` Sixty-second session Item 22 of the provisional agenda* Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba Report of the Secretary-General Summary In its resolution 61/11, entitled “Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba”, the General Assembly requested the Secretary-General, in consultation with the appropriate organs and agencies of the United Nations system, to prepare a report on the implementation of the resolution in the light of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law and to submit it to the Assembly at its sixty-second session. The present report reproduces the replies of Governments and the United Nations system to the request of the Secretary-General for information on the matter. * A/62/150. Contents Page Introduction 7 Replies received from Governments 7 Algeria 7 Angola 8 Antigua and Barbuda 8 Argentina 9 Armenia 10 Azerbaijan 10 Bahamas 10 Bangladesh 10 Barbados 11 Belarus 11 Belize 12 Benin 12 Bolivia 13 Botswana 14 Brazil 14 Burkina Faso 14 Burundi 15 Cambodia 15 Cameroon 15 Cape Verde 15 Central African Republic 16 Chile 16 China 16 Colombia 17 Comoros 17 Congo 17 Costa Rica 18 Croatia 18 Cuba 19 Democratic Republic of the Congo 46 Democratic People’s Republic of Korea 46 Dominica 47 Dominican Republic 47 Ecuador 47 Egypt 47 Equatorial Guinea 47 Eritrea 48 European Union 48 Gambia 49 Ghana 49 Greece 49 Grenada 49 Guatemala 50 Guinea 50 Guinea-Bissau 51 Guyana 51 Haiti 51 Holy See 52 Honduras 52 India 52 Indonesia 52 Iran (Islamic Republic of) 53 Jamaica 53 Japan 54 Kazakhstan 54 Kenya 55 Kiribati 55 Lao People’s Democratic Republic 55 Lebanon 56 Lesotho 56 Libyan Arab Jamahiriya 56 Liechtenstein 57 Madagascar 57 Malawi 57 Malaysia 58 Maldives 59 Mali 59 Mauritius 59 Mexico 59 Mozambique 61 Myanmar 61 Namibia 62 Nauru 62 Nicaragua 62 Niger 64 Nigeria 64 Oman 64 Pakistan 65 Panama 65 Papua New Guinea 66 Paraguay 66 Peru 66 Philippines 67 Qatar 67 Russian Federation 67 Rwanda 68 Saint Kitts and Nevis 68 Saint Lucia 69 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 69 Sao Tome and Principe 69 Senegal 70 Seychelles 70 Sierra Leone 70 Solomon Islands 70 Somalia 71 South Africa 71 Sri Lanka 72 Sudan 72 Suriname 73 Swaziland 73 Syrian Arab Republic 74 Thailand 75 Timor-Leste 75 Togo 75 Tonga 76 Trinidad and Tobago 76 Tunisia 76 Turkey 76 Turkmenistan 76 Uganda 77 Ukraine 77 Uruguay 77 Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) 78 Viet Nam 79 Yemen 80 Zambia 80 Zimbabwe 80 Replies received from organs and agencies of the United Nations system 81 Office of the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations system for operational activities for development 81 Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean 82 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 83 International Atomic Energy Agency 86 International Civil Aviation Organization 87 International Labour Organization 87 International Telecommunication Union 88 Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS 89 Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees 90 United Nations Children’s Fund 91 United Nations Conference on Trade and Development 92 United Nations Development Programme in Cuba 95 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization 97 United Nations Environment Programme 98 United Nations Human Settlements Programme 98 United Nations Industrial Development Organization 99 United Nations Population Fund 100 Universal Postal Union 101 World Food Programme 102 World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization 102 World Trade Organization 104 I. Introduction 1. In its resolution 61/11, entitled “Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba”, the General Assembly requested the Secretary-General, in consultation with the appropriate organs and agencies of the United Nations system, to prepare a report on the implementation of the resolution in the light of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law and to submit it to the Assembly at its sixty-second session. 2. Pursuant to that request, in a note verbale dated 25 April 2007, the Secretary-General invited Governments and organs and agencies of the United Nations system to provide him with any information they might wish to contribute for the preparation of his report. 3. The present report reproduces the replies from Governments and organs and agencies of the United Nations that had been received as at 1 August 2007. Replies received after that date will be reproduced as addenda to the present report. II. Replies received from Governments Algeria [Original: French] [5 June 2007] 1. Algeria again expresses its concern at the continuation of the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba. 2. Like the majority of States Members of the United Nations, Algeria has repeatedly called for the lifting of the economic embargo that Cuba has endured for 48 years. For the past 15 years or so, the General Assembly has adopted at every session a resolution calling for the embargo to be lifted, and almost all the members have voted for it. 3. Algeria considers that the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed against Cuba is a violation of the principles of sovereign equality of States and non-intervention in the internal affairs of another State. 4. Besides constituting a unilateral act which violates the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and of international law and impedes the free flow of trade, the embargo has a considerable impact on the economic and human development of Cuba. 5. Algeria also expresses its profound concern about the grave consequences of the embargo for the Cuban people, especially as regards nutrition and health or other social services. 6. Algeria expresses its full support for the positions adopted by the Fourteenth Summit Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries, held in September 2006 in Havana, and those adopted at the Second South Summit (Group of 77 and China), held in June 2005 in Doha, which rejected coercive economic measures and extraterritorial laws imposed on developing countries and requested the United States to lift the embargo imposed against Cuba. 7. Algeria is therefore renewing its appeal to the United States to remove the unjust and illegal embargo imposed against Cuba, an embargo under which 70 per cent of Cuban citizens were born, and one which has been consistently rejected by a growing number of countries to the point that opposition to it is today almost unanimous. Angola [Original: English] [22 June 2007] 1. The Republic of Angola upholds the legitimacy in its Constitution of the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, wherein high prominence is given to the principles of pacific coexistence among States and of non-interference in the internal affairs of States. 2. In the conduct of its external policy, the Republic of Angola observes the above principles in its relations with other States, regardless of the political and ideological differences between us. 3. Adhering to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and in fulfilment of adopted resolutions, in particular those relating to the principle of sovereign equality of States and their freedom of trade and international navigation, the Government of the Republic of Angola, in conformity with paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of resolution 61/11, reiterates its unconditional support for the cessation of the economic, trade and financial embargo imposed against the Republic of Cuba by the United States of America. 4. The Republic of Angola thus expresses its acknowledgement of the importance that you attach to this issue and urges the international community to proceed with initiatives with a view to allowing the United States of America and the Republic of Cuba to maintain a constructive dialogue in order to restore normal relations between them. Antigua and Barbuda [Original: English] [10 July 2007] 1. The Government of Antigua and Barbuda remains fully committed to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and in particular the principle of sovereign equality of States, non-intervention and non-interference in their internal affairs and freedom of international trade and navigation. 2. The Government of Antigua and Barbuda expresses concern at the continued promulgation of the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba despite the overwhelming international support for resolution 61/11, previous resolutions against the embargo and other relevant international treaties. 3. Further, in accordance with paragraph 2 of resolution 61/11, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda continues to refrain from promulgating and applying laws and measures of the kind referred to in the preamble of the aforementioned resolution, in conformity with its obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and international law, which, inter alia, reaffirms the freedom of trade and navigation. Argentina [Original: Spanish] [21 May 2007] 1. The Government of the Argentine Republic has fully implemented the provisions of General Assembly resolution 61/11 and previous Assembly resolutions on the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed against Cuba. 2. On 5 September 1997, the Government of Argentina promulgated Act No. 24,871, which establishes the legislative framework governing the scope of application of foreign legislation within the national territory. Under the Act, foreign legislation which, directly or indirectly, is aimed at restricting or impeding the free flow of trade and the movement of capital, goods or persons to the detriment of a given country or group of countries shall neither be applicable nor have legal effects of any kind within the national territory. 3. Article 1 of that Act provides that foreign legislation which, through the imposition of an economic embargo or limits on investment in a given country, seeks to have extraterritorial legal effects in order to bring about a change of government in a country or to affect its right to self-determination shall also be wholly inapplicable and devoid of legal effect. 4. Argentina’s vote in favour of the adoption of General Assembly resolution 61/11 was an immediate and independent reflection of its traditional position in favour of eliminating this kind of unilateral measure and demonstrated its commitment to the Charter of the United Nations, international law and multilateralism. 5. In this context, Argentina would like to refer to the explanation of vote given by the States members (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) and associate members (Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela) of the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) when the resolution was adopted. Aligning themselves with the nearly unanimous rejection by the international community of unilateral coercive measures, they stated that the application of such measures does not contribute to the promotion of a democratic system but, on the contrary, is detrimental to human rights, in particular the right of peoples to development. 6. That is why on more than one occasion and in various international forums — such as the Organization of American States (OAS); the Latin American Economic System (SELA); and the Ibero-American and European Union-Latin America and the Caribbean summits — MERCOSUR and its associate members spoke out in favour of effective multilateralism and of the elimination of unilateral coercive measures, which only exacerbate tensions and undermine the international cooperation that is required to achieve development, security and human rights for all. 7. Argentina would also like to note that the Sixteenth Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government, held in November 2006 in Montevideo, issued a special communiqué on the need to end the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba, including the application of the so-called Helms-Burton Act. Armenia [Original: English] [17 July 2007] Armenian legislation contains no laws or regulations of the kind referred to in the preamble of General Assembly resolution 61/11. Azerbaijan [Original: English] [17 July 2007] 1. The Republic of Azerbaijan firmly upholds norms and principles of international law in its foreign policy. 2. The Republic of Azerbaijan enjoys friendly diplomatic, economic and trade relations with the Republic of Cuba. Azerbaijan has not promulgated or applied laws or measures against Cuba that would prohibit economic, commercial or financial relations between Azerbaijan and Cuba. 3. The Republic of Azerbaijan will continue to undertake determined measures to strengthen cooperation and develop friendly relations with the Republic of Cuba. Bahamas [Original: English] [12 July 2007] The Commonwealth of the Bahamas enjoys normal diplomatic and trade relations with the Republic of Cuba. The Bahamas has not promulgated or applied laws or measures against Cuba that would prohibit economic, commercial or financial relations between the Bahamas and the Republic of Cuba. Bangladesh [Original: English] [3 July 2007] Bangladesh has neither promulgated any law nor adopted any measure of the kind referred to in the preamble of resolution 61/11. Thus, Bangladesh conforms to the provisions of the above-mentioned resolution. Barbados [Original: English] [8 June 2007] The Government of Barbados has no laws that in any way restrict freedom of trade and navigation with Cuba. Barbados has consistently voted in favour of the resolution on the necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba since it was first introduced at the forty-sixth session of the General Assembly in 1991. Belarus [Original: Russian] [4 June 2007] 1. The Republic of Belarus calls on the United States of America to end the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba as soon as possible. The lifting of United States sanctions could be one of the conditions for the normalization of intergovernmental relations between the two countries. 2. Belarus speaks out in favour of the inalienable right of every State to determine its own mode of development. Unilateral attempts by countries to change the internal political system of other countries through military, political, economic or other means of pressure cannot be tolerated. 3. In its foreign policy, the Republic of Belarus is firmly committed to the principles of international law. The legislation of Belarus contains no laws or decrees the extraterritorial effects of which affect the sovereignty of other States, the legitimate interests of entities or persons under their jurisdiction or the freedom of trade and navigation. 4. Relations between Belarus and Cuba are characterized by a high degree of cooperation and growing activity. Priority in bilateral relations is given to the development of trade and economic cooperation. There is mutual interest in and substantial potential for building up bilateral trade and carrying out joint projects in various sectors of the economy. Belarus’s trade with Cuba increased by 16.4 per cent from 2005 to 2006. The volume of imports from Cuba rose by 104 per cent. 5. The seventh meeting of the Belarus-Cuba joint commission on trade and economic cooperation was held in November 2006 in Minsk. Talks between Belarus and Cuba are conducted by the leaders and at high levels. In September 2006, A. G. Lukashenka, the President of the Republic of Belarus, went to Cuba to take part in a summit meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement. 