Mr. Chairman,
Cuba has supported and will continue to fully support the International Instrument that enables States to identify and trace in a timely and reliable manner illicit small arms and light weapons, as it is a useful tool to effectively prevent, combat and eradicate illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.
We support its full and effective implementation by all member States.
In Cuba's opinion, the International Instrument on the Marking, Record-keeping and Tracing of small arms and light weapons, remains fully valid.
Although the impact that the scientific and technical advances could have in relation to small arms and light weapons and, therefore, in their marking, record-keeping and tracing is undeniable; this is not a reality that affects the majority of the States, for which traditional methods are still effective.
In Cuba's view, proposals on the possible use of certain advanced technologies in the context of the ITI require in-depth discussions among experts, to assess their technical and economic impacts, as well as their viability.
This initiative should not contribute to the imposition of developed international standards for the marking, record-keeping and tracing of small arms and light weapons.
Cuba reiterates the responsibility of the States in the control of small arms and light weapons in their territory and in studying, promoting, approving and enforcing the relevant legal provisions to control this phenomenon in the territories under their jurisdiction.
It is the national prerogative of each State to establish standards and procedures for the management and security of their small arms and light weapons and the choice of methods of marking, record-keeping and tracing those weapons.
At the same time, national efforts to confront the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons must be complemented by the necessary assistance and international cooperation.
Technologies that could improve record-keeping and tracing to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons should be examined in the context of international cooperation and assistance, with a view to facilitating their transfer, without preconditions.
All States should be guaranteed the possibility of gaining access to these technologies on equal terms.
International cooperation is a key pillar for the effective implementation of the ITI. Therefore, at the request of the State, technical and financial assistance, capacity building in marking, record-keeping and tracing should be increased, and the transfer of technology and the mobilization of resources should be facilitated.
Mr. Chairman,
As already explained, our national legislation includes Decree-Law 262 of 2008 on arms and ammunition.
In the case of our country, there are no intermediaries in the trade in small arms and light weapons, and all activities related to this type of weapons are controlled by the State.
Small arms and light weapons in the Republic of Cuba are property of the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior, to be used for the defense and national security of the country.
In both Ministries there are internal Records and regulations for an optimal control, which allows the authorities to detect any loss and proceed to its recovery and collation without delay.
In addition, the arms depots have appropriate premises for storage, physical security measures, stock management and accounting control.
In Cuba, all small arms and light weapons held by the armed forces and organs of state security are duly marked and registered, not permitting the elimination or alteration of the aforementioned markings.
Similarly, our national legislation provides that natural or legal persons possessing firearms licenses have the obligation to keep up-to-date the controls established by the Ministry of the Interior, regarding firearms, their authorized accessories and ammunition.
Mr. Chairman,
Our country has stated its willingness to cooperate in the area of tracing, in accordance with its national legislation, and with the international commitments assumed in the fight against the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, which in many cases is related to other transnational crimes.
In this context, we have recognized the importance of the exchange of information, an aspect about which we also stressed its voluntary nature, as well as its confidentiality.
Bearing in mind that small arms and light weapons are the only defense means for the majority of countries in the world, while for others they represent just another category of weapons within their vast military arsenal, including nuclear weapons; we believe that the International Tracing Instrument should be implemented in accordance with the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, including the inherent right of self-defense, in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter.
Thank you very much.