US and Cuban officials clash at UN over economic embargo

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 18:32 · Archive

US and Cuban officials engaged in a shouting match at the UN General Assembly during a debate over the US economic embargo against Cuba.

US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez engaged in a heated shouting match on the floor of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday during a debate over the US economic embargo against Cuba. As Waltz detailed allegations of corruption by the Cuban government whilst arguing against an annual resolution condemning the embargo, members of the Cuban delegation began banging on their table and calling for a point of order. Rodríguez then walked to the head of the General Assembly and yelled to Waltz, 'You are a liar!' Waltz responded, 'You understand who you're dealing with? This is America. Back up.'

The altercation represented a break from traditional UN diplomatic protocol and reflected heightened tensions between the two countries. The Trump administration has intensified its economic campaign against Cuba with the aim of forcing political changes. In late January, Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on any country that sells or provides oil to Cuba, a move that has effectively cut off fuel supplies to the island.

Cuba is already facing severe economic difficulties. The fuel shortage has led to widespread power outages affecting basic services including cooking, water supply and internet and telephone services. The island nation is now described as being 'pushed to a breaking point' by the escalating sanctions.

How it is being reported

• US and Cuban officials engage in a shouting match during a UN debate over the economic embargoU.S. and Cuban officials have engaged in a stunning shouting match on the floor of the United Nations General Assembly.Clickorlando · 27 Oct, 18:05
• US and Cuban officials engage in a shouting match during a UN debate over the economic embargoU.S. and Cuban officials have engaged in a stunning shouting match on the floor of the United Nations General Assembly.News4Jax · 27 Oct, 18:05

In this story: United States · Cuba · Mike Waltz · Bruno Rodríguez · Donald Trump · United Nations General Assembly

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