Cuba gains support as UN again calls for end to US sanctions

The UN General Assembly has reiterated its call for the United States to lift its economic, commercial, and financial sanctions against Cuba.

The resolution, titled “The need to end the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the US against Cuba,” received support from 187 countries, Caliber.Az reports referencing foreign media.

The United States and Israel voted against it, while Moldova chose to abstain.

While UN General Assembly resolutions garner significant backing, they do not carry binding legal authority, unlike those issued by the Security Council. The recent adoption of the resolution underscores the quest for justice and truth regarding the US embargo, according to Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, Cuba's Foreign Minister. He assessed the vote on October 30 at the UNGA, stating, “Cuba's new victory, justice and truth at the UN General Assembly. The US government has once again found itself isolated in the face of such overwhelming condemnation [aimed at] putting an end to the genocide and outdated blockade that is so damaging to the Cuban people.”

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel also expressed his views on X, noting, “To the U.S. government's blockade policy against the dignified and solidary people of Cuba, a shame has been added: once again the vote is accompanied by the negative voice of genocidal Israel in the Gaza Strip.” 

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro remarked that the overwhelming majority of countries, including Venezuela, supported the call for lifting sanctions against Cuba for the 32nd time. “Today [Oct. 30], for the 32nd time, 187 countries cast their votes at the United Nations General Assembly demanding the lifting of the gringo sanctions,” Maduro stated on his Telegram channel. He emphasized, “Cuba deserves and has earned the right to choose its path of development in peace and full freedom.”

Maduro expressed solidarity with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, Raul Castro, and the Cuban people, highlighting a commitment to “move forward to find concrete solutions that will lead to the well-being” of both Cuba and Venezuela. He concluded with an optimistic note, saying, “A new world is possible, and we free peoples will build it.”

Meanwhile, the U.S. administration acknowledges the international calls for lifting sanctions against Cuba but maintains a differing stance. Matthew Miller, the head of the State Department press office, commented during a regular briefing for journalists on the UN General Assembly’s resolution.

“This was a predictable vote, consistent with how it has happened in the past,” he stated. “I'm aware of the way the UN has been voting on this issue for a long time. I think we're quite aware of the views of other countries; we don't agree with them. We take it seriously, but we make our own policy decisions,” Miller emphasized.

By Tamilla Hasanova