UN: Extraterritoriality of Blockade Against Cuba is Scandalous

Alfred de Zayas, an independent UN expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order, has described the extraterritoriality of the U.S. blockade on Cuba as ''scandalous''.

The lawyer told Prensa Latina that he was surprised at the fact that the U.S. continues to apply fines to firms doing business with the island.

This is despite the new relationship scenario between Havana and Washington, including the restoration of diplomatic relations in 2015 and the signing, in recent months, of several cooperation agreements.

'I welcome the rapprochement between the two countries, because it is a step in the right direction, but these multi-million dollar fines from the Treasury Department applied to major companies are disturbing,' he said.

'The extraterritoriality of domestic law lacks legality,' De Zayas added.

'This is an international and legal issue. No State may use domestic laws beyond its borders,' he said at the United Nations, where on Wednesday, October 26th, the General Assembly will vote, for 25th time, on a draft resolution on the necessity of ending the U.S. blockade.

De Zayas, who was appointed in 2012, also told Prensa Latina that Cuba should receive compensation for the effects of the blockade.