On a chaotic Tuesday at the United Nations General Assembly, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla and his regime's delegation caused a stir by physically confronting U.S. Ambassador Michael Waltz at the podium. This disruptive act aimed to halt Waltz's speech during the annual debate on the U.S. embargo against Cuba.
Rodríguez advanced aggressively towards the stage, stopping just short of the podium amid shouts, with support from other delegation members, including Permanent Ambassador Ernesto Soberón. Assembly President Khalilur Rahman had to pause the session briefly, urging Rodríguez to return to his seat before the proceedings continued.
Waltz stood his ground. "This individual must step away from the podium. Neither I nor the United States will be intimidated," he asserted confidently. When Rodríguez continued to disrupt, Waltz warned, "Mr. Minister, every interruption will only lead me to expose the corruption of this regime more thoroughly."
The Cuban delegation made at least three procedural objections under Article 71 of the Assembly's rules, which disallow addressing the substance of the matter during procedural questions. Each time, the presidency dismissed these objections, allowing Waltz to proceed. Rodríguez, however, persisted in his accusations, labeling Waltz a "liar" from the microphone: "Mr. Waltz, you are lying again. I hope you perform better in your future political roles."
Beyond the main hall, the confrontation extended further. The New York Post reported an attempt by a Cuban delegate to seize the phone of J.P. Freire, Waltz's spokesperson, who was recording the incident.
During his address, Waltz took an unprecedented offensive against the Cuban leadership, displaying images of luxury items owned by figures like Fidel Castro and Díaz-Canel, including $40,000 Rolex watches, Hermès ties, and Montblanc pens. He also presented photos of lavish properties linked to the Castro family, such as a 14,000-square-meter beach retreat in Varadero and a private island named Cayo Piedra.
Waltz further cited a Miami Herald investigation revealing that the military-run conglomerate GAESA amassed $18 billion in profits and $14 billion in secret accounts. "These assets didn't vanish; they were stolen," Waltz declared. "Doctors' wages, medicine, fuel—everything has been embezzled."
He also exposed efforts by the Cuban delegation to intimidate and film former political prisoners in the UN corridors during the "Cuba Libre" forum organized by the U.S. mission, with participation from José Daniel Ferrer and Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara. "If it's happening here, imagine what's occurring back there," Waltz remarked.
This pattern of behavior isn't new. In July, Rodríguez attempted to silence U.S. representative Jeffrey Bartos with procedural objections during a special session called by Cuba, only to be rebuffed. However, Tuesday's events escalated further, with Rodríguez's physical approach nearly leading to a definitive suspension of the session.
Waltz concluded his speech with a direct appeal to the assembly: "Colleagues, these bullies are seeking your vote. Don't grant Havana another propaganda win. Stand against the mistreatment of the Cuban people." The resolution, introduced annually since 1992 and non-binding, was approved last year with 165 votes—the lowest count since 2010—down from 187 expected in 2024.
Key Questions on the UN Incident Involving Cuba
What prompted the chaos at the UN involving Cuba and the U.S.?
The chaos was initiated when Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez and his delegation attempted to physically confront U.S. Ambassador Michael Waltz to interrupt his speech during the annual debate on the U.S. embargo against Cuba.
How did the U.S. Ambassador respond to the Cuban delegation's actions?
Ambassador Michael Waltz remained firm, refusing to be intimidated, and continued to expose the Cuban regime's corruption despite repeated interruptions by the Cuban delegation.
What allegations did Waltz make against the Cuban regime?
Waltz accused the Cuban regime of corruption, highlighting luxury items owned by its leaders and revealing significant financial assets hidden in secret accounts by the military-run conglomerate GAESA.