MIAMI, United States. – The United Nations General Assembly approved this Wednesday the resolution condemning the United States embargo against the Cuban regime presented every year, since 1992, by Havana.
The resolution, which is not binding, was approved with 187 votes in favor, two against (the United States and Israel) and one abstention (Moldova).
The Cuban ruler, Miguel Díaz-Canel, celebrated the vote on the social network X: “Little David once again defeated the giant Goliath. “Little Cuba has once again defeated the neighboring empire that will surely arrogantly ignore global demand, but the dignity of this people and universal solidarity have once again defeated it.”
During the session, representatives of 31 countries and international organizations expressed their rejection of the sanctions imposed by Washington. According to figures presented by Havanathe embargo has caused material damage estimated at $5,056.8 million in 2023 alone.
For its part, the US delegation reiterated its position and emphasized its support for the Cuban people in their search for freedom. “USA “He is with the Cuban people in their search for a future with respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,” he declared. He also recognized that these rights “are constantly violated by Havana.”
Furthermore, it justified the sanctions as part of its global efforts to promote democracy: “Sanctions are an element of our global efforts to promote democracy and defend respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Cuba. “We demonstrate against this resolution.”
Washington also recalled that its sanctions include exceptions for the export of essential goods to Cuba. “The sanctions include exemptions and authorizations for the export of food, medicine and other basic goods to Cuba,” indicated the delegation, pointing out that the Cuban Government imports “million-dollar shipments of products that include luxury cars and medical supplies.”
The Cuban representative to the UN, Ernesto Soberón, responded by questioning the claims of the United States and the inclusion of Cuba on the list of countries that sponsor terrorism. “The United States claims to be a trading partner for Cuba, but it is not,” he asserted. “We are required to pay in cash and at the moment, we are not allowed to use the dollar in our transactions and any country or entity that wants to trade with Cuba is threatened with retaliation.”
Despite these restrictions, official data indicates that the United States was the island’s sixth most important trading partner in 2022.