UN condemns US embargo against Cuba

Yesterday the UN general assembly, for the 18th consecutive year, passed a non-binding resolution -with 187 votes in favor, three against and two abstentions- condemning the US economic embargo against Cuba. Only Israel and the Pacific Island of Palau sided with the US. The embargo bans Cuban imports, greatly restricts US exports and pressures foreign firms against doing business with the island. US allies such as Britain and Australia disagree with the policy, indicating that it is a cold war anachronism specially when the US trades with such undemocratic states as China and Vietnam. After Obama’s election, bearing in mind that as a senator he opposed the embargo, there was hope that things will change in the relations of both countries. But political reality stepped in and Obama hardened his position when running for president, not least because he needed the votes of anti-Castro Cuban exiles in Florida, a very powerful group in politics. Once in office, Obama has let Congress take the lead in easing restrictions but has maintained crippling trade and financial controls first imposed by the Kennedy administration in 1962. His administration position is that the embargo will remain until Havana releases political prisoners and improves human rights. As Susan Rice, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations said, the U.N. resolution did not reflect the “current realities” in Cuba. She said it was wrong to blame the U.S. sanctions for deprivation among the Cuban people.
Merely 90 miles away from each other Cuba and the United States continue their surreal hostility.
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