NNOC statement: 191 – 2 UN Vote to End Blockade of Cuba

Dear NNOC Friends,

Today, as it has every year for the past 24 consecutive years, the United Nations has condemned the United States blockade of Cuba.  Today as every year for the past 24 consecutive years, the United States has been isolated in its opposition to the resolution, with only Israel voting with the United States to uphold the cruel and genocidal policy. The final vote total is 191 in favor of the resolution, 2 against the resolution, and 0 abstentions. The resolution titled:  “Necessity of Ending the Economic, Commercial and Financial Blockade Imposed by the United States of America against Cuba” outlines the monetary and humanitarian damages of the U.S. policy.

This year there was considerable speculation that the United States would abstain from voting.  There was also speculation that the United States would vote against the resolution because it did not demonstrate “compromise” on the part of Cuba.  Other than its sovereignty, Cuba has nothing with which to “compromise.”  Cuba has not imposed a blockade on the United States, Cuba has not demanded that the U.S. change its political system, Cuba has not aimed illegal media broadcasts at the United States, Cuba has not denied life-saving medicines and technology to the U.S., Cuba does not occupy any U.S. territory.

While the past year has seen the reopening of embassies, the return to Cuba of the remaining 3 Cuban 5, the removal of Cuba from states sponsors of terrorism, the basic policy and intent of the United States has not changed.   The travel ban and economic blockade remain legislatively intact.  The United States continues to prohibit the sale of medicines to Cuba, the United States has imposed multi-million dollar fines on financial institutions doing business in Cuba, the United States has threatened to revoke the tax exempt status of IFCO/Pastors for Peace; one of the most respected and experienced Cuba advocacy groups.

We continue to reject the United States policy toward Cuba.  We stand with people of good will throughout the world in condemning the United States.  We call on NNOC members to demand that U.S. Congress, Treasury, State, and Justice Departments recognize and respect the rights of the Cuban people to follow their own system unimpeded by outside efforts to destroy and subvert their revolution.

Come to the NNOC meeting on November 7 and 8 in Washington, DC. Bring your energy and ideas on how to change U.S. policy and completely overturn the economic, commercial, and financial blockade of Cuba.

In solidarity

NNOC co-chairs