CUBA: UN General Assembly condemns US blockade

Issue 

The UN General Assembly on November 9 overwhelmingly passed a resolution urging that all countries refuse to comply with the 38-year-long US blockade of Cuba. It passed with the support 167 votes, with only the US, Israel and the Marshall Islands voting against. Four countries abstained. The majority against the blockade was the largest since the General Assembly first debated the issue in 1992.

The resolution expressed concern that member states continued to pass laws giving effect to the Helms-Burton Act, passed by the US Congress in 1996, that restricts investment by non-US firms in Cuba by penalising their US operations. It said the blockade affected the sovereignty and legitimate interests of other states, and restricted freedom of trade and navigation.

The resolution called on all countries to "refrain from promulgating and applying laws and measures" giving effect to the embargo, and to "to repeal or invalidate" similar laws "as soon as possible".

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.