The United States is expected to abstain for the first time in 25 years from an annual UN vote condemning the embargo on Cuba.

The vote, which takes place inside the General Assembly hall at the UN, condemns the embargo and calls for it to be lifted.

Ever since 1992 the US and Israel have constantly voted against the resolution – occasionally supported by the Marshall Islands, Palau, Uzbekistan, Albania and Romania.

Britain and the rest of the EU abstained for the first two years, but since 1994 have consistently voted to condemn the embargo.