191 UNGA-members voted a resolution condemning US embargo on Cuba

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 27 October 2015 overwhelmingly approved the Resolution condemning an economic embargo imposed by the US on Cuba. It stated that existence of such restrictions undermines multilateralism and credibility of the UN.

191 countries from the 193 member states demonstrated a concerted and international stand with Cuba and voted in favour of the resolution. The United States and Israel were the only two countries that voted against the resolution.

This is the 24th time that the UNGA has adopted the resolution that seeks ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba, despite resumption of relations between the two countries.

The Assembly, however, welcomed the resumption of diplomatic relations between the US and Cuba announced on 20 July 2015 and the willingness of US President Barack Obama to work towards the lifting of the economic, financial and trade embargo against Cuba.

India’s Stand on the Resolution
India's Ambassador to the UN Asoke Mukerji said the continued existence of the embargo not only multilateralism and the credibility of the Organization itself but it also had a negative impact on the Cuban economy which was forced to bear considerable costs in sourcing products, technology and services and by discouraging investment into the country. He also said that the international community needs to re-double its efforts to promote an environment free from sanctions and embargoes.

Mukerji associating himself with the Group of 77 and the Non-Aligned Movement also welcomed the positive steps in bilateral relations between Cuba and the United States.

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