UN General Assembly votes 130 to 17 to condemn US embargo on Cuba
Twenty-five countries abstained from the annual resolution, a shift that US diplomats credited to recent pressure on European and Asian allies.
By Diego Mendoza ·
The United Nations General Assembly rejected the United States' call to soften its stance on the Cuban economy on Wednesday. The body voted to condemn the decades-long embargo, maintaining a consistent position it has held for more than three decades.
The resolution passed with 130 votes in favor and 17 against. The United States and Israel joined the minority in opposition. Twenty-five nations abstained, a notable change from previous years when countries such as Germany and Italy voted in favor of the condemnation.
US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz addressed reporters following the vote. He stated that he was satisfied with the shift in position by major economies, specifically naming South Korea and Germany. Waltz noted that the number of countries changing their vote had tripled. He predicted that this trend would continue to grow as diplomacy takes time.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez reacted to the result on social media. He described the United States as isolated in its effort to strangle the Cuban people. Rodriguez argued that US pretexts and media efforts would not overcome the facts. He referred to the US actions as a media circus.
The economic embargo is part of a campaign that has lasted more than six decades. The Trump administration recently added new restrictions, including an energy blockade, to tighten pressure on Havana. US officials claim these measures are effective. Cuban officials argue that Washington threatens countries with tariffs and visa restrictions if they vote against the US.
Diplomatic tensions escalated before the vote. On Tuesday, US and Cuban delegations shouted at each other during a debate. The two sides appeared to engage in a physical altercation. On Wednesday, Waltz announced that Richard Tur de la Concepcion, a first secretary at the Cuban mission, would be expelled from the United States. Waltz cited an assault on an American diplomat as the reason.
Both the US and Cuban missions were contacted for comment on the incident. Neither side had responded as of the time of publication.
Source: Al Jazeera
