A resolution calling for the end of the United States embargo on Cuba was passed by 191 votes to zero at a plenary meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on October 26^th.

In a historic move, the US and Israel abstained rather than voting against the resolution for the first time.

UN General Assembly. (Source: Xinhua/VNA)

This is the 25^th consecutive year the majority of United Nations members have supported the proposal submitted by the Cuban Government every year.

At the meeting, several countries and groups denounced the blockade as against the UN Charter and international law. They urged the US Congress to lift the ban on trade and financial dealings with Cuba.

Participants also spoke highly of Cuba’s contributions to the world, particularly in medicine.

Speaking at the session, Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, head of the Vietnam Mission to the United Nations, lauded the resolution, saying it reflects countries’ aspiration and the efforts made by UN bodies to end the embargo.

Vietnam believes the US embargo on Cuba over the past five decades not only goes against international law and the principles of the UN Charter but has also caused difficulties for Cubans, she stated.

The US policy also runs contrary to the expectations of countries worldwide, who want to build relationships based on equality without political discrimination and respect each nation’s right to choose its development path./.

( VNF/VNA )