Cuba Defends Self-determination, Calls for Respectful Dialogue With U.S.

CUBA – Cuba and Venezuela used U.N. Human Rights Council (UNRC) speeches to take aim at the United States Monday, labelling American pressure and energy restrictions as coercive while urging respect for sovereignty and dialogue.

Cuban officials vowed to defend national self-determination, and promise to avert an “energy blockade” crisis tied to proposed U.S. oil tariffs, while offering Washington talks based on mutual respect.

Venezuela’s foreign minister called for the immediate release of former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who are being held in the U.S., and demands sanctions be lifted and national sovereignty respected.

Both delegations said issues with the United States should be addressed through dialogue, but insisted on defending their countries against external pressure.