Amnesty International urges US 'listen to' UN and lift economic embargo against Cuba

Source: Jamaica Observer

Amnesty International urges US 'listen to' UN and lift economic embargo against Cuba
Sunday, November 01, 2015 | 10:53 AM

LONDON (CMC) – The London-based human rights watchdog, Amnesty International, has urged the United States to “listen to” the United Nations and lift the long-standing trade and economic embargo against Cuba.

In a near unanimous vote, the 193-member United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday adopted a resolution renewing its call for an end to the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba. At the same time, the General Assembly acknowledged the restoration, after nearly 50 years, of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

By a vote of 191 in favor to two against (Israel and the United States), the Assembly welcomed the resumption of diplomatic relations between the US and Cuba, announced last July, and the willingness of US President Barack Obama to work towards the lifting of the economic, financial and trade embargo against Cuba.

“A UN vote to lift the US embargo on Cuba sends, once again, a strong message to US President Barack Obama and Congress about the dire human rights impact of the economic embargo on ordinary Cubans,” Amnesty International said.

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Amnesty-International-urges-US--listen-to--UN-and-lift-economic-embargo-against-Cuba