Statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, at the CELAC Ministerial Meeting held during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. September 21, 2026, New York.
H.E. Mr. Mario Lubetkin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay and CELAC President Pro Tempore:
Distinguished ministers and heads of delegation:
Excellencies:
I thank the Uruguayan Presidency Pro Tempore for convening and organizing this meeting.
The Latin American and Caribbean region is facing an offensive by the United States government in an attempt to update the archaic Monroe Doctrine under a new and dubious "Corollary."
Militarization is being used as an instrument of domination under the pretext of combating drug trafficking or non-existent narco-terrorism. Punitive tariffs have been imposed on the economies of several countries in our region. Initiatives are being promoted that seek to divide us into "allies and adversaries," and attempts are being made to weaken the mechanisms for coordination and integration that we have worked so hard to build.
It is against this backdrop that the unprecedented tightening of the United States' economic, commercial, and financial blockade against Cuba is taking place—including an energy blockade that is equivalent in its effects to a naval blockade, which constitutes an act of war under international law. Compounding this are so-called secondary sanctions, a fierce media offensive, and the systematic threat of military aggression.
Cuba is denied access to fuel. The arrival of shipping lines and containers is obstructed, hindering the delivery of food, medicines, and medical devices—including those contracted by the private sector.
The actions of the United States constitute an act of genocide—also classified as collective punishment—and a massive, flagrant, and systematic violation of the human rights of the Cuban people, of international law, and of the United Nations Charter. CELAC must preserve the standing it has earned as the representative voice of the region. We must ask ourselves whether we are willing to accept as inevitable—and to live with—the violations of international law committed by the United States government, which undermine the sovereign prerogatives of our peoples and governments.
Today, more than ever, we must defend the legacy we have collectively built and work to realize the dream of independence held by our founding heroes. In this endeavor, a priority is to champion the resolute implementation of the proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace.
I take this opportunity to express gratitude, on behalf of the Cuban people, to the governments and peoples who have extended a hand of friendship to us during these difficult times.
Cuba has always been an active member of CELAC, committed to the principles of our Community. We have contributed constructively to achieving its goals and have remained consistent and in solidarity regarding the defense of the principle of unity in diversity.
We align ourselves with the regional position advocating for the post of United Nations Secretary-General to be held by a person from Latin America and the Caribbean.
We will direct our efforts toward preserving solidarity among CELAC members, consolidating this Community, and strengthening its international profile.
Thank you very much.
(Cubaminrex - Embassy of Cuba in Singapore)