Cuba states that the United Nations, especially the General Assembly, is responsible for maintaining international peace and security

New York, 17 February 2020.- During his intervention at the general debate of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (PKO), during the 74th session of the United Nations, Manuel J. Pírez Pérez, Minister Counselor of Cuba to the international body, recalled that the organization has the main responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, therefore it has to demand strict compliance of the purposes and principles enshrined in its Charter, especially sovereign equality, political independence, territorial integrity of all States and non-intervention in internal affairs.
 
The diplomat explained how PKO, in order to work properly, requires full respect and preservation of the principles of impartiality, consent of the parties and non-use of force, except in cases of self-defense, as established under international law. He illustrated how in the last years, peacekeeping operations have become multidimensional operations, which sometimes have resulted in contradictions with their main principles.

He also reflected on how new and more complex peacekeeping operations cannot replace the attention and solution of the root causes of the conflicts; and recalled that they are a temporary measure for creating a framework that allows applying a long-term strategy for sustainable economic and social development. He additionally stated that this will be the only way to overcome the vicious circle of new conflicts and operations, as well as to prevent the high human and material costs it entails.

Pírez Pérez also highlighted in his statement that the General Assembly has a primary role in formulating concepts, policies, doctrines, strategies and budgetary matters related to peacekeeping.

(Cubaminrex-Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations)