Cuba accuses Washington of threats ahead of UN embargo vote
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez accused Washington of using tariff, visa and cooperation threats to change countries’ positions on the UN embargo resolution. The allegations have not been independently verified. The nonbinding vote is expected later this month; the United States has acknowledged urging European governments to reconsider their support for the annual resolution.
Geopolitics··Midday
Rodríguez alleges pressure on other governments
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez accused Washington on October 21 of threatening other governments to change their votes on the UN resolution opposing the US embargo against Cuba. Speaking in Havana, he alleged threats involving tariffs, visas and suspension of cooperation. The allegations of coercion have not been independently verified. He identified Secretary of State Marco Rubio and UN Ambassador Mike Waltz as leading the campaign.[1], [2]
Annual resolution carries no binding force
The General Assembly’s annual resolution seeks an end to the US embargo and normally attracts broad international support, but is nonbinding. This year’s vote is expected on October 27 or 28. Rodríguez also alleged that countries unwilling to oppose Cuba were being urged to abstain or miss the session. The State Department and US mission to the UN had not answered Al Jazeera’s requests for comment before publication.[1]
Waltz has acknowledged seeking changes in support
Waltz acknowledged on October 19 that Washington had asked European governments to reconsider their support for the resolution. That day, he also accused Cuban diplomats of harassing participants at a US-hosted event on alleged human rights abuses in Cuba. The embargo dates to the early 1960s. Washington blames Cuba’s government for the island’s economic problems; Cuba continues to face shortages and prolonged power cuts.[1]
