UN votes 188-3 to condemn US embargo on Cuba

The United Nations' General Assembly on Tuesday condemned the U.S. embargo on Cuba for the 21st year in a row by an overwhelming vote of 188-3.

The only countries to vote against the measure were Palau and Israel, both of which get millions of dollars in aid from the United States. The Marshall Islands and Micronesia — which, like Palau, are in a compact of free association with the United States that provides for their defense — abstained.

Asked about the lopsided vote, State Department spokesman Mark Toner said Tuesday the United States stands by its policy despite near-universal international objection, saying it was aimed at “creating better ties” with the Cuban people.

The United States has imposed an almost complete embargo on Cuba since 1962. President Obama eased the travel and finance bans during his first term in office and some Cubans say South Florida's election last week of a Cuban-American Democrat to Congress for the first time could pave the way for further changes in the next four years.

---