US abstains for first time on UN call for end to Cuba embargo

• Seminar examines ways to remove trade embargo against Cuba
• US, Cuba continue to normalize relations
• Laying a foundation for China-Cuba relations in the new period

For the 25th time, the 193-member General Assembly adopted the resolution with 191 votes in favor. Israel, which opposed the resolution last year, also abstained on October 26. Such resolutions are non-binding, but can carry political weight.

The Republic of Cuba and the United States, former Cold War foes, began normalizing relations in 2014. US President Barack Obama has taken steps to ease trade and travel restrictions on Cuba, but only the US Congress can lift the full embargo.

Cuba's flag and US's flag on a balcony in La Habana. (Photo: Martinocias)

The UN General Assembly applauded when US Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power announced prior to the vote that the United States would abstain.

In March, Obama made the first visit to Havana by a U.S. president in 88 years. His trip was made possible by his breakthrough agreement with Cuban President Raul Castro in December 2014 to cast aside decades of hostility that began soon after Cuba's 1959 revolution.

Since the opening, Obama has repeatedly used his executive powers to relax trade and travel restrictions, while pushing Cuba to accelerate market-style reforms and boost political and economic freedoms.

The U.N. resolution adopted on Wednesday takes note of the steps taken by Obama as positive but "still limited in scope." It urges the United States to repeal or invalidate the embargo on Cuba as soon as possible.