UN General Assembly: Laos calls for end to US economic embargo of Cuba

Laos has joined the overwhelming majority of United Nations (UN) member states in calling for an end to the trade embargo imposed on Cuba by the United States, at a meeting of the UN General Assembly on Thursday.
“The Lao PDR joins the overwhelming majority of UN member states in our call for the immediate lifting of the embargo as stipulated in the various UN Resolutions,” Laos’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Anouparb Vongnorkeo, told the 77th General Assembly.

Ambassador Anouparb Vongnorkeo addresses the UN General Assembly. --Photo Lao Permanent Representative Office to the United Nations.

The General Assembly adopted a Resolution titled: “the necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba”, with 185 countries voting in favour, according to the Lao Permanent Representative Office to the UN in New York.
The Resolution enjoyed, once again, the overwhelming support of UN member states since it was tabled for the first time 30 years ago at the UN General Assembly in 1992, consistently calling for the removal of the embargo.
Throughout the past six decades, Mr Anouparb said, the embargo imposed on the Republic of Cuba, a sovereign member state of the United Nations, has severely impeded the social and economic development of the country and brought about severe consequences and hardship to innocent people.
“The Lao PDR has remained of the view that the embargo contravenes the spirit and key principles of the United Nations Charter and international law,” he told participants.
The ambassador said it was more crucial than ever for the international community to provide all necessary support and conducive conditions for Cuba and its people to fully determine their own development path and put an end to the needless deprivation caused to the Cuban people.
“For this reason, my delegation will continue to support and vote in favour of the draft resolution A/77/L.5 on the necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba,” he said.
“My delegation urges all member states to redouble our collective efforts and commitment in advancing equitable and sustainable development and promoting the legitimate rights of the people in accordance with the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter.”

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update November 7, 2022)