Reuters reported that Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, Cuba’s foreign minister, accused U.S. officials of threatening visa denials and trade and economic sanctions to sway U.N. members ahead of an annual vote on the embargo.
At a news conference in Havana Wednesday, Rodriguez said governments supporting Cuba had been warned they could face the measures. He also alleged the U.S. secretary of state had personally joined efforts to change votes at times. Reuters said the State Department had not immediately responded to its request for comment.
Earlier this week, Mike Waltz, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, urged countries to oppose the resolution. He said the resolution served as an excuse to justify oppression and misery in Cuba.
The nonbinding measure has received wide support in the General Assembly since 1992, Reuters reported. Its passage would not itself end the trade embargo: Congress would have to act. The restrictions have been in place for more than 60 years, Reuters said.
The accusation follows an Oct. 19 dispute at the United Nations over a U.S.-hosted gathering with Cuban dissidents. Cuban representatives objected to the event, as EconoTimes reported earlier.
Reuters, citing officials, said the next vote is expected Oct. 27-28.
