Cuba’s Foreign Minister Calls Out Hypocrisy of U.S. Claims Over Blockade. UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK CITY, July 7, 2026 — In a diplomatic offensive aimed at challenging the U.S. economic war against Cuba, Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez Parilla requested a session of the UN General Assembly to re-open debate on ending the U.S. blockade of the island. U.S. secretary of state Marco Rubio actively and aggressively opposed the proposal. But an overwhelming majority of UN member states approved Cuba’s request to hold the debate. 136 voted in favor, 9 against, and 30 abstained. A win for Cuba! This is an eyewitness report on the debate that followed.