China urges end of US embargo on Cuba

BEIJING - China on Wednesday urged the United States to end its long-running economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba after the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution urging for it to be terminated.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a daily press briefing, "China has always attached great importance to relations with Cuba, and supported the just demand of Cuba."

The best way to settle differences and disputes is through talks on an equal footing, said Hua.     "China hopes that the country concerned will act according to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the relevant General Assembly resolutions and terminate its embargo against Cuba as soon as possible," the spokeswoman said.

The resolution was approved on Tuesday by the 193-nation assembly with 188 votes for, two against and three abstentions.

This is the 22nd year in a row that the UN General Assembly has adopted such a resolution by an overwhelming majority to condemn the US embargo on Cuba.

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