United Nations, October 21 (RHC-PL) -- Nicaragua's ambassador to the United Nations, María Rubiales, has called for a united vote by the international community against the blockade imposed by the U.S. government on Cuba.

In statements to Prensa Latina news agency, the diplomat said that the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed in the early 1960's is still in force, despite the restoration of diplomatic relations between Washington and Havana last July.

"It is important that all countries that have advocated the lifting of the criminal blockade are not misled, because the sanctions and the extra-territorial measures are still there," she warned ahead of the new vote in the General Assembly next Tuesday on the Cuban resolution which calls for an end to the blockade.

The Nicaraguan ambassador also welcomed the recent steps of bilateral approach, which she called a victory for the Cuban people and government for their strength and solidarity. However, she said that they were not enough to end the economic, commercial and financial measures imposed on the island.

U.S. President Barack Obama recognizes the need to lift the blockade, but he needs to do more in that direction, in exercise of his executive powers. Rubiales questioned that after more than two decades of rejection in the General Assembly, the sanctions are still fully implemented.

Since 1992, the plenary of the main organ of the UN adopted the resolution calling for the lifting of the blockade, supported by 188 out of the 193 members in the last three years.

She said that Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega recently stated that the United Nations should be more democratic, and gave the example of the blockade against Cuba, in force despite the support of 188 governments for its lifting.