US in violation of UN charter on Cuba sanctions: China
October 29, 2014, 6:22 am

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) is awarded Cuba’s Jose Marti Medal by Cuban President Raul Castro in Havana, capital of Cuba, July 22, 2014 [Xinhua]

“Like most other countries, China hopes that the United States, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant General Assembly resolutions, will put an end as soon as possible to its blockade against Cuba,” said Wang Min, China’s deputy permanent representative to the UN.

The 69th session of the UNGA on Tuesday voted on the “Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the US against Cuba”.

The UNGA has adopted a non-binding resolution for the 23rd consecutive year with 188 in favor and three abstentions. The United States and Israel voted against.

China said on Tuesday that the US is in violation of the UN charter.

“This is not only a violation of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant General Assembly resolutions, but also a source of enormous economic and financial losses for Cuba,” said the Chinese envoy.

In July this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping signed 29 bilateral agreements with his Cuban counterpart, ranging from a credit line to modernize the port of Santiago de Cuba to cooperation in finance, agriculture, industry, health, biotechnology, oil, energy and environment.

On Tuesday at the UN, the Chinese envoy pointed out that with the struggling world economy and the challenges to food and energy security, the embargo and sanctions against Cuba are “more unreasonable than ever before”.

“We invite the government of the United States to establish mutually respectful relations. We can live and deal with each other in a civilized way despite our differences,” said Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez on Tuesday.

Beijing reiterated its opposition to the unilateral imposition of military, political, economic or other sanctions.

“When differences arise between countries, dialogue among equals and friendly consultation is the best means of reaching a settlement,” he added.

The United States imposed the blockade against Cuba in 1962 when both countries severed diplomatic ties.

Cuba has supported BRICS’ calls for less US and European dominance of international affairs.

Cuban President Raul Castro hailed the launch of the new $100 billion BRICS Bank as contributing to “a new international order.”

TBP and Agencies