Cuba accuses US of coercing countries ahead of UN blockade vote
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Cuba accuses the US of intimidating countries to vote against lifting the blockade at the UNGA.
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Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez speaks during an interview with the AP in Havana, Cuba on November 17, 2021. (AP)
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez accused the United States on Wednesday of using intimidation tactics against third countries to sway the upcoming vote on the annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution calling for an end to the US blockade on Cuba.
The long-standing resolution, scheduled this year as Resolution 79/7, will be debated and voted on October 28. Though non-binding, it has historically received overwhelming international support, with only the US and "Israel" consistently opposing it.
Rodriguez accuses Washington of deception and intimidation
Rodriguez claimed the Cuban government possesses reliable information that Washington has pressured countries across Latin America and Europe to oppose the resolution. The tactics allegedly include threats such as visa bans, trade restrictions, and economic repercussions targeting private firms.
He also accused US Secretary of State Marco Rubio of using emissaries to convince allied governments not to support Cuba’s resolution. The Cuban official denounced what he called a “media poisoning campaign” designed to discredit Cuba and discourage support for lifting the blockade.
“Cuba has information about the intimidating and deceptive pressure the US government exerts on several states, especially in the Americas,” Rodriguez stated.
Resolution 79/7 expected to receive overwhelming support
Despite the reported US efforts, Rodriguez expressed confidence that the resolution will pass with a strong majority. He said letters intercepted by Cuban authorities included unsubstantiated US claims portraying Cuba as a threat to international peace and security, claims he dismissed as lacking credibility.
Rodriguez concluded that Cuba views the expected vote as “a great victory for the revolution.”
