U.S. and Cuban officials get into shouting match on floor of United Nations

On Tuesday, the United States' UN envoy, Mike Waltz, and Cuba's Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, engaged in a heated verbal exchange during a General Assembly debate on the U.S. embargo against the island nation. The 193-member assembly was deliberating a resolution aimed at ending the U.S. trade embargo imposed on Cuba for over six decades.

Waltz accused Cuba's government of enriching its political elite while ordinary citizens faced food shortages, power cuts, and economic hardships. In response, Parrilla repeatedly interrupted Waltz, demanding he be reprimanded for what he perceived as offensive remarks targeting the Cuban government and its people.

As tensions escalated, Waltz urged members of the Cuban delegation to step away from the podium, asserting his position as the representative of the United States. "I'm the representative of the United States of America. Back up," he declared. "This isn't Havana. You're not going to intimidate me."

The President of the UN General Assembly, Khalilur Rahman, temporarily halted proceedings and permitted Parrilla to raise a point of order. Parrilla accused Waltz of lying and violating the assembly's dignity. He requested Waltz to be called to order, citing violations of the assembly's rules and a breach of dignity towards Cuba's government and people.

Under Rule 71 of the UN, a member state's representative is permitted to speak at any time during proceedings, and the General Assembly's president must immediately adjudicate the point of order. Parrilla interrupted Waltz again as he displayed photographs purportedly showcasing the lavish lifestyles of Cuba's ruling elite. Cuba's Communist leaders often blame capitalism for their nation's hardships, yet they seemingly have no qualms about profiting from the global luxury goods market.

The UN General Assembly has consistently voted in favor of calling for an end to the U.S. embargo on Cuba nearly every year since 1992. However, the resolution remains non-binding, and only the U.S. Congress holds the authority to lift the embargo. Since the beginning of this year, the administration of President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Havana by restricting oil shipments and threatening tariffs on countries that supply Cuba with fuel.

These measures have exacerbated shortages of basic goods and caused power outages across the island.

Washington has consistently attributed Cuba's economic difficulties to the communist government rather than the U.S. embargo, while simultaneously advocating for a shift in leadership in Havana.