6. In April 2006, an official visit was paid to Cuba by a Belarusian delegation, headed by Sergei Sidorskiy, the Prime Minister. In the course of the visit, important agreements were reached with respect to the execution of joint projects in the trade-economic, scientific-technical and other fields. More than 50 bilateral meetings were held between representatives of ministries, concerns and enterprises of Belarus and representatives of the principal ministries and external trading companies of Cuba. 7. Interparliamentary cooperation between Belarus and Cuba also grew. In September 2006, a Cuban parliamentary delegation, headed by Ricardo Alarcón de Quesada, the President of the National Assembly of People’s Power of the Republic of Cuba, visited Cuba. The Belarusian and Cuban departments responsible for foreign policy gave their support to further development. The treaty and legal basis of bilateral relations was significantly extended. Twenty-five inter-State and interdepartmental agreements have now been signed. 8. Belarus will continue to support actions aimed at extending cooperation and the development of friendly relations with the Republic of Cuba. Belize [Original: English] [13 June 2007] 1. In accordance with resolution 61/11 and all previous General Assembly resolutions on the embargo against Cuba, Belize has not promulgated nor applied any law, regulation or measure, the extraterritorial application of which would affect the sovereignty of other States, the legitimate interests of entities or persons under their jurisdiction and the freedom of trade or navigation. 2. Belize reaffirms its commitments to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, particularly the sovereign equality of States, non-intervention and non-interference in their internal affairs and freedom of international trade and navigation, which also form fundamental principles of international law. 3. Belize has consistently supported the General Assembly’s resolution on the necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba. The ongoing attempt to isolate Cuba in disregard of this annually adopted resolution is a cause of concern. Belize continues to engage Cuba in a constructive and mutually beneficial partnership which has yielded concrete benefits for our peoples. Benin [Original: French] [6 July 2007] 1. The Republic of Benin has excellent relations of friendship and cooperation with Cuba. It would like to see this country enter fully into international life and enjoy the same facilities as do all other States when international law and universal human rights values are respected. 2. Benin resolutely opposes unilateral coercive measures of a political, economic or military nature against Cuba. It cannot endorse the extraterritorial application of national laws that prevent a dialogue with Cuba in the spirit of the Charter of the United Nations and the principles governing the maintenance of good relations between States. 3. Consequently, it is Benin’s wish that the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed against Cuba be lifted. Bolivia [Original: Spanish] [30 May 2007] 1. The Republic of Bolivia has not enacted or applied any laws or measures that affect freedom of trade and navigation with the Republic of Cuba. On the contrary, in exercise of the principle of self-determination, Bolivia enjoys cordial relations of friendship and cooperation with the Government and people of Cuba. 2. In this regard, Bolivia again states its firm and categorical rejection of the application of unilateral laws or measures of an economic, commercial or financial nature against any country and also of the use of unilateral coercive measures that help to increase tensions between States. It therefore expresses in the strongest terms its condemnation of the embargo and economic warfare policies which the Government of the United States of America has been waging against Cuba for more than four decades. 3. The United States embargo against Cuba is contrary to international law and the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. It has an adverse effect on the Cuban people, in particular on the most vulnerable segments of the society, which suffer as a result of these measures and lack the international cooperation required to achieve development of the people. 4. Accordingly, Bolivia’s support for General Assembly resolution 61/11 reflects its unconditional position in favour of the elimination of this kind of unilateral measure, together with its commitment to the Charter of the United Nations, international law and multilateralism. It likewise expresses its attachment to a new type of economic cooperation and complementarity between countries based on the principles of the Alternativa Bolivariana para las Américas (ALBA) (Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas) and the Tratado de Comercio de los Pueblos (TCP) (Peoples’ Trade Agreement). 5. Bolivia emphasizes that, in spite of the adverse consequences of the embargo imposed by the United States of America, the Government of Cuba has cooperated selflessly and unconditionally with the Government and people of Bolivia through the donation of ophthalmological hospitals and centres to dispense treatment free of charge to the poorer segments of the population, which has had a significant social impact. It has also supported the eradication of illiteracy through the Cuban programme entitled “Yo sí puedo” (“Yes I can”), generously sending teachers and advisers of a high professional level, and has provided rural settlements with electricity through the installation of solar panels. 6. Within this framework, Bolivia joins the international community in repudiating the embargo. That community again, on 8 November 2006, reaffirmed in a General Assembly resolution its wish that the United States of America should end forthwith its economic, trade and financial embargo against Cuba. 7. Bolivia has no legislation or measures that are at variance with the spirit of resolution 61/11. Botswana [Original: English] [5 July 2007] 1. The Republic of Botswana has never and does not intend to promulgate, apply or enforce any law or measures of the kind referred to in resolution 61/11. As reflected by its vote on resolution 61/11 and similar resolutions, Botswana is consistently opposed to the continued application of such extraterritorial measures. 2. The Republic of Botswana strongly supports the immediate lifting of the economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba, which has negative consequences and damaging effects for the Cuban people, especially the most vulnerable: children, women and the elderly. Brazil [Original: English] [22 May 2007] 1. The Permanent Mission of Brazil to the United Nations has the honour to reiterate once again the Brazilian position that discriminatory trade practices and extraterritorial application of domestic laws run counter to the need for promoting dialogue and ensuring the prevalence of the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations. In accordance with General Assembly resolutions 47/19, 48/16, 49/9, 50/10, 51/17, 52/10, 53/4, 54/21, 55/20, 56/9, 57/11, 58/7, 59/11, 60/12 and 61/11, Brazil did not promulgate or apply any law, regulation or measure with extraterritorial effects which could affect the sovereignty of other States, the legitimate interests of entities or persons under their jurisdiction or the freedom of trade and navigation. Brazil’s legal system does not recognize the validity of the application of measures with extraterritorial effects. 2. Companies located in Brazil are subject exclusively to Brazilian legislation. Measures by any country which violate the provisions of resolution 61/11, and which attempt to compel the citizens of a third country to obey foreign legislation, affect the interests of the international community as a whole and violate generally accepted principles of international law. They should be reviewed and changed, where appropriate, in order to bring them into conformity with international law. 3. Governments not complying with resolution 61/11 should urgently take further steps to eliminate discriminatory trade practices and bring to an end unilaterally declared economic, commercial and financial embargoes. Burkina Faso [Original: French] [21 June 2007] 1. Burkina Faso, concerned by the continuing economic, commercial and financial isolation imposed upon Cuba by the United States, reiterates the need to lift the embargo. 2. In accordance with the obligations of the Charter of the United Nations and of international law, to which it fully subscribes, Burkina Faso has neither enacted nor applied any laws or measures of the kind reflected in the preamble of resolution 61/11. Burundi [Original: French] [27 June 2007] Burundi does not apply economic, commercial or financial sanctions against Cuba. Cambodia [Original: English] [6 June 2007] The Royal Government of Cambodia is of the view that the continuation of the embargo has brought too much suffering to the innocent people of Cuba and is clearly an act of violation of human rights and the right of self-determination of the Cuban people. Thus, this unjust embargo should be unconditionally lifted and removed. Cameroon [Original: French] [13 June 2007] 1. The Government of Cameroon is deeply committed to respect for the Charter of the United Nations. In conformity with the principles of the sovereign equality of States, non-intervention in their internal affairs and freedom of trade, which are embodied in a large number of international legal instruments, it has never adopted any legislative or other measures aimed at strengthening or extending the embargo imposed against Cuba. 2. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that Cameroon has always voted in favour of lifting the embargo and states that it has always maintained excellent relations of friendship and cooperation with Cuba. Cape Verde [Original: English] [21 May 2007] 1. In accordance with the principles enshrined in the National Constitution and in conformity with the spirit of the Charter of the United Nations, the Republic of Cape Verde has never promulgated or implemented any law or measure of the kind referred to in General Assembly resolution 61/11. 2. Therefore, consistent with its firm support for the principles of freedom of international trade and navigation, the Government of the Republic of Cape Verde appeals for the elimination of any unilateral economic or commercial measures that impact upon the free development of those activities. Central African Republic [Original: French] [13 July 2007] In keeping with its Constitution, the Central African Republic, out of respect for the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, affirms its determination to cooperate in peace and friendship with all States. Accordingly, it does not enact coercive laws or measures against other States. The Government endorses all the United Nations resolutions relating to the embargo against Cuba, the Havana Declaration on Cuba and other pertinent decisions on the matter taken by other bodies. It supports the Cuban Government in all its efforts to defend itself. Chile [Original: Spanish] [13 July 2007] 1. Chile has consistently maintained that international relations should be based, inter alia, on the principles of legal equality of States, non-interference and freedom of trade and navigation. Accordingly, Chile has refrained from applying or promoting the enactment of laws or regulations contrary to those principles. 2. At the Organization of American States, Chile sponsored a resolution on free trade and investment in the hemisphere, which concerned the Helms-Burton Act, and has taken similar positions in other forums. 3. In the economic and trade areas, Chile and Cuba in 1999 signed Economic Complementarity Agreement No. 42 under the Montevideo Treaty of 1980. 4. As a result of their economic and trade relations, the volume of trade in 2006 between Chile and Cuba stood at $49.4 million, comprising $47.9 million in exports from Chile and $1.5 million in imports. Cuba ranks 55th among the countries to which Chile exports, and over 90 Chilean enterprises send their products to the island. 5. The negotiations on an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation have not yet been completed, and therefore the matter is still pending. China [Original: English] [20 June 2007] 1. Sovereign equality, non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs and other relevant norms governing international relations should be duly respected. Every country has the right to choose, according to its national circumstances, its own social system and mode of development, which brooks no interference by any other country. 2. The differences and problems that exist among countries should be resolved through peaceful dialogue and negotiation on the basis of equality and mutual respect for sovereignty. The economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States on Cuba, which has lasted for too long, serves no other purpose than to keep high tensions between two neighbouring countries and inflict tremendous hardship and suffering on the people of Cuba, especially women and children. The embargo, which remains unlifted, has seriously jeopardized the legitimate rights and interests of Cuba and other States as well as the freedom of trade and navigation and should, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and relevant resolutions of the United Nations, be put to an end. Colombia [Original: Spanish] [6 June 2007] 1. The Colombian Government, respecting the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, has neither enacted nor applied unilaterally any laws or measures against Cuba or any other Member State, for such steps might affect the free development of their economy or trade and stem the flow of cultural and intellectual exchanges between Member States. 2. Colombia thinks that this kind of action should stop and that Member States should move ahead with building relations of friendship, based on respect for the self-determination of peoples; the starting point, in all cases, should be the principles of Article 1 of the Charter of the United Nations aimed at strengthening international peace. Comoros [Original: English] [20 July 2007] The Union of the Comoros reaffirms its obligation under the Charter of the United Nations and thus has not promulgated or applied any laws or regulations the extraterritorial effects of which affect the sovereignty of other States. Congo [Original: French] [12 June 2007] 1. The Government of the Congo expresses its commitment to the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of international law and confirms that it has no intention of associating itself with the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed against Cuba, which is a unilateral measure contrary to the freedom of trade and navigation. 