MOSCOW, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Russia will continue to support Cuba in seeking the lifting of the U.S. economic, commercial and financial embargo, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Thursday.
In a statement published on its website, the ministry said that the UN General Assembly on Wednesday adopted a resolution calling for an end to the embargo, with 130 votes in favor, 17 against and 25 abstentions.
Russia supported the resolution, said the ministry, adding that the outcome of the vote once again confirmed "the international community's near-unanimous and resolute condemnation of the illegal and inhumane embargo against Havana."
The ministry said an unprecedented escalation of economic and military pressure on Cuba this year, coupled with an energy blockade, has pushed ordinary Cubans to the brink of survival.
A socioeconomic collapse in Cuba could trigger a mass exodus to neighboring countries and a major regional migration crisis, the ministry warned.
Russia praised the Cuban government and people for their resilience in defending the country's sovereignty and independence, saying Havana continues to pursue an independent foreign policy despite massive U.S. pressure.
Moscow's principled position on the issue remains unchanged, the ministry said, pledging to work with Cuba and the international community to seek a swift, complete and unconditional lifting of the embargo on the island. ■