United Nations, Oct 29:
The UN General Assembly has overwhelmingly called for an end to the decades-old US economic embargo on Cuba, with 130 countries voting in favour of a resolution on Wednesday.
Seventeen countries, including the United States and Israel, voted against the resolution, while 25 abstained. The vote marked a significant shift from last year, when the resolution received 165 votes in favour, seven against and 12 abstentions.
The resolution reflects longstanding international opposition to the embargo, which has restricted Cubaâs access to trade, finance and other economic activities for decades.
However, the General Assembly vote is not binding, and only the US Congress can lift the embargo. Washington has stepped up diplomatic efforts to secure support against the resolution, with several Western countries abstaining this year after previously backing it.
The annual vote highlights continuing divisions over US policy towards Cuba and the wider economic and diplomatic consequences of the restrictions.