2. As in past years, therefore, the Congo voted in favour of the resolution on the subject (General Assembly resolution 61/11, adopted on 8 November 2006) and therefore has not promulgated or applied any law of the kind referred to in that resolution. Costa Rica [Original: Spanish] [18 July 2007] 1. Costa Rica, inspired by the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, has supported the 15 United Nations General Assembly resolutions adopted on the necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba, particularly through the Helms-Burton Act. 2. Costa Rica is firmly convinced that differences between countries must be addressed only through dialogue and multilateral mechanisms, and expresses its total rejection of unilateral measures applied by any State of the United Nations system against another, especially because it is known that the consequences of such measures generally affect the civilian population in particular. 3. Costa Rica has reiterated on various occasions that any political, economic and military sanctions imposed on States can stem only from the decisions or recommendations of the Security Council or the General Assembly and not from the unilateral decisions of States. 4. At the national level, Costa Rica has not implemented any actions, since there are no actions to implement. However, in its speeches in the international arena, Costa Rica has been consistent about the need to lift the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed against Cuba because it believes that, after so many decades, those most affected are the citizens of Cuba. 5. Costa Rica is convinced of the right of peoples to self-determination, but also supports full democracy in Cuba with the full enjoyment not only of economic, social and cultural rights but also of civil and political rights. In that regard, Costa Rica, in various forums and bodies, has called on the Cuban authorities to open up opportunities for discussion with the opposition. Croatia [Original: English] [10 July 2007] The Republic of Croatia, guided by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law, fully implements resolution 61/11, and has never promulgated or applied any laws or measures of the kind referred to in the preamble to resolution 61/11. Cuba [Original: Spanish] [11 July 2007] 1. Introduction 1. A document declassified in 1991 reveals that on 6 April 1960, one year prior to the invasion of Cuba orchestrated by the United States of America, Lester Dewitt Mallory, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs at the time, wrote, in a memorandum that was subsequently discussed at a meeting held by the then President of the United States, that: “There is no effective political opposition … The only foreseeable means of alienating internal support is through disenchantment and disaffection based on economic dissatisfaction and hardship ... it follows that every possible means should be undertaken promptly to weaken the economic life of Cuba … denying money and supplies to Cuba, to decrease monetary and real wages, to bring about hunger, desperation and overthrow of government”. 2. Now, 47 years after pronouncing that sentence on the Cuban people, the United States continues to pursue a policy “to bring about hunger, desperation and overthrow of government” in Cuba, with a view to reinstating the neocolonial rule it once imposed on the island for over 50 years. 3. Two thirds of the population of Cuba were born and have grown up in the shadow of that policy. The Cuban people have had to suffer and live under the uniquely harsh conditions imposed on them by the world’s one super-Power, which seeks to crush the Cuban nation’s resistance and the model of dignity and sovereignty that it represents. 4. Since the adoption of the most recent General Assembly resolution calling for the ending of the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba, which was approved by an overwhelming majority of Member States on 8 November 2006, and despite the existence of 14 other resolutions making the same demand, the United States Government has taken even harsher action against the Cuban people. 5. With total disregard for the will of the international community, the current United States Administration has implemented new economic sanctions. It has also stepped up its persecution of Cuban companies and interference with Cuba’s international financial transactions, including its payments to United Nations bodies. It has continued to violate trademark laws and stolen millions of dollars more of the Cuban assets that are frozen in the United States. It has taken tougher reprisals against individuals and entities that have commercial or cultural ties with the island or that promote or engage in tourism there. It has pressed its allies harder to subordinate their relations with Cuba to the “regime-change” objectives currently shaping its hostile policy towards the nation, and it has overseen an unprecedented increase in financial and material support for actions aimed at overthrowing the constitutional order in Cuba. 6. All of this is the result of the careful implementation of President Bush’s plan to recolonize Cuba and of the measures set forth in the updated version of that plan of 10 July 2006, which includes a secret chapter on covert action. 7. The United States proconsul-in-waiting for the recolonization of Cuba, Caleb McCarry, has been busy lobbying Governments in various capitals around the globe in an attempt to increase international participation in the United States’ illegal anti-Cuban policy and to gain international support for the embargo. 8. The United States Government has also been intensifying its efforts to encourage subversive activity in Cuba among those willing to sell their services for a piece of the $80-million fund set aside for this purpose in Washington. 9. The ultimate goal is nothing less than to deny the Cuban people their sovereignty and to prevent them from exercising their right to self-determination. 10. Economic warfare has been a constant element of United States policy towards Cuba for almost five decades, but never before has it reached the wild extremes or levels of aggressiveness witnessed under the current Bush Administration. 11. This report summarizes the impact of the embargo during the second half of 2006 and the first half of 2007. It also sets out the action taken by the United States Government to intensify its genocidal policy and presents evidence that corroborates the increasing extraterritoriality of that policy. 12. Cuba has, at numerous forums, affirmed and demonstrated that the United States embargo is an act of genocide as defined by article II (c) of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and an act of economic war under the conclusions reached at the 1909 London Naval Conference. 13. The United States Government is also guilty of systematically and inhumanely perpetrating State terrorism against the Cuban people as an integral part of its aggressive and hostile policy towards Cuba and its economic blockade of the country, which have cost the Cuban people more than 3,000 lives. 2. Implementation of the Bush plan to recolonize Cuba: intensification of the United States embargo 14. On 6 May 2004, President George W. Bush approved the plan, drawn up by a commission he had created, to speed up the destruction of the constitutional order chosen by the Cuban people so that the imperialist objective of recolonizing Cuba could be brought closer to fruition (the “Bush plan”). 15. On 6 July 2006, this plan was revised and broadened to include additional measures aimed at strengthening the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba. 16. In the period between the last revision of the Bush plan and June of this year, a number of actions took place that confirm that the punitive measures under the embargo against Cuba are being aggravated. The following are worthy of note: (a) On 28 July 2006, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the United States Department of the Treasury included the Netherlands Caribbean Bank, which has an office in Cuba and another in the Netherlands Antilles, in the list of “specially designated nationals”. OFAC gave no reasons for its decision. The embargo regulations immediately went into effect against the Bank, including the freezing of any accounts it had in the United States and the prohibition of any transaction by United States citizens and entities with the Bank; (b) On 5 August 2006, with a view to promoting domestic subversion in Cuba on a greater scale and in keeping with one of the basic purposes of the Bush plan, daily broadcasts by TV Martí were started from a new G-1 type of aircraft, which operates Mondays through Saturdays from 6 to 11 p.m. Once a week, the Pentagon’s EC-130J military aircraft continues its flights. The Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB) spent $10 million to start this project. Also, in December 2006, OCB rented space for six months in two Miami broadcasting stations at a cost of $377,500, to transmit Radio Martí and TV Martí broadcasts. The stations in question are television channel WPMF-38, owned by TVC Broadcasting, which retransmits the programmes of Azteca América, and Radio Mambí on radio station WAQI at 710 on AM, part of the Univision chain. The United States Government allocated about $37 million to these activities, but it is known that additional funds were channelled covertly for the purpose; (c) On 8 August 2006, OFAC reported that the Dresser-Rand Group, Inc., which produces turbines and compressors for the mining industry, was fined $171,305 because it had exported goods and services to Cuba without a licence; (d) On 11 August 2006, OFAC issued a notice warning entities authorized to forward remittances to Cuba, as well as individuals subject to United States jurisdiction, that it was a violation of the provisions of the embargo to transfer funds to persons in Cuba in the form of Cuban convertible currency (CUC), and that those doing so would be subject to fines, the suspension or loss of their operating licence and other penalties. In that notice, OFAC recalled that, according to Circular 2006 which it had issued in March, currency transfers to Cuba could only be made in United States dollars, Canadian dollars, pounds sterling, Swiss francs or euros; (e) On 11 August 2006, OFAC reported that the United States/Cuba Labour Exchange had been fined $13,950 for having offered unlicensed travel services to Cuba. This organization is not a travel agency. Its objective is to promote exchanges between workers of the two countries; (f) On 14 August 2006, the United States National Council of Churches reported that the Department of the Treasury had fined the Alliance of Baptist Churches $34,000, alleging that some of its members and members of other congregations had “engaged in tourism” during a visit to Cuba for religious purposes; (g) Also in August 2006, OFAC withheld payment of charter fees to the United States shipping company San Juan Navigator, which interrupted the scheduled sailing of two vessels with food for Cuba. The release of the payments was made conditional upon confirmation that the funds had not come from the Netherlands Caribbean Bank, which had been included in the OFAC list of “specially designated nationals”; (h) In September 2006 OFAC imposed a new restriction on the issuance of licences for academic activities in Cuba by requiring that United States universities not allow their students to travel to Cuba to conduct research related to a particular course. Such travel is permissible only for the purpose of preparing a master’s thesis, doctoral dissertation or similar academic paper. From now on, this restriction, which is not expressly reflected in the embargo regulations, will be included in all new licences issued to academic institutions; (i) On 10 October 2006 the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Alexander Acosta, officially announced the formation of the Cuban Sanctions Enforcement Task Force, consisting of representatives of OFAC, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Department of Commerce, the Coast Guard and the Field and Air divisions of Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The core function of this task force is the vigorous and aggressive investigation of violations of the embargo regulations and the prosecution of violators, who are subject to penalties of up to 10 years in prison, $1 million in corporate fines and $250,000 in individual fines. The task force’s establishment was one of the recommendations contained in the July 2006 update of the Bush plan; (j) Also in October 2006 the Department of the Treasury turned down more than 200 applications for licences to travel to Cuba submitted by United States and Puerto Rican experts wishing to participate in the second Congress of the Inter-American Society of Psychology. The chairman of the organizing committee for the event, Guillermo Arias, said that the refusal included threats of sanctions against the organization for holding the meeting in Havana. He added that other Latin American professionals had been warned that if they travelled to Cuba they would not be allowed to enter the United States for six months; (k) In November 2006 the Department of the Treasury refused to authorize 15 distinguished United States scientists to travel to Cuba to participate in the 2006 International Immunotherapy Workshop, organized by the Centre for Molecular Immunology under the auspices of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) from 15 to 19 November; (l) In December 2006 the United States Government sent a notice to all Internet service providers in the United States warning them not to do business with six countries, including Cuba; (m) On 13 February 2007 OFAC announced that Vesper Corporation, a manufacturer of parts and equipment for the transport industry, had been fined $23,800 for exporting goods to Cuba without a licence; (n) On 9 March 2007 OFAC announced that Coda International Tours, Inc., had been fined $3,500 for providing travel services to Cuba without a licence; (o) On 14 March 2007 anti-Cuba Senator Mel Martínez (Republican of Florida) introduced Bill S.876, which imposes sanctions on any person or entity that invests more than $1 million in Cuba’s petroleum and gas programme. The sanctions include measures to deny facilities for the export of goods, services or technology, the provision of financing or access to contracts with the United States Government; (p) On 26 March 2007 Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican of Florida), a representative of anti-Cuba groups, introduced Bill H.R. 1679, under which the United States would deny a visa to any alien (whether an individual or a company) contributing to petroleum exploitation in Cuba and would impose sanctions on any alien investing more than $1 million to develop Cuba’s crude oil industry and natural gas resources; these measures also apply to foreign subsidiaries of United States companies; (q) On 6 April 2007, according to OFAC, the United States banking institution Kinecta Federal Credit Union was fined $3,102 for initiating, without a licence, a funds transfer destined for a Cuban national; (r) On 20 April 2007 it was reported that the United States Postal Service had instituted a new procedure for sending packages to Cuba whereby the customer is required to contact OFAC before sending the package to ensure that it does not contain prohibited articles, failing which the package will not be accepted by the post office; (s) On 4 May 2007 OFAC announced that the United Kingdom company PSL Energy Services had been fined $164,000 for engaging in the unlicensed exportation and re-exportation of oilfield servicing equipment and related skilled services to Cuba; (t) In the first half of 2007, as part of the escalation of anti-Cuba measures under the Bush plan for the annexation of Cuba, Mr. Caleb McCarry, appointed as “Cuba Transition Coordinator” by President Bush, visited a number of European Union member countries (Sweden, Denmark, Ireland, Germany, Poland, Belgium, Netherlands, Hungary and Slovakia) for the express and acknowledged purpose of pressuring them to cooperate in applying the United States strategy against the island. Ms. Kirsten Madison, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Department of State, visited the United Kingdom, Italy, the Holy See and Belgium for the same purpose. 