Mr. Chairman,
I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General for Management, Mr. Yukio Takasu, for his presentation on the financial situation of the Organization.
My delegation endorses the statement made by the distinguished delegation of the Kingdom of Thailand on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. Nevertheless, we need to provide some remarks in our national capacity.
Mr. Chairman,
The United Nations Organization requires a sound and constant financial basis to implement the purposes for which it was created. Member States must pay their contributions in full, on time, without conditionsand spare no efforts to ensure the organization´s financial stability.
We recognize the efforts by many Member States to fully comply with their payment obligations, particularly the developing countries, as they are the most affected by the current global economic and financial situation. Such efforts are a reflection of their commitments to the Organization. We therefore believe that consideration must be given to the special situations experienced by some developing countries, which prevent them from fulfilling their financial commitments, regardless of their political will.
We reiterate our call for an effective and efficient management of the financial resources put in the hands of the Organization by Member States, particularly when we face an international context in which we, the contributors, are adopting austerity measures. Accountability, transparency and the capacity to produce results represent unavoidable indicators.
Mr. Chairman,
Despite the obstacles faced by Cuba as a developing country, we remain fully committed to multilateralism. This is manifested not only in our active involvement in the works of the United Nations, but also in our political will to meet financial responsibilities.
However, such political will is hampered by the economic, financial and commercial blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba.
Although today, after little more than a year from the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between our countries, some progress has been achieved in terms of bilateral relations, mainly in diplomatic affairs, dialogue and cooperation on issues of common interest, the reality is that the blockade remains in force. It continues to cause damage and hardship to the Cuban people, as well as to hamper the economic functioning and relations with other countries. Although positive, the executive measures adopted by the government of the United States are not sufficient.
Few of you imagine the number of obstacles owing to the blockade that we have been forced to overcome in order to make effective our contribution to the United Nations this year, in spite of having the resources to do so.
In this context, we would like to thank the Accounting Division, its Department for Contributions and the Treasury Department for their cooperation and support to find alternative ways that allow us to make these payments.
Mr. Chairman,
Cuba reiterates its determination to meet financial obligations to the United Nations. We do this because our country is firmly committed to our organization and to deliver on its commitment under the founding Charter to join efforts with a view to achieving development, peace, prosperity and dignity for all.
Thank you very much.