‘This is not your communist dictatorship’: US, Cuban envoys clash at UN
NEW YORK: A heated exchange broke out at the United Nations General Assembly after US Ambassador Mike Waltz told Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla to “back up” when the Cuban diplomat approached the podium while Waltz was speaking.
Waltz said during the exchange, accusing the Cuban government of enriching its leaders while its people faced hardship. As the Cuban delegation sought to interrupt his remarks, Waltz said, “I know you don’t like to hear this,” before adding, “This is America, my friend. “This individual needs to back away from this podium,” Waltz said. Waltz is lying yet again,” he said, arguing that the US ambassador’s remarks were “beneath the dignity of this forum and member states” and were insulting to Cuba’s government and people.
“Do you understand who you’re dealing with? This is America! This is the United Nations. This isn’t your communist dictatorship. You cannot silence me. Rodríguez continued towards the podium as the president of the General Assembly attempted to restore order, reminding delegates that the Cuban delegation would have an opportunity to respond. “He’s not going to intimidate me in the United States of America. Waltz urged UN member states to reject the resolution seeking to end the US embargo. He blamed corruption and repression within Cuba for the hardships faced by its people and accused the country’s communist government of enriching itself. After Cuba was given the floor, Rodríguez accused Waltz of making false claims and asked the General Assembly president to call him to order. “Mr.