The Latest: US abstains in UN on Cuba embargo for first time

University students protest against President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016. Venezuela’s standoff deepened after congress voted to open a political trial against Maduro for breaking the constitutional order and opposition leaders called for mass demonstrations on Wednesday to drive the socialist leader from office. (AP Photo/Alejandro Cegarra)

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The Latest on the U.S. abstention from a U.N. resolution condemning the embargo against Cuba (all times local):

12:30 p.m.

The United States has abstained for the first time in 25 years on a U.N. resolution condemning America’s economic embargo against Cuba, a measure it had always vehemently opposed.

The General Assembly resolution was overwhelming approved Wednesday by a vote of 191-0 with the United States and Israel abstaining. Diplomats in the assembly chamber burst into applause as the results appeared on an electronic board.

The U.S. decision to change its vote follows President Barack Obama’s restoration of full diplomatic relations with Cuba and his support for lifting the embargo, which the Republican-led Congress is against.

The U.S. abstention in the General Assembly vote is certain to anger Republican opponents of lifting the 55-year-old embargo, but it reflects President Barack Obama’s belief shortly before he leaves office that it’s time to move ahead in normalizing U.S.-Cuban ties.