Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla spoke at a meeting held under the title 'The necessity of ending the economic, commercial, and financial embargo imposed by the US on Cuba' at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly Hall. Before Parrilla's speech, a vote was held in the General Assembly Hall upon the US's objection to the meeting. In the vote, 136 countries voted 'yes' to continue the meeting, while 9 countries voted 'no', and 30 countries abstained.
Following the decision to continue the meeting, Cuban Foreign Minister Parrilla took the podium and described US policy as a 'multi-dimensional, unconventional war' that has lasted for nearly 70 years. Parrilla evaluated the current 'energy blockade' as an 'act of war' and touched upon the humanitarian impact of the US blockade within Cuba. Parrilla stated, “The infant mortality rate, which is 4 per 1000 births in the country, has risen to 9.9. This means there are preventable deaths under different circumstances. 1780 newborns could have been saved. Cancer deaths have increased, and the survival rates of children and young people have dropped from 85% to 65%. The US blockade silently suffocates and kills. Despite everything, we will continue to fight against the US's 'ruthless aggression'.”