17. The aims of these rounds of visits by proconsul-in-waiting McCarry and Ms. Madison were further highlighted in the subsequent round of visits in Europe by United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who made Cuba one of the main items on her agenda, emphasizing the priority attached by the Bush Administration to its plans against the Cuban nation. 18. In addition, during the period under consideration, banking restrictions against Cuba were tightened and measures to prevent transactions by Cuban banking institutions and by third-country institutions with Cuba were intensified. Other actions taken to tighten the embargo 19. On 19 June 2006 the United States Supreme Court denied a petition submitted on 30 September 2005 by the Cuban firm Cubatabaco for a review of a February 2005 ruling by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, based in New York, in relation to the ownership of the Cuban cigar trademark Cohíba in the United States. This decision confirms that the United States firm General Cigar Company has exclusive ownership of the renowned cigar brand in the United States, in what amounts to an illegitimate appropriation of this trademark. 20. On 3 August 2006 the United States Patent and Trademark Office deemed the registration of the Cuban trademark Havana Club to the firm Cubaexport to be “cancelled/expired”. On the basis of this arbitrary decision, the Bacardi company openly began to sell rum under the Havana Club name in Florida. 21. This decision resulted in the theft of the famed Cuban rum trademark. It should be recalled that the owners of the Bacardi company were among the primary advocates and financers of the well-known Helms-Burton Act, adopted by the United States Congress in 1996, which continues to be the principal legal foundation for the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba. 3. Impact on the various sectors of Cuba’s economy and society: harmful effects of the extraterritorial application of the embargo policy 22. Since 1992, when Cuba first submitted to the United Nations General Assembly a draft resolution calling for the lifting of the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed against it by the United States Government, the consequences of this policy for every aspect of Cuba’s economic and social life have been documented on an annual basis. 23. Direct damage to the Cuban people and the negative impact of the extraterritorial application of the embargo are the primary obstacles hindering the progress of economic and social development projects and programmes in Cuba. The well-known direct effects of that policy on Cuba’s economy and society are compounded by the strong extraterritorial effects of the embargo, which, with the Torricelli and Helms-Burton Acts and the Bush plan for the annexation of Cuba, have reached unprecedented levels. Laws and regulations of this type continue to result in sizeable losses and disadvantages, both for Cuba and for third countries, whose right to benefit fully from the opportunities generated by the Cuban economy is thereby curtailed. The extraterritorial provisions of this policy prohibit: (a) Transactions of any type between United States subsidiaries in third countries and Cuban companies; (b) The export to the United States, by third-country firms, of products originating in Cuba or containing any components of Cuban origin; (c) The sale of goods or services to Cuba by third-country firms if more than 10 per cent of their technology consists of United States components, even if their owners are third-country nationals; (d) The entry into United States ports of vessels transporting goods from or to Cuba, regardless of the flag State; (e) The opening, by third-country banks, of United States dollar-denominated accounts for Cuban natural or legal persons or the conduct of financial transactions in United States dollars with Cuban entities or individuals; (f) Investments in or business with Cuba, on the part of third-country individuals or entities, in relation to property that has been the object of claims by United States citizens or Cuban-born individuals who subsequently acquired United States citizenship. 24. Between May 2006 and May 2007 at least 30 countries suffered the effects of the extraterritorial application of the embargo policy, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Finland, Germany, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The extraterritoriality of the embargo has been taken to such an extreme that Cuban citizens living in third countries have been forced to close their bank accounts or have been warned that their accounts will be cancelled in local institutions that have been acquired by or are linked in some way to United States banks. 25. The magnitude of the embargo’s effects is also amplified by the intensive, rapid process of acquisitions, mergers, mega-mergers and strategic partnerships throughout the world in the context of neoliberal globalization, a process in which the United States is very active. This situation increases the embargo’s impact and extraterritorial effects by further reducing Cuba’s external economic opportunities and hindering or defeating its efforts to find trading partners so that it can cope with the harsh United States embargo. More than a few of Cuba’s traditional customers or suppliers in third countries have been forced to cut their commercial or financial ties with the island upon being acquired by or merged with a United States firm. Impact of the embargo on socially sensitive sectors Food 26. Between May 2006 and April 2007 the embargo caused losses in the food sector amounting to over $258 million. The embargo’s negative impact is reflected not only by the restrictions imposed on Cuba’s already limited food imports from the United States and from third-market subsidiaries of United States companies, but also, primarily, by its harmful effects on the production of food for domestic consumption. With the monetary equivalent of these losses, Cuba could have purchased, to feed its population, some 180,000 metric tons of soybeans, 72,000 metric tons of soybean oil, 300,000 metric tons of corn and 275,000 metric tons of wheat. 27. The United States Government has continued and intensified its efforts to minimize and hinder the purchases of agricultural products (consisting essentially of food) that Cuba imports from the United States under strict oversight measures and case-by-case licensing arrangements. Additional costs in relation to such transactions exceeded $62.8 million in 2006 as a result, inter alia, of the absence of direct banking relations between Cuba and the United States, the application of a complicated and time-consuming licensing procedure for the export and transport of goods and for travel to Cuba by United States executives, and the lengthy formalities required for Cuban veterinary and phytosanitary experts, among others, to travel to the United States to visit production facilities in a manner consistent with international trade practices. Added to this is the recent practice of attempting to seize, through judicial orders issued by United States courts, agricultural and food products purchased by Cuba on the United States market. 28. At the same time, the United States Government has blocked communications between the Cuban firm Alimport and United States suppliers of agricultural and food products by disrupting the operation of the server earthlink@abuse.earthlink.net. In 2006 this represented an additional hurdle for transactions between the two countries. 29. The United States accounts for 41 per cent of the global rum market; some 16 million cases of premium rums, a classification that includes the Cuban brand Havana Club, are sold in its territory. However, the embargo prevents this prestigious brand of rum from entering the country. Consequently, the company Havana Club International has been able to distribute this product to only 59 per cent of the world market. Based solely on Cuba’s percentage share of the global market for premium rums, it is estimated that, if it had access to the United States market, Cuba could sell about 1.1 million additional cases, which would bring another $47 million into the Cuban economy. 30. In the judicial proceedings instituted to claim industrial property rights for the registration and use of the Havana Club trademark after it was flagrantly stolen, Cuba has incurred expenses amounting to over $1 million. 31. The country needs supplies of rice and grains in larger amounts than what would be required if the embargo did not exist and it could import them expeditiously from the United States. This means that Cuba needs extra storage capacity. In 2006 excess inventories of these products were valued at $28,829,000, necessitating additional expenditure of $5,765,000 to maintain them. Because these products had to be stored for such a long period in a tropical climate, losses of approximately $189,462 were incurred as a result of pest damage. 32. Following are some examples of how the extraterritorial application of the embargo has affected the food sector: (a) In October 2006 the edible oil refinery located in Santiago de Cuba ordered a quantity of Sigma 27 plate heat exchanger gaskets from the supplier Neruda Internacional Ltd. After the contract had been concluded, the German manufacturer API Schmidt-Bretten GmbH & Co. KG, a United States subsidiary, removed the merchandise from the airport. The supplier, Neruda, tried to fulfil the contract provisions through a third-country firm, but did not succeed, since the German company again stopped the shipment on account of the embargo regulations. Accordingly, the Cuban refinery continued production for three months without replacing the gaskets. This adversely affected the output and quality of the finished product, reducing the refinery’s production capacity and resulting in losses of $264,000; (b) Because Cuban companies were unable to acquire 40 Wilden pumps and accessories for manufacturing soy yogurt, as well as 30 Sabroe refrigeration compressors for the dairy industry, they incurred additional expenditure of 25 per cent and 22 per cent, respectively, for a total amount of $711,000. Wilden pumps are made only in the United States and sold by United States subsidiaries in different countries. The company that originally made Sabroe compressors was acquired by a United States firm. Consequently, the Cuban companies had to find another brand of compressor; (c) The Cuban-Canadian joint venture Coracan, which produces and markets instant food products, was affected by a third-country bank’s decision to cancel the opening of letters of credit, in compliance with the regulations of its headquarters in the United States. This prevented the firm from making payments for shipments destined for Cuba and increased its financing costs by 80 per cent. Subsequently, a similar problem with another bank resulted in a loss for the company of $49,500. Public health 33. During the period under consideration, estimated additional costs to the national health system as a result of the embargo exceeded $30 million. Institutions in the health sector, which provide medical care free of charge to the entire population, have suffered adverse effects on their emergency services, intensive care services, surgical units and other specialized services for adults and children, as well as prenatal and obstetric care, because they do not have access to state-of-the-art medicines and diagnostic methods, which generally come from the United States, or to medical consumables, spare parts and equipment produced in the United States. These same factors have obstructed wellness and disease prevention initiatives, as exemplified by the following: (a) The Ramón Pando Ferrer Institute of Ophthalmology could not acquire a retinal examination device made by Humphrey-Zeiss, nor could it obtain the drug Visudyne, which is used to treat macular degeneration in older persons and is sold by Novartis. As both companies are United States-owned, they stated that they could not export to Cuba because they do not have a licence to do so from the United States Department of the Treasury. The unavailability of the above-mentioned equipment seriously hampered the examination of the retinas of the affected patients and caused delays in decisions on how to treat them. Macular degeneration can cause blindness if it is not treated in time; (b) Books on ophthalmology were ordered from the Panama-based company Highlights. However, that country stipulated that the payments must be made in United States dollars deposited in a United States account. This condition, which would result in the automatic confiscation of the Cuban funds by the United States Government, as has occurred ever since the embargo policy was first imposed, made the purchase unfeasible; (c) Health care for Cuban children in the field of surgical anaesthesia has been made more difficult by the embargo. Owing to this policy, Cuba cannot acquire the inhaled anaesthetic sevoflurane, patented under the trade name Sevorane, which has become the preferred induction agent for general anaesthesia in children. The patent is held exclusively by Abbott Laboratories, a United States company that does not do business with Cuba in observance of the embargo laws. The national health system has no alternative but to use lower-quality substitutes for this product that are obtained from more distant markets and are therefore more costly; (d) Owing to pressure from the United States Department of the Treasury, the United States company St. Jude Medical stopped selling its low-cost, high-quality prosthetic valves to the William Soler Paediatric Hospital’s Cardiology Centre. This has adversely affected children suffering from arrhythmia and requiring pacemakers, which were formerly obtained from this company. Also as a result of the suspension of sales to Cuba by St. Jude Medical, the Institute of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery was unable to acquire a CARTO (Biosense Webster) or EnSite non-fluoroscopic three-dimensional anatomical mapping system, costing about $150,000, for the ablation of atrial arrhythmias. As a result, Cuba has been forced to send patients to Europe for this treatment, at a cost of 15,000 to 18,000 euros. In Cuba this service would have been far less expensive; (e) As a result of pressure from the United States authorities, other firms have announced their intention to suspend sales to Cuban firms or to cancel their licences, as in the case of the Medtronic company, which had to stop selling external pacemakers to Cuba. This has adversely affected children with congenital or acquired arrhythmia who need these devices; (f) The Chief of the Angiology Service of Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital could not attend a training session on endovascular surgery given at a United States centre with recognized expertise in transplantology because the United States Government denied him a visa; (g) A complex situation concerning the control of disease vectors in Cuba in late 2006 necessitated purchases for immediate delivery, which required outlays higher than those that would have been needed if the products and equipment could have been purchased from the United States. The resulting additional costs to the country amounted to some $845,000, including both prices and shipping costs; (h) In November 2006 the United States Government refused to grant visas to three Cuban doctors who wished to travel to Las Vegas to attend an event sponsored by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, of which Cuba is a member. For the same reason, three other Cuban doctors were unable to participate in the sixtieth Postgraduate Assembly of the New York State Society of Anesthesiologists, held in December 2006. In a similar vein, a female Cuban doctor was invited to attend an event in San Francisco on heart failure in children and young adults, held in late 2006, but was unable to do so; (i) The Chief of the Department of Preventive Cardiology of the Institute of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery was invited by the Inter-American Society of Hypertension to participate in a meeting of the Consortium for Southeastern Hypertension Control entitled “XIVth Annual National Scientific Sessions”, held in May 2007 in the United States, but was denied a visa. 34. During the reporting period, in the health sector alone, 37 Cuban specialists were unable to attend events in the United States because their visa applications were denied on the pretext that their entry could be detrimental to the interests of the United States. 