South Africa reiterates support for end of blockade to Cuba
Speech by the representative of South Africa at the UNGA Session on the lifting of the blockade on Cuba. teleSUR
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00 Thank you, Mr. President.
00:09 We recognize the presence of His Excellency Bruno Rodrigues Parilla, the Minister of Foreign
00:16 Affairs of the Republic of Cuba.
00:21 South Africa aligns itself with the statements delivered by the Africa Group, the Non-Aligned
00:28 Movement, and the Group of 77 and China.
00:34 Mr. President, we reiterate our principled support for this resolution and call once
00:42 more on the United States to heed the almost unanimous call by member states to end its
00:52 blockade of Cuba, which has impeded its right to development.
01:00 The Secretary General's report has again highlighted the terrible impact that this
01:05 embargo has had on Cuba and her people.
01:10 This remains a grave violation of international law and the principles enshrined in the UN
01:17 Charter, and such unilateral action cannot be justified.
01:23 Mr. President, the South African Government and people acknowledge with deep humility
01:31 the sacrifices made by the Cuban people with their lives to fight for South Africa's liberation.
01:40 We pay tribute to Cuba's selfless generosity and distinguished record in helping those
01:48 in need around the world in health, education, emergency relief, and development, especially
01:57 in Africa.
02:00 This they do despite the economic blockade.
02:05 Cuba champions the rights of developing countries, and it too has an undeniable right to develop
02:15 and prosper.
02:18 Mr. President, South Africa reiterates its unwavering call on the United States to remove
02:24 this unjust burden of sanctions and to opt for constructive dialogue with Cuba, not its
02:32 further isolation.
02:36 South Africa joins the overwhelming majority of United Nations member states in calling
02:43 for a new chapter of hope for Cuba and its people.
02:50 The South African Government remains concerned about the destructive impact that the United
02:55 States' embargo has on the lives and livelihoods of the people of Cuba, especially the poor
03:04 and vulnerable, and amidst the mounting global food and fuel crisis.
03:13 The U.S. designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, together with the continued
03:19 full application of the Helms-Benton Act, including the authorization to file lawsuits
03:27 in U.S. courts under its Title III, further hinders Cuba's economic, commercial, and
03:35 financial relations with third countries.
03:39 The designation is unfounded, and we call for the removal of Cuba from this list, which
03:47 is aimed at further punitive actions.
03:52 Mr. President, United States sanctions represent major impediment for South African companies
04:00 in conducting business with Cuba.
04:04 Nevertheless, the relations between South Africa and Cuba continue to serve as a successful
04:11 model of South-South cooperation.
04:16 South Africa has recommitted to expanding its existing bilateral cooperation program
04:22 with Cuba, as well as to pursue new areas of cooperation, such as in infrastructure
04:28 development, agriculture, and science and technology.
04:35 The United States' embargo remains the most significant obstacle for Cuba in its quest
04:42 to realize its development objectives, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
04:51 United States sanctions have caused major economic difficulties for Cuba, including
04:56 shortages of essential items such as food, fuel, medicines, and other necessities.
05:06 South Africa commends those countries that have taken measures to mitigate the specific
05:11 effects of the Helms-Burton Act, and requests third-party countries to scrap any domestic
05:18 laws or regulations that continue to hamper the development of Cuba and its people.
05:27 The global commitment to implementing the 2030 Agenda remains in jeopardy when the embargo
05:35 prevents a member state from fairly participating in its own socioeconomic development.
05:44 South Africa appeals once again to the international community to redouble its efforts to implement
05:53 all the UN resolutions already adopted by the UN, and for the U.S. to end its embargo.
06:04 As we all pursue implementation of sustainable development goals, it is incumbent upon us
06:11 to ensure that no one is left behind, including our brothers and sisters in Cuba.
06:20 I thank you.