US abstains from UN vote against Cuba embargo
  
The US has for the first time abstained from voting against an annual UN resolution calling for an end to its economic embargo against Cuba.
 
US Ambassador Samantha Power said the historic decision reflected the new policy of engagement over isolation.
 
Diplomatic ties were restored last year but Republican-controlled Congress opposes lifting the long standing embargo.
 
The vote passed overwhelmingly, with the support of 191 countries.

Only Israel abstained alongside the US. 

The UN General Assembly has voted to approve the resolution every year since 1992, and the US has always strongly opposed it. 

BBC