President Barack Obama's easing of the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba has had virtually no positive effect on the island's economy, Cuba's top diplomat asserted Friday. President Barack Obama's easing of the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba has had virtually no positive effect on the island's economy, Cuba's top diplomat asserted Friday. Presenting Cuba's annual report ahead of a U.N. vote on condemning the embargo, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said the sanctions cost his country $4.6 billion last year. Rodriguez praised Obama for allowing easier U.S. travel to Cuba, permitting commercial flights and attempting to ease financial transactions with Cuba, among other measures. The United Nations votes next month on an annual resolution on condemning the embargo that usually passes with overwhelming support.

Source: Fox News September 10, 2016 15:11 UTC