New York, 11 November 2019. Cuba participated today in the consideration of the United Nations General Assembly agenda item "Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)." In her statement, the Second Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the island to the international organization, Lilianne Sánchez Rodríguez, recognized the important work of the International Atomic Energy Agency and its contribution to peace and sustainable development through the promotion of the development and use of nuclear energy and its applications for peaceful purposes for the benefit of humanity, in particular in priority areas such as health, food security, environmental protection and water resources management.
At the plenary session of the General Assembly, the Cuban diplomat rejected and called for the immediate removal of any kind of limitations and restrictions on the exports of materials, equipment and technologies to developing countries for peaceful nuclear activities and reaffirmed the inalienable right of all States to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, without any discrimination or conditions.
She also condemned the way in which the United States is blocking the establishment of a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East and its decision to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and to re-impose unilateral sanctions against Iran.
On behalf of Cuba, Mr. Sánchez Rodríguez took the opportunity to express her condolences on the passing of Mr. Yukiya Amano, who discharged his duties in an exemplary manner at the helm of the IAEA for 10 years and maintained a close friendly relationship with Cuba.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations