We, the undersigned, declare the following:
The Parliamentary Assembly has been steadfast in its commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, as affirmed in Resolution 2221 (2018) on “Counter-narratives to terrorism,” and condemned State-sponsored terrorism as a grave threat to global stability. The Cuban regime’s persistent support for terrorist organisations and individuals necessitates its designation as a State sponsor of terrorism, reflecting its destabilising impact on Latin America and beyond. Its structural integration with the Russian Federation and its demonstrated participation and support, including the sending of mercenaries to participate in the aggression against the Ukrainian people, testifies to this regime’s gross disrespect for international law.
For decades, Cuba has provided safe harbour, training, and logistical support to groups like the National Liberation Army (ELN), designated as a terrorist organisation by the European Union. Despite Colombia’s extradition requests for ELN leaders, Cuba invoked “peace negotiation protocols” to shield them, enabling continued ELN operations. The regime has also harboured fugitives wanted for terrorist acts, such as Joanne Chesimard (Assata Shakur) and William Morales. Cuba’s refusal to extradite these individuals demonstrates complicity in terrorism.
Furthermore, Cuba’s close ties with States sponsors of terrorism like Iran and North Korea facilitate malign activities, including support for proxy groups that undermine European security interests. By bolstering Venezuela’s authoritarian regime, Cuba creates a permissive environment for groups like the ELN, contributing to a humanitarian crisis that has driven millions of refugees to our member States, as noted in Resolution 2404 (2021) “Instrumentalised migration pressure on the borders of Latvia, Lithuania and Poland with Belarus”.
We call on the Assembly to classify Cuba as a State sponsor of terrorism to uphold international norms. We also call on member States to pause normalisation with Cuba until it ceases supporting terrorists, extradites fugitives, and ends ties with terrorist groups; to impose targeted sanctions on complicit officials; and to support Cuban civil society advocating democratic reforms with a view to countering terrorism and promoting human rights globally.