UN again calls for end to U.S. embargo on Cuba, but support drops to lowest level since 1995

The United Nations General Assembly voted Wednesday to again call for an end to the U.S. economic embargo on Cuba, but support for the resolution fell to its lowest level in more than three decades.

The measure passed with 130 countries in favor, 17 opposed and 25 abstaining.

Last year, the same resolution received 165 votes in favor, seven against and 12 abstentions.

The sharp decline followed a diplomatic campaign by the Trump administration urging governments to oppose the measure or abstain. Several countries that had supported the resolution in previous years changed their positions.

Germany and Italy were among the countries that abstained, while the United States and Israel voted against the measure.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez told the General Assembly that the embargo was worsening shortages of fuel, medicine, food and other essentials.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz welcomed the shift in the vote and argued that Cuba’s economic problems were rooted in the policies of its own government.

The General Assembly has adopted similar resolutions almost every year since 1992. The measure is nonbinding, and only the U.S. Congress can formally lift the embargo.