New York, 23 September 2016. As part of the Annual Meeting of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Group of 77, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, highlighted today the need to establish appropriate international conditions to advance in terms of access to knowledge and technology, as the only means to development.He made sure that to fulfill the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, it is necessary to establish a more just and equitable new international economic order; exercise the right to development and establish direct and leading participation of the countries of the South in global decision-making.
When referring to the Embargo the USA imposes on Cuba, he underscored that the executive measures adopted are positive although totally insufficient. He noted the validity of such policy, the way it hampers the development of the Cuban economy and the humanitarian harm still present in the everyday life of any Cuban family. He stressed that the Embargo has negative extraterritorial effects on the sovereignty and the economy of all the countries in the planet and constitutes a massive, systematic and flagrant violation of the human rights of all Cubans.
The Cuban Minister called upon not allowing double standards to perpetuate and offering a constructive but firm contribution, among all nations of the South, to the works of the Human Rights Council under the values and interests of these countries.
While appreciating the permanent solidarity of the member countries of the Group of 77 with Cuba, he reiterated that our country will remain loyal to the foundational principles of the Group and will continue to fulfill its cooperation commitments, to the extent of its modest possibilities. (Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations)