The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution presented by Cuba, condemning the U.S. embargo, with a vote of 130 in favour, 17 against, and 25 abstentions. This outcome marks a significant decline in support compared to last year, when the Cuban initiative received 165 votes in favour, 7 against, and 12 abstentions.
In a recent vote, a coalition of countries including Colombia, Paraguay, Argentina, Ecuador and Costa Rica joined the United States in rejecting a resolution. Venezuela opted not to participate in the vote. Other nations such as Hungary, Morocco, Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates also opposed the initiative. Notably, Chile, Honduras and Peru, whose newly appointed presidents maintain positive relationships with President Trump, chose to abstain from the vote, despite having previously supported the resolution. This shift in voting behavior was also observed in Western countries such as Germany, Italy and Latvia, which abstained for the first time in 34 years.
Cuban Chancellor Bruno Rodríguez Padilla stated that the blockade is having a devastating impact on the Cuban population, resulting in unprecedented suffering. His comments came a day after a heated exchange with US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, during a General Assembly session.
A heated exchange erupted between Rodríguez and Waltz at the United Nations, with Waltz urging Rodríguez to step down from the podium. Waltz claimed it wouldn't intimidate him in the United States, asserting his authority and telling Rodríguez to leave. However, Rodríguez pointed out that they were at the UN, not a meeting on national security at the White House, highlighting the different context of the situation.
Cuba has been presenting a non-binding resolution since 1992, calling for an end to the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States. Titled 'Need to end the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States of America against Cuba', the resolution seeks to have Washington lift its embargo on the island. Although these resolutions are not legally enforceable, they serve as a gauge of global public opinion on the matter.
Cuba is currently facing a deepening financial crisis as the country navigates a critical period, coinciding with an escalation of economic pressure from the United States. In September, Havana reported a record financial impact resulting from the ongoing embargo, highlighting the severity of the situation. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has reignited concerns over the possibility of a military intervention in Cuba, a threat that has been present since the start of the year. Specifically, Trump has suggested that US warships could potentially dock in Cuba following their return from a conflict in Iran.
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by LGC (efe, ap)
