Breaking News: US Ambassador Mike Waltz and Cuban officials clashed at the United Nations over Havana’s worsening economic and energy failures.
US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz delivered a scathing rebuke of the Cuban government during a General Assembly debate, responding to accusations of a US “act of war” over fuel restrictions. The confrontation occurred as Cuba grapples with its third major nationwide blackout this year, leaving around 10 million people without power (Fox News). Havana blamed US sanctions, alleging an “energy collapse” equivalent to a naval blockade, a claim Waltz dismissed as “fake” and “a lie” (UNTV transcript).
The dispute unfolded as Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez accused the US of a “multidimensional, non-conventional war” against the island, including restricting fuel shipments (UNTV transcript). Waltz countered, asserting that the real embargo is “the one Cuba’s government imposes on its own people” (Fox News). He highlighted the plight of Cuban dissidents, holding up photographs and naming individuals imprisoned for peaceful expression (UNTV). When the Cuban delegation interrupted with desk-banging, Waltz retorted, “This is not Havana…we will not be silenced like your own people. So, pound away.”
Waltz further detailed the economic control exerted by GAESA, Cuba’s military conglomerate, claiming it holds $18 billion in assets (Fox News). He pointed to ongoing humanitarian aid from multiple nations, including the US, which has provided over $100 million in assistance this year (Fox News). US Representative Jeffrey Bartos also criticised the meeting as a “propaganda clip”, arguing the allocated $84,000 could instead fund aid (Fox News).
According to Human Rights Watch, over 700 people remain imprisoned for political reasons in Cuba, although other estimates cite figures exceeding 1,200 (Human Rights Watch, Prisoners Defenders). The Cuban government denies holding political prisoners. The power crisis stems from fuel shortages and a dilapidated electricity infrastructure, with Havana and government compounds prioritised for power supply amid widespread outages (Fox News).
The US maintains that Cuba’s economic woes are the result of communist policies and systemic repression. The General Assembly is expected to continue discussions, with further debate likely on the efficacy of US sanctions and the internal governance of Cuba.
Sources: Fox News, UNTV transcript, Reuters, Human Rights Watch, Prisoners Defenders.
