Mr. President:
I have requested to address the Conference on Disarmament to denounce a situation of extreme gravity.
Cuba is under the threat of direct military aggression by the United States government. Nothing could justify such a brutal and uncivilized act by the superpower.
A military aggression, in addition to violating the UN Charter and International Law, would provoke a bloodbath. Thousands of Cubans would die defending their homeland, and young Americans would also perish, without a cause or ideal to defend, drawn into violence by a policy of domination and conquest.
The absurd argument is being used to portray our small island as a supposed threat to the national security of the nuclear superpower. Such an idea defies logic and common sense.
Cuba is not, and cannot be, a threat to the United States. Just look at a map. They are lying to justify a new, irrational war.
Cuba is not an enemy of the United States, nor does it want to be, despite significant differences with its government. We have deep and fraternal ties with the American people and culture. Cuba is a nation of peace.
It is the United States government that threatens our people with military aggression and that inflicts severe harm on Cuban families with an economic blockade intensified to the extreme, with additional measures, secondary sanctions, and a brutal energy blockade.
The total fuel blockade that the United States has imposed on Cuba since January 29th is equivalent, in its effects, to a naval blockade, which is an act of war.
Our people suffer daily from prolonged power outages, difficulties in water pumping, gas supply, and the production and distribution of food, goods, and services. Transportation and medical services are also affected.
The infant mortality rate has doubled, rising from 4.0 to 9.2 per 1,000 live births. The life expectancy of children with cancer has fallen from 85% to 65%.
Creating scarcity, deprivation, and extreme hardship for millions of people for political purposes is unacceptable under any circumstances and deserves universal condemnation.
The threat or use of force against the independence, territorial integrity, or constitutional order of any state is unacceptable.
No justification can be offered for military aggression against Cuba or for subjecting the Cuban people to inhumane coercive acts.
The recent filing of criminal charges against the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, is yet another morally reprehensible and legally arbitrary act.
It is a fraudulent decision aimed at deceiving U.S. citizens and foreigners about events that occurred 30 years ago, with the vile purpose of gaining their support for a military adventure against Cuba.
Mr. President:
Despite the lack of progress and goodwill, despite the lack of seriousness and consistency on the part of the United States, we remain willing to continue talks and address bilateral issues, without interference in our internal affairs, to seek civilized conduct and cooperation.
We call upon all peace-loving nations and defenders of just causes to prevent an aggression against Cuba, which would have unpredictable consequences.
We call on the international community to mobilize to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe from being imposed on the Cuban people, whether through armed conflict or through the fuel blockade, which also kills and causes suffering.
We humbly ask for solidarity with Cuba, which has always shown solidarity with everyone.
Cuba will continue to strive for reason, dialogue, and peace. But if a military aggression occurs, rest assured that the Cuban people will fight, to the bitter end, to defend their sovereignty and independence.
Thank you very much.