Buenos Aires, Apr 11 (EFE) - The Argentine Chamber of Deputies approved a resolution Thursday calling for the government to "abstain" from voting against Cuba at the U.N. Human Rights Commission sessions in Geneva. The initiative received support from most legislators and was modeled on a similar resolution approved three weeks ago by the Senate.

The resolution was approved shortly after it was revealed that the Argentine government planned to support Uruguay's proposal before the commission urging Cuba to step up efforts in recognition of human, civil and political rights.

The government's position was announced by Carlos Maestro, head of the Senate's Radical Civic Union (UCR) bloc, after meeting with President Eduardo Duhalde.

No other official confirmation has been received.

The resolution approved by the lower house was introduced by Deputy Jorge Obeid of the Peronist Party, who noted that "unfortunately, Argentina has modified its historical position of neutrality in these matters and has joined in condemnations of Cuba."

"It's fundamental that our country regain sovereign decision-making powers regarding foreign policy and remain aligned with the majority of Latin American countries that have either abstained from voting or voted against the initiative," Obeid said. Indications exist, however, that Duhalde's administration is inclined to side with Uruguay's proposal presented Wednesday at the Geneva meeting. The previous administrations of Carlos Menem and Fernando de la Rua condemned the human rights situation in Cuba, consistent with the U.S. position.

A document presented by Uruguay recognized Cuban "efforts" in advancing "their people's social rights despite an adverse international atmosphere," and urged Havana to step up "efforts to make similar advances" in human, civil and political rights.