Yemen.
USA-Cuba Relations : (UNGA)
- The United States and Cuba have had strained relations for more than 60 years.
- In 1959, the United States-backed government was overthrown by Fidel Castro’s government and took power.
- Former Presidents Barack Obama and Raul Castro took several steps to normalize bilateral relations, including restoring diplomatic relations, diplomatic visits and expanding trade.
- The Trump administration has reversed the terms of previous agreements by re-enacting restrictions on tourism and other commercial sectors.
Havana syndrome:
- In late 2016, the diplomats and other staff of the US experienced a disease after hearing strange sounds and physical sensations.
- Symptoms of this disease include nausea, acute headache, fatigue, dizziness, sleep problems, etc. which are known as Havana Syndrome.
- The US accused Cuba of spreading the disease, but Cuba denied any knowledge of the disease.
Restrictions :
The US can impose 4 types of sanctions on countries listed as State Sponsors of Terrorism. They are as follows:
- Restrictions on foreign aid from the US.
- Restrictions on the export and sale of defense equipment.
- Control the export of dual-use equipment
- Miscellaneous financial and other restrictions
India’s position:
- Support to end economic blockade: In the year 2019, the United States opposed Cuba’s membership in the United Nations Human Rights Council. In response, India stood at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) with countries seeking to end the USA’s unjust and long-standing economic blockade.
- Criticism of American blockade: In the United Nations General Assembly, India emphasized that the continuation of these restrictions against Cuba by the United States is against global public opinion and undermines multilateralism and the credibility of the United Nations.
United Nations General Assembly stand:
The United Nations General Assembly has approved a resolution every year since 1992, acknowledging the need to end the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba.
Source – The Hindu
