Tear Down That Wall
Almost had a fit of the vapours and had to be revived when I came across this report yesterday. As part of a review by the United Nations Human Rights Council (yup, that one), Cuba was confronted by Western democracies over its human rights' record.
The United States abstained did not participate in the forum, whether out of circumspection or as part of a gentler, kinder approach or as a carryover from the previous administration; but Britain, Canada, Israel and even France expressed concern over political prisoners, indicating that Cuba should allow full and free expression of ideas. Nice.
I'd love to hear the reason why U.S. abstained. I think it's safe to say the the previous president/secretary of state team would not have abstained on such a vote.
I read the article. The US did not abstain. The US did not participate in the conference. Big difference. Abstaining is when you neither vote yes or no on a resolution. In fact as you can see from the article, the US has not participated in this group during the Bush admin. since it was a farce to begin with. Maybe now they'll be changed. We'll see...but I won't hang my hat on it.
My bad. Wrong word. Words matter. Thanks, Cigar Mike.
The United States is not a member of the council, but it does have observer status.