Mr. President,
Cuba categorically rejects this hostile and interventionist exercise against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, a sister country that has been systematically attacked.
The mechanism that has been arbitrarily imposed on it, without its consent, responds to a political agenda that uses human rights as a pretext to intervene in the internal affairs of a sovereign State.
Continuing to endorse measures that undermine Venezuela's institutions and sovereignty damages the defence of human rights and compromises the integrity and credibility of this Council. This body cannot be an instrument of coercion and blackmail against the countries of the South.
It is our obligation to promote respectful dialogue and genuine cooperation with Venezuela, in accordance with the principles of impartiality, non-politicisation and non-interference.
The Office of the High Commissioner must continue to explore respectful and cooperative mechanisms with the Venezuelan government, under terms agreed upon by both parties.
If there is a genuine desire to contribute to the cause of human rights in Venezuela, the inhumane and illegal unilateral coercive measures imposed on the Venezuelan people, which seek to subjugate them through economic and political means in the most cruel manner, must cease immediately.
We reiterate our solidarity with the Venezuelan government and people in the face of escalating actions by the United States government to justify military aggression against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
Cuba urges the international community to prevent aggression and preserve Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace.
Thank you very much.