Story highlights The U.S. had considered abstaining on the resolution in light of the new opening of diplomatic relations between the two countries

The resolution is not enforceable, but the yearly exercise has become a symbolic ritual framing the embargo as illegitimate

(CNN) The United States voted against a U.N. resolution criticizing the U.S. economic embargo against Cuba Tuesday, despite initial U.S. discussions about abstaining on the annual vote.

The U.S. had considered taking a less emphatic stance on the resolution in light of the new opening of diplomatic relations between the two countries. U.S. officials said they decided to cast a "no" ballot because the text did not fully reflect the spirit of the recent opening between the two former enemies.

Only Israel joined the U.S. in opposing the resolution, with 191 voting for it.

The resolution, introduced by Cuba, demanded an end to the embargo -- which it refers to as "blockade." The resolution also calls on all U.N. members to refrain from interfering in other countries' internal affairs as well as the freedom of international trade and navigation.

U.S. delegate Ronald Godard told the U.N. that "we find it unfortunate that despite our bilateral progress, Cuba introduced a resolution nearly identical to those in years past."

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