Cuba has accused the United States of mounting a campaign of diplomatic pressure against countries supporting calls for an end to its decades-long economic blockade, alleging that Washington is seeking to influence the outcome of an impending United Nations General Assembly vote.
Cuba’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, made the allegation on Friday while condemning a US-organised event scheduled for October 19 at the UN headquarters in New York, which he described as an attempt to divert international attention from the debate on the blockade.
The Cuban diplomat alleged that the event, titled “Cuba Libre”, was part of a broader effort to weaken support for a Cuban-sponsored resolution calling for an end to the economic, commercial and financial restrictions imposed by Washington. The resolution is scheduled for consideration by the General Assembly on October 27 and 28.
Speaking to UN-accredited journalists, Soberón accused the US of using political and diplomatic pressure to influence the positions of member states ahead of the vote, including alleged direct appeals by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to heads of state and government.
He described the reported contacts as an attempt to interfere with the sovereign decisions of UN member states, insisting that countries should be allowed to determine their voting positions without intimidation.
The diplomat also questioned the format of the October 19 event, citing restrictions on press access, the non-disclosure of panellists’ identities and a prohibition on attendees expressing their views.
He argued that the arrangements suggested an attempt to control the narrative rather than facilitate an open exchange of perspectives on Cuba.
Soberón said the Cuban delegation had obtained copies of the invitation and concept note despite not being invited to the event.
He further questioned the use of UN premises for an activity he alleged was designed to advance Washington’s political objectives against another member state, citing administrative instruction ST/AI/2019/4 on the use of UN premises and the need for activities to comply with the principles of the UN Charter.
The Cuban representative also accused Washington of applying a double standard by organising the event while having outstanding contributions to the UN’s regular budget.
Beyond the diplomatic dispute, Soberón drew attention to the economic consequences of US sanctions, particularly measures affecting Cuba’s fuel supplies and international trade.
He recalled that US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on January 29, 2026, introducing measures targeting countries supplying oil to Cuba, which he blamed for a sharp decline in fuel shipments to the island.
According to figures he presented, Cuba had received only one oil tanker from Russia in the preceding 10 months, describing the shipment as humanitarian assistance.
He also claimed that approximately 7,000 containers destined for Cuba remained at international ports because shipping companies were reluctant to transport them over fears of possible US sanctions.
Soberón linked the difficulties to further measures announced by Washington on May 1, 2026, which he said expanded the threat of sanctions against companies and countries maintaining commercial relations with Cuba.
He criticised the US-organised event for failing to address the reported impact of the restrictions on the Cuban economy and the living conditions of its population.
The Cuban government has consistently opposed the US embargo, which has remained a major point of contention between the two countries and has repeatedly featured in General Assembly debates.
Soberón maintained that the October 19 event should not distract the international community from the substantive question before the General Assembly: whether the United States should end its economic, commercial and financial blockade of Cuba.
He urged UN member states to uphold the principles of the UN Charter, resist political coercion and exercise their voting rights independently.
The United States has historically defended its Cuba policy on grounds including concerns over the island’s political system and human rights record, while Havana argues that the sanctions violate its sovereignty and impose severe economic hardship on its people.
The forthcoming General Assembly debate is expected to renew international scrutiny of the longstanding dispute.
Reaffirming Havana’s position, Soberón said Cuba would not change its stance because of external pressure, adding: “Cuba is not a threat. The blockade is.”
