CUBA'S EXPLANATION AFTER THE VOTING ON THE AMENDMENT SUBMITTED BY H.E. MR. JORGE IVAN MORA GODOY, AMBASSADOR, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE, WITH REGARD TO THE US BLOCKADE ON CUBA.

Geneva, 17 April 2003

Madame Chairperson:

To the shame of this Commission, the greatest brazenness has just been displayed here in the eyes of the international public opinion. The Western countries and those who have cosponsored this scheme- who have voted against denouncing the illegal and criminal blockade that violates the human rights of an entire people- have reflected the hypocrisy and double standards with which human rights are discussed in this body. They have been unmasked.

Cuba will not insist on submitting a second draft amendment to be voted on. It is not necessary. We know that they will vote as meekly as they just did, before the surveillance of the empire. The same ones who are not willing to condemn the blockade, neither will they condemn the terrorist acts permanently committed against Cuba from the United States. They will always be haunted by such an injustice, and the tears of the mothers and orphans of more than 3000 Cubans killed by these acts- will fall upon their conscience.

To our friends, on behalf of all our people, we express the eternal gratitude for their courage and dignity.

I request therefore, that we proceed to vote directly on this scheme, which is document L.2.

Thank you very much.