179 countries vote against the blockade of Cuba in the UN

GRANMA INTERNATIONAL
November 05, 2003

179 countries vote against the blockade of Cuba in the UN. Only three votes against the resolution presented by the island: the United States, Israel and the Marshall Islands UNITED NATIONS (PL).˜

The UN General Assembly voted by an overwhelming majority this November 4 to end the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed on Cuba by the United States.
A resolution adopted here in that respect obtained the record total of 179 votes in favor, just the United States, Israel and the Marshall Islands against, and only two abstentions.
The vote recalls declarations made by the heads of state and government at Ibero-American Summits in relation to the need to eliminate the unilateral application of measures of an economic and commercial nature affecting the unfettered development of international trade.
It also expresses concern at the continued promulgation and application of laws and regulations such as the U.S. Helm-Burton Act that affect the sovereignty of other states, the legitimate interests of entities and persons under their jurisdiction, and freedom of trade and navigation.
In consequence it reiterates its exhortation on all states to abstain from undertaking actions of this kind, and urges the most rapid repeal or annulment possible of those in existence.
The UN secretary general is asked to prepare a report on the present resolution "in the light of the aims and principles of the organization's Charter and international law for presentation to the General Assembly in its next period of sessions." In that way the issue remains on the program of debates for next year as a question of constant interest.