Cuban Ambassador to France Denounces US Blockade Ahead of Key UN Vote

Ambassador Vaillant Highlights Blockade's Impact

Otto Vaillant, Cuba's Ambassador to France, has recently intensified his denunciation of the United States' economic, commercial, and financial blockade against his country. Speaking at various forums, including a peace conference organized by the Communist Party of France and press conferences in Paris, Vaillant underscored the severe economic and human consequences of the policy, which has been in place for over 60 years. He described the blockade as 'genocidal' in its objective to 'suffocate an entire country' and highlighted its 'extraterritorial reach,' which affects companies and banks in other nations. Vaillant noted that Cuba suffers estimated damages of $405 million every month, equating to more than $13 million a day. He also pointed out that Cuba's Gross Domestic Product could have grown by an additional 9% last year if not for the ongoing US aggression.

The Enduring US Embargo: History and Consequences

The US embargo against Cuba, often referred to as a blockade by Havana, was first imposed in 1960 and significantly strengthened in February 1962 by President John F. Kennedy. It is considered the most enduring trade embargo in modern history. Over the decades, various US administrations have maintained and even intensified the sanctions through legislation such as the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 and the Helms-Burton Act of 1996. These measures aim to restrict trade and financial transactions, impacting all sectors of the Cuban economy. The blockade creates significant obstacles for Cuba in acquiring essential goods, including capital goods, medical supplies, technology, fuel, and agricultural products, leading to shortages and affecting public services like health and education. Cuba's government estimates the cumulative damage from the blockade over more than 60 years to exceed $170 billion.

Anticipated UN General Assembly Vote

Ambassador Vaillant's statements precede the upcoming consideration of a resolution by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), titled 'Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba.' The UNGA is slated to consider this resolution for the 33rd time on October 28-29, 2025. This annual vote has consistently demonstrated overwhelming international opposition to the US policy. For instance, the 2024 vote, held on October 30, 2024, saw the resolution pass with 187 votes in favor, with only the United States and Israel voting against, and Moldova abstaining. While these resolutions are not legally binding, they serve as a significant reflection of global opinion. The United States, in defending its stance, asserts that the sanctions are a tool to advance democracy and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms in Cuba.

International Call for an End to the Blockade

The consistent international condemnation at the UN General Assembly underscores a broad consensus against the US embargo. Cuban officials, including Ambassador Vaillant, continue to advocate for the lifting of the blockade, emphasizing its detrimental effects on the Cuban population and the country's development. The upcoming vote in late October 2025 is expected to once again highlight the international community's stance on this long-standing issue.