Statement by Ambassador Juan Antonio Quintanilla Román on developments concerning the full application by the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela of the agreed plan of action to give effect to the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry concerning Conventions Nos. 26, 87 and 144.
349th Session of the ILO Governing Body (GB.349/INS/11).
Thank you, Mr. President,
We thank the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for the information provided and the update on the concrete results achieved.
The willingness of the Venezuelan government to continue fulfilling its obligations and commitments within the framework of the ILO and to strengthen social dialogue at national level is an aspect that should be highlighted.
Mr. President,
Since November, the actions implemented by the government have been diverse and very concrete. Venezuela has continued to make progress in improving compliance with ratified ILO conventions, based on the recommendations and constructive suggestions issued by the various ILO bodies. In addition, the technical assistance provided for the implementation of the action plan and training on international labor standards and social dialogue contributed to advancing the proposed objectives.
The government has maintained its commitment to social dialogue and continues to take measures to deepen and strengthen it. Permanent communication between the parties has also been strengthened.
The creation of the Tripartite Minimum Wage Advisory Group is one example.
Mr. President,
As on other occasions, the Government of Venezuela has ratified its willingness to continue the search for consensus at the national level, reinforced by technical support from the ILO, which will allow us to consolidate the results presented today and to continue making progress within the framework of social dialogue.
Therefore, we consider that the Venezuelan Government must have the necessary space and time to continue implementing the relevant measures with its national legislation and the economic and socio-professional variables and indicators, marked by the unilateral coercive measures of which the country is unfairly victimized. The Board of Directors is expected to vote in favor of lifting these measures, which have a negative impact on the lives of Venezuelan workers.
Mr. President,
We reiterate that this matter should never have been brought before these bodies, as it is clearly political in nature. We reiterate Cuba's rejection of the manipulation of multilateral organizations to intervene in the internal affairs of States.
We must all understand that countries cannot be asked to adopt measures that go against their national normative framework, and even less measures whose objective is to obtain changes in the political system freely. determined by the majority of its inhabitants.
Mr. President,
The decision taken by this Council must be the result of a broad and inclusive dialogue, and on the basis of consensus. As we all know, and there are several examples, interference formulas and punitive approaches have not and will never yield positive results.
Cuba believes in dialogue and negotiated solutions. Thank you for your attention.