UN General Assembly again demands end to US embargo on Cuba

The United Nations General Assembly has again passed a resolution demanding an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States on Cuba.

This is the 34th consecutive year the Assembly has passed such a resolution. In Wednesday's vote, about 130 countries voted in favour of the resolution and about 17 voted against it, while around 25 countries abstained.

The resolution adds to pressure on the United States at a time when criticism is growing that the embargo violates international law. It notes that US laws such as the 1996 Helms-Burton Act have affected the sovereignty and trade of other countries.

Member states objected, saying the embargo has seriously affected Cuban society and its economy. The session was briefly suspended after a heated exchange between US and Cuban representatives during the debate.