UN Vote on Cuba Embargo Today After Shouting Match Between US and Cuban Envoys

UN Vote on Cuba Embargo Today After Shouting Match Between US and Cuban Envoys

The United Nations General Assembly votes on Wednesday, 28 October, on a resolution condemning the decades-long United States economic embargo on Cuba, a day after a shouting match between the American and Cuban envoys brought the debate to a halt. The non-binding resolution has been put before the 193 member states every year since 1992 and has always passed by a large margin, most recently by 165 votes to 7 last year.

The drama erupted on Tuesday when US Ambassador Mike Waltz criticised Cuba's government during the debate, prompting Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez to walk to the podium, bang on the table and call him a liar while demanding a point of order. Waltz refused to step aside, telling Rodríguez: "This is America. Back up." The session's president was forced to suspend the meeting before order was restored and Waltz resumed his speech.

This year's vote is less predictable than usual. The Trump administration has stepped up its "maximum pressure" campaign against Havana, including tariffs on countries that sell oil to Cuba, a move Cuba says has caused widespread blackouts and fuel shortages. Washington has lobbied other countries to oppose the resolution, so diplomats will watch closely whether support slips from last year's 165 votes when the tally is announced.

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