Mr. Chairman,
Cuba associates itself with the statements delivered by the delegations of the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of NAM and El Salvador on behalf of CELAC.
We further thank the Secretary-General for presenting his report A/73/125 on this important subject.
Our country reiterates its determination to combat terrorism and its deepest rejection and condemnation of all terrorist acts, methods and practices, in all forms and expressions by whoever, against whomever and wherever committed, regardless of the motives, including those in which States are directly or indirectly involved.
The phenomenon of terrorism must be addressed in a holistic manner, through direct confrontation and prevention as well as concrete actions to eradicate its root causes.
Cuba reiterates that terrorism cannot and should not be linked to any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group.
We condemn any action aimed at encouraging, supporting, financing or concealing any terrorist act, method or practice.
We reaffirm the value of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the primary responsibility of Member States to implement it in a transparent manner. At the same time, we support multilateral efforts aimed at consolidating the central role of the General Assembly in implementing this Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
Mr. Chairman,
Cuba considers that the harmful practice by certain States of financing, supporting or promoting subversive acts of "regime change", as well as messages of intolerance and hatred against other peoples, cultures or political systems, through the use of modern information and communications technologies, violates the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law.
Cuba reiterates its strong condemnation of the unilateral acts of certain States that claim to be in the right to certify behaviors and to draw up politically motivated lists, contrary to international law, as these acts undermine the central authority of the General Assembly in fighting terrorism.
The international community cannot accept that under the banner of a supposed fight against terrorism certain States carry out acts of aggression, directly or indirectly against sovereign peoples, and flagrant violations of human rights and international humanitarian law are committed.
Likewise, we firmly reject the manipulation of an issue as sensitive as international terrorism so that it can become a policy instrument against any country.
Mr. Chairman,
Cuba is a State party to 18 international conventions on terrorism and reaffirms its commitment to continue working in order to strengthen the central role of the United Nations in adopting measures and developing a comprehensive legal framework in the fight against international terrorism.
We reiterate our support for the adoption of a comprehensive convention on international terrorism to overcome existing legal loopholes in the definition of terrorism. Furthermore, we favor the convening of an international conference under the auspices of the United Nations to provide an organized response to the scourge of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Mr. Chairman,
In defending its independence, sovereignty and dignity, Cuba has suffered the consequences of terrorist acts for decades, with a toll of 3,478 deaths and 2,099 disabled.
We do not forget that the self-confessed terrorist Luis Posada Carriles died free to roam the streets of Miami with the shameful complicity of the United States Government, after being the mastermind of the explosion in mid-flight off the coast of Barbados of an aircraft of a Cubana de Aviación airliner, taking the toll of 73 lives. Forty-two years after this event, Cubans are outraged that justice has not been done to the victims of this horrific crime.
Mr. Chairman,
We reiterate that Cuba has never been involved in organizing, financing or committing terrorist acts against any country, and has never supported nor will it never support acts of international terrorism. Cuban territory has never been used and will never be used to organize, finance or carry out terrorist acts against any country.
Cuba reaffirms its support for multilateral and bilateral cooperation to combat international terrorism and, consequently, maintains a firm willingness to cooperate with all countries to prevent and suppress acts of terrorism at all times on the basis of mutual respect and in accordance with the principles and norms of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
Thank you very much