THE UN general assembly overwhelmingly condemned the illegal 55-year US blockade of Cuba yesterday.

For the 24th year in a row, the 193-nation body approved a resolution damning the commercial, economic and financial embargo.

Representatives leapt to their feet in a standing ovation in support of the Caribbean island nation that has had the temerity to follow its own, socialist, path since 1959.

This year saw more countries than ever opposing Washington’s criminal policy against Havana, with 191 voting in favour and only the US and Israel against.

During the debate, the Mexican delegation stressed that no nation can use force to implement measures affecting the development of another in contravention of the UN charter.

As Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez pointed out: “The unjust and cruel policy of economic, financial and commercial US blockade continues despite statements by President Barack Obama saying it is obsolete and should be removed.”