Comment by the Information and Press Department on the adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution on ending the US economic, commercial and financial embargo of Cuba

Comment by the Information and Press Department on the adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution on ending the US economic, commercial and financial embargo of Cuba

2 November 201716:12

2099-02-11-2017

On November 1, the UN General Assembly adopted for the 26^th time a resolution on the need to end the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba. It was overwhelmingly approved by 191 states with only two votes – the US and Israel – against it.

The stated position of the United States, which revised its decision from last year that was justifiably perceived by the world as a positive step towards normalisation of Cuban-US relations, is disappointing. In effect, this is yet another demonstration of the US administration’s policy of rejecting civilised dialogue with Havana on an equitable and mutually respectful basis and returning to Cold War confrontation and the escalation of tensions.

Our principled position on the resolution has remained unchanged. As before, we voted for it, reaffirming our unconditional support for the friendly Cuban people who are consistently and courageously asserting their right to follow their own path of development despite long-standing political and economic pressure from the United States.

We consider the US embargo against Cuba to be an absolutely illegitimate, unjust and counterproductive practice that encroaches on the lawful interests and rights of Cuban citizens, undermines the foundations of global and regional stability and runs counter to the goals of progressively developing international cooperation.

Reaffirming our commitment to the need to strictly adhere to the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, including the unacceptability of any discriminatory measures or interference in the internal affairs of countries, we again call on the United States to heed the practically unanimous voice of the international community and US public opinion, and take real steps to lift the embargo against Cuba without delay.