New York, 13 October 2016. At the Main Session of the Fifth Committee, Cuba acknowledged today the efforts made by many Member States to fully comply with their payment obligations, particularly developing countries, mostly affected by the current global economic and financial situation and, hence, stated that consideration must be offered to the special situations experienced by some developing countries, which prevent them from fulfilling their financial commitments, regardless of their political will.
Under Agenda item: “Improving the financial situation of the United Nations”, the delegate of Cuba to the Fifth Committee, Javier E. Sánchez Azcuy, underscored that despite the obstacles faced by Cuba as a developing country, the nation remains fully committed to multilateralism, which is evidenced in its active involvement in the works of the United Nations and in its political will to meet financial responsibilities.
The Cuban delegate pointed out that such political will is hampered by the economic, financial and commercial Embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba and highlighted that after little more than a year from the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States, although some progress has been achieved at bilateral level, the Embargo policy remains in force. It continues to cause damage and hardship to the Cuban people, as well as to hamper the economic functioning and relations with other countries. Although positive, the executive measures adopted by the US government are not sufficient, he noted.
While thanking, on behalf of his delegation, the Accounting Division, its Department for Contributions and the Treasury Department for their cooperation and support to find alternative ways to make their payments, he commented: “Few of you imagine the number of obstacles owing to the Embargo that we have been forced to overcome in order to make effective our contribution to the United Nations this year, in spite of having the resources to do so.”
To conclude he reiterated Cuba’s determination to meet financial obligations to the United Nations, under the nation’s firm commitment to the organization and to fulfill the commitments under the founding Charter to join efforts with a view to achieving development, peace, prosperity and dignity for all. (Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations)