CubaMinrex. Sitio del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Cuba

Statement by the delegation of Cuba in explanation of vote (list 1), thematic cluster 1: nuclear weapons. First Committee. New York, 27 October 2010.

Mr. Chairman,

The Cuban delegation wishes to explain its vote regarding draft resolution L.43 on United action towards the elimination of nuclear weapons, and L.48 on Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).

Cuba has always maintained a clear, transparent and consistent position in favor of nuclear disarmament, as the top priority in the field of disarmament, and the need to take concrete actions towards that goal.

My delegation has previously abstained from voting on the resolution introduced this year as L.43, because we consider it lacks substantive elements effectively leading to that purpose, which has been repeatedly expressed by our delegation to the authors of the draft resolution.

The resolution introduced this year includes new elements leading it off its intended goal. That is why we submitted to the authors a set of observations that regrettably were not taken into consideration, and we had no other choice but to abstain once more.  

We hope next year our observations are taken into account. We are willing to work constructively so we are able to support this resolution.

Mr. Chairman,

Cuba has also kept a clear position against all sorts of nuclear tests, including those carried out by using supercomputers and other sophisticated explosive devices. Therefore, Cuba has always voted in favor of the resolution on the CTBT annually introduced in this First Committee, which we have again supported on this occasion.  

However, we consider significant to state that with the repetition of operational paragraph 5, the resolution strays from the basically technical character it must have.

Everybody knows the complexities inherent to this sensitive matter, and the decisions taken by the Security Council do not help solve the problem. 

We strongly believe diplomacy and dialogue through peaceful means must continue with a view to achieving a long-term solution to the nuclear question in the Korean peninsula. Furthermore, we reiterate our deep concern at the slow advancement on nuclear disarmament and the lack of progress by nuclear-weapon States in the complete elimination of their nuclear arsenals.

We hope the sponsors of this draft resolution keep, in the future, the attention of text to relevant questions relating to CTBT, and avoid the inclusion of controversial elements that can be easily manipulated, which will facilitate getting closer to the necessary consensus on the matter.

Thank you.

(Cubaminrex-Misión ONU)