Mr. Chairman,
The Cuban delegation thanks you for holding this meeting of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country and we take this opportunity to reiterate once again our full support for your efforts.
As members of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country, we are working for said Committee to address, in a timely manner, all issues concerning the relations among the Organization, the Member States and the Host Country.
Mr. Chairman,
Respect for diplomatic properties is of vital importance and especially sensitive for the effective exercise of the functions of diplomatic missions and their diplomatic agents accredited to the United Nations
In this regard, it is essential for the normal development of diplomatic missions accredited to the United Nations that host country authorities comply with the Organization's Headquarters Agreement.
Cuba unequivocally rejects any event that violates the diplomatic immunity of both, premises and diplomatic agents, and favors the adoption of all relevant measures aimed at preventing such events from happening.
Cuba considers that the Host Country has the obligation to take all relevant measures within its reach to comply with its international obligations, in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961.
Mr. Chairman,
Cuba reiterates that the application of restrictions on the movement of diplomats from different countries accredited to the United Nations is unjust, selective, discriminatory and politically-motivated and openly contravenes the Host Country's obligations contained in the Headquarters Agreement and the customary rules of Diplomatic Law.
The Host Country continues failing to take concrete steps to eliminate this unjustifiable measure preventing personnel from several countries, including the Cuban personnel, from moving beyond a 25-mile radius from Colombus Circle. This arbitrary and unjustified limitation is contrary to the general rule on the free movement of diplomats, creates additional problems in the development of diplomatic management of Missions and must be immediately eliminated.
Mr. Chairman,
Cuba calls for dialogue and respect for international law to contribute decisively to a better development of the diplomatic relations of the countries accredited to the United Nations, within a framework of security and strict compliance with the provisions of the Vienna Conventions and the Headquarters Agreement.
To conclude, we reiterate our commitment to work with all Members of the Committee to enforce the relevant provisions of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and of the Headquarters Agreement of the United Nations, in a transparent and non-discriminatory manner and fully respecting the sovereignty of States and the Organization.
Thank you very much.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations