Cuba’s ambassador to the United Nations (UN) criticized the U.S. and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for allegedly pressuring member nations to change their votes on a resolution to lift the trade embargo on the Caribbean nation.
“It comes amid an intensification of bullying, harassment, and political pressure against sovereign countries, particularly in recent weeks, in an effort to force them to change their vote on the Cuba resolution against the blockade,” Cuban ambassador Ernesto Soberó told reporters.
Soberó Calls Out Secretary Rubio's "Unhealthy Obsession"
“The U.S. Secretary of State, himself – who, in my humble opinion, has an unhealthy obsession with Cuba – has been reaching out directly to every state and government in a desperate attempt to pressure them into changing their countries’ positions and votes on the resolution,” Soberó said.
According to Soberó, the U.S. is performing these efforts, including holding an event at the U.N. to highlight Cuba’s oppression on Oct. 19, 2026, to influence the nations’ vote against lifting the embargo.
Secretary Rubio's Direct Efforts To Influence Resolution Vote
Soberó’s claim that Secretary Rubio is directly reaching out to member nations appears to be true, as the State Department recently revealed details about his phone call with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele.
According to a State Department spokesperson, Secretary Rubio “urged El Salvador to join the United States and like-minded partners in advancing shared priorities at the United Nations.”
“The Secretary stressed that the Cuban regime will not make the reforms the Cuban people deserve while it believes the international community is on its side,” the spokesperson wrote.
U.S.'s Pressure Campaign Continues
The U.S.’s pressure campaign remains active with no end in sight.
Secretary Rubio also announced a day earlier sanctions on a Cuban-owned international bank that has provided services to an Iranian financial institution since 2022.
“Let me be clear: the Trump Administration will not tolerate a rogue state hosting hostile foreign military, intelligence and terror operations less than a hundred miles from the American homeland,” Secretary Rubio said.
