His Excellency
Mr. António Guterres
Secretary-General
United Nations
New York.
Through;
The Honorable Permanent Representative,
United Nations Office in Colombo
Your Excellency,
The Government of Cuba has once again submitted to the United Nations a resolution calling for the lifting of the economic, commercial, and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against the Republic of Cuba. We understand that the vote on this important resolution is scheduled to take place today, the 29th of October.
It is a matter of record that Cuba has endured this unilateral embargo for more than six decades. It is equally recognized by the international community, and by Your Excellency personally, that Cuba remains one of the most peaceful and cooperative Member States of the United Nations. The continuation of this embargo is therefore widely regarded as unjust and inconsistent with the principles of fairness, equality, and respect for sovereignty enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.
The impact of the embargo has been devastating for the Cuban people, who continue to suffer severe humanitarian, health, and socio-economic hardships as a direct consequence of these coercive measures.
For more than thirty years, Cuba has sought redress through lawful and democratic means within the framework of the United Nations. Year after year, the overwhelming majority of Member States have reaffirmed their solidarity with Cuba by voting in favor of its resolution to end the blockade.
However, it has come to our attention that undue political pressure is once again being exerted by the United States on several Member States in an attempt to influence the outcome of this year’s vote. Such actions undermine the independence and integrity of the United Nations system and contradict the principles of multilateralism and non-interference.
In this regard, we respectfully urge Your Excellency to take all appropriate steps to safeguard the impartiality and dignity of the United Nations and to ensure that no Member State is coerced into voting against its conscience or the collective will of the international community.
We further wish to emphasize that your intervention to uphold justice in this matter will stand as a defense not only of Cuba’s sovereignty but also of the fundamental right of the Cuban people — including countless children enduring hardship under the embargo — to live in dignity and peace.
Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of our highest consideration.
The National Anti-Imperialist Forum wishes to take this opportunity to emphasize to Your Excellency that the inclusion of Cuba in the United States’ list of so-called “state sponsors of terrorism” is wholly unjust and without foundation.
Thanks,
Your Excellency’s Faithfully,
Dr Sumith Wanniarachchi
The Convener,
Anti-Imperialist National Forum