US envoy Mike Waltz and Cuban minister Bruno Rodríguez clashed at the UN podium. Their confrontation interrupted proceedings ahead of a vote condemning the US embargo.US envoy accuses Cuban leaders of corruption, sparks heated clash at UN. ( Photo- X/@USAmbUN)US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz and Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Rodrguez Parrilla were involved in a heated confrontation at the UN on Tuesday after the Cuban minister approached Waltz’s podium during his speech and accused him of lying.The clash took place ahead of a United Nations General Assembly vote on a resolution condemning the decades-old US economic and trade embargo against Cuba.

The confrontation escalated as Waltz criticised the Cuban government over alleged corruption and the lavish lifestyles of its leaders, while Parrilla accused Washington of pressuring countries to oppose the resolution.During his address, Waltz held up a photograph of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro wearing two Rolex watches, which he said were worth around USD 40,000 each. He claimed that the watches’ combined value was equivalent to 55 years of an average Cuban wage, citing the Cuban government's own statistics.Waltz then displayed a photograph of current Cuban President Miguel Daz-Canel, alleging that he, too, wore a Rolex watch. “It didn’t just start with Castro.

This is the current Cuban President, also with a Rolex on,” Waltz said. US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz on X As the US envoy continued his remarks, Parrilla approached the podium and accused him of dishonesty.

The Cuban foreign minister also raised a point of order, invoking Rule 71 of the General Assembly's rules of procedure, which allows representatives to raise procedural objections that must be addressed by the presiding officer.Waltz rejected the objection, accusing Parrilla of being unhappy with his remarks. As the Cuban minister continued to challenge him, the US ambassador repeatedly demanded that he step away from the podium. “He doesn’t like the hard truths,” Waltz said, before adding, “You can come and intimidate all you want.

I ask you to back away from this podium!”Turning to General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman, Waltz said Parrilla was attempting to intimidate him and demanded that the Cuban minister withdraw from the podium.“I’m the representative of the United States of America. Back up!” Waltz said.“You are a liar!” Parrilla responded.“Back away!

Do you understand who you’re dealing with? This is the United States of America.

Back up,” Waltz said as the exchange continued. The proceedings were subsequently suspended.The confrontation also reportedly spilled beyond the podium.

A video obtained by The New York Post showed Waltz's spokesperson, J.P. Freire, being assaulted by another member of the Cuban delegation, who allegedly attempted to snatch Freire's iPhone as he recorded the incident.Parrilla has accused the United States of pressuring other countries to vote against condemning the embargo.

He has also argued that recent US fuel restrictions have worsened Cuba's economic and humanitarian crisis, putting pressure on its healthcare system and threatening lives across the island.- Ends