Key facts
- Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez accused the U.S. State Department of pressuring UN member states.
- The U.S. State Department is allegedly trying to postpone a UN floor debate scheduled for July 7.
- The debate concerns the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba.
- Rodriguez stated that U.S. sanctions are causing deaths and economic damage in Cuba.
- Cuba recently approved free-market reforms that were not discussed in earlier talks with the U.S.
Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez accused the U.S. State Department of pressuring UN member states to delay a debate on the U.S. trade embargo, scheduled for July 7. Rodriguez stated that talks between Cuba and the U.S. are at a standstill, despite the island recently approving free-market reforms that were neither mentioned nor discussed in earlier talks. He noted that the U.S. government's "maximum pressure policy" violates international law by attempting to prevent fuel supplies to Cuba through sanctions and intimidation against shipping companies and insurers. The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The U.S. has maintained an economic and trade embargo against Cuba since 1960, which has faced consistent international condemnation, with the UN General Assembly voting against it intermittently since 1992. The oil blockade has further paralyzed Cuba’s economy, leading to prolonged blackouts, fuel rationing, and suspension of public services.