Mr. President,
We appreciate the holding of this open debate, which is highly relevant in the context of the current situation of international relations.
Cuba endorses the statement delivered by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on behalf of NAM.
Mr. President,
Violation of universally recognized principles of International Law threatens international peace and security.
The threat of the use of force and the unilateral use of force against sovereign States, intervention and actions aimed at imposing regime changes and unilateral coercive measures undermine international rules and international peace and security.
It is very regrettable that the Security Council, due the repeated hindrance of one of its members, has failed to ensure respect for International Law and International Humanitarian Law in considering the Palestinian question, particularly the massacre committed by the Israeli army against a peaceful political demonstration, which left dozens of deaths and thousands wounded. It is unacceptable that the Council remains impassive when unilateral actions are taken, such as the attack perpetrated by the United States and some of its allies against military and civilian installations in the Syrian Arab Republic on 13 April.
Ignoring the commitments undertaken and showing profound disrespect for international standards, the US government announces its withdrawal from international agreements relevant to humanity.
Mr. President,
As the United Nations, it is incumbent upon us to preserve and defend International Law.
Cuba reiterates its firm commitment to respect for International Law, consistent with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, to multilateralism and to the international system that we have built within the framework of the United Nations.
The principles of International Law enshrined in the Charter, mostly: sovereign equality among States; respect for the national sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of States; non-intervention in matters within the domestic jurisdiction of States; refraining from the threat or use of force and the peaceful settlement of disputes, as set out in the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, should remain the main basis for international legality and should at all times guide the actions of States and the development of the rule of law.
Strict compliance with these principles and the international obligations undertaken is the essence of the promotion of International Law.
Cuba rejects the attempts to apply concepts that are not universally recognized and are intended to become principles of International Law, such as "limited sovereignty", "humanitarian intervention", "preventive war" and "responsibility to protect from atrocity crimes", used by virtue of domination agendas to conceal interventionist and aggressive actions.
Mr. President,
The promotion and strengthening of International Law is based on the recognition and full respect for the sovereign right of peoples to choose their political, economic, social and cultural systems; on the creation of legal and democratic institutions which pertain more with their socio-political and cultural interests; and on the recognition of these institutions by the international community.
Attempts to impose laws and institutions under certain preconceived rules in the centers of power, the enactment and enforcement of extraterritorial laws, the politically motivated exercise of the jurisdiction of national or international courts, and manipulation and double standards in matters of global importance, not only undermine existing rules, but also render them inapplicable.
Cuba condemns any attempt to supplant or replace national authorities in strengthening their respective political, economic and legal systems and the functioning of their institutions.
Any UN initiative aimed at strengthening national institutions must respect the purposes and principles of the Charter, abide by the framework of the approved mandate, and comply with the principles of neutrality, impartiality, State consent and national ownership, without any political conditioning or pressure.
Mr. President,
The reform of the United Nations, aimed at achieving a truly democratic and participatory Organization, with a transparent and democratized Security Council and a revitalized General Assembly, with a central role and weight, and accompanying States in the sovereign construction of the future that each nation decides for itself, is an essential component for ensuring the preservation of International Law.
Regulatory frameworks and institutions are required, at both the national and international levels, to ensure full participation of peoples and each human being in taking decisions that affect them, and in implementing programmes and policies aimed at the promotion and consolidation of equity and social justice, as well as the realization of all rights for all peoples and individuals.
Cuba reiterates its unswerving commitment to continue working with other Member States and the United Nations to establish a democratic and just international order that responds to the demand for peace, development and justice of the peoples of the world and guarantees the preservation and strengthening of international law.
We will continue to promote the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, signed at the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, calling on the Member States of the international community to fully respect this Declaration in their relations with CELAC Member States.
Thank you very much