Chaos at the UN: Cuba Confronts Mike Waltz on General Assembly Floor

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz doubled down on his claim that the U.S. blockade against Cuba does not exist during a debate at the General Assembly.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez confronted Waltz over his sweeping accusations of corruption against Cuba’s leadership, calling him a liar in a heated exchange on the Assembly floor.

For 33 consecutive years, the UN General Assembly has overwhelmingly voted to condemn the U.S. economic blockade against Cuba. This year’s vote comes amid an aggressive campaign by the Trump administration to pressure countries into withdrawing their support for the resolution.

The General Assembly is scheduled to vote on the resolution tomorrow.

During the confrontation, Waltz insists that there is no blockade against Cuba.

“There is no blockade. A blockade is a ring of military ships around an island. It doesn’t exist.”

He then launches into a series of accusations against the Cuban government, beginning with the revolution and the nationalization of property.

“When Fidel Castro seized power, he confiscated businesses, farms, factories, homes, and the savings of generations of hard-working Cubans. Billions in wealth.”

Waltz continues by accusing the Cuban government of sending thousands of gay people, Christians, Afro-Cubans, and others to concentration camps.

“When Castro sent thousands of gay people, Christians, Afro-Cubans, and others to concentration camps, it was the regime who stripped them of their property and profited from their forced labor. Ever since, Havana would have you believe everything in Cuba has just disappeared.”

He adds, “Well, we know. We know where it went. And today we are here.”

As the exchange escalates, a voice can be heard telling the ambassador to step back.

“You are a liar, Mr. Waltz. Back up, ambassador. Back away. This isn’t Havana.”

The presiding official announces that the meeting is being suspended.

“I’m suspending the meeting.”

The confrontation continues, with further demands for Waltz to step back and warnings that he will not intimidate the Cuban delegation.

“You’re not going to intimidate me.”

Rodríguez then invokes Article 71 of the Rules of Procedure of the UN General Assembly and asks that the U.S. representative be called to order.

“Pursuant to Article 71 of the Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly, I request that you call to order the Permanent Representative of the United States, who not only lies crudely and arrogantly, but also offends the dignity of this General Assembly and member states, exerts pressure, and insults the dignity of the people and the government of Cuba.”

Addressing Waltz directly, Rodríguez declares, “Mr. Waltz, you are lying again.”

The Cuban foreign minister closes with a pointed criticism of the ambassador’s performance and a reminder of the rules governing the proceedings.

“I wish you a better performance in your future political roles at the National Security Council and here at the United Nations. Your performance is very poor. Inform yourself better about the role you have and the rules of procedure. Thank you very much.”