The United Nations general assembly has again voted overwhelmingly against the 40-year-old United States' embargo against Cuba.

With 173 votes to three, it was the highest vote in support of Cuba since the blockade was first debated by the general assembly in 1992.

A group of 25 countries, led by Mexico, said the US was violating international law and the UN charter.

The US imposed the embargo in 1959 after Communist Fidel Castro seized power.

Despite growing calls for the blockade to be relaxed, the administration of President George W Bush has insisted that it will be retained.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service