'You are a liar!' US-Cuba shouting match erupts at UN

UNITED NATIONS: A heated verbal altercation erupted between diplomats from the United States and Cuba during a UN General Assembly debate on Tuesday. The clash erupted amidst deliberations on a resolution advocating for an end to the US embargo against Cuba, a proposal Cuba has consistently presented annually since 1992. This year's debate is particularly intense due to Washington's intensified pressure campaign targeting Cuba, which includes an oil embargo and stringent sanctions that have severely impacted Cuba's economy.

US Ambassador Mike Waltz was addressing the assembly when Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez objected to Waltz's remarks, demanding an immediate halt to his speech. Waltz, while arguing for the resolution's rejection, had been criticizing the communist regime's repression against Cuban citizens. Waltz asserted, "This is the United Nations.

This isn't your communist dictatorship. You cannot silence me," urging Rodriguez and other Cuban diplomats to step away. Rodriguez responded, "You are a liar!" The chair intervened and temporarily adjourned the session, instructing both diplomats to return to their designated spots before Waltz was permitted to resume his remarks.

Cuba has accused the US of orchestrating an "unprecedented" pressure campaign this year to sway countries against the resolution, which has historically enjoyed widespread support. Last year, the resolution garnered 165 votes in favor, seven against, and 12 abstentions, marking its weakest support in over two decades. A vote on this year's resolution is anticipated on Wednesday.

The dispute also follows US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent plea to Cubans to covertly collaborate with the CIA to overthrow the island's communist government.