US–Cuba spat briefly halts UN General Assembly debate

A heated exchange between the US and Cuban representatives, including the accusation 'you are a liar', led to a temporary suspension of discussions at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday.

The exchange reflects the depth of tension between Washington and Havana, a relationship marked by disputes for decades, notably over the US economic embargo imposed on Cuba since the 1960s.

The UN General Assembly, which brings together all 193 member states, is the broadest forum for international debate, and its sessions often see sharp exchanges between delegations. A suspension of proceedings over an exchange of accusations, however, remains unusual.

The episode illustrates how hard it has become to manage sharp political disagreements inside the UN amid today's international polarisation.