MOSCOW, October 16 (RIA Novosti) – A draft appeal to the UN General Assembly on the necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba was introduced in Russia's lower house, the State Duma, on Thursday.
"The State Duma is urging the United Nations General Assembly, the parliaments of Member States of the organization and international parliamentary organizations to call upon the United States of America to end the economic, commercial and financial blockade of the Republic of Cuba," says the draft, prepared by the Duma's Committee on Foreign Affairs.
For over 50 years the US economic, commercial and financial blockade of Cuba has been undermined the development of the country, which has the right to choose its own political, economic, social and cultural system, according to the document.
"In addition, the measures the United States has taken unilaterally bypass the UN, encroach on the rights and legitimate interests of Cuban nationals, residing in other countries, as well as third-country nationals," the draft said.
The United States began its embargo on Cuba, which has become the longest economic blockade in history, on October 19, 1960, after Cuba nationalized properties belonging to US citizens and corporations.
The global community, including Washington's allies Canada and the European Union, have long been opposed to the embargo. In 1996, Washington toughened the sanctions further by barring third countries' commercial ships en route to and from the communist island from entering US ports.
