CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Bhopal: New York. A sharp debate between representatives of the United States and Cuba over economic sanctions turned into a confrontation at the United Nations General Assembly. During the meeting held on October 27, 2026, a heated exchange took place between US Ambassador Mike Waltz and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla. As the dispute escalated, the proceedings of the General Assembly had to be adjourned for some time. The debate took place ahead of voting on a resolution seeking an end to decades-old US economic sanctions on Cuba.
“Step back, this is not Havana.” US Ambassador Waltz, in his address, was making allegations of corruption and a luxurious lifestyle among Cuba’s leaders against the Cuban government. During this, Cuban Foreign Minister Parrilla approached the podium and accused the US ambassador of lying. The argument between the two intensified.
Waltz asked Parrilla to step back and remarked, “This is not Havana.” He alleged that Cuba’s leadership suppresses voices of dissent in its country. Parrilla, on the other hand, rejected the US ambassador’s allegations and called them false. As the situation deteriorated, the president of the General Assembly had to adjourn the proceedings.
Waltz also referred to Fidel Castro’s watches during his speech. He showed a photograph of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro in which Castro was seen wearing two Rolex watches. The US ambassador made a claim about the value of the watches and linked it to the economic condition of ordinary Cuban citizens. He also raised questions about the lifestyle of the current Cuban leadership.
These allegations were part of the US representative’s address. Cuba presented a different position on the US sanctions and criticised Washington’s policies.
Why is there a dispute over US sanctions? The United States began imposing economic sanctions on Cuba in 1960, and they were made broader in 1962. Washington says the sanctions are necessary because of issues related to human rights and political freedoms in Cuba. The Cuban government, however, alleges that US sanctions have had a serious impact on its economy, energy supply and the lives of ordinary people.
Every year, Cuba introduces a resolution in the United Nations General Assembly demanding an end to these sanctions. The resolution is not legally binding, but the voting on it indicates the position of the international community.
The world is watching the vote. Ahead of this year’s voting, the United States appealed to member countries not to support the resolution, while Cuba described the sanctions as a major cause of its economic crisis. This confrontation between the two countries is not limited to diplomatic rhetoric, but also highlights a long-running economic and political dispute.
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