The U.S. has formally removed Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, clearing a main obstacle to restoring diplomatic ties with Havana. State Department spokesperson Jeff Rathke made the announcement.

Jeff Rathke: “We’ve issued this morning a statement about the rescission of Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. It is effective today, May 29, 2015. And this reflects our assessment after undertaking the review that was requested by the president, our assessment that Cuba meets the statutory criteria for rescission.”

Cuba was placed on the terrorism list in 1982 at a time Havana was supporting liberation struggles in Africa and Latin America. President Obama ordered a review of Cuba’s inclusion as part of his bid to normalize relations. But broad sanctions under the existing U.S. embargo on Cuba make the move all but symbolic. Talks are continuing between the two sides on reopening embassies.