United States of America relaxes sanctions against Cuba - A step in the right direction, but not the end of the blockade
Press article from the Austrian Labor Party newspaper
On January 14, 2025, the U.S. government announced important steps to ease sanctions against Cuba. The decisions include the removal of Cuba from the list of countries that allegedly support terrorism, the use of presidential perrogative to block lawsuits under Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, and the removal of the restricted list for Cuban institutions. These measures put an end to some of the restrictive regulations that not only placed a heavy burden on the Cuban economy, but also had an extraterritorial effect on third countries.
Although these steps are limited, they represent progress in line with the long struggle of the Cuban government and its people. Numerous Latin American and Caribbean governments, organizations, activists and personalities from around the world have repeatedly called for an end to U.S. sanctions against Cuba. Many voices within the United States have also supported these steps.
Continuation of the economic war
Nevertheless, the economic blockade war against Cuba remains in place, including toughened measures introduced since 2017. These include the aggressive pursuit of fuel supplies that Cuba is legally allowed to import, as well as the obstruction of international medical collaborations that provide millions of people around the world with access to health services.
The financial sector also remains massively restricted: International transactions with Cuba or Cuban nationals continue to be subject to sanctions and punitive measures. Third-party trade and investment projects are impeded by threats and sanctions, and U.S. citizens are largely prohibited from interacting with Cuban organizations or visiting the country.
This comprehensive economic isolation not only contributes to the worsening humanitarian situation in Cuba, but also serves as a means to destabilize the Cuban government through poverty and desperation. This behavior is clearly contrary to international law and violates the principle of free self-determination of peoples.
Criticism of U.S. policy and its legitimacy
The U.S. government's current decision is a belated and minimal correction to a long history of unwarranted sanctions and hostilities. Cuba's removal from the list of countries that support terrorism should have been done years ago, based solely on the facts and Cuba's demonstrable commitment to the international fight against terrorism.
An example of Cuba's commitment is the case of the “Cuban Five”, a group of Cuban agents who were imprisoned in the United States for infiltrating anti-Cuban terrorist groups in Florida. These groups had planned numerous attacks against Cuban installations, including the 1976 bombing of a Cuban airliner that killed 73 people. Cuba has repeatedly pointed out that these types of acts usually operate from U.S. soil and sometimes receive tacit or direct support from U.S. authorities.
However, as in the past, the danger remains that future U.S. administrations will reverse these decisions. For decades, U.S. policy against Cuba has been characterized by its incoherence and lack of moral legitimacy. The goal remains to force Cuba to relinquish its own sovereignty through economic blackmail.
Cuba's response: resistance and dialogue
Despite continued pressure, Cuba shows a clear determination to defend its sovereignty and denounce unjust measures. At the same time, the country remains willing to engage in respectful dialogue with the United States on the basis of equality and non-interference in internal affairs.
These developments demonstrate that the struggle against imperialist sanctions and the call for international solidarity are more important than ever. The European Communist Action, to which the Austrian Workers' Party belongs, has reaffirmed its solidarity with Cuba on the anniversary of the Cuban Revolution. The Workers' Party in Austria also collaborates together with the Cuban-Austrian Friendship Association to strengthen solidarity with socialist Cuba also in Austria.
(Zeitungderarbeit)