35. Following are some of the many examples of how the extraterritorial application of the embargo has affected the health sector: (a) The Datex-Ohmeda company of Finland, a manufacturer of top-quality anaesthetic and multi-purpose monitoring equipment with which Cuba formerly did business, informed Cuba that, following its acquisition by the United States company General Electric, it could no longer sell equipment or spare parts to Cuba because it could be prosecuted by the United States Department of Justice; (b) Cuba was barred from purchasing the equipment and products normally obtained by its Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology from the regional division of the Merck Corporation dealing with analytical chemistry when that division was taken over by a United States company. This has had adverse effects on patients, particularly those suffering from cancer; (c) The Institute of Nutrition and Food Hygiene sought to purchase, at a cost of some $20,000, an infrared spectrophotometer made by the Japanese firm Shimadzu and used in anthropometry to measure deuterium in the body. Owing to the firm’s compliance with the embargo regulations, the purchase had to be cancelled, since more than 10 per cent of the device’s components are made in the United States. Education 36. Progress towards educational programmes of excellence that foster the full development of the personality and the human potential of all Cubans has been hindered by the embargo policy, in clear violation of human rights and of the most fundamental academic and educational freedoms. 37. Academic exchanges between the two countries are among the most strongly affected areas, owing to the unrelenting application of the embargo regulations. 38. Under the instructions which the United States Government gave to all United States Internet service providers in December 2006, with the aim of preventing them from offering services to Cuba, the access of Cuban students and teachers to Internet databases and web pages has been severely limited, as they must initiate such access from a site in Cuba. Moreover, the unavailability of United States technology has negatively affected the performance of Cuban libraries, which are frequently unable to access free services offered on the Internet. 39. Among the factors that have most seriously undermined this sector’s performance are the following: (a) School building maintenance and repair and the replacement of school furniture and other equipment continue to be adversely affected by the embargo policy. During the reporting period, the need to make these purchases in third markets increased expenditure by $870,370. This has undermined education quality and students’ living conditions; (b) The annual meeting of United States and Cuban educators hosted by the Association of Cuban Educators had to be cancelled after 11 years of exchanges of educational experiences, as the United States educators were not allowed to travel to Cuba; (c) Three teachers from the Centre for the Study of the Cuban Economy who had received grants from Harvard University’s David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies were unable to travel to the United States because no action was taken on their visa applications; (d) Internet users in Cuba cannot access the free services of Google Earth offered at http://earth.google.com. Attempts to do so prompt the response “This product is not available in your country”. The same is true of updated versions of antivirus programmes. If a user in Cuba wishes to update the McAfee antivirus programme, the automatic reply “We are sorry but it appears that you are located in a country that we are unable to export to in accordance with United States law” is generated. Given the special features and trends of modern education, impediments of this type are evidently a significant hindrance to the development of education in schools, universities and polytechnic institutes and to the operation of the country’s network of libraries; (e) Imports of basic school materials and equipment such as audiovisual equipment, computers, laboratory equipment, reagents, etc., have been seriously affected. The number of intermediaries willing to take the risk of doing business with Cuba is shrinking by the day, owing to the threat of sanctions under the embargo. All this increases the price of the needed products by about 20 per cent, and sometimes up to 100 per cent in certain cases; added to this are delays in receiving goods and difficulties in obtaining after-sale service. Culture 40. Over the past year, losses in this sector as a result of the embargo amounted to $20,365,000. This has impeded Cuba’s efforts to give its people a high level of cultural literacy. It is also detrimental to the people and cultural figures of the United States, who are deprived of the chance to learn about one of the region’s most dynamic and wide-ranging cultural development experiences. 41. Owing to the tightening of the embargo, especially with respect to cultural exchanges between the two peoples, no commercial contracts were signed in 2006 to enable Cuban groups to perform in the United States. 42. Apart from the policy’s impact on the cultural sphere, both for Cuba and for the people of the United States, its broad extraterritorial scope also has negative effects on the development of cultural ties with other countries. 43. Below are some examples of how the embargo has affected the cultural sphere: (a) The United States Government’s policy of denying visas to Cuban citizens prevented Cuba from being represented at the Puerto Rico International Book Fair, considered one of the most important in the Caribbean. Cuba’s absence from these fairs has hurt sales of Cuban literature and has reduced contract negotiations by 30 per cent; (b) The Latin American Literary Agency, based in Havana, cannot receive cheques or transfers in United States dollars drawn on United States banks or subsidiaries of such banks, owing to the restrictions imposed by the embargo against Cuba. This has disrupted foreign entities’ copyright payments to the Agency and has entailed losses of up to 30 per cent, in view of the need to effect transactions through third countries in alternative foreign currencies. Evidently, this is a disincentive for the publication of works by Cuban authors; (c) The San Francisco State University Chamber Singers were not given a licence to travel to Cuba to take part in the continental choral event América Cantat, which was held in Havana in 2007 under the auspices of the Argentine Association for Choral Music “América Cantat”; (d) The United States authorities arbitrarily ended the implementation of the agreement concluded between the National Cultural Heritage Council and United States institutions on conservation and training initiatives related to the restoration of the Hemingway Museum in Cuba. The full cost of the restoration was borne by the Cuban State; (e) Cuban musicians were once again refused the right to attend the Grammy and Latin Grammy award ceremonies. Six of the invited artists were denied visas on the grounds described under section 212 (f) of United States immigration regulations, under which any alien whose entry is found to be detrimental to the interests of the United States can be refused admittance. In addition, 15 Cuban filmmakers and six other artists and experts in the cultural sector were denied visas after they had been invited to participate in other events in the United States; (f) Since December 2006 the managers of hotels belonging to the United States chains Ritz-Carlton, Hilton and Marriott in various countries have cancelled the contracts of Cuban artists who performed temporarily in these hotels playing Cuban music. These cancellations, which affected six to eight groups previously hired for one-year periods, resulted in estimated losses of over $108,000; (g) In 2006 two distributors, one Canadian and one Japanese, interested in signing contracts with the company Musical Publications and Recordings of Cuba abandoned their plans for fear of being penalized by the United States Government. If even one of these proposals had not been cancelled, the sum involved would have exceeded $1 million. Meanwhile, the amount of income forgone by publicity firms because they are barred from signing contracts with Cuban entities or fearful of reprisals if they defy the existing bans is estimated at $220,000; (h) Sales of Cuban books and periodicals were also affected during the reporting period by difficulties in processing receivables or payments through third-country banks whose parent institutions are based in the United States. The resulting losses are estimated at more than $100,000. Transport 44. The embargo’s adverse effects on this sector, whose services are vital to the economy and the population, have direct and tangible repercussions for Cubans’ everyday lives. The embargo’s financial impact on the transport sector in the period under review amounted to $208.8 million. Following are some examples of these effects: (a) The vast majority of Cuba’s fleet of locomotives consists of United States- or Canadian-made equipment containing parts made in the United States. Accordingly, difficulties have been encountered in obtaining parts for repairing and maintaining this equipment. During the reporting period, plans were made to take 6,892 trains out of service for lack of locomotives and motor coaches, meaning that some 197,000 passengers will no longer have long-distance rail service and the system will suffer losses of about $500,000. In the case of freight trains, the above-mentioned problems caused delays in the delivery of time-sensitive products such as food; (b) The vast majority of the tractor units used by the Metrobus passenger transport system are from the United States (International, Ford and Freightliner) and use Cummings engines. Most of their components and spare parts are of United States origin. The need to buy them through intermediaries in third countries increases the parts’ cost and causes delays in delivery, which disrupt the provision of this service. The Metrobus system consequently suffered a 20 per cent decline in service, equivalent to 190 trips per day or approximately 45,000 passengers (mainly students and workers) per day, during the period 2006-2007. From an economic standpoint, this necessitated additional outlays on the order of $671,000; (c) In the Caribbean region the trans-shipment of containers grew by an average of 15 per cent a year between 2000 and 2006, with over 4.9 million 20-foot containers trans-shipped in 2006. Considering Cuba’s advantageous geographical location, by reason of its proximity to the intersection between the north-south and east-west routes of the shipping lines that carry on world trade, if only 10 per cent of such traffic in the region over the last year had been serviced in Cuban ports, over $59 million in income would have been generated, not including other income derived from the services offered to vessels calling at Cuban ports, such as port pilotage, ship supplies, etc., as well as port taxes. Impact on other sectors of the Cuban economy 45. Total embargo-related costs to the Cuban fishing industry during the reporting period amounted to $6,231,000. With respect to imports for the fishing industry, additional costs during this period were essentially related to the risk which trading with Cuba is deemed to involve as a result of the embargo, increased transport costs and above-market interest rates. For just one of the firms in this industry, PROPES, the country risk premium represented 10 to 20 per cent of its total imports in 2006, reaching $3,685,000. 46. As a result of the embargo, Cuban sugar exports were affected by lack of access to the United States import market, Cuba’s country risk rating and the industry’s inability to use the United States dollar as the currency for commercial transactions. The percentage of total United States sugar imports that Cuban sugar could have represented, taking into account that country’s in-quota imports in 2006, is 22.8 per cent, based on historical values from the 1950s. The income forgone owing to the inability to capture a share of the United States market, considering only the sugar that could be exported on the basis of the above-mentioned percentage, amounts to $59,375,000. 47. The embargo continues to seriously hamper the development of the Cuban informatics and communications industry, primarily by obstructing Cuba’s access to information and communication technologies. This is inconsistent with the objectives and agreements adopted at the World Summit on the Information Society, organized by the United Nations and the International Telecommunication Union. 48. OFAC maintains strict surveillance to prevent United States citizens from using the Internet for any electronic transaction that could benefit a Cuban institution. 49. The Cuban software industry has likewise been affected by serious obstacles to its normal development and growth. Despite the opportunities offered by open-source software, many important applications, tools and licences are still based on proprietary programmes, most of which use online licensing and therefore cannot be distributed to countries such as Cuba, which is excluded by the United States Government, as shown by the user guides and licensing agreements employed by the major software companies, including Microsoft, Adobe and Borland. 