Havana:Cuba has accused US Secretary of State Marco Rubio of pressuring other countries to block a UN resolution aimed at lifting Washington’s economic embargo on Havana.
According to Azeri-Press news agency, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla made the allegation during a press conference in Havana. He claimed that Rubio had been personally exerting pressure on foreign leaders for several months to discourage them from supporting Cuba’s position.
Rodríguez Parrilla stated that the UN General Assembly would discuss a draft resolution on October 27-28, calling for an end to the US trade, economic, and financial embargo on Cuba, marking the 34th time the issue is on the Assembly’s agenda. He alleged that the US had intensified diplomatic efforts to sway countries that have historically supported Havana.
The Cuban Foreign Minister expressed confidence that an overwhelming majority of countries would back the draft resolution despite the US pressure. The vote is scheduled for October 28.
Russia is among the nations supporting the lifting of US restrictions on Cuba. Russian Ambassador to Havana Viktor Koronelli also noted that Washington was attempting to influence the positions of other countries.