The Cuban delegation walked out of the UN General Assembly chamber in New York on 22 September whilst US President Donald Trump was speaking. The US leader described Cuba as a «failed state», predicted the collapse of the communist regime and declared Washington’s desire for radical change on the island. Havana rejected these assessments and affirmed its commitment to defending its sovereignty.
Briefly about the main points
- The Cuban delegates walked out during the part of Trump’s speech that concerned their country.
- The US President has announced that the strongest pressure will be brought to bear on the Cuban authorities.
- Bruno Rodríguez denied that Cuba poses a threat to other countries.
- Díaz-Canel linked US rhetoric to the justification of a hardline policy.
- The parties have given differing accounts of the state of relations, and no new agreement has been announced.
Trump has announced a course of action aimed at radical change
During the general debate at the 81st session of the General Assembly, the US President said that the Cuban leadership was under the greatest pressure in its entire history. «Communism will never come to America, but freedom will come to Cuba,» he declared.
Trump He also said that Washington will not allow foreign adversaries to use the island as a source of threat near US territory. His prediction that the Cuban regime will fall is a political statement by the US President.
Havana has rejected the allegations and describes its contacts with the US in various ways
Cuban Minister for Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodriguez He dismissed Trump’s claims and emphasised the country’s right to remain independent. He also denied that Cuba posed a threat to the United States or other nations.
President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel stated that the country would defend its sovereignty. In his view, Trump is portraying the island as a threat in order to justify Washington’s hardline policy.
Trump stated that the Secretary of State Marco Rubio is holding talks with Cuba, but has not disclosed the nature of these discussions. Earlier in September, Rodríguez said that there were no formal talks with the US, although channels of communication remain open.
This discrepancy may indicate that the parties have different views on the level of bilateral dialogue. No public announcement has been made regarding a new agreement between the US and Cuba.
