U.N. Vote Shows Weaker Support for Cuba Embargo

The U.N. General Assembly voted 130-17, with 25 abstentions, on Oct. 28 for a nonbinding resolution calling for an end to the U.S. embargo on Cuba. Support was the weakest in decades, down from 165 votes in favor last year; only the U.S. Congress can repeal the embargo. The United States lobbied against the resolution while increasing economic pressure on Cuba, and U.S. officials cited the rise in abstentions as evidence of shifting diplomatic support. Cuba accused Washington of coercing governments, and Germany and Italy were among countries that abstained after previously supporting the resolution. The vote followed a heated exchange between U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez that briefly interrupted the debate.