Background and Context
At the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Mexico reiterated its rejection of unilateral blockades and sanctions by voting in favor of a resolution demanding the end of the economic, commercial, and financial embargo imposed on Cuba. This stance was lamented by Christopher Landau, the former US Ambassador to Mexico and current Under Secretary of State.
Mexico’s Position
Héctor Vasconcelos, Mexico’s representative at the UN, emphasized that coercive measures “only harm people’s well-being and do not build regions of peace or prosperity.” Mexico advocates for the peaceful resolution of disputes and opposes commercial sanctions that negatively impact people’s welfare, according to Vasconcelos.
Resolution Details
The annual resolution, presented by Cuba, was approved with 165 votes in favor, including Mexico. The United States and Israel were again in the minority, joined by Argentina, Hungary, Macedonia of the North, Paraguay, and Ukraine in opposition. There were also 12 abstentions.
Landau’s Response
After the vote, Landau expressed his displeasure with Mexico’s position on social media. He called the notion of a “commercial blockade” on Cuba a misconception, stating that there is no such blockade as Cuba freely receives goods and visitors from numerous countries, including Mexico.
- Q: What did Christopher Landau say about the Mexican position? A: Landau criticized Mexico’s stance, calling it a “false narrative” and expressing disappointment that Mexico perpetuates the myth supporting a Cuban dictatorship.
- Q: What type of embargo does Landau acknowledge exists? A: Landau acknowledges the existence of an embargo, a series of laws passed by Congress since 1963 that restrict commercial and financial transactions between US citizens and Cuba.
- Q: What is the purpose of the UN resolution? A: The resolution, adopted since 1992 with near-unanimous support, aims to end US sanctions imposed since 1960, which Cuba considers the primary obstacle to its economic development.
Further Context on the US-Cuba Relationship
Landau explained that the embargo consists of laws passed by Congress since 1963, restricting commercial and financial transactions between US citizens and Cuba. He expressed sadness that friend countries support a dictatorship by perpetuating the myth of a commercial blockade on Cuba.
