Greece and Jamaica abstain from UN resolution on Cuba embargo

Greece and Jamaica have broken long-standing diplomatic traditions by abstaining from a United Nations General Assembly resolution calling for an end to the United States embargo against Cuba.

In Jamaica, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from the Opposition. Senator Donna Scott-Mottley expressed concern over the departure from a decades-old consensus held by successive administrations, questioning why the government changed its stance without public explanation. This follows a government motion in the House of Representatives that described the economic conditions in Cuba as deeply troubling.

Similarly, Greece’s abstention marks a significant shift from its previous support for the resolution. While Cyprus and Turkey voted in favor of ending the blockade, Greece joined other nations, including Germany and Italy, in abstaining. This change in voting patterns follows an intensive diplomatic campaign by the United States to reduce international support for the resolution. The UN reported that the resolution passed with 130 votes in favor, 17 against, and 25 abstentions, marking the lowest level of support for the measure in twenty years.