CubaMinrex. Sitio del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Cuba

Explanation of vote by Cuba under thematic cluster no. 6 on Draft Resolution l.49, Preventing and combating illicit brokering activities. First Committee, New York, 28 October 2010.

 

Mr. Chairman,

With respect to draft resolution L.49, Preventing and combating illicit brokering activities, we consider necessary to place on record the following positions:

First: We have accepted preambular paragraph 12 and operative paragraph 2, on the understanding that they only refer to the application of Treaties and instruments by States party to them, the obligations of which have been sovereignly accepted by those States, in accordance with International Law.

These two paragraphs should in no way be construed as granting legitimacy to instruments that, in Cuba’s opinion, are not fully consistent with United Nations Charter and International Law, like the so-called Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI).

Second: Cuba has supported the resolution on the understanding that it is aimed at bolstering, and in no way weakening, the multilateral and non-discriminatory approach on the field of disarmament and arms control, for this is the only effective means of preventing and tackling the possible use of weapons of mass destruction by terrorists.

Third: As explicitly recognized in the resolution, we wish to emphasize the initiatives to prevent and combat illicit brokering activities cannot hinder international cooperation, as to materials, equipment and technology used for peaceful purposes.

The language of the resolution is far from being perfect and can be improved. We believe concerns expressed by various delegations regarding the text are legitimate and must be duly taken into consideration. In this context, we appeal to the co-sponsors to continue working to improve the resolution, with a view to achieving consensus when this issue is again reviewed by the Committee. 

Thank you

(Cubaminrex – Misión ONU)