UNITED NATIONS , 24 November, 2007.- The UN motion was passed with 122 votes in favor during discussions in the Social and Humanitarian Affairs Commission. According to numerous diplomats, the condemnation in the resolution could be applied in the case of Cuban-born terrorist Luis Posada Carriles. The Venezuelan government has requested Posada's extradition from the United States to stand trial for the murder of 73 persons in the 1976 midair bombing of a passenger plane near Barbados and other crimes, but Washington continues to protect him. The US representative was one of the countries that voted against the resolution, which also rejects the use of mercenaries as a way to violate human rights and to block the right of nations to their self determination. "In this context, concern is expressed for the new activities of mercenaries, like the practice of private security companies to recruit former soldiers and employ them in armed conflicts," said Cuban diplomat Claudia Perez. The resolution states the UN General Assembly's "alarm and concern" over the danger posed to the peace and the security of underdeveloped countries by mercenaries, especially in Africa . (Cubaminrex-Granma)
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