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 Raises Alert Around Rincón de la Vieja Volcano

Costa Rica has raised the alert level for communities around Rincón de la Vieja Volcano after scientists detected increased volcanic activity, marking a further...

Route 32 to Costa Rica’s Caribbean closed after overnight landslide

Route 32 closed overnight at Zurquí after a landslide. Here's what it means if you're driving to the Caribbean today.

Costa Rica Among Only Two Latin American Countries Where Most Say Nation Is on Right Track

Costa Rica is one of only two Latin American countries where a majority believes the nation is heading in the right direction, according to the 2026 Latinobarómetro.

Breeze Airways Begins First Costa Rica Flights From Tampa

Breeze Airways will begin flying to Costa Rica tomorrow, opening a new nonstop connection between Tampa, Florida, and Juan Santamaría International Airport near San...

Costa Rica Opens Probe Into Political Ties of Man Wanted by US DEA

Costa Rica's attorney general will investigate whether a naturalized Costa Rican detained for extradition to the United States had political ties or helped finance...

Costa Rica Ombudsman Condemns Justice Minister’s Prison Video

Costa Rica's ombudsman condemned a Justice Ministry video showing inmates on a prison floor. The minister says her opinion isn't binding.

Costa Rica Hotel Project Faces Environmental Damage Allegations

A criminal complaint alleges impacts on waterways, protected areas and forest cover at a luxury hotel project in Manuel Antonio, including sediment runoff toward Playa La Vaca. The developer disputes the accusations and says it has complied with environmental requirements.

Costa Rica Investigates Damage to Thermal Wetland Near Cartago

Costa Rican environmental prosecutors are investigating alleged damage to a wetland near Cartago that contains natural hot springs, wildlife habitat and a network of...

Canadian arrivals in Costa Rica jump 24% as travelers skip the US

Canadian visits to Costa Rica are up 24% this year, and long stays are driving millions in new spending.
Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

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