Cuba Accuses U.S. of Coercing Nations Ahead of UN Embargo Vote
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez alleges the U.S. is using threats and intimidation to sway UN votes against ending the long-standing trade embargo.
POLICY WIRE — Havana, Cuba — Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez has leveled serious allegations against the United States, claiming Washington is employing intimidating and deceptive tactics to pressure other nations ahead of a critical United Nations General Assembly vote.
The upcoming non-binding resolution, which calls for an end to the U.S. economic blockade against Cuba, has historically seen overwhelming support in the UN General Assembly every year since 1992. Rodriguez stated on Wednesday that his government possesses reliable information regarding these coercive efforts.
According to the Cuban diplomat, the U.S. is allegedly threatening third-party countries with visa restrictions, tariffs, and various retaliatory measures to force them to shift their voting positions. Rodriguez characterized these actions as a campaign of misinformation designed to maintain the status quo.
In response to the mounting diplomatic friction, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz urged member states earlier this week to oppose the resolution. Waltz described the measure as an excuse to justify the oppression and misery of the Cuban people.
The U.S. State Department did not immediately provide a response to requests for comment regarding the accusations. As the vote approaches, tensions between the two nations continue to escalate on the international stage.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
