Cuba Wins UN Vote Against US Embargo With Weakest Support

UN – (Special Correspondent/Web Desk) – Cuba wins UN vote once more, but the result carries a clear warning. The General Assembly passed a resolution on Wednesday that calls for an end to the US embargo on the island.

The measure received 130 votes in favor. Seventeen countries voted against it, and 25 chose to abstain.

This is the lowest level of support since 1995. Similar resolutions have passed almost every year since 1992, usually by much wider margins.

The debate took place as Washington pushes a tough new campaign against Havana. It includes an oil blockade and broad sanctions that have badly hurt the Cuban economy.

Cuba says the United States tried to change votes behind the scenes. In recent weeks, Havana accused Washington of leading a diplomatic push to make countries drop their support.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said the world spoke out against the blockade despite pressure and blackmail. He also accused the US of “gangster-like coercion.”

Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said Washington wants to decide the nation’s future and take its wealth.

US ambassador Mike Waltz rejected the idea of a blockade. He said there is no ring of US warships around Cuba, and that its ports are open. He added that ships have arrived from around the world in recent months.

Waltz also blamed the Cuban government for the suffering of its people. He called it a corrupt communist regime.

The vote came one day after a tense scene in the assembly hall. Rodriguez walked toward Waltz and shouted, “You are a liar!” The chair paused the session for a short time and told both sides to return to their seats.

During his speech on Tuesday, Waltz showed photos of Cuban leaders wearing luxury watches. He also showed satellite images of estates and boats, which he linked to the Castro family and officials. The Cuban delegation banged their desks in protest.

He argued that the government cannot find fuel for ambulances and buses, but finds it easy for yachts. After the vote, he told Fox News the debate “got a little spicy.”