Diplomatic ties between the USA and Cuba have a long and unfortunate history. For many decades the US government has led the politics of embargo against Cuba. Despite the numerous attempts of the world organizations to influence the position of the US, nothing changed until Obama decided to mitigate the sanctions a few years ago. This decision led to long-desired voting results at the UN General Assembly on October, 26. For the first time in twenty-four years, the US abstained instead of voting against the “UN resolution calling for an end” to the US “economic embargo against Cuba” (“US Abstains from UN Vote” par. 1).
America’s resolution was met very warmly by the political leaders of many nations. Although it does not bear any actual power, this vote is “important symbolically” (“US Abstains from UN Vote” par. 10). Representatives of many nations expressed their hopes for the resolution of the conflict between the two countries. The Dominican Republic delegate welcomed the improvement in the Cuba-US relationship and remarked that the US “blockade” is “anachronistic” (“Overwhelming Majority” par. 3). He advised the American government to take into consideration an almost unanimous opinion of the UNO members and stop its one-sided violent policy (“Overwhelming Majority” par. 3).
The Mexican representative emphasized that notwithstanding the US attitude, Cuba is very successful in the realization of the “UN General Assembly’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” (“Overwhelming Majority” par. 6). He remarked that the government of Cuba is doing everything possible to enhance the people’s welfare even in harsh conditions. He concluded that such attitude deserves appraisal and better treatment on behalf of the US (“Overwhelming Majority” par. 6).
The delegate from Venezuela agreed that Cuba is worthy of being accepted by the whole world due to its willingness to help other peoples. He said that the Cubans are “a symbol of genuine friendship and solidarity,” and expressed his opinion that such features should predominate between the nations despite any political and economic disagreements (“Overwhelming Majority” par. 5).
What concerns the Cuban government, it considers the US refraining as a “victory” (“US Abstains from UN Vote” par. 9). Bruno Rodriguez, Cuba’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, showed his gratitude for the attempts made by the American Consul Samantha Power. He also expressed his hope that the decision made by the US representative will be “reflected in reality” (“US Abstains from UN Vote” par. 16-17).
Rodriguez noted that the US embargo had impacted the lives of the Cuban people destructively. They do not have access to proper medical supplies. Also, the Cuban agriculturists are not able to use the current techniques (“US Abstains from UN Vote” par. 19-20). The lifting of the US embargo will lead to the improvement of the Cubans’ lives and will provide them access to modern facilities and technologies.
While the news is rather promising, the question of denouncing the US embargo against Cuba remains open. The final decision will depend on the results of coming elections and of the politics of the new President and, most importantly, the Congress. As for now, the world hopes for improvement in the US-Cuban ties in the nearest future. Progress in the two countries’ relationships will lead to the Cuban people’s enhanced life conditions and will elevate the US status in world affairs.
Works Cited
- “Overwhelming Majority of UN Members Reject U.S. Blockade of Cuba.” Escambray 2016. Web.
- “US Abstains from UN Vote against Cuba Embargo.” BBC 2016. Web.