The group also regretted over the votes against and the abstentions of those who yielded to pressure from the United States to withdraw their support for Cuba—a cause that nonetheless secured a broad majority, with 130 votes in favor, 17 against, and 25 abstentions.
In a statement, the solidarity movement described the outcome as a major victory for Cuba in the face of pressure, blackmail, and threats from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump and his Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.
The statement notes that Washington managed to exert control over governments belonging to the so-called “Shield of the Americas,” as well as certain pro-Nazi European factions, while highlighting the courageous and dignified address delivered by Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez in response to provocations from Trump’s representative.
It points out that Rodriguez “overwhelmed and ridiculed the United States representative, who—lacking any arguments—resorted to fabricating claims, lying cynically, and ultimately fleeing.”
“It was a diplomatic drubbing dealt by Cuba to the United States; we were heartened by the high caliber and courage of the Cuban diplomats, which brings to mind the ‘Foreign Minister of Dignity,’ Raul Roa.”
Regarding the abstention by the Peruvian representative to the UN, Carlos Pareja, the statement describes it as regrettable, noting that it abandoned the legacy of Peru’s own “Foreign Minister of Dignity,” Raul Porras—who, in 1960, refused to vote for the isolation of Cuba during an assembly of the Organization of American States.
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