New York, Monday, November 6th, 2023
Mr. President,
The Cuban Delegation appreciates the analysis of the Report of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country, contained in document A/78/26.
This new session repeats the scenario of unjustified restrictions on the operation of a number of member state delegations, which are unable to exercise their duties before this Organization under conditions of equality, due to the failure of the United States to comply with the obligations arising from its role as Host Country.
We call attention to the various violations committed by the Host Country, among which stand out the arbitrary imposition of restrictions on the movement of diplomats from various countries and their families; the arbitrary delay and denial in the issuance of visas to members of some delegations aimed at hampering their access the headquarters of the Organization and involvement in its work; the unjustified expulsion of diplomats accredited to the United Nations; the seizure of properties; the obstacles imposed on Member States to access bank accounts and make transactions to meet their financial commitments, even causing the loss of their right to vote; the secondary inspections carried out at airports in the Host Country on diplomatic personnel of some delegations, among others.
Mr. President:
The testimonies in the Report we are analyzing today reflect the Host Country's violations of international provisions, disrespect for sovereign Member States and open abuse of power by using its status as Host Country to fulfill its political agenda.
In the particular case of Cuba, we underline that since November 2020, hostile demonstrations have repeatedly taken place outside the Permanent Mission of Cuba. This has occurred without the authorities of the Host Country duly complying with its obligations under the Vienna Convention, on the adoption of all appropriate measures to protect the premises of the Mission against intrusion or damage, and to avoid disturbing the tranquility of the Mission or violating its dignity.
We reiterate that the inaction of the Host Country has led to the occurrence of these demonstrations, which make it impossible for the personnel of our diplomatic headquarters to perform the duties for which they are accredited, without the danger of aggression displayed by the demonstrators.
It is worth recalling the delays in the granting and/or renewal of visas for some Cuban representatives, appointed to render permanent service at the Cuban Mission to the United Nations in New York.
The Host Country modified the extremely unique movement restriction that had been in place against Cuban diplomats to the United Nations in New York since the second half of 2019. The return to the 25-mile radius limit from Columbus Circle continues to be a discriminatory treatment and is a violation of the United States’ commitments as the host country of the United Nations. We reiterate that this restriction of movement is totally contrary to the international law.
Mr. President,
Cuba rejects the selective and arbitrary use of the Headquarters Agreement by the United States to prevent or limit the participation of certain delegations in the work of the Organization, which is a flagrant violation of the principle of sovereign equality among all Member States of the Organization.
The repeated violations committed by the Host Country, in shameful disregard of the norms of international law inherent to its obligations as host of the Organization and in blatant disrespect for the recommendations adopted in the Committee's reports, which contradicts its commitment to multilateralism, cannot continue to be allowed.
We regret that the Committee’s procedures allow the United States to be the judge of what it is a Party to, and that this is the main obstacle for this Committee to be able to carry out its work objectively and in accordance with the truth of the topics tackled by it.
As long as the Committee is not able to address situations with determination, the Organization will not be able to ensure that its Member States participate and are represented on an equal footing, which is a violation of its constituent Charter.
Mr. President:
As an active member, Cuba remains firmly committed to cooperating so that the decisions and recommendations of this important Committee are carried out with transparency and respect for the sovereignty of Member States, and in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
To that end, we will continue to work constructively for the improvement and effectiveness of the Committee's work, through broad processes of debate, consultation, negotiation and collaboration among its Members, as well as favoring the active participation of other Member States, whether or not affected by the noncompliance of the Host Country.
Thank you