CALLS grew today for the United States to completely lift its illegal blockade against Cuba.

The US announced on Tuesday that it was removing the Caribbean nation from its unilateral list of nations that it claims are sponsors of terrorism.

The removal was welcomed by Cuba as well as activists who have been campaigning for a shift in policy for years.

Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla described the move as “serious, important and in the right direction,” although he added the move is “very limited and late.”

But the minister also slammed US policy towards Cuba as “obsolete and failed,” adding that it lacks support not only among US citizens but also Cubans residing in the US.

Mr Rodriguez Parilla said: “The ultimate goal of defeating the revolution has failed,” arguing that the measures imposed sought to cause economic and social collapse in the Caribbean country, and were designed to cause harm to Cuban families.

He also urged for the lifting of the economic blockade imposed on Cuba and said his country was willing to engage in respectful and equal dialogue with the US.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun also welcomed the removal of Cuba from the list he described as “groundless.”

He said: “China once again urges the US to stand on the right side of history, where the majority of the international community and people are, to lift the blockade of Cuba and sanctions as soon as possible, and to stop hindering Cuba’s economic and social development.”

But there is concern that the incoming administration of Donald Trump will reinstate Cuba and continue the blockade.

Marco Rubio, Republican senator from Florida and an arch-opponent of Cuba, is going through a confirmation process to become the next US secretary of state, the country’s chief diplomat. 

The Communist Party USA said: “All supporters of peace and democracy must call out and oppose [Mr Rubio’s] aggressively hostile anti-Cuba policies as one of the many grounds for rejecting his appointment.”

The party pledged to continue its work “to mobilise a massive coalition and pressure the US government to end all hostilities against Cuba.”

The Party for Socialism and Liberation said: “We need to fight to demand that Trump not reimpose the ‘state sponsor of terror’ designation when he takes office.

“With anti-Cuba fanatic Marco Rubio set to lead the State Department, now more than ever we need to demand an end to all forms of US aggression!”