Cuba Seeks Global Solidarity Amid Rising US Pressure

The Cuban government has called on the international community to show solidarity with Havana amid escalating pressure from the United States, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla told the UN Security Council on Tuesday (26 May). ‘I humbly request that it is time to show solidarity with Cuba, which has always shown solidarity with others and never retreated from any risk, even at times risking the lives of its people,’ Rodriguez told the UN Security Council. The Cuban diplomat also urged Latin American and Caribbean nations to adhere to the 2014 declaration by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), which designates the region as a peace zone. ‘It is time for broad international efforts that transcend political differences, ideological approaches, and historical divisions. It is time to set boundaries and prevent actions that threaten and harm national interests, endangering all nations and the sovereignty of every country,’ Rodriguez added. On 29 January, the United States imposed tariffs on oil imports from countries supplying Cuba and declared a state of emergency over alleged Cuban threats to US national security. Havana accused the US of using an energy embargo to strangle the island’s economy and worsen living conditions for its people. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez stated on 3 May that US military threats against Cuba had reached unprecedented levels. He warned that any aggression against the island would be met with the Cuban people’s resolve to defend their sovereignty and independence. Additionally, the US Department of Justice indicted former Cuban President Raúl Castro and five Cuban military officers on 20 May in connection with the 1996 downing of two aircraft by a Miami-based exile group, Brothers to the Rescue. Havana dismissed the charges as political provocation, stressing that Cuba acted in self-defence after repeated violations of its airspace by the group’s aircraft. Saudi Arabia has urged the UN Security Council to explicitly condemn Iranian attacks since the crisis began, highlighting the importance of Strait of Hormuz security for the global economy. Russia vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on the Strait of Hormuz proposed by Middle Eastern nations. Moscow and Beijing have prepared a counter-draft that they say is more balanced. Diplomatic sources also noted that disagreements extend beyond the permanent members to the 10 non-permanent members of the Security Council. The UN Security Council is scheduled to vote on a resolution concerning the Strait of Hormuz to secure international shipping lanes from blockade and attack threats. They also called on all parties to refrain from actions that could endanger peacekeepers.