HomeCubaRaúl Castro to speak at UN General Assembly for first time

Raúl Castro to speak at UN General Assembly for first time

HAVANA, Cuba — Cuban President Raúl Castro will address the U.N. General Assembly for the first time at the end of September, Havana confirmed Wednesday.

A draft schedule published Tuesday by the United Nations indicated that the Cuban leader would speak on Sept. 28, the same day as U.S. President Barack Obama.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez confirmed the appearance, which comes just two months after Washington and Havana reestablished diplomatic relations after more than a half century of enmity.

Castro is expected to use his speech to push for an end to the U.S. embargo against Cuba, which has been in place since 1962.

The U.N. General Assembly has voted each year since 1982 to approve a resolution calling on the United States to lift the embargo.

In 2013 and 2014, Cuba received record support from 188 countries.

Since the rapprochement with Cuba, the Obama administration also has expressed support for lifting the embargo, but the decision rests with Congress where a Republican majority opposes the move.

More than 160 world leaders are expected at the U.N. General Assembly, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.

China’s President Xi Jinping will also be making his debut, delivering his address on Sept. 28 shortly before Russian President Vladimir Putin, who returns to the United Nations after a 10-year absence.

Fidel Castro took part in the gathering on four occasions following the Cuban revolution in 1959, including for a final time at the United Nation’s 2000 Millennium summit.

This would be Raúl Castro’s first speech to the U.N. General Assembly since he succeeded his brother as president in 2006.

Trending Now

Costa Rica Tourism Loses 20,000 Jobs as Strong Colón Squeezes Small Operators

Costa Rica's tourism sector employs 20,137 fewer people than two years ago, with microbusinesses hit hardest as the strong colón erodes margins.

Costa Rica Flooding Hits More Than 400 Homes After Tropical Wave

More than 400 homes were flooded across Costa Rica over the weekend as Tropical Wave 47 brought heavy rain to several parts of the...

Costa Rica Camera Traps Capture Margay, Pumas and River Otters

Over the last few years, I’ve worked my way up to the point where I have enough camera traps monitoring little patches of Costa...

Who is behind Costa Rica’s proposed AI data centers?

Two AI data centers seek vast power and water in Costa Rica. Who is financing them is still unknown.

Apple Brings Tap to Pay on iPhone to Costa Rica

Apple rolls out Tap to Pay on iPhone in Costa Rica. Businesses can now accept in-person contactless payments on an iPhone, with no separate...

Saved by the Bell Star Mario Lopez Films Campaign in Costa Rica

Mario Lopez, the actor best known as A.C. Slater on the 1990s sitcom "Saved by the Bell," is in Costa Rica filming a campaign...

Two Dead at Guanacaste Beach as Search Continues at Tarrazú Waterfall

Two young men died at Playa Cabuyal in Guanacaste and rescuers are searching for an 18-year-old swept away at a waterfall in Tarrazú after Saturday's storms.

Costa Rica Turns to Bryan Ruiz After Firing Fernando Batista

Former Costa Rica captain Bryan Ruiz will take temporary charge of the national team after the Costa Rican Football Federation fired Argentine coach Fernando...

Costa Rica loses to Haiti 2-0 in another Nations League setback

Costa Rica's national soccer team went to Jamaica last night needing a win, yet it came away with another loss. Haiti beat La Sele...
🌴 The Weekly Pura Vida

Costa Rica, Once a Week

The week's top stories, weather & insider tips — delivered every Sunday. One email, zero clutter.

🔒 Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Car Rentals
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel