UN General Assembly condemns US embargo of Cuba for 31st year; US says diplomacy working
Resolution passes 130-17 with 25 abstentions; US expels Cuban diplomat after alleged assault during debate
The United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday voted 130-17 to condemn the United States' economic embargo of Cuba, continuing a more than three-decade tradition. The US and Israel voted against the resolution, while 25 countries abstained, including Germany and Italy, which had previously voted in favour. US officials welcomed the increase in abstentions as a sign of diplomatic progress, while Cuba accused Washington of threatening nations to change their votes.