The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution calling on the United States to lift its economic embargo on Cuba. The resolution, which has been presented and approved almost annually since 1992, secured 130 votes in favour, with 17 countries voting against it and 25 abstaining. This year's vote marks a notable drop in support for the communist-led Caribbean nation, with the level of support being the lowest recorded since 1995.
The vote took place against the backdrop of increased pressure from Washington on Havana, including an oil blockade and sweeping sanctions that have severely impacted Cuba's struggling economy. The Cuban government has accused the US of launching a diplomatic campaign to persuade countries to withdraw their backing for the resolution. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel celebrated the vote, stating that the international community had again rejected the US embargo despite pressure from Washington.
Diaz-Canel accused the US of resorting to "gangster-like coercion" in its efforts to influence other countries. Cuba's Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodriguez, also criticised Washington, accusing the US of attempting to "determine the nation's destiny" and "seize" the country's wealth. Rodriguez's comments were made in New York, where he was reacting to the US's efforts to persuade countries to vote against the resolution.
However, US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz rejected claims that Cuba was under a blockade, instead blaming the country's economic hardship on its leadership. Waltz argued that Cuba's ports remained accessible and that the country continued to receive goods from other parts of the world. He presented data showing that shipments had arrived from around the world in recent months.
The vote followed a tense confrontation at the General Assembly on Tuesday, when Rodriguez approached Waltz during a heated exchange and shouted, "You are a liar!" Waltz responded by telling the Cuban foreign minister to back away. The confrontation disrupted proceedings, forcing the presiding officer to briefly suspend the session and direct representatives of both countries to return to their seats.
During his address against the resolution on Tuesday, Waltz displayed photographs of Cuban leaders, both past and present, including Diaz-Canel, wearing luxury watches. Members of the Cuban delegation responded by repeatedly banging their desks and interrupting his speech. Waltz also presented satellite images and descriptions of luxury properties, arguing that the Cuban government's actions were at odds with its claims of economic hardship.
Despite the US's efforts to persuade countries to vote against the resolution, the international community has once again overwhelmingly rejected the US embargo on Cuba. The resolution's adoption marks a significant victory for Cuba, with Diaz-Canel stating that the world had spoken out against the blockade. The US embargo on Cuba has been in place for several decades, and the UN's vote is seen as a significant step towards lifting the restrictions.
Key points
- The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution calling on the US to end its economic embargo on Cuba, with 130 votes in favour.
- The vote marks a notable drop in support for Cuba, with the level of support being the lowest recorded since 1995.
- The US has increased pressure on Cuba, including an oil blockade and sweeping sanctions, which have severely impacted the country's economy.
