Madam President,
Cuba associates itself with the statement made by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement.
The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace cannot be taken as a mere celebration, but as a reaffirmation of our duty and collective responsibility to preserve peace. As we approach the commemoration of the 74th anniversary of the United Nations Organization, Cuba as a founding member ratifies its commitment to the defense and promotion of multilateralism.
Within a global context marked by growing threats to international peace and security; unconventional warfare; blatant violations to the sovereignty of States; policies of domination through the use of force; attempts to reimpose a unipolar order; violations of International Law; threatening and arbitrary breach of international treaties; multiplication of unilateral sanctions and trade wars, the only possible response is to preserve and ratify multilateralism, based on strict respect for the principles of International Law and the UN Charter.
Respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of States, non-interference in the internal affairs of States; refraining from the threat or use of force; and the peaceful settlement of disputes must continue to be the basic foundation of international law and at all times guide the actions by States and international relations.
Madam President,
The time has come to put an end to manipulation, politicization and indecent double standards on issues of global significance, including human rights. We strongly reject the enactment and implementation of extraterritorial laws, such as the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States Government against Cuba for more than 60 years, in a flagrant violation of International Law and the UN Charter, as well as the 27 resolutions adopted by this General Assembly demanding its immediate lifting.
The blockade against Cuba does not only remain in full force. By contrast, it has been reinforced by the recent decision of the United States Government to allow, hereinafter, that legal actions against Cuban and foreign companies outside US jurisdiction can be brought before U.S. courts. In addition, it has tightened the impediments to the entry into the United States of executives and relatives from companies that legitimately invest in Cuba in properties that were nationalized. Such measures undermine multilateralism and pose huge challenges and threats to international law and the principles of peaceful coexistence among States.
We also repudiate the decision to limit once again the remittances sent by Cubans residing in the U.S. to their families and close ones, to further restrict the travels of U.S. citizens to Cuba and to apply additional financial sanctions.
Madam President,
For almost 60 years, Cuba’s foreign policy has been characterized by upholding the principles of the revolutionary diplomacy. Internationalism, solidarity and unity among third world countries form the backbone of Cuban foreign policy.
Cuba has contributed to improve the living conditions of other peoples and nations through international cooperation projects and cooperative assistance. In this regard, we cannot overlook the well-deserved recognition to the health personnel and other specialists who have provided their services in a selfless and altruistic manner to improve the quality of life of the population living in sister nations of the third world.
Just to mention a few examples of the achievements of Cuba in terms of medical cooperation, at the close of the year 2018 the following information was registered: more than 1.5 billion patients were treated at consultations; more than 6.5 million lives were saved; more than 2.9 million childbirths were carried out; and over 10 million surgeries were performed. Moreover, our international health workers guarantee the right to life.
Madam President,
The region of Latin America and the Caribbean is presently an area of constant threats, inconsistent with the “Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace”, signed in Havana by the Heads of State and Government in 2014 on the occasion of the 2nd Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States.
Against this backdrop of threats, we wish to reiterate that the unwavering solidarity with the sister Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is a right of Cuba as a sovereign State and also a duty which is a part of the tradition and undeniable principles of the foreign policy of the Cuban Revolution.
It must be absolutely clear that no threat of reprisal against Cuba, no ultimatum or blackmail by the current U.S. government is going to divert the internationalist stance of the Cuban nation, despite the devastating human and economic damages caused to our people by the genocidal blockade.
Madam President,
To conclude, Cuba reiterates its unavoidable commitment to continue to work along with the United Nations and its Member States for the establishment of a democratic and just international world order, consistent with the call for peace, development and justice of the peoples around the world to ensure the preservation and strengthening of multilateralism.
Thank you.