UN General Assembly renews long-standing call for end to US embargo against Cuba

In a near unanimous vote, the 193-member United Nations General Assembly today adopted a resolution renewing its call for an end to the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba, while also acknowledging the restoration, after nearly 50 years, of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

By a vote of 191 in favour to two against (Israel and the United States), the Assembly welcomed the resumption of diplomatic relations between the US and Cuba, announced last July, and the willingness of US President Barack Obama to work towards the lifting of the economic, financial and trade embargo against Cuba.

Having taken up the text for the past 24 years, the Assembly reiterated its call to all States to refrain from promulgating and applying laws and measures not conforming with their obligations un the UN Charter and international law, which reaffirm freedom of trade and navigation.

The Assembly “once again urges States that have and continue to apply such laws and measures to take the necessary steps to repeal or invalidate them as soon as possible,” the text added.