11-11-06, 9:24 am

183 nations support Cuban resolution; four vote against and one abstains


NEW YORK.— On November 8, the United Nations General Assembly, for the 15th consecutive time and by overwhelming majority, passed a resolution condemning the U.S. blockade against Cuba and demanding that it be lifted.

The resolution obtained the support of one more country than last year, with 183 votes for, 4 against – the United States, Israel, Palau and the Marshall Islands – and one abstention, Micronesia.

From 59 countries that supported the resolution in 1992, when it was presented for the first time, the number rose to 179 in 2004, 182 in 2005 and 183 this year.

On this occasion, Australia proposed an amendment that was rejected by the General Assembly.

The approved resolution “once again urges States where laws and measures of this type exist and continue to be implemented that, in the shortest possible period and in line with their legal order, they take the necessary measures to abolish them or leave them without effect.”

The General Assembly reiterated that countries that adopt such sanctions are not complying with “their obligations according to the Charter of the United Nations and international law, which among other things reaffirm freedom of trade and shipping.”

When it presents its annual resolution, Cuba weighs up the last 12 months of sanctions.

On this occasion, Havana charged that “sanctions against citizens and enterprises have been intensified, with a special emphasis on travel agencies, which were subject to audits and sanctions.”

“Pressure has also been intensified against religious, academic and non-governmental organizations in the United States with the aim of preventing the development of ties and exchange with their counterparts in Cuba.”

(Translated by Granma International)