For The First Time In 25 Years, The US Will Abstain From A UN Vote That Condemns The Cuban Embargo

A vintage car passes by the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba, September 21, 2016. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Washington Post: In a first in 25 years, U.S. to abstain in U.N. vote condemning its Cuba policy

For the first time in a quarter century, the United States plans to abstain Wednesday in the annual United Nations vote condemning the U.S. policy toward Cuba, Obama administration officials said.

Each year, the U.N. General Assembly votes overwhelmingly to urge the United States to end its economic embargo of the island. In 2015, the vote was 191-2, with only Israel joining in a vote against the measure.

Last year, following its re-establishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba, the Obama administration said it was prepared, for the first time, to abstain in the vote, provided Cuba agreed to minor alteration in the wording of the resolution. It argued that President Obama had used his executive authority to soften many of the restrictions, but that only Congress could fully repeal the embargo, first adopted in 1962 and strengthened in 1992 and 1996.

Cuba refused, saying that as long as the embargo remained U.S. law, there was no point in softening the wording of condemnation.

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More News On Reports That The US Will Abstain From A UN Vote That Condemns The Cuban Embargo

Diplomats: U.S. expected to abstain on UN vote on Cuba embargo -- AP
U.S. to abstain from U.N. vote calling for end to Cuba embargo -- Reuters
US to abstain for first time in UN vote against Cuba embargo -- AFP
US, Israel Abstain From U.N Vote On Cuba Embargo -- CBS Miami