Former President Raul Castro Raúl Castro.  (Photo: Le Ha /VNA)

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced travel sanctions on Thursday that made Mr. Castro and his relatives ineligible for travel to America. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez told the UN General Assembly that this action is void of any practical effect, aimed at offending Cuba's dignity and the feelings of the Cuban people.

Earlier, the United States ordered the expulsion of two Cuban delegation members at the UN and restricted travel to the remaining members after accusing them of trying to conduct activities against the US. Minister Rodriguez criticized accusations against Cuban diplomats as slander and said that the latest US restrictions are aimed at provoking bilateral diplomatic tensions.