U.N. votes against U.S. embargo on Cuba for 18th year

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to urge the United States to lift a nearly half century-old economic embargo against Cuba, making its now ritual call 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 -- for the 18th consecutive year, reflecting the world's disapproval of Washington's longstanding effort to isolate Havana.

U.S. President Barack Obama's administration has taken some steps to ease hostility with Cuba, although it has not moved to lift the trade embargo.

"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.

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, replaced by his younger brother, Raul Castro.

But Obama has said the 47-year-old embargo will be maintained until Cuba improves human rights and frees political detainees.

Susan Rice, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, said the U.N. resolution did not reflect the "current realities" in Cuba. She said it was 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, to recognize the situation in Cuba for what it is today and to encourage progress toward genuine change," Rice told the General Assembly.

In a sign of thawing ties, 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 aimed at reinstating direct postal service between Cuba and the United States suspended since August 1963.

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

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

(Editing by Frances Kerry)