Bruno Rodríguez Responds to New Measures: "We Haven't Heard, Nor Do We Care About U.S. Opinions"

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla declared on Tuesday that the recent economic reforms approved by the regime are not a response to U.S. pressures. He also announced that Havana has requested an extraordinary session of the United Nations General Assembly for July 7, aiming to denounce the tightening of U.S. sanctions.

During a press conference in Havana, covered by Cubadebate, the Foreign Minister denied any connection between the 176 economic and social measures and the sanction policies promoted by President Donald Trump's administration. "These measures are a matter of sovereignty. We haven't listened to nor are we interested in the opinions of the United States," he asserted when questioned about the State Department's reaction to the reforms passed by the National Assembly in mid-June.

These statements come after Washington labeled the measures as "modest" and "superficial," emphasizing that any change in U.S. policy towards Cuba would depend on broader political and economic reforms.

Stalled Negotiations and Diplomatic Tensions

Rodríguez also acknowledged that bilateral talks initiated earlier this year between the two governments are at a standstill. "Negotiations between Cuba and the U.S. show no progress. The generally respectful conduct of the U.S. government delegations has been accompanied by constant threats against Cuba, the application of coercive measures, and offensive statements about our country's independence," he stated.

Despite this, he affirmed that Havana remains open to dialogue "based on mutual respect and non-interference in Cuba's internal affairs."

UN Assembly and Accusations Against the U.S.

Simultaneously, the Cuban government announced that it has requested an extraordinary session of the UN General Assembly for July 7, intending to present the impact of U.S. sanctions and what it described as an "energy blockade" against the island to other member states.

The foreign minister accused the U.S. permanent mission to the United Nations of attempting to prevent this meeting through diplomatic efforts directed at other countries. "They are trying to censor their voice and their right to speak on a matter directly linked to international peace and security," he said, referring to the UN member states.

During the press conference, he displayed three documents allegedly circulating among various foreign ministries as part of these efforts. One is titled "It's Time for Change in Cuba"; another, "The Regime Must Reform, Don't Vote with Its Propaganda"; and a third, according to the minister, attempts to link Cuba to the war in Ukraine "without a shred of evidence."

Economic Setbacks and Humanitarian Aid Concerns

Rodríguez also accused the United States of attempting to block a $116 million food assistance program from the World Food Program (WFP) for Cuba. He explained that the initiative was approved on June 26 with 29 votes in favor and only two against: the United States and Morocco.

On the economic front, the foreign minister stated that the embargo has caused total losses exceeding $170 billion, claiming that damages amounted to more than $7 billion in 2025 alone, nearly 50% more than the previous year.

He also criticized the humanitarian aid announced by Washington for the island. According to him, from an initially proposed $9 million program — later reduced to $6 million — only about $90,000 has been executed, despite the Secretary of State's recent announcement of a new $100 million assistance package.

The July 7 session will be held independently of the traditional annual resolution on the U.S. embargo, which the General Assembly debates every October. In the last vote, held in 2025, the initiative presented by Cuba received 165 votes in favor, seven against, and 12 abstentions — the lowest support Havana has garnered in over three decades.