Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez criticized the US government for engaging in long-term “multidimensional, non-conventional warfare” against Cuba, which he stated has escalated over the past seven decades, particularly in the last seven months. Rodriguez highlighted the continuous threats of military aggression from top US officials during a UN General Assembly debate on ending the US-imposed economic embargo on Cuba. He also pointed out the extreme extraterritorial actions by the US aimed at creating a humanitarian crisis and destabilizing Cuba.
During the debate, the US representative to the UN for management and reform, Jeffrey Bartos, opposed revisiting the embargo issue, calling it a misuse of UN resources. Despite his objections, the UNGA proceeded with the debate after a vote, with 136 countries in favor, 9 against, and 30 abstentions. Rodriguez emphasized the worsening humanitarian situation in Cuba due to the embargo, leading to decreased quality of life, limited development opportunities, and widespread human rights violations affecting the entire population.
Rodriguez refuted the US government’s claim that the blockade does not harm the Cuban people, challenging them to ask the Cuban population directly about the impact. He disclosed that the cumulative damage inflicted by the embargo has reached $178.7 billion, emphasizing the detrimental effects on Cuba’s economy and society. The minister underscored the importance of upholding international law, defending peace, and safeguarding the principles of the United Nations to counter the threats faced by Cuba and other nations.
