Antigua and Barbuda has called on the United States and Cuba to return to diplomatic talks to resolve their longstanding differences, warning that ordinary Cubans should not suffer because of political disputes.

Ambassador Dr. Walton Aubrey Webson, Antigua and Barbuda’s permanent representative to the United Nations, made the appeal Monday during the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

“The hardship facing the Cuban people also demands our attention,” Webson told the assembly.

“Antigua and Barbuda calls on the United States and Cuba to return to the table of diplomacy and work as good neighbors towards resolving their longstanding differences.”

Webson said the welfare of the Cuban population should remain at the centre of efforts to resolve tensions between Washington and Havana.

“The Cuban people must not bear collective punishment for political disagreements. Their well-being must remain central to efforts to find a peaceful and lasting solution,” he said.

He placed the appeal within Antigua and Barbuda’s wider call for stability, cooperation and diplomacy across the region.

“Across our region, our purpose is clear: to protect human dignity, strengthen stability and ensure that dialogue and cooperation prevail,” Webson said.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda Calls on U.S. and Cuba to Return to Negotiating Table.