Baku:Cuba accused US Secretary of State Marco Rubio of pressuring foreign leaders to alter their positions ahead of a United Nations General Assembly vote on a resolution that calls for an end to Washington's long-standing economic embargo against Cuba.

According to Anadolu Agency, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez stated on social media platform X that Rubio was "nervous and anxious about another defeat at the United Nations" and accused him of "pressuring and blackmailing" heads of state and government to change their votes against the embargo.

Rodriguez further accused the United States of collectively punishing the Cuban population and called on the international community to oppose US policy. The upcoming General Assembly vote on the non-binding resolution has historically garnered broad international support for ending the embargo on Cuba.

The accusation follows Rubio's recent conversation with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, where they discussed security cooperation and US priorities at the UN, as noted in a State Department statement. Rubio encouraged El Salvador to collaborate with Washington and partners to advance shared priorities at the UN.

The State Department statement also mentioned discussions on protecting critical infrastructure, such as ports, from "malign foreign influences," though it did not specify which countries or entities were involved. This diplomatic activity occurs as the US seeks backing for its positions in international forums while continuing to pressure Havana.

The US embargo on Cuba has been in place for decades, aimed at prompting political change, but according to Havana, it adversely affects the Cuban populace. Cuba has consistently called for international support to end the embargo, with the annual UN vote serving as a focal point of diplomatic contention between Havana and Washington.