Mr. President,
We recognize Colombia and the other sponsoring delegations of draft resolution L.31 Rev. 1's willingness to listen to and consider the positions expressed by numerous delegations, including Cuba, during the consultation process.
The Cuban delegation voted in favor of amendments L.54, L.55, L.56, and L.57, believing that they contributed to providing greater balance and a better context to the resolution.
Despite this being a draft resolution with limitations and shortcomings, which does not fully reflect Cuba's positions, our delegation will not object to consensus on draft L.31 Rev. 1.
We adopted this position because, despite the differences in approach, we believe the text contains sufficient safeguards that address our main concerns and because we share the goal of achieving a world free of illicit drugs, which are a serious problem for people's health and a threat to human rights, security, and economic and social development.
The global drug problem requires a multidimensional analysis that respects state laws, national circumstances, and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The adoption of this resolution implies recognition or acceptance of the prevalence of certain approaches to the drug problem. Each state has the sovereign right to adopt policies and legislation in this area, in accordance with its national circumstances.
In the case of Cuba, we believe that the problem will not be solved by relaxing international drug control systems, legalizing drugs, or accepting them as harmless substances. Therefore, we do not support the widespread use of so-called "new approaches."
This resolution cannot be interpreted as detrimental to the fulfillment of states' international obligations in the fight against drugs.
Nor can it be interpreted to undermine or duplicate the functions and authority of other forums that play a leading role in combating illicit drugs, such as the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the United Nations' principal body for addressing the world drug problem.
Cuba will not support any action aimed at weakening or undermining the international drug regime and the intergovernmental bodies that oversee it. On the contrary, we consider it important to reaffirm the States' commitment to the international legal framework for drug control, of which the two Conventions and the United Nations Convention on Drugs are and must continue to be the cornerstone.
Cuba will maintain a zero-tolerance policy regarding drug production, consumption, and trafficking. We believe this is the most effective way to protect the human rights of our citizens.
We will continue to protect the tranquility of our streets against all forms of crime.
Thank you very much.