00:00Now to statements from Uruguay at this hour.
00:03Human economy, including energy, public health, nutrition and agriculture,
00:08as well as trade, investment, tourism and banking.
00:11We are deeply concerned about the widening of the extraterritorial nature of the embargo on Cuba,
00:18notably through the full implementation of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act.
00:23The application of this law is a clear transgression to the freedom of commerce among nations,
00:28because of its intimidating purpose,
00:32by punishing any trade or investment transactions between any given country and Cuba.
00:38The persecution of Cuban financial transactions in third-country jurisdictions,
00:43which has had a significant deterrent effect in economic terms, has continued.
00:49The limited foreign investment and difficulty of access to development credits
00:54translate directly into economic hardship and humanitarian suffering for the people of Cuba.
01:01As a result of these unilateral measures,
01:04it will be impossible for Cuba to successfully embark on the path towards sustainable development
01:10envisaged in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,
01:14to which all member states have pledged support.
01:17Regarding the announcement by the Government of the United States of new measures
01:21further tightening the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed against the Republic of Cuba,
01:27including actions aimed at obstructing the supply of oil to the country
01:32and the imposition of sanctions on third states that engage in legitimate commercial relations with Cuba,
01:38which have clear extraterritorial effects,
01:41the group stresses that these measures are contrary to the purpose and principles of the Charter of the United Nations
01:48and international law and undermine multilateralism, international economic cooperation
01:54and the rules-based, non-discriminatory, open, fair and equitable multilateral trading system
02:01with a World Trade Organization at its core.
02:04At the same time, they aggravate Cuba's difficulties to carry out financial and commercial operations
02:11threatening the livelihood and integrity of the Cuban population.
02:15The group of 77 and China is deeply concerned about the severe humanitarian and development consequences
02:21that restrictions affecting access to energy supplies have on Cuba currently.
02:27Energy shortages and disruptions in fuel supplies are undermining electricity generation
02:33and the provision of essential public services, affecting hospitals, schools, water and sanitation systems,
02:41public transportation, food production and distribution networks, and other critical infrastructure.
02:47The group is also concerned that financial restrictions and obstacles to international banking transactions
02:53have hindered the acquisition of renewable energy technologies, humanitarian supplies,
03:00and other goods essential for the people of Cuba at this difficult juncture.
03:05In the same vein, we urge the immediate removal of Cuba from the U.S. Department of State list of
03:10countries
03:11that are allegedly sponsors of terrorism.
03:14Cuba is a long-standing active member, partner of members of the group, in promoting South-South cooperation.
03:21Thanks to the efforts made by Cuba, many countries within the group have developed their scientific and technical potential.
03:28All we know about Cuba is friendship and solidarity.
03:31We know nothing about terrorism.
03:33The inclusion of Cuba in this list does not represent only a reputational damage,
03:40but is also among the core elements in the reinforcement of the embargo.
03:43Because of this categorization, it has been extremely difficult for Cuba to engage in international banking operations,
03:51regardless of whether it is the case of state, private companies, or private entrepreneurs,
03:57which sets extremely harmful conditions for the development and well-being of the Cuban population.
04:03The group recognizes the long-standing and positive contribution of the Cuban international medical cooperation
04:09and solidarity in saving the lives of millions of people around the world, particularly, but not exclusively, in developing countries.
04:16Cuba has extensively and consistently contributed to the international community for many decades.
04:23Its assistance to other countries has been a great example of South-South cooperation.
04:28The group, therefore, rejects any unilateral coercive measures that are not in accordance with international law
04:35and the Charter of the United Nations or attempts to hinder this international medical cooperation
04:41and solidarity for political or any other reasons.
04:46Mr. President, in this context, the group reiterates that there can be no sustainable development without peace
04:53and no peace without sustainable development.
04:56We continue to be guided by all the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter
05:03and by full respect for the principles of international law, particularly regarding the sovereign equality of states,
05:10non-intervention and non-interference in states' internal affairs, and freedom of international trade and navigation.
05:16We recall the states' short refrain in international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity
05:24or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations.
05:34The group emphasizes that these principles must be fully respected and stresses the need to refrain from any action inconsistent
05:41with the Charter
05:42that could aggravate tensions or jeopardize the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of Cuba.
05:51In this regard, the group calls for all defenses to be addressed through peaceful means and dialogue, in accordance with
05:57the Charter of the United Nations.
05:58We believe that it is the duty and responsibility of every member state to strictly comply with those principles,
06:07and that any policy or action that disregards them should be immediately repealed.
06:15The urgency and necessity of lifting the blockade is ever clearer, especially considering that this is the 34th occasion
06:23on which the General Assembly will adopt a resolution to call for its end.
06:27The group therefore calls for the immediate, complete and unconditional lifting of the embargo,
06:31including all measures with extraterritorial effects.
06:34Ending these restrictions is essential not only for Cuba's development and the well-being of its people,
06:40but also for upholding the Charter, international law, and the credibility of multilateralism.
06:45I thank you.
06:49Those were the statements.
