UN votes 157-2 against blockade of Cuba
The United Nations General Assembly on October 14 voted against the US blockade of Cuba by a record margin, 157-2. Only the US and Israel voted in favour of the blockade. Twelve countries abstained. The vote was the seventh annual condemnation of the blockade by the General Assembly.
Opposition to the US blockade has gathered pace following the passing of the Helms-Burton Act by the US Congress in 1996. The UN resolution cited the act, which extended sanctions to countries and non-US businesses that deal with Cuba and Iran.
Last year, the non-binding vote was passed 143-3, with 17 abstentions. In 1996, a similar resolution calling for the end of the blockade was passed 137-3 with 25 abstentions.
The General Assembly resolution was introduced by Cuba's foreign minister, Roberto Robaina, who said the blockade had cost Cuba US$60 billion, severely damaging the economy and its 11 million citizens.
Congo rebels capture strategic town
Anti-government rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo captured the Kabila regime's last outpost in the east, Kindu, on October 12 after an eight-day battle. More than 1300 of the town's defenders were captured, including troops from Sudan, Chad and Zimbabwe.
The fall of Kindu is strategically significant because it deprives Kinshasa of the last airstrip from which it can launch air raids against rebel-held towns or send reinforcements and supplies to begin a counteroffensive. Kindu's capture will be enable the mutineers to consolidate their control of the east and may hasten a negotiated settlement.
Gay rights victory in SA
South Africa's Constitutional Court on October 9 ruled that the country's sodomy laws are unconstitutional. The decision means men convicted of sodomy since 1994 can seek compensation and have their criminal records destroyed.
The decision brings South Africa's laws into line with the provision in the constitution that bans discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
The National Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Equality said the ruling could lead to the right to adopt children and to marry being extended to gays and lesbians.