Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez called U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz a "liar" during a General Assembly session on July 7, 2024 [1].

The exchange highlights the deep diplomatic rift between Washington and Havana regarding the legality and impact of U.S. economic restrictions. The confrontation occurred during an extraordinary session focused on the long-standing U.S. economic, commercial, and financial embargo on Cuba [2].

The dispute intensified when Waltz denied the existence of a blockade. "There is no blockade against Cuba," Waltz said [2]. Rodríguez responded, stating, "You are a liar" [2].

Beyond the verbal clash, Rodríguez accused the U.S. government of using coercive tactics to influence the international community. He said the United States State Department is pressuring and intimidating United Nations member states [3].

The session concluded with a vote on whether to hold an additional debate regarding the end of the embargo. The General Assembly overrode a U.S. bid to halt the discussion, with 136 member states voting in favor of the debate [1].

This diplomatic friction underscores the isolation of the U.S. position within the UN on this specific issue. The embargo remains a central point of contention in bilateral relations, often serving as the primary catalyst for Cuba's appeals to the global community for support [3].

“"You are a liar."”

The overwhelming vote of 136 member states demonstrates that the vast majority of the international community views the U.S. embargo as a legitimate subject for debate and potential repeal. The sharp exchange between Rodríguez and Waltz reflects a breakdown in diplomatic decorum, signaling that neither side sees a path toward compromise on the economic restrictions currently governing U.S.-Cuba relations.