CUBA has asked the United Nations Security Council to delay any action in the wake of the downing of two American-owned planes until its foreign minister arrives to explain Havana's side of the incident.
Council members met yesterday to consider a United States request the council formally condemn Saturday's attack on two small Cessna aircraft operated by Cuban exile group, Brothers to the Rescue.
Several council ambassadors called Cuba's action, in which two jet fighters shot down the unarmed aircraft, callous and unjustified. But it appeared there was little support for tough measures against Cuba.
Cuba's acting UN ambassador, Bruno Rodrigues Parrilla, had talks before the council meeting with US envoy Madeleine Albright, the current council president.
He said Cuba had offered proof that the aircraft were attacked over Cuban waters.
He asked Ms Albright to defer any council decision until Foreign Minister Roberto Robaina arrived at the UN today, after breaking off a European tour yesterday.
Washington claims the planes were shot down by a MiG-29 over international waters and has called for condemnation of Cuba.