Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla denounced today that the United States is exerting “extreme and unprecedented” pressure on member states of the United Nations. To change their votes regarding the Cuban resolution against the blockade, which is set to be voted on October 27th and 28th.
During a press conference, Rodríguez Parrilla announced that the General Assembly will consider a draft resolution titled “Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States of America against Cuba”—the 34th such resolution.
What is notable this time, he emphasized, is the explicit acknowledgment of the “energy blockade.” The so-called “fuel blockade”, as well as the punitive measures affecting production. With the humanitarian consequences these actions impose on the entire population.
The Cuban diplomat presented official U.S. State Department documents. Which, he alleged, instruct U.S. embassies to pressure host governments to either vote against the resolution, abstain, or leave the chamber.
Also these threats include the imposition of punitive tariffs, the suspension of cooperation programs, the denial of visas to government officials and their family members. Support for opposition forces, and the application of secondary sanctions against entities that maintain relations with Cuba.
“The State Department has reached the height of absurdity and desperation,” stated Rodríguez Parrilla. Describing these actions as an admission of Washington’s own isolation.
He noted that the United States is using a Latin American country as a “proxy” to circulate a statement—drafted in Washington. That attempts to blame the Cuban government for the humanitarian harm caused by the blockade.
The Foreign Minister also addressed an event held on October 19th at the UN headquarters, organized by the U.S. mission. Which he characterized as both ridiculous and shameful.
He denounced the fact that among the personal guests of the United States Permanent Representative was José Daniel Ferrer—a man convicted of common crimes. Pointed out that the list included individuals linked to terrorist acts against Cuba. As documented in the National List of Persons and Entities Subject to Criminal Investigation, published in the Official Gazette on December 7th, 2023.
He presented an interactive infographic that tracks, in real time, the cumulative economic losses caused by the blockade. Now exceeding $178.6 billion, with a record loss of over $8 billion in the most recent period.
Moreover he further denounced how the energy blockade leads to long power outages, shortages of drinking water. The deterioration of healthcare services, and preventable deaths resulting from a lack of medicines and medical equipment.
The Foreign Minister reiterated that these consequences are a direct result of the infamous “Mallory Memorandum”—in effect for over 60 years. Which explicitly aims to inflict suffering and despair upon the Cuban population to bring about regime change.
Regarding the arrest warrant issued against Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, Rodríguez Parrilla described it as an “infamous act,” devoid of any legal, ethical, or practical merit.
He asserted that U.S. policy toward Cuba must eventually change. Whether under the current administration, the next, or the one that follows. Highlighted both the resilience of the Cuban people and the government’s efforts to navigate the most challenging economic circumstances.
Rodríguez Parrilla emphasized that, despite a campaign of pressure, more than 40 heads of state or government and 43 international organizations have supported Cuba’s position with evidence. He expressed confidence that the vote on October 27th and 28th would once again expose Washington’s isolation regarding this policy.
With information from CNA
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