50. The upshot of all this is that Cuban firms not only must pay higher prices to intermediaries in order to acquire these products, but also cannot access licences from the domain “cu”, the country code that identifies them on the Internet and results in the denial of the services and products being sought. The embargo thus extends to cyberspace as well, erecting virtual extraterritorial barriers against Cuba. This is related to the fact that the Internet is under the control of the United States. 51. Given the lack of direct access to the United States market, the Telecommunications Company of Cuba (ETECSA) must go through third parties in order to arrange for repairs of cards and equipment and purchases of spare parts for the maintenance and operation of its international telephone network. In 2006 the time needed to complete repairs through third countries averaged 245 days and sometimes reached up to 380 days, with financial implications of over $100,000. Had these arrangements been made directly with the United States, the repair time would have been only 90 days. 52. ETECSA had to pay an additional $28,000 to buy 500 safety belts from an Asian country for the use of telephone line repairers, as it could not buy them from the Mexican firm Klein-Tulmex, which is a subsidiary of the United States firm Klein. 53. The Cuban firm COPEXTEL, also in the telephone sector, was unable to receive a complete and timely shipment of automatic transfer switches purchased through a third country. This equipment was for Cuba’s hospital repair and modernization programme. Although the switches were purchased in 2005, five of them have not yet been received because, according to the supplier, they were confiscated at the port of Halifax, Canada, by agents of the United States Department of the Treasury on the assumption that they were destined for Cuba. 54. In the housing sector, between May 2006 and March 2007 alone, the embargo’s impact on the implementation of housing construction, preservation and rehabilitation plans reached an estimated $4.3 million. 55. The Westinghouse company denied a request by the Cuban firm IMECO, which imports housing construction materials and products, to purchase electrical accessories and components. Since it does not have access to the United States market, IMECO has had to pay surcharges in other markets amounting to $1,031,487. 56. Because it has not been possible to purchase hydraulic and sanitary fittings and pipes from the United States firm Spears, excess payments for these items have amounted to $1,651,000. 57. The impact on the civil aviation sector during the period amounted to $189,385,000. 58. Attempts to replace Pratt & Whitney engines in Cuba’s air fleet have been unsuccessful, as these engines could not be purchased even indirectly through triangulation operations. They are manufactured by the United States-based transnational corporation GE Transportation, which applies the United States Government’s sanctions against Cuba. 59. After the Polish aircraft manufacturer PZL Mielec, with which Cuba had previously done business, was acquired by the United States company Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, it decided to change its policy towards Cuba. Accordingly, orders for components, parts and aggregates for AN-2 aircraft and their ASH 62-IR engines submitted by the Cuban company Aviaimport S.A. were cancelled. 60. Although regular charter flights to and from Cuba are offered by a number of United States airlines, including Miami Air, American Eagle, Gulfstream, Sky King and others, which fly out of Miami and are given every facility by the Cuban State for their passenger transport operations, the United States Government continues to refuse to authorize Cuban airlines to operate in its territory, pursuant to section 515.201 (a) of the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, 31 C.F.R., part 515. Under these regulations, a landing in Miami by a Cubana de Aviación aircraft that has not obtained a specific licence could constitute a prohibited transaction and the aircraft could be confiscated. 61. The Sabre, Galileo and Worldspan distribution systems, based in the United States and owned by United States firms, have not acceded to requests from Cubana de Aviación to participate in their distribution mechanisms. This state of affairs has reduced access to Cuban airlines’ flight reservation services by 65.7 per cent. Such discrimination violates the principles set out in the preamble of the Chicago Convention, which proclaims that international civil aviation should be developed in a safe and orderly manner and that international air transport services should be established on the basis of equality of opportunity and operated soundly and economically. 62. Basic industry in Cuba, which is of vital economic importance because it encompasses essential products such as nickel, petroleum, cement and chemicals, among others, incurred embargo-related expenses during the reporting period amounting to $93,073,000. 63. In 2006 the Ernesto Che Guevara nickel company had to take out credits totalling $311.5 million with interest payments of $13.7 million, of which $6.4 million (46.5 per cent of the total) was attributable to the country risk factor. 64. As to the petroleum industry, it is estimated that 25 per cent of the total invested in 2006 by petroleum companies linked to the firm Cuba Petróleo (CUPET) represented surcharges incurred because purchases had to be made under so-called “Cuba risk” conditions. This led to losses amounting to $48 million. 65. As is well known, the adoption and subsequent tightening of measures under the Bush plan for the annexation of Cuba have resulted in the application of provisions that are clearly extraterritorial in scope, to facilitate more aggressive monitoring of the development plans of Cuba’s basic industry, with particular attention to the nickel and petroleum sectors. The stated objective is to hobble these industries’ development. 66. In this connection, the Norwegian petroleum company Norsk Hydro was “reprimanded” after it signed a contract with Cuba in May 2006 for deep-water petroleum exploration in Cuba’s exclusive economic zone in the Gulf of Mexico. In a warning letter, the United States Government demanded that the company should provide information and figures on its investment in Cuba, failing which there would be negative consequences for its business dealings with United States companies. 67. Cuba’s petroleum industry was unable to purchase spare parts for a Nuovo Pignone gas compressor, since the firm RODABILSA, a Spanish supplier, reported that it had been absorbed by the United States corporation General Electric, which refused to supply any equipment to Cuba, in compliance with the embargo restrictions. 68. On 15 June 2006 the Canadian company Sherritt requested a funds transfer to the National Bank of Canada (NBC) in the amount of $7,140,000, in payment of insurance premiums to the Cuban firm ESICUBA. The next day the bank stated that the funds had been intercepted and placed in a “frozen” account, and that they could not be released without the approval of the United States authorities. NBC sent a request to those authorities, but it was denied. Accordingly, the Canadian bank agreed to bear 70 per cent of the loss, but the remaining 30 per cent had to be borne by the Cuban Metals Company, causing a net loss of $760,000 in the nickel sector. 69. A contract signed by the Electrical Union of Cuba with a Spanish subsidiary of the Pirelli company to import medium- and low-tension cables was cancelled when the firm was acquired by the United States corporation Goldman Sachs Capital Partners, causing a delay in implementing plans in that sector. 70. In the area of sports, the Cuban State has a well-known policy of encouraging broad popular participation in sporting activities. As a result, in proportion to its population Cuba has one of the highest levels of development and participation in sports. However, the embargo policy’s effects have been felt in this area as well. 71. Once the Bush plan was set in motion, the United States Administration eliminated virtually all sporting exchanges between the two countries. One result was that limitations were imposed on the provision of direct financial support, by the International Special Olympics, to the National Special Olympics Programme in Cuba. This meant that the Programme could not obtain air tickets, sporting equipment or technical assistance on the same terms as other accredited countries. Under previous United States administrations, this international organization, established to benefit persons with physical and intellectual disabilities, was able to provide support to Cuba by facilitating the participation of athletes and representatives of the Cuban chapter in all its activities. 72. Baseball, Cuba’s national sport, has also been affected by the lack of access to sporting equipment from the United States. For example, only in Asian markets has Cuba been able to purchase baseballs that meet international quality standards, at a unit cost of $7, which is $3 higher than the unit cost in the United States market. Considering that at least 30,000 baseballs are used in each National Series in Cuba, the country would have saved $90,000 if it had had access to the United States market. 73. In the water supply sector, the principal problems have stemmed from the difficulty of obtaining spare parts in the United States market. As a result, 205 water pumping systems in Cuba are not in operation, affecting water service to 176,109 people. In a strenuous effort to address this critical situation, the necessary spare parts were purchased in a distant market, increasing the original cost by 40 per cent for transport costs alone. This sum could have been used for the benefit of some 80,000 people who currently face interruptions in water supply service because of deficient pumping equipment. 74. The losses to the steelworking industry are estimated at more than $66,056,000. 75. Because the dollar cannot be used for international transactions, the Hotel Engineering Company, in paying for parts for the manufacture and repair of weighing machines, scales and electrical resistors, found that the exchange rate, valued at 1.2655 dollars to the euro at the time the contract was signed, had risen to 1.3323 dollars to the euro at the time of payment, resulting in a loss of $13,028. During the calendar year 2006, exchange-rate losses totalled some $67,100. 76. The DIVEP Industrial Group experienced delays in the delivery of refrigerators for the network of stores serving the domestic market, since the Panama-based supplier LG provided only 250,000 units out of the 450,000 ordered, owing to pressure from the United States Government. 77. The Cuban firm ENVAL was unable to purchase aluminium, through Alcan Brazil, to make beverage containers because the Brazilian firm received a warning letter from its head office in the United States. ENVAL therefore had to find suppliers outside its geographical area, with a cost increase in comparison to Brazilian aluminium of $697 per ton. 78. A similar situation arose with the firm INX Canada, a subsidiary of International Inx of the United States, which prevented the Cuban packaging industry from purchasing inks in Canada. The inks were accordingly purchased in European markets at a cost 20 per cent higher. 79. The Cuban firm ECIMETAL was unable to purchase from CCL Mexico, its supplier since 2004, lithographed aluminium tubes used to package cigars, as a United States firm took partial ownership of the supplier. If it could have purchased only 20 per cent of the products ordered from this company, the Cuban firm would have saved $18,000 in freight costs alone. 80. In the agricultural sector, the order placed by the Institute of Plant Biotechnology for new product and reagent catalogues from the firms Sigma-Aldrich and Fluka was denied because of the embargo. Updated catalogues from suppliers of inputs and reagents for scientific work in biotechnology are not only basic necessities for placing orders, but also an important means of keeping researchers abreast of global trends and developments in obtaining new products. 81. The embargo’s extraterritorial reach is also reflected in the agricultural sector. Although the sale of agricultural products to Cuba is authorized by the United States Government, Cuba cannot purchase agrochemicals (herbicides and pesticides) from the United States. Thus, the Cuban chemicals importer QUIMIMPORT must purchase these products in third markets, and does not always succeed in obtaining them. For example, it has attempted to order Plateau herbicide directly from the German firm BASF AG, but the firm contends that the active ingredient in this herbicide is of United States origin and cannot be sold to Cuba from either Germany or the firm’s subsidiaries in Latin America. 82. Cuba’s Institute of Plant Biotechnology has suffered a decline in economic opportunities because its commercial representative Comercial Mercadu S.A. has been unable, owing to the ban on dollar transfers from foreign banks, to bring into the country an amount of $39,500 paid upon the completion of a design contract for a seed biofactory at the Technology Park in Antioquia, Colombia. 83. Cuba has launched an ambitious programme to repair health-care institutions and schools and to build housing. However, the programme’s implementation has been hindered by the embargo. The additional costs to the construction sector during the reporting period reached some $14,115,000. 84. The embargo’s application also prevents Cuban construction professionals from joining the American Concrete Institute (ACI), one of the world’s most prestigious institutions in the area of concrete, which is the principal construction material. Membership of ACI would enable construction professionals and even civil engineering and architecture students to remain up to date, as it would give them access to the organization’s publications on new developments with respect to concrete and would make them eligible to participate in advanced courses, scientific and technical events and competitions that would enhance their technical and professional development. 85. The Fibre Cement Industrial Group formerly purchased industrial felt for the production of fibre cement from the Mexican firm Albany. The firm was acquired by a United States company, with the result that trade relations with the Cuban firm were severed and these purchases had to be made in the European market at higher prices, with additional expenditure amounting to $136,000 in the period under consideration. 86. Owing to the application of the Torricelli Act, transaction costs for the import of asbestos fibre, PVC and other construction materials rose by $433,000, since the vessels transporting the materials to Cuba could not call at Cuban ports and had to effect trans-shipments in other Caribbean countries. 87. Since the last report was submitted to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the extraterritorial dimension of the United States embargo against Cuba has had a particularly negative impact on the tourism industry. 88. OFAC has unleashed a campaign of relentless harassment and intimidation against subsidiaries of United States hotel chains located in third countries to stop them from providing accommodation to Cuban delegations. 