Press release: Cuba supports peaceful use and development of nuclear technologies.

New York, November 10, 2017.In her statement on Topic 89 of the plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly, Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Cuban representative, Ambassador Ileidis L.Valiente Díaz, Head of the Department of Economic Affairs of the General Division for Multilateral Affairs and International Law of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, recognized the significant contribution of the International Atomic Energy Agency to peace and sustainable development, including in the fight against the effects of climate change, food insecurity and diseases. She reiterated that it should be a priority for the Agency to devote its efforts and resources to the use and dissemination of nuclear applications to improve living conditions, promote sustainable development and environmental protection.

The representative of the island highlighted the excellent relations between the IAEA and Cuba, evidenced by the successful visit to Cuba of the Director General of the IAEA, in November 2016, within the framework of the program of celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the Agency.

She also recognized the significant contribution of the application of nuclear technologies in key areas for the economy and society, and reaffirmed her opposition to those measures aimed at prohibiting or limiting the legitimate right of States to gain access to and use nuclear energy, as well as the technologies and knowledge associated with them, for peaceful purposes.

Valiente Díaz highlighted that Cuba deposited the instruments of acceptance of the Convention on Nuclear Safety and of accession to the Joint Convention in July, which entered into force for Cuba on October 1, 2017.

Likewise, she expressed satisfaction with the entry into force of the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials, which will promote greater protection of nuclear facilities and materials, ratifying the peaceful use of nuclear energy and facilitating cooperation among States parties to prevent and combat crimes with the use of radioactive and nuclear materials.

Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations