UN chief deeply concerned over impact of US oil embargo on Cuba: spokesperson

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is deeply concerned about the impact of the new U.S. oil embargo against Cuba, his spokesperson said Wednesday.

"The secretary-general is extremely concerned about the humanitarian situation in Cuba, which will worsen, if not collapse, if its oil needs go unmet. He notes that for more than three decades, the general assemblies consistently call for an end to the embargo imposed by the United States on Cuba. The secretary-general urges all parties to pursue dialogue and respect for international law," spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.

Dujarric added that the United Nations is working with the Cuban government to see how the situation can be alleviated.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order last Thursday, threatening to impose tariffs on countries that sell or provide oil to Cuba.

UN chief deeply concerned over impact of US oil embargo on Cuba: spokesperson

The U.S. stocks finished mixed on Wednesday.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 260.31 points, or 0.53 percent, to 49,501.30. The Standard and Poor's 500 sank 35.09 points, or 0.51 percent, to 6,882.72. The Nasdaq Composite Index decreased by 350.61 points, or 1.51 percent, to 22,904.58.

Seven of the 11 primary Standard and Poor's 500 sectors ended in green, with energy and materials leading the gainers by rising 2.25 percent and 1.80 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, technology and communication services led the laggards by going down 1.90 percent and 1.67 percent, respectively.

U.S. stocks close mixed