Mr. Chairman,
The Cuban delegation endorses the statement by Algeria on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement and by El Salvador on behalf of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
We appreciate the work of the Co-Chairs of the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Revitalization of the General Assembly during 2017, Permanent Representative of Croatia, Ambassador Vladimir Drobnjak and Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates, Ambassador Lana Zaki Nusseibeh. We take this opportunity to welcome the Permanent Representative of Colombia, Ms. Maria Emma Mejía Vélez, in her position as co-chair of this process in 2018.
Likewise, we recognize the excellent work done by the delegations of Belarus and Algeria, who in the framework of the Non-Aligned Movement, played a fundamental role in the negotiations of resolution A / RES / 71/323.
Mr. Chairman,
The General Assembly is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations; and its process of revitalization is an essential requirement for the effectiveness and efficiency of the United Nations.
A true reform of the United Nations requires a revitalization of the General Assembly that consolidates the democratic and participatory nature of this Organ, through the full exercise of the powers enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations by its 193 Member States.
It is essential to fully respect the Charter of the United Nations, as well as the Regulations of the General Assembly and other bodies.
Guaranteeing the confidence of the international community in the United Nations and its legitimacy also requires that the Organization truly responds to the collective interests of its Member States.
On numerous occasions, the international community has witnessed the non-implementation of resolutions adopted by the General Assembly, as well as the lack of consensus on decisions regarding issues that have long afflicted our peoples. Cuba calls on the Member States of this Organization to demonstrate their political will and commitment to multilateralism.
In like manner, we underscore the need for an adequate balance among the principal organs of the United Nations, in accordance with the UN Charter, as well as the cessation of the growing and dangerous tendency of the Security Council to invade the sphere of action of the General Assembly, which is a violation of the procedures.
We hope that as a result of the process of revitalization, the interaction between the Secretariat and the General Assembly will be strengthened, so that the former can respond more effectively to the mandates determined by the Member States.
On the other hand, we cannot count on an Organization that responds effectively to the contemporary international relations system, without reforming the Security Council and turning the General Assembly into the center of debate and multilateral work.
Mr. Chairman,
My delegation welcomes the adoption by consensus of General Assembly resolution A / RES / 71/323. We consider of vital importance the decision agreed in this resolution regarding the publication in the Journal of the UN of the official meetings and their relevant summaries in the six official languages. We reiterate the importance of multilingualism and parity among the six official languages in the work of the Organization.
Regarding the selection process of the Secretary General, we appreciate that resolution A / RES / 71/323 reiterated that such process of selection shall be guided by the principles of transparency and inclusiveness building on best practices and the participation of all Member States.
Likewise, we consider it is important to maintain the informal interactive dialogues with the candidates for the position of President of the General Assembly, which contributes to the transparency and inclusiveness of the process.
I conclude by reiterating my delegation's willingness to continue supporting the process of revitalization of the General Assembly that consolidates its democratic and participatory nature.
Thank you