Ottawa, March 27 (RHC) – The Cuban ambassador to Canada says Washington’s “nonsensical” decision to list Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism is one of several obstacles to his country reestablishing relations with the United States.

“It is a nonsense. Cuba has been there for more than 20 years,” said Julio Garmendia Pena, speaking at an Ottawa university event this week.

Pena also expressed hope that Obama would see to his country’s deletion from the list.

Pena also echoed Cuba's criticism of Obama’s decision to list Venezuela as an enemy of the United States.

“It’s again a nonsense because you can understand, Venezuela does not represent a threat to the United States,” Pena said.

“You should applaud Venezuela that it is today giving solidarity not only to the peoples of Venezuela but also to the Caribbean people,” he added.