CubaMinrex. Sitio del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Cuba

 

Explanation by Cuba under thematic cluster no. 4 on draft resolution l.32, the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects. First committee, New York, 29 October 2010.

Mr. Chairman,

The delegation of Cuba [voted in favor] of draft resolution L.32 on The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects, based on the full support my country has given and will continue giving to the United Nations Programme of Action on illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, the provisions of which are strictly complied with by Cuba. From this perspective, our country actively participated in the Fourth Biennial Meeting, by presenting a considerable number of proposals that were reflected in the outcome documents adopted.

We stress that operative paragraph 4 of this resolution refers to paragraph 23, Section IV, of the Final Report of the Fourth Biennial Meeting, in relation to the arbitrary procedure used to adopt the Final Report of the Meeting, which cannot constitute a precedent for future meetings of the Programme of Action. Unlike what happened in the Fourth Biennial Meeting, we emphasize the outcome documents of these meetings must be duly negotiated in a transparent and inclusive manner, with the participation of all delegations on an equal footing.

Cuba attaches the utmost importance to that reference to paragraph 23 and, in fact, the inclusion of such language was what enabled the adoption of the Final Report of the Fourth Biennial Meeting.

Cuba defends the legitimate right of States to manufacture, import, and maintain small arms and light weapons to fulfill their legitimate needs for defense, in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations. At the same time, we advocate the taking of effective measures to prevent and combat illicit arms trade, and prevent their use by those engaged in criminal and terrorist activities.

For more than 50 years, the Cuban people have been the victim of the use of illicit arms by terrorist individuals and organizations that have committed acts of aggressions against Cuba. As a result of these appalling acts, 3,478 people have died and other 2,099 have been injured.

Cuba highlights the need to promote international assistance and cooperation as an essential element for all States to advance towards the full compliance with the Programme of Action. Cuba reiterates its willingness to provide cooperation to those States requesting it, in their efforts to prevent and combat the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects.

Thank you

(Cubaminrex-Misión ONU)