Excellencies,
First and foremost, I would like to thank the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and his Office for their leadership in the context of a disturbing global rebirth of intolerance, discrimination and xenophobia. Likewise, I wish to thank you for the information provided on the activities carried out over the past year and those scheduled for 2022.
We share, as cornerstones of our foreign policy, the principles of promotion of peace, peaceful coexistence, tolerance, mutual respect, international cooperation and solidarity which should continue to steer the work of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations.
Only through international cooperation and respectful dialogue on topics we differ in opinion, can we move forward together in solving the common problems we face.
The promotion of a culture of peace and tolerance among the different religions and forms of civilization is essential. There can be no economic development and social justice for all without peace and an environment of respect for our legitimate differences.
There can be no peace, nor can a culture conducive to peace be constructed, without strict compliance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and International Law, particularly the prohibition of the use and threat of use of force, the non-interference in internal affairs, and the respect for sovereignty and self-determination.
Nor can the culture of peace make headway as long as multilateralism is not privileged and unilateral coercive measures, which are contrary to the UN Charter and International Law, continue to be applied. The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations has an important role to play in this regard.
Excellencies,
We share the need to continue to promote religious freedom and protect the places of worship of the various congregations. Our Constitution is clear. The Cuban State recognizes, respects and guarantees religious freedom. All religious institutions have the same rights and duties, and the various beliefs and religions enjoy equal consideration.
In like manner, we share the need to continue to fight anti-Semitism as an expression of intolerance. However, the Alliance should also be a platform for promoting a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Palestinian people must exercise their right to self-determination and to build an independent and sovereign state with the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The Israeli occupation must end.
Against the resurgence of intolerance, discrimination and xenophobia, it is indispensable to support platforms that promote peace, dialogue and mutual respect, such as the Alliance of Civilizations.
In closing, I would like to reiterate Cuba's commitment to peace, dialogue and multilateralism, and our support for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations.
Thank you.