VOA标准英语2015--古巴欢迎美国决定把古巴从恐怖分子名单上删除

Havana Welcomes US Decision to Remove Cuba From Terror List 古巴欢迎美国决定把古巴从恐怖分子名单上删除

The United States' official removal of Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism is being celebrated¹ on the communist island and welcomed by many Americans.

The move Friday brings the two Cold War adversaries² a step closer to re-establishing diplomatic relations that were severed³ more than 50 years ago.

The United States, in announcing the decision, siad it is effective immediately. For many Cubans the decision means righting a longtime injustice⁴.

"We have always fought for peace, for solidarity⁵.  It was an injustice to put us on this list.  Now, there is justice," one woman said.

Another Cuban said, "Cuba has always been affected⁶ by terrorism - not to sponsor, not to put bombs anywhere - therefore, it does not deserve to be on the list."

A young woman said, "Luckily, they realized - they opened their eyes - that we are not bad."

Cuba was placed on the list in 1982 for aiding rebel movements in Africa and Latin America. But Havana long ago said it had ceased supporting foreign insurgencies.

Key condition

Cuban President Raul Castro made the removal a key condition for restoring diplomatic relations with Washington. Some U.S. lawmakers oppose rapprochement with the communist country.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida said Friday, "It is a victory for the oppressive Cuban government, but a serious setback⁷ for the oppressed Cuban people."

But after several meetings with U.S. officials, Cuba's government in March allowed the launch of the island's first known free, public Internet service at a Havana cultural center.   

"Hopefully the cost of communications in Cuba will go down thanks to these new doors opening (with the U.S.) and that will permit this country to do many more things," said Alexis Leyva, a Cuban artist.

The ease of travel restrictions⁸ has enabled reunions of family members separated for many years and it has enabled this American artist to participate in an international art festival in Havana.

Duke Riley's creation consisted of releasing 500 pigeons with lights strapped⁹ to their feet.

1 celebrated   

adj.有名的，声誉卓著的

参考例句：

• He was soon one of the most celebrated young painters in England.不久他就成了英格兰最负盛名的年轻画家之一。
• The celebrated violinist was mobbed by the audience.观众团团围住了这位著名的小提琴演奏家。

2 adversaries   

n.对手，敌手( adversary的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• That would cause potential adversaries to recoil from a challenge. 这会迫使潜在的敌人在挑战面前退缩。 来自辞典例句
• Every adversaries are more comfortable with a predictable, coherent America. 就连敌人也会因有可以预料的，始终一致的美国而感到舒服得多。 来自辞典例句

3 severed   

v.切断，断绝( sever的过去式和过去分词 )；断，裂

参考例句：

• The doctor said I'd severed a vessel in my leg. 医生说我割断了腿上的一根血管。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• We have severed diplomatic relations with that country. 我们与那个国家断绝了外交关系。 来自《简明英汉词典》

4 injustice   

n.非正义，不公正，不公平，侵犯（别人的）权利

参考例句：

• They complained of injustice in the way they had been treated.他们抱怨受到不公平的对待。
• All his life he has been struggling against injustice.他一生都在与不公正现象作斗争。

5 solidarity   

n.团结；休戚相关

参考例句：

• They must preserve their solidarity.他们必须维护他们的团结。
• The solidarity among China's various nationalities is as firm as a rock.中国各族人民之间的团结坚如磐石。

6 affected   

adj.不自然的，假装的

参考例句：

• She showed an affected interest in our subject.她假装对我们的课题感到兴趣。
• His manners are affected.他的态度不自然。

7 setback   

n.退步，挫折，挫败

参考例句：

• Since that time there has never been any setback in his career.从那时起他在事业上一直没有遇到周折。
• She views every minor setback as a disaster.她把每个较小的挫折都看成重大灾难。

8 restrictions   

约束( restriction的名词复数 )； 管制； 制约因素； 带限制性的条件（或规则）

参考例句：

• I found the restrictions irksome. 我对那些限制感到很烦。
• a snaggle of restrictions 杂乱无章的种种限制

9 strapped   

adj.用皮带捆住的，用皮带装饰的；身无分文的；缺钱；手头紧v.用皮带捆扎(strap的过去式和过去分词)；用皮带抽打；包扎；给…打绷带

参考例句：

• Make sure that the child is strapped tightly into the buggy. 一定要把孩子牢牢地拴在婴儿车上。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The soldiers' great coats were strapped on their packs. 战士们的厚大衣扎捆在背包上。 来自《简明英汉词典》