Mr. President, Madam Deputy High Commissioner,
Cuba opposed the resolution that created this mandate. Our position of principle against mechanisms that do not have the support of the country concerned is clear and invariable.
We reaffirm our support for the people and government of Belarus and its constitutionally elected president, Alexander Lukashenko. We reject externally-funded destabilization maneuvers and interference in this country's internal affairs.
The denunciation of unilateral coercive measures against Belarus, which are intensifying and having an extraterritorial impact, should be even more vigorous. Cuba is well aware of the consequences of over 60 years of economic, commercial and financial blockade.
Mr. President,
We are convinced that constructive cooperation and respectful dialogue are the legitimate means for the Council to achieve viable and lasting results. It has been proven that political manipulation and selectivity only lead to failure.
Thank you for your attention.