UN votes to condemn embargo of Cuba despite US lobbying push

The United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly endorsed a resolution calling for the end to the US embargo on Cuba. This is the 34th time the body has adopted this resolution since 1992, with the United States persistently opposing such efforts. South Africa has urged the resumption of stalled talks between Cuba and the US to alleviate the dire humanitarian conditions on the island.

The vote, which garnered support from Pretoria, came after tense scenes in the Assembly on Tuesday, where the Cuban delegation engaged in a verbal clash with the US envoy. A clear majority favored the resolution, with 130 in favor, 17 against, and 25 abstentions.

Earlier, Cuba's delegation demanded a point of order while the US Ambassador criticized Cuba's government as a corrupt elite, sparking strong objections from Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez. Rodriguez accused Washington of waging an economic war on an independent, peace-loving, and solidarity-based nation, comparing it to an act of war, collective punishment, and genocide under international law.

US Ambassador Mike Waltz disputed the existence of the embargo, calling it "fake" and "phony," while alleging that Cuba's government and families live lives of luxury, while ordinary Cubans suffer. Waltz urged fellow ambassadors not to grant Havana another propaganda victory and not to vote for the abuse of the Cuban people.

Pretoria's envoy, Mxolisi Nkosi, emphasized that the restrictions on Cuba hinder its development and exacerbate socio-economic hardships. He called for a resumption of talks between Havana and Washington, the termination of the embargo, the lifting of Cuba from the US list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, and the suspension of the Helms-Burton Act. South Africa reaffirmed its friendship and solidarity with Cuba, while committing to multilateralism and international law.

Following the Assembly's drama, attention now turns to potential military action against Havana. While the General Assembly has called for an end to the embargo, the non-binding resolution provides no immediate relief, as lifting the embargo requires action from the US Congress and a significant shift in posture from President Donald Trump's administration, which appears unlikely in the near future.