89. The incident that took place in early 2006 with respect to a Sheraton hotel in Mexico was followed, on 18 December 2006, by the outrage that erupted when the management of Norway’s Hotel Scandic Edderkoppen informed the Cuban Tourism Office in Stockholm that it had been forced to cancel the reservations of the delegation of the Cuban Ministry of Tourism and Cuban enterprises that were to attend the International Tourism Fair in Lillestrom, held in that country from 11 to 14 January 2007. 90. Pursuant to the extraterritorial regulations imposed under United States law, the Hotel Scandic, acquired in March 2006 by the United States-based Hilton hotel chain, refused to provide accommodation to the Cuban delegation. Backing up that decision, a spokesperson for the Hilton Group in London publicly stated that the chain would bar Cubans from staying in any of its hotels around the world because if hotels took bookings from Cuban delegations they would be subject to fines or imprisonment. 91. In the third quarter of 2006 the cruise ship company Pullmantur was wholly acquired by Royal Caribbean, the second largest United States cruise line, while Grupo Iberostar (Iberojet, Iberojet Internacional, Viajes Iberia and Iberworld) was purchased by the Carlyle financial group, most of whose shareholders are United States citizens. As soon as these Spanish companies were sold, they severed their ties with Cuba. 92. The primary effects of this include the elimination of 230 jobs formerly held by Cuban crewmembers, entailing a loss of $1,923,000, and the suspension, in October 2006, of the operations of the Havana-based cruise line Holiday Dreams, with the result that tourist arrivals in Cuba by cruise-ship passengers declined by 12,375. The financial impact of the interruption of the various services formerly provided by tourism companies linked to cruise-ship activity and the cancellation of catering contracts by the Pullmantur and Iberworld airlines caused total losses on the order of $16,890,000. 93. The Paradiso cultural tourism agency signed a contract with the German transnational Hapag Lloyd to offer a programme entitled “Cuba Libre — Christmas in the Caribbean”, under which this company’s luxury cruise ship would sail through the Caribbean and call at Cuban ports. Since the United States authorities refused to allow the vessel to call at a United States port if it was to call subsequently at Cuban ports, the company was forced to cancel the contract. For Hapag Lloyd, whose shipping line has assets valued at over $3.2 billion, the application of this restriction under the Torricelli Act led to losses in the millions, compounded by the cost of relocating persons who had already opted for this programme. 94. In a similar case, the Brazilian firm Cubanacán Comercio Internacional Ltd., in late April 2007, was notified that it could not purchase a computer monitor from 3M do Brasil Ltd. because a majority of the shareholders of Cubanacán Comercio Internacional Ltda. were Cuban. The Brazilian supplier, which is a subsidiary of a United States corporation, stated that the product had been manufactured in the United States and thus could not be sold to Cuban entities. Impact on Cuba’s external economic development 95. During the reporting period there was greater harassment against Cuban commercial operations with companies elsewhere in the world and against Cuban financial transactions, with attempts to involve other countries and international entities in such actions. 96. The estimated impact on Cuba’s external trade in 2006 exceeded $1,305,388,000. Most of these losses stemmed from Cuba’s lack of access to the United States market. 97. In terms of imports, Cuba’s external purchases became more expensive not only because of higher prices, the use of intermediaries and the need for triangulation with regard to certain products, but also because of the need to transport them from more distant markets, with a consequent increase in freight and insurance charges. Moreover, the need to maintain large inventories to guarantee a steady supply of industrial inputs, equipment and products for direct consumption forced Cuba to acquire large volumes of merchandise that had to be stored, tying up the resources of Cuban firms and necessitating excess expenditure. 98. With respect to exports, the fact that customers for Cuban products are located in third markets that are sometimes more limited in terms of demand and more onerous in terms of tariffs has meant that export revenues are lower than they would have been if a reasonable proportion of these exports had been made to the United States. In addition, the absence of Cuban products from the United States market has paved the way for the fraudulent and deceptive use of globally recognized trademarks, with the full consent of the United States Government, by unscrupulous companies operating in that market. 99. The financial implications of the high risk assigned to Cuba by reason of its status as a country under embargo by the United States amounted to $184,534,000 in 2006. Cuba continues to face difficult financing conditions, on terms that are generally more onerous than those offered on average in the international market. 100. The impact on Cuba’s external trade due to its inability to use the United States dollar in international transactions amounted to $75,198,000. Between May 2006 and April 2007, the losses which this situation entailed for just three Cuban commercial banks, owing to the purchase and sale of dollars in a climate of high exchange-rate risk and volatility, amounted to some $28.9 million. 101. In banking and finance, the tightening of the United States embargo has continued to create serious difficulties for the normal and proper functioning of the sector. The period covered by this report was marked by increased pressure on foreign financial and banking institutions to refuse to confirm or advise letters of credit and to close accounts and SWIFT codes involving Cuban interests. 102. There has also been an increase in measures to block Cuban transactions to honour financial obligations to agencies and organizations of the United Nations system, and to delay deposits in the bank accounts of international civil servants of Cuban origin. 103. More than 20 third-country banks have given way to the extraterritorial pressure brought to bear by the United States. Their executives have been forced to accept these impositions and to stop providing services to Cuban entities and individuals, for fear of brutal reprisals on the part of the Bush Administration. In implementing the measures contained in the annexation plan, the United States authorities have exerted pressure on a number of countries. At meetings with the world’s leading financial institutions, Washington’s emissaries have warned them that if they continue to do business with Cuba, action will be taken against these institutions’ financial assets in the United States. 104. On 30 June 2006 a European bank decided to close the SWIFT codes and the accounts of Banco Internacional de Cuba S.A. (BICSA) in its Hong Kong and London subsidiaries; on 3 November 2006 a Latin American bank refused to advise a euro-denominated letter of credit from BICSA, claiming that OFAC would not allow it to do so. Similar situations arose in subsequent months with letters of credit in European banks and in European subsidiaries of Asian banks. 105. Currently, the balance of the frozen account of the National Bank of Cuba in the United States bank JP Morgan Chase has been reduced almost to zero. The funds that were illegally frozen under the so-called Cuban Assets Control Regulations of 8 July 1963 have been brazenly stolen as part of the embargo policy against Cuba, in violation of the United States Government’s obligations to protect and safeguard the integrity of funds belonging to Cuban institutions. 106. In yet another sign of its outrageous irresponsibility, and pursuant to a decision by a New York court, the United States Government withdrew all of the frozen funds to comply with the judicial rulings handed down in relation to the spurious lawsuits brought against Cuba in United States courts by United States citizens Janet Ray Weininger and Dorothy Anderson McCarthy. The plaintiffs received no less than $72 million, part of which came from the frozen Cuban funds in the United States belonging to the National Bank of Cuba and the Cuban Telecommunications Company. This latest offensive has brought the amount of funds stolen from Cuba to more than $170 million. 4. Section 211 of the United States Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act of 1999 and further acts of aggression with respect to trademarks 107. For the ninth year in a row, under section 211 of the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, the United States Government took further actions and measures to perpetrate the theft of the internationally recognized Cuban brand names Havana Club and Cohíba. These measures prevent the Cuban owners of these trademarks or their successors, including foreign companies with interests in Cuba, from benefiting, in United States territory, from the acknowledgement and exercise of their rights with respect to trademarks or brand names registered and protected in Cuba. 108. The persistent enforcement of this legislation and of the measures adopted in consequence by the United States Administration has negative implications not only for the bilateral relations between Cuba and the United States, but also for international trade, as it violates multilaterally accepted agreements. In fact, it was the precedent set by this legislation and its harmful effects on international trade that prompted the World Trade Organization (WTO) Appellate Body to decide, in 2002, that section 211 violated national treatment and most-favoured-nation obligations under the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs), and to urge the United States Government to adjust that legislation in a manner consistent with its international obligations. 109. The Bush Administration has ignored the decision of the WTO Appellate Body. The United States Government’s repeated postponement of compliance with the verdict of the competent body of WTO offers unequivocal proof of its lack of political will to settle this dispute and abide by the rules of international trade. 110. The maintenance of section 211 and the implementation of other actions to usurp, in United States territory, Cuban trademarks of considerable international prestige that are protected by international agreements and treaties have created a climate of uncertainty and set a precedent with unpredictable consequences for trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights. 5. Impact on the peoples of the United States and other countries and on international agencies and organizations 111. The United States embargo is directed not only against the Cuban people. Its tangled web of laws and regulations also ensnares individuals and entities all over the world that, regardless of ideology, political affiliation or creed, maintain some sort of relationship with Cuba. 112. Following the adoption of the Bush plan in May 2004 and its updated version in July 2006, the United States authorities have become increasingly obsessive in their hounding of religious, academic and non-governmental organizations and even private individuals, including through a drastic reduction in exchanges between the two peoples in the fields of education, science, culture and sports. 113. Because of the new prohibitions and harassment measures and the growing number of fines, visits by United States citizens dwindled even further. The number of visits dropped from 85,000 in 2003 to 37,000 in 2006. Family visits to their country of origin by Cubans residing in the United States fell from over 115,000 in 2003 to 59,000 in 2006 as a result of new restrictions concerning family ties. 114. The Department of the Treasury refused to authorize 15 eminent United States scientists to travel to Cuba because they had indicated that they intended to participate in the 2006 International Immunotherapy Workshop organized by the Centre for Molecular Immunology under the auspices of PAHO from 15 to 19 November 2006. 115. The United States Government also denied students and professors belonging to Interlocken, an NGO, visas to travel to Cuba — although they had travelled to Cuba in 2004 and 2005 — depriving them of an opportunity to broaden their professional and cultural training and to exchange experiences. 116. United States experts were not permitted to participate in the Technology for Low-income Housing Workshop in October 2006 or in the Third International Day of Low-income Housing in March 2007. 117. Students in the Environmental Studies programme at Evergreen State College in Washington state could not participate in the summer course offered by the Cuban Institute of Pasture and Forage Research, as the State Department denied them licences to travel. 118. The United States Government would not give the United States Greco-Roman wrestling team permission to travel to Cuba in order to train in Havana. The Department of the Treasury denied a visa to United States cyclists invited to take part in the Thirty-second Tour of Cuba, held from 13 to 25 February 2007. 119. According to OFAC, the Ixtlan Corporation was penalized for violating the Cuba embargo regulations. Ixtlan is the film production company of famous American producer Oliver Stone, who was also fined, together with three other members of his film crew, for activities in connection with the filming of his documentaries “Comandante” and “Looking for Fidel” between February 2002 and May 2003. Mr. Stone, his producer and crew were fined $6,322. 120. OFAC also sent a letter to the highly respected documentary filmmaker Michael Moore, informing him that an investigation had been launched into his March 2007 trip to Cuba in connection with the filming of his documentary “Sicko” on the United States health system. 121. The United States Government did not allow the Puerto Rican delegation to participate in the First Caribbean and Latin American Regional Hypnotherapy Congress, held in Santiago de Cuba from 19 to 23 March 2007. The United States Government denied Dr. Dennis Alicea, Rector of the University of Turabo and President of the Puerto Rican Cultural Institute, a licence to travel to Cuba on business regarding the cultural relations between the two peoples. 122. The United States authorities banned the distribution of Cuban publications in United States territory and even refused to allow institutions to have access to them for use by their libraries and reference services. This is illustrated by the following cases: (a) In October 2006, the University of California requested permission to reproduce the poetry of José Lezama Lima, the Cuban poet regarded as one of the most important twentieth century writers in the Spanish language. This did not materialize, as no way could be found to make the payment; (b) In November 2006, a request was received to purchase the rights to translate some stories by Virgilio Piñero, considered to be the greatest Cuban playwright of the twentieth century, in the American literary magazine “Sentence: A Journal of Prose Poetic”, which also did not happen for the same reason. 