U.N. Vote Encouraging News for B.C. Company

As the largest foreign holder of surface rights in Cuba responsible for developing multiple properties, including five star hotels and championship golf courses, Leisure Canada was encouraged by news from New York this week that for the 18th straight year the United Nations has voted against the U.S. Embargo on Cuba.

For nearly 20 years the U.N. General Assembly has voted overwhelmingly to urge the United States to lift the nearly half century-old economic embargo against Cuba. Amid some easing of U.S. ties toward the communist-run island the assembly passed a non-binding resolution -- with 187 votes in favor, three against and two abstentions, reflecting the world's disapproval of Washington's longstanding effort to isolate Havana.

"The economic blockade has not met, nor will it meet, its purpose of bending the patriotic determination of the Cuban people but it generates shortages, it restricts our development potential and seriously damages our economy," Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez told the General Assembly.

U.S. President Barack Obama has said he wants to "recast" ties that have been hostile since soon after Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution steered Cuba toward communism. Fidel Castro stepped aside as president last year because of illness and was replaced by his younger brother, Raul Castro.

However, Obama maintains the 47-year-old embargo will be maintained until Cuba improves human rights and frees political detainees.

The U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Susan Rice, says this week's resolution does not reflect the "current realities" in Cuba, adding that is wrong to blame the U.S. sanctions for deprivation among the Cuban people.

"It is high time for this body to move beyond the rhetorical posturing of the past," Rice told the General Assembly, encouraging the Assembly to recognize the situation in Cuba for what it is today and to encourage progress toward genuine change,".

President Obama has lifted limits on Cuban Americans traveling and sending money to Cuba, and initiated talks with Havana on migration and mail service. The latter was aimed at reinstating direct postal service between Cuba and the U.S., which had been suspended since August 1963.

"These are important steps and we hope they can be the starting point for further change," said Rice.

This past Wednesday Israel and Palau voted with the United States against the resolution, while the Marshall Islands and Micronesia abstained.