Mr. Chairman,
The exploration and use of outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies, must be carried out for the benefit and in the interests of all countries, and is incumbent upon all mankind.
In that context, Cuba expresses concern about the threat in the face of an arms race in outer space, the continued development and improvement of space weapons, the existence of war material in space, including military satellites.
We reiterate that outer space cannot become a battlefield.
We need to strengthen the legal regime on outer space to prevent its militarization and prohibit the placement of all types of weapons in space.
In this regard, we reiterate Cuba's support for the adoption of a treaty for the prevention and prohibition of the placement of weapons in outer space.
In Cuba's view, such instrument should also prohibit the use or threat of use of force against satellites or other types of space objects.
As we have previously noted, the draft treaty submitted by Russia and China in the Conference on Disarmament provides a good basis for negotiations.
Mr. Chairman,
As long as the treaty on prevention and prohibition is not adopted, it is convenient and necessary to implement international transparency and confidence-building measures in outer space.
We reiterate that any proposed confidence-building measure or Code of Conduct should be discussed and agreed upon within the framework of the United Nations, with the participation and consensus of all its Member States, and cannot in any way legitimize the deployment of weapons in outer space.
Cuba, fully committed to the prevention of an arms race in outer space, has supported the policy of no-first placement of any kinds of weapons in outer space.
Mr. Chairman,
The development of space sciences and their applications are of increasing importance. Undoubtedly, these can contribute to the achievement of the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the prevention and mitigation of natural disasters, environmental protection and human health.
However, we note with concern the use of space technologies to the detriment of the security of nations, particularly developing countries.
Cuba condemns the existing spy satellite network, which, in addition to being incompatible with peace and development, continues to saturate the geostationary orbit, generating large amounts of space debris.
We advocate the legitimate right of all States to access outer space under equal conditions and without discrimination; as well as to benefit from cooperation on training and transfer of space applications and technologies.
Cuba reiterates the need to promote more effective cooperation among States, without discrimination, in order to achieve an optimal and responsible use of the unlimited possibilities provided by space research and applications for present and future generations.
Thank you very much