In the first United Nations vote on a resolution condemning the U.S. embargo against Cuba since the two countries renewed diplomatic ties in July, Cuba scored its biggest victory yet as the General Assembly voted 191-2 to adopt the resolution.
The only drama was how the United States would vote after its Dec. 17 announcement of a rapprochement with Cuba and its renewal of diplomatic relations with Havana in July after a gap of more than 54 years.
In explaining its “no” vote, the United States said that it couldn’t support the resolution because “the text falls short of reflecting the significant steps that have been taken and the spirit of engagement President [Barack] Obama has championed.” The other no vote came from Israel, which has consistently voted with its ally on this issue.
“If Cuba thinks this exercise will help move things forward in the direction both governments have indicated they wish, it is mistaken,” Ambassador Ronald D. Godard, U.S. senior area adviser for Western Hemisphere Affairs, said at the General Assembly.
Despite demonstrated progress in the relationship, Godard said, the United States “finds it unfortunate” the Cuban government has chosen to introduce a resolution “nearly identical” to those of years past.
The United States had to balance its developing relationship with Cuba and the president’s position that he wants to work with Congress to get the embargo lifted against an awkward and unprecedented stance of not standing in opposition to a resolution contrary to U.S. law.
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