Amnesty: U.S. should drop Cuba embargo

WASHINGTON, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- The human rights group Amnesty International urged the Obama administration Tuesday to end the decades-long U.S. embargo against Cuba.

"The U.S. embargo against Cuba is immoral and should be lifted," said Amnesty Secretary-General Irene Khan, the BBC reported.

Khan noted that the embargo prevents Cuba from receiving certain medicines and other essential goods.

The embargo -- imposed in 1962 in response to human rights abuses in Cuba -- is set for renewal Sept. 14.

The Obama administration has stated that the embargo would remain in effect until Cuba frees political prisoners and improves its human rights record.