The United States abstained from a United Nations vote Wednesday on a resolution calling for an end to the Cuban trade embargo. Pro-Cuba trade groups called it good news because it’s the first time in 25 years that America hasn’t stood in opposition to the resolution. While only Congress can change the embargo, Ag groups feel momentum is growing to open Cuba to agricultural exports.
“We need these little battles to let people know the U.S. stands behind ending the trade embargo,” said Paul Johnson, co-Chair of the U.S. Ag Coalition for Cuba.
Johnson (left)
Politico’s Morning Ag Report says America’s ambassador to the U.N., Samantha Power, said Washington abstained because of President Obama’s new approach to dealing with Cuba. However, she categorically denies that the embargo violates international trade law. Power also said the U.S. abstaining from a vote this week, “Doesn’t mean that the United States agrees with all the policies and practices of the Cuban government.” The U.S. and Israel are the only two countries that have consistently voted against the resolution calling for an end to the Cuban trade embargo. Israel also abstained from the vote on Wednesday.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting news service.