Cuban Foreign Minister Denounces U.S. Military Actions in the Caribbean
During the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla condemned the U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean, labeling the actions as a significant threat to regional peace and stability, reports 24brussels.
Speaking at the Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Rodríguez characterized the U.S. military presence as “a provocative act” disguised as anti-drug operations, which may provoke military conflict. He asserted that these actions represent a “flagrant violation” of the United Nations Charter and International Law.
Rodríguez’s remarks come amid rising tensions as he rejected U.S. accusations linking the Venezuelan government and President Nicolás Maduro Moros to illicit drug trafficking, calling such claims “absurd and baseless.” He emphasized the solidarity of the 33 CELAC countries, which have declared Latin America and the Caribbean a Zone of Peace.
The Cuban foreign minister urged CELAC members to work collectively on pressing issues including climate change, restrictive migration policies, and drug trafficking, promoting dialogue, non-interference, and solidarity among nations. He expressed gratitude for CELAC’s historical backing of efforts to lift the U.S. economic and financial blockade against Cuba.
In his address, Rodríguez affirmed Cuba’s commitment to maintaining CELAC as a cohesive platform for regional cooperation. He called for prioritizing unity over divisive political agendas, emphasizing respect for sovereignty.
“Cuba hopes that the right of all countries in the region to meet and dialogue will be respected,” he stated, underscoring the need for inclusivity at international summits, referencing the exclusions faced during the 2015 Summit of the Americas.
Rodríguez reaffirmed Cuba’s resolve to collaborate with CELAC toward achieving common goals that advance the development and well-being of the Latin American and Caribbean peoples.