President Barack Obama has written his support to remove Cuba from the State Sponsor of Terrorism List. In a letter to Congress, Obama stated his administration has the intent to remove Cuba from the list.

According to the certification of recession report, the Obama administration stated the Cuban government has not provided any support for international terrorism during the last six month period and the island's government "provided assurances" it will not support international terrorism acts in the future.

Since Obama announced the U.S. policy changes towards Cuba on Dec. 17, government officials from both countries have met in hopes to renew diplomatic ties and reopen embassies, but discussions on Cuba's place on the State Sponsor of Terrorism list was a different matter. The Obama administration reiterated the renewed talks should not include Cuba's place on the list, but the U.S. State Department will review and consider the island's placement on it.

In a statement released by White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest, the U.S. Intelligence Community and Secretary of State John Kerry concluded Cuba met the conditions to rescind its designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism.

"As the President has said, we will continue to have differences with the Cuban government, but our concerns over a wide range of Cuba's policies and actions fall outside the criteria that is relevant to whether to rescind Cuba's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism," added Earnest in a statement. "That determination is based on the statutory standard - and the facts - and those facts have led the President to declare his intention to rescind Cuba's State Sponsor of Terrorism designation. More broadly, the United States will continue to support our interests and values through engagement with the Cuban government and people."

Cuba was added to the State Sponsor of Terrorism in 1982. The White House alleged Cuba was added "due to its efforts to promote armed revolution by organizations that used terrorism." Once a country is placed on the State Sponsor of Terrorism list, sanctions are imposed. Obama, as president, is required to submit a report to Congress at least 45 days ahead of the time when Cuba's rescission would be in effect.

As Latin Post reported, Obama met with Cuba President Fidel Castro for a one-on-one talk during the Summit of the Americas.

"I told President Castro in private what I've have said in public -- that our governments will continue to have differences and the United States will continue to stand firmly for universal values and human rights," Obama said during a press conference.

"At the same time, we agreed that we can continue to take steps forward that advance our mutual interests. We'll continue to work toward reestablishing diplomatic relations, reopening embassies in Havana and Washington, and encouraging greater contacts and commerce and exchanges between our citizens."

__

For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.