Ambassador Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Cuba to the United Nations, spoke this Tuesday during the resumed session of the Tenth Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly dedicated to the question of Palestine.
In his speech, Guzmán condemned the most recent use of the veto by the U.S. government in the Security Council. He said this prevents progress toward a peaceful and sustainable solution to the conflict and hinders efforts to ensure the protection of the Palestinian civilian population.
Cuba's Permanent Representative expressed deep concern about the serious humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, especially in the Gaza Strip. He denounced Israel's indiscriminate military actions, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and systematic attacks that flagrantly violate international humanitarian law.
Ambassador Soberón reiterated Cuba's condemnation of the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. He also denounced the continued usurpation of land and the forced displacement of the Palestinian population. These actions violate the norms and principles of international law.
The diplomat stressed that achieving peace in the Middle East requires a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian question. He reaffirmed Cuba's support for a two-state solution that would allow the Palestinian people to exercise their right to self-determination, have an independent and sovereign state within the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, and guarantee the right of return for refugees.
In its statement, Cuba reiterated its support for Palestine's full admission to the United Nations and stressed the urgent need to facilitate unrestricted access for humanitarian assistance and the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
Ambassador Soberón expressed concern about the suspension of the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine following Israel's recent attacks on Iran, which violated the Charter of the United Nations and international law. These violations include the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-use of force.
Cuba reaffirmed its solidarity with the Iranian government and people, warned of the danger of regional escalation with unpredictable consequences, and urged the Security Council and the United Nations General Assembly to assume their urgent responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.
The Cuban delegation concluded by reiterating Cuba's unwavering commitment to the Palestinian people and their right to live with dignity and full sovereignty.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations