New York, New York - Representatives of the US and Cuba engaged in a heated war of words at the United Nations in New York on Tuesday.
During a speech by Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the United Nations, Cuban representatives initially banged their hands on the tables several times and demanded that the speech be interrupted.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez walked toward the lectern where Waltz was speaking and where the session chair was seated.
Waltz shouted: "Back up, Ambassador. Back away. This isn't Havana. You’re not going to intimidate me."
"This isn't your communist dictatorship: You cannot silence me, and you cannot silence my colleagues ... Do you understand who you're dealing with? This is America!"
Rodríguez accused Waltz of lying: "He is not only lying in an arrogant way, but also violating the dignity of this General Assembly."
The occasion for the session was a vote at the United Nations on the US embargo of Cuba, which has been in place for decades. Waltz delivered sharp criticism of Cuba's leadership since the era of revolutionary leader Fidel Castro.
The UN General Assembly has voted annually since 1992 on a resolution calling for an end to the US embargo, which has existed for more than 60 years. The resolution is usually backed by a large majority of states, but it is not legally binding. This year's vote is expected on Wednesday.
Relations between the US and Cuba have been strained for decades. The situation has worsened further under President Donald Trump through sanctions and an oil embargo.