UN calls for US to end blockade
News from Cuba | Tuesday, 26 October 2010
UN votes to end blockade of Cuba by 187 to 2 with 3 abstentions.
For the 19th straight year, the General Assembly today adopted a resolution calling for the lifting of the decades-old economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba in the aftermath of the Cold War.
The 192-member United Nations body voiced concern about the “adverse effects” of such measures on the Cuban people and on Cuban nationals living in other countries in the non-binding resolution.
The text received 187 votes in favour to 2 against (United States and Israel), with 3 abstentions (Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau).
It reiterated 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.
In addition, the resolution urged States to repeal or invalidate any such laws as soon as possible.
In 2009 the vote was 187 to 3 (this year Palau opted to abstain rather than vote with the US and Israel).
