World backs Cuba's right to free trade - for 21st time

Ambassadors from 188 countries backed the resolution opposing a policy branded "inhumane, failed and anachronistic" by Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez.

The general assembly vote saw just three countries voted against the will of the world - the US, Israel and the tiny Pacific nation of Palau, population 21,000.

Much of its economy is propped up by US funding.

The Marshall Islands and Micronesia both abstained.

Washington's blockade bans US citizens from travelling to Cuba and prohibits firms from trading with the country.

"Keeping this policy in force is not in the national interest of the United States," Mr Rodriguez told the general assembly.

"On the contrary, it harms the interests of its citizens and companies - especially in times of economic crisis and high unemployment - which, according to every poll, are demanding a change of policy."

Brazen US spokesman Ronald D Godard claimed that Havana was seeking "an external scapegoat" for problems "principally caused by the economic policies that Cuban government has pursued for the past half century."

But Cuban officials put the total cost to the economy of the 50-year blockade at £630 billion.

Despite this it has achieved literacy rates of 99.8 per cent and unemployment stands at just 3 per cent.

Life expectancy stands at 77.8 compared to 73.43 in free-market Jamaica, where 14 per cent of the population is jobless.

Socialist Cuba has been assisted by several regional allies including Venezuela, which provides cut-price oil.

However recent attempts to exploit oil and gas in its own waters have proved fruitless and have been made far more difficult because of the inability to deal with US firms.

And Hurricane Sandy has also had a devastating impact, destroying thousands of acres of crops and 15,000 houses.

The UN said it was the worst devastation seen by the islands in over 60 years.

Power remains off in parts of the country.

However the government has announced 50 per cent discounts on construction materials for those hit and is offering interest-free loans to repair the damage.