U.S. absolutely isolated and discredited

UNITED NATIONS.— October 29, the international community in the UN General Assembly once again confirmed the isolation of the United States’ imposition of a economic, commercial and financial blockade of Cuba.

The body, which includes 193 UN member countries, approved, for the 22nd consecutive year, a resolution calling for an end to the blockade, with 188 nations voting in favor. Opposed were the United States and Israel, while Micronesia, Palau and the Marshall Islands abstained.

Prior to the vote on the proposed resolution, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR) denounced the blockade as a violation of the UN Charter and international law.

Prensa Latina reported that Chile, speaking for CELAC, called on member countries to ensure that their actions comply with national as well as international law, and principles established in the UN document.

Venezuela, speaking for countries belonging to MERCOSUR, pointed out that the blockade also violates the principles of equality among states and non-intervention in the internal affairs of other countries.

Delano Bart, UN representative for St. Kitts & Nevis, spoke in the name of CARICOM (the Caribbean Community) and emphasized that the social, economic and humanitarian impact of the U.S. blockade is becoming increasingly sharp.

China’s representative, Wang Min, called on the U.S. to put an end to the blockade immediately and denounced the fact that the policy hampers economic, commercial and financial interactions between Cuba and other countries, undermining the interests and sovereignty of these nations as well,

Xinhua reported.

Dmitri Maximichev, representing Russia, called the U.S. policy reminiscent of the Cold War.

Algeria’s UN representative Mourad Benmehidi recalled that his country has always condemned the extraterritorial imposition of national laws and other forms of economic coercion.

The blockade of Cuba serves no just cause, is an anachronistic, unjustified anomaly, declared Roble Olhaye, representing the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, emphasizing that the unilateral U.S. sanctions obstruct the aspirations of the Cuban people for the development of their country.

Mohammad Adeeb, a member of India’s Parliament and the country’s UN delegation, called for an immediate end to the hostile policy, which he described as an extraterritorial measure opposed by the international community. He emphasized the economic effects on Cuba and the denial of technology needed for the country’s development.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez used his opportunity to respond to comments to refute statements made by Ronald Godard, principal U.S. advisor for Western Hemisphere Affairs, who attributed his country’s position to an alleged interest in supporting Cubans’ "aspirations."

"Mr. Godard lies when he says that the United States promotes human rights on the island, because the blockade is a massive, flagrant and systematic violation of these rights and an act which qualifies as genocidal," the minister said, according to PL.

He additionally rejected Godard’s spurious arguments about humanitarian aid and Internet access, pointing out that the U.S. representative was referring to resources his country allocates for destabilization, subversion and regime change in Cuba.

Rodríguez Parrilla insisted that the U.S. end its double standards and lies.