China renews call for US to lift embargo and sanctions on Cuba

Beijing, Oct 29 (KUNA) -- China renewed its call on Thursday for the United States to lift the embargo and sanctions imposed on Cuba and to cease all forms of pressure and threats against it, “including the threat of using military force.” This was stated by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun during a regular press conference, commenting on the UN General Assembly’s adoption on Wednesday of a resolution calling for an end to the economic, commercial, and financial embargo on Cuba, during its 81st session.

Xinhua News Agency quoted Guo as affirming that China would continue to support Cuba in “safeguarding its sovereignty, preserving its dignity, and backing its efforts to confront the embargo and external interference.” He noted that since 1992, the UN General Assembly had adopted resolutions calling for an end to the embargo on Cuba by a large majority on 34 occasions, “reflecting the rejection by the vast majority of countries of U.S. policies that violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.” He added that these resolutions constitute a “unified and strong” message from the international community demanding that the United States halt its “violations” that infringe upon the Cuban people’s right to development.

Yesterday, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for an end to the economic, commercial, and financial embargo imposed by the United States on Cuba since 1962, marking the 34th time since 1992 that such a resolution has been adopted. Last week, China had condemned an arrest warrant issued by the attorney general of the U.S. state of Florida against former Cuban President Raúl Castro. (End) S L Q / M N F