The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly for the 23rd time on October 29 to condemn the decades-long United States economic embargo against Cuba.
Reuters said that day that many nations praised the socialist country for its response in fighting the deadly Ebola virus that is ravaging west Africa. Cuba has sent hundreds of doctors to affected countries in west Africa.
In the 193-nation assembly, 188 countries voted for the resolution. Reuters said that, as in previous years, the only countries that voted against the declaration were the US and Israel. Like last year, Pacific island nations Palau, the Marshall Islands and Micronesia abstained.
In a speech to the UN, Cuban foreign minister Bruno Rodriguez said the embargo had caused great harm to Cuba's people and caused cumulative economic damage amounting to more than US$1 trillion.
“We invite the government of the United States to establish mutually respectful relations,” Rodriguez said. “We can try to find a solution to our differences through respectful dialogue.
“We can live and deal with each other in a civilised way despite our differences. Cuba will never relinquish our sovereignty.”
Reuters said US envoy Ronald Godard dismissed the resolution.
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