New York, November 9, 2018. Cuba participated today in the debate on agenda Item 72 of the UN General Assembly, "Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)". In her statement Ambassador Ana Silvia Rodríguez Abascal, Deputy Permanent Representative to the world body, reaffirmed that nuclear disarmament has been and will continue to be, the highest priority in the disarmament field; while recognizing the indispensable and significant contribution of the IAEA in the promotion and development of the use of nuclear technologies in key areas for the economy and society, such as human health care, with special attention to the cancer control program, food safety, agriculture and environment protection.
The representative of the island also referred to the importance of continuing to support the development and promotion of Nuclear Applications and Technical Cooperation in developing countries; as well as promoting the transfer of technology to those countries. In this context, she called for redoubling the Agency's efforts to increase the resources of the Technical Cooperation Program, with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as its main focus.
Rodriguez Abascal ratified the inalienable right of all States to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, without any discrimination or conditions. At the same time, she demanded the immediate suppression of any kind of limitations and restrictions to developing countries on exports, of materials, equipment and technologies for nuclear activities for peaceful purposes.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations.