CubaMinrex. Sitio del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Cuba

Statement  by the Delegation of Cuba at the Thematic Discussion on “Other Disarmament Measures and International Security”

First Committee, 22 October 2009

Mr. Chairman,

The draft resolutions submitted to the First Committee on the group of items “Other Disarmament Measures and International Security” address highly important matters. Allow me to go into detail about three of them of particular importance for my delegation.

In relation to “Promotion of multilateralism in the area of disarmament and non-proliferation”, Cuba reiterates that the search for negotiated solutions in the multilateral framework and the need to achieve joint agreements are the only way to safeguard international peace and security.

Practice has demonstrated that the objective of disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction will not be achieved by means of the application of unilateral measures, the promotion of negotiated agreements outside the internationally recognized multilateral frameworks, or the use or threat of use of force.

The stagnation of negotiations in the framework of the multilateral disarmament machinery experienced for some years due to the lack of political will of certain players, multiplies the significance of multilateralism. Fortunately, some promising initial steps are being observed.

Multilateralism and a negotiated peaceful solution, under the Charter of the United Nations, continue to be the only suitable way to settle disputes and achieve progress towards a general and complete disarmament.

Mr. Chairman,

Concerning Disarmament and Development, our delegation considers of vital importance to reiterate that these aspects constitute two of the major challenges humankind must face, especially in the face of the global character of the serious economic, social, food, energy, and environmental crisis affecting us.

Whereas the economies, particularly in developing countries, bleed to death, the military expenditures during 2008 raised 4% as compared to the previous year amounting to 1.46 trillion dollars. That dangerous tendency is translated into a 45% increase in expenditures on weapons worldwide for the last ten years.

In parallel, budget cuts for social, education, or healthcare programs all over the world take place. Consequently, only to provide two examples, in 2008 the number of hungry people in the world rose from 854 million to 963 million, surpassing 1,020 million this year. The number of unemployed people could increase to 230 million during 2009.

In this regard, Cuba ratifies its proposal that a UN-managed Fund must be established, where at least half of the current military expenditures would go to, with a view to meeting the economic and social development requirements of countries in need. Likewise, we reaffirm our support to the Programme of Action adopted in the International Conference on the Relationship between Disarmament and Development held in 1987, which includes the international commitment to allocate part of the resources released through disarmament for socioeconomic development.

Mr. Chairman,

My delegation wishes to highlight the significance of the “Observance of environmental norms in the drafting and implementation of agreements on disarmament and arms control”.

Cuba has gained a vast experience in adopting and implementing laws and policies enabling it to observe environmental norms in all processes of social life, including their implementation in different international instruments regarding disarmament and arms control to which it is State Party.

Nonetheless, the existence of weapons of mass destruction and its constant perfecting is one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, the fragile environmental balance of our planet, and sustainable development for all without distinction.

So far, the Chemical Weapons Convention continues to be the only international agreement enshrining the verifiable destruction of those weapons and the facilities producing them, as well as measures to protect the people and the environment. In that regard, great importance is given to the “principles and methods for the destruction of Chemical Weapons”, which should be taken into account by States owning this type of arms when destroying them.

Strengthening the Biological Weapons Convention will be essential to protect the environment and preserve the biodiversity in our planet. The draft Protocol aimed at strengthening the Convention, which was the target of negotiations some years ago, included measures proposed to protect the environment in the implementation of the Convention. The international community should not give up the achievement of this goal.
Regarding nuclear disarmament, the initiation by the Convention on Disarmament of negotiations over a treaty on this matter with a view to the total elimination of these weapons within a specified framework of time and under strict international control, is imperative. An international treaty on nuclear disarmament must include measures for the protection of the environment.

Thank you.

(Cubaminrex- Embacuba ONU)

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