UN General Assembly debates US economic embargo against Cuba

The United Nations General Assembly opened its annual debate on the economic embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba on Tuesday. UN News, Anadolu Ajansı, teleSUR English, Floridian Press, and Demócrata all reported on the opening of the assembly meeting. On Wednesday, 28 October, the General Assembly will vote on a resolution calling for the embargo to end, according to UN News. [1][2][3][4][5]

The upcoming vote marks the 34th time the assembly will consider a resolution against the trade restrictions. UN News and teleSUR English both reported that the General Assembly takes up the resolution on ending the economic, commercial, and financial embargo every year. UN News reported that each of the 193 Member States in the assembly has one vote. [1][3]

The assembly debate featured tension between representatives from the two countries. Floridian Press and Demócrata reported that United States Ambassador Mike Waltz clashed with the Foreign Minister of Cuba during the meeting. Demócrata reported that the interaction escalated into a shouting row between the two officials. [4][5]

The United Nations General Assembly serves as the main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ of the United Nations. Its composition, powers, functions, and procedures are set out in Chapter IV of the United Nations Charter. UN News reported that the debate over the resolution usually spans two days as regional groups and individual countries take the floor to explain their positions. [1][6]