Here in New York, the United Nations General Assembly continued with addresses from several Latin American leaders. Cuban minister Jose Ramon Machado criticized the US for its crippling embargo on Cuba in light of the recent devastating hurricanes.

Cuban minister Jose Ramon Machado: “Allow me to take the opportunity, in name of the Cuban government and people, to thank all those countries, organizations and people who, in one way or another, have contributed honestly and sincerely with resources, or with moral support, to the efforts of reconstruction undertaken by my country. This contrasts with the position taken by the United States government that continues to apply the blockade.”

Cuba says the total damage from back-to-back hurricanes Gustav and Ike will top $5 billion. The Bush administration has offered a small amount of aid but refused to lift the embargo.