U.S. Expels Cuban Diplomat After UN Shouting Match
U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz expels Cuban diplomat after heated UN confrontation over economic sanctions.
2 min read
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz expelled Cuba’s first secretary, Richard Tur de la Concepción, following a heated exchange at the UN General Assembly. The incident erupted during a debate on a non-binding resolution calling for an end to the U.S. economic embargo on Cuba.
Waltz accused Tur de la Concepción of shoving an American diplomat during the confrontation. In response, Waltz announced the expulsion and stated that the diplomat would be on a plane back to Havana within 24 hours.
One of the Cuban regime’s “diplomats” tried to intimidate UN staff into cutting our microphones as I exposed the regime for the world to see. When one of my American diplomats noticed what was happening, that same regime “diplomat” tried to intimidate him, too. https://t.co/kmBlpMlPcY
During the debate, Waltz highlighted the wealth of Cuba’s ruling class, showing a photo of Che Guevara with a Rolex watch worth $40,000, which he said could pay for 55 years of an average Cuban wage. He then displayed a photo of current Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel with a Rolex, emphasizing that the issue is not new.
The Cuban delegation reacted strongly, with Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla demanding that Waltz be called to order under Rule 71. Waltz refused to back down, stating, “This is America. Back up!” U.N. officials scrambled to restore order, and the assembly president threatened to suspend the session.
Waltz continued his speech, asserting that the U.S. would not tolerate intimidation, including from political prisoners. The incident marked a significant escalation in tensions between the U.S. and Cuba.
Not in the United States of America. 🎯 @USAmbUN https://t.co/USUWXNnu9G
Cuban officials have remained silent on the expulsion, and the situation is expected to have long-term implications for U.S.-Cuba relations. The debate over economic sanctions continues, with the resolution set for a vote on Wednesday.
Source: PJ Media
