General Assembly again calls for lifting of United States embargo against Cuba

The General Assembly has voted for the 18th consecutive year to condemn the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba for the past half century and called for it to be lifted.

Member States voted overwhelmingly yesterday to adopt a non-binding resolution that voices concern that the embargo is having “adverse effects” on the Cuban people and on Cuban nationals living in other countries.

The text of the resolution reiterates previous calls on countries “to refrain from promulgating and applying laws and measures” that do not conform to their obligations to reaffirm freedom of trade and navigation.

It also urges States to repeal or invalidate any such laws as soon as possible and asks Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon prepare a report for the General Assembly on the implementation of the resolution.

There were 187 votes in favour of the resolution, three votes against (the United States, Israel, Palau) and two abstentions (Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands).