U.S. Ambassador Confronts Cuban Delegation at U.N. Meeting
A tense moment unfolded when a group of Cuban officials disrupted a speech being delivered by U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Mike Waltz. The interruption sparked an intense exchange of words.
Waltz was articulating his defense of the U.S. embargo against the Cuban government when members of the Cuban delegation began banging on their desks, prompting a heated response.
“Back up, ambassador! Back away! This isn’t Havana! You’re not going to intimidate me. Do you understand who you’re dealing with?” shouted Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez as he approached the podium where Waltz stood.
“You are a liar!” Rodriguez yelled, insisting on a point of order from the presiding official. Meanwhile, Waltz countered, suggesting that it was problematic for Cuban citizens to face such disruptions at home, contrasting it with the decorum expected in an international venue.
Rodriguez was relentless. “Your excellency, I know you don’t like to hear this. This is America, my friend!” Waltz responded sternly, emphasizing, “This is the United Nations. This isn’t your communist dictatorship!”
Despite the presiding official’s assurances that Rodriguez would have the chance to speak, the Cuban delegate continued to shout, prompting Waltz to declare, “This individual needs to back away from this podium! He’s not going to intimidate me.”
At one point, they were engaged in a back-and-forth that wasn’t going anywhere. The tensions grew so palpable that the presiding officer ultimately had to suspend the meeting.
As the shouting match continued, Waltz reiterated, “This is America. Back up!”
It’s worth noting that the U.S. embargo on Cuba has tightened in recent years, particularly under the previous administration. The United Nations has repeatedly opposed the embargo, though these votes tend to be more symbolic than impactful.
Rodriguez accused Waltz of misrepresenting facts and disrespecting the dignity of the Cuban people. Furthermore, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent remarks seemed to heighten the situation, suggesting that now was the time for change in Cuba, implying support for those who might work with the CIA to enact that change.