123. In 2006, the embargo was responsible for a 75 per cent decrease in visits by United States dealers, gallery owners and collectors who used to visit Cuba six to eight times a year and sometimes more. A number of artists, including nonAmerican artists residing in the United States, wishing to attend the Havana Biennial had to deal with major obstacles. 124. Last year, a group of American and Italian producers interested in making a film on writer Ernest Hemingway in Cuba could not carry out their project owing to the travel restrictions imposed on United States citizens or residents under the embargo. 125. In the 2007 period, the Department of the Treasury revoked the travel licence of Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and turned down new requests for licences from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and the Columbia University Business School. These universities have been conducting academic exchange programmes with the island for several years. 126. In its efforts to isolate and obliterate the revolutionary process the Cuban people have embarked on, the United States Government is turning citizens and entities from third countries into victims of its criminal embargo policy, in flagrant violation of the laws of those States. For example, in May 2007, the Ministry of Education of Nigeria informed the Cuban Embassy there that a remittance of $616,281 which it had sent to Nigerian students in Cuba as far back as March 2007, was returned to the Central Bank of Nigeria, as the British bank through which the transfer was to be made had indicated that because of the embargo, it could not effect the transaction to Cuba. 127. The embargo against Cuba and its harmful manifestations and consequences also affect other peoples of the world. 128. An example of this was the huge outcry over the discriminatory treatment of Cuba’s official and commercial delegation to an international tourism fair held in Norway under the auspices of the World Tourism Organization. The Cuban delegation’s reservations for accommodations in the Scandic Edderkoppen Hotel were cancelled. It should be noted that this hotel had been acquired by Hilton, a United States company. On 28 January 2007, the Assembly for Labour and Professional Rights, comprised of more than 500 trade union representatives from all over Norway, adopted and sent an open letter rejecting the arbitrary measures. The presidents of the Landsorganisasjonen i Norge (LO) and Oslo national trade union confederations both issued statements condemning the action against the Cuban delegation. Among other acts of protest, the Civil Servants Union urged Norwegian citizens to boycott Scandic hotels. Opposition to the embargo within the United States 129. Despite its aggressive and punitive policy, the United States Government was unable to crush the spirit of those who were convinced, for moral, ethical, religious or even economic reasons, of the need for a change in the criminal policy that United States authorities have been enforcing against Cuba for nearly 50 years. The following actions have been taken in the United States to challenge the embargo: (a) During the second half of 2006, four amendments to bills were proposed in the House of Representatives with a view to prohibiting the use of funds for full enforcement of the embargo, or of some of its regulations; (b) In the Senate Appropriations Committee, an amendment was introduced by Senator Byron Dorgan (Democrat — North Dakota) to Bill H.R. 5384 known as the “Agriculture Appropriations Bill 2007” which authorizes a general licence for travel related to the sale of agricultural products and medicines to Cuba. In the 2007 period thus far, bills and a draft resolution have been introduced in the United States Congress with the aim of authorizing travel from the United States to Cuba, banning subversive radio and television broadcasts against Cuba, eliminating some financial and commercial restrictions imposed on Cuba, easing restrictions on the sale of agricultural products, allowing United States companies to prospect for and extract hydrocarbons from Cuba’s exclusive economic zone in the Gulf of Mexico, and lifting the embargo entirely; (c) On 13 June 2006, the Emergency Coalition to Defend Educational Travel (ECDET) filed a lawsuit against the Department of the Treasury for the restrictions imposed on educational travel, which constitute a violation of academic freedom as defined by the Supreme Court and established in the Constitution. The lawsuit calls for eliminating such restrictions and restoring access by United States citizens to educational programmes in Cuba; (d) On 14 June 2006, the Florida chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit against state officials in the United States Court of the Southern District of Florida. At issue was the constitutionality of Senate Bill S.2434 on Travel to Terrorist States approved by Governor Jeb Bush on 30 May. The law promulgated by the United States President’s brother denies United States citizens access to information on other places in the world; (e) On 10 July 2006, Congressman José Serrano (Democrat — New York) stated in a press release that the recommendations of the second report of the Commission established by President Bush to accelerate the “regime change” in Cuba “would be downright comical but for the potential for human suffering that they could cause”. He criticized the secret annex of that report and said that the plans for United States intervention in the internal affairs of Cuba should not and could not be part of any responsible United States plan for future dealings with Cuba. He added that “In any transition scenario, we must respect Cuba’s sovereignty and their right to determine their own future form of government”. He also said, “We have no direct role to play in that transition. Our role should be to keep our hands off, both now and in the future”; (f) On 12 July 2006, ENCASA/US-CUBA, the organization of Cuban-American academics, intellectuals and artists, issued a press release “rejecting” the Commission’s second report, which it characterized as “an immoral, inhumane and counterproductive policy”. The statement also described the report as “negative”, insofar as it is contemptuous of international law and world opinion, infringes on the freedom of United States citizens and does not respect the sovereignty of the Cuban people; (g) On 26 August 2006, the Women’s Christian Association in Defence of the Cuban Family organized a protest against the Cuba travel ban, which was staged in the vicinity of the Miami office of anti-Cuban Congressman Lincoln Díaz-Balart (Republican — Florida); (h) On 20 December 2006, Congressman James McGovern (Democrat — Massachusetts) branded the current United States policy a “relic of the cold war” and referred to it as “dumb, self-destructive and reflecting a double standard”; (i) During the reporting period, seven delegations of the United States Congress visited Cuba, including 19 Congressmen and 14 business delegations from 11 states. During his visit to Cuba, Dave Heineman, Governor of Nebraska, expressed his support for initiatives to promote an easing of United States restrictions on trade between Cuba and the United States, and for the decision to continue to do business with our country; (j) On 21 March 2007, Thomas Wenski, Chairman of the Committee on International Policy of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, sent a letter to Representative Charles Rangel (Democrat — New York), backing House of Representatives Bill H.R. 654 aimed at allowing travel from the United States to Cuba. Impact on international agencies and organizations 130. The embargo has not only continued to affect Cuba’s participation in multilateral agencies and international organizations but has also subjected these institutions to the consequences of its criminal policy. This is apparent in the following cases: (a) Cuba has been supplying the HeberBiovac HB vaccine (a recombinant hepatitis B vaccine) to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) whenever the Fund has requested it for its global child immunization programme. In the second quarter of 2006, however, the Department of State refused to renew the export licence allowing the United States company Temptimes to sell the vaccine vial monitors to our country. This company is the only one in the world capable of producing these vial monitors in conformity with UNICEF and World Health Organization (WHO) standards. The State Department measure caused an interruption in the supply of this vital vaccine to UNICEF. Although numerous actions have been taken through various channels to resolve this situation, they have thus far been ineffectual; (b) In flagrant violation of World Trade Organization and Codex Alimentarius procedures, and despite the fact that Cuba is selling food for human consumption produced in the United States, the United States authorities continue to prohibit the exchange of regulatory criteria between the health authorities of the two counties. Although Cuba has been a member country of Codex Alimentarius since 1981, the United States Government prevented the Cuban delegation from participating in the thirty-eighth session of the Committee on Food Hygiene, held in Houston in December 2006. Cuban experts ended up being unable to attend, as they were not issued visas until the event was over. At that meeting, the activation of the lactoperoxidase system — which uses a product patented by Cuba — in milk and dairy products sold on the international market was to be considered; (c) Another example of the disrespectful conduct of the United States Government in its relations with international agencies was the arbitrary decision by United States authorities to prevent a Cuban expert from participating in the Meeting of Heads of Research Contracts CUB/12667 of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), held in April 2007 at the University of Illinois in Chicago; (d) On 2 March 2007, Fuel Services informed three Cuban experts who were supposed to participate in the Microbiology Symposium organized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) that they could not participate in it, as they were from a country subject to United States sanctions and could not be privy to the information that would be provided at the symposium. One of the experts who was to participate in the Symposium is an advisory member of IATA; (e) In October 2006, the United States courier services of the Panamanian airline COPA, a subsidiary of Continental Airlines, were suspended without prior notice. As a result of this decision, the shipment of vaccines from Cuba by HeberBiotec S.A. in connection with a PAHO bid did not reach its destination. Apart from the financial difficulties this caused, PAHO was deprived of the opportunity to assess the various bids on the international market on equal terms; (f) Tighter restrictions on banking transactions limited the participation of various centres and university faculties in the events of such organizations as the International Mathematics Union and the American Library Association, as no way could be found to make dues payments to those associations; (g) Obstacles and impediments to Cuban financial transactions for the payment of its membership dues to international agencies persisted. These included refusal by the Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS) to accept a transaction for $15,000 effected by Banco Internacional de Comercio S.A. from Havana for the payment of Cuba’s 2006 contributions to the Global System of Trade Preferences (GSTP) among Developing Countries and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva notified the GSTP and UNCTAD secretariats of this incident; (h) In October 2006, a United States bank refused to accept a bank transfer for payment of Cuba’s assessed contribution to the United Nations in respect of several meetings held within the framework of conventions on certain conventional and biological weapons and antipersonnel landmines. The bank gave notice that it would not accept payments originating from Cuba. This was a gross violation of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations and a breach of the United States Government’s obligation to refrain from any form of interference in the activities of the Organization in its capacity as host country. 6. Conclusions 131. Direct economic damage to the Cuban people as a result of the economic, commercial and financial embargo by the United States against Cuba is estimated at more than $89 billion. This figure does not include direct damage to national social and economic objectives by acts of sabotage and terrorism fomented, organized and financed from the United States. Nor does it include the value of products that could no longer be manufactured or the damage caused by the onerous credit terms imposed on Cuba. 132. The escalation of the United States embargo against Cuba under the Administration of President George W. Bush is without precedent in the past 50 years of aggression and hostility towards the island through the iron-fisted enforcement of the laws and provisions of this criminal policy, in flagrant violation of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law and in disregard of the repeated and nearly unanimous appeals by the international community to end this genocidal policy. 133. The imposition of the embargo has not only caused enormous suffering to the Cuban people, brutally violating their fundamental human rights, but has also prejudiced the interests and rights of United States citizens themselves, of Cubans residing in the United States and of citizens of third countries affected by the significant increase in the extraterritorial effects of this policy. 134. The stepped up extraterritorial application of the embargo in recent years has unleashed an irrational witch-hunt against Cuban commercial and financial transactions characterized by reprisals against businesspeople and banking and financial institutions with ties to Cuba. The unremitting harassment of businesspeople and the threats and sanctions against foreign investors reflect the contempt of the United States authorities for the laws and sovereign powers of other countries in the world. 135. The Cuban people will not renounce their sovereignty or the enjoyment of their right to self-determination and, despite the embargo, will continue their efforts to better the just and unified society that they have been building for 49 years, and to extend selfless assistance to other peoples of the world, including the people of the United States. Nor will they abandon their economic development, in which tangible progress has been achieved despite the adverse effects of the economic, commercial and financial embargo to which they have been subjected. 136. Cuba hopes that it can once again count on the support of the international community in its legitimate appeal for an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States Government. Democratic Republic of the Congo [Original: English] [12 July 2007] The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo reaffirms its support for the lifting of the economic, commercial and financial embargo and continues to oppose the Helms-Burton legislation, which violates the sovereignty of Cuba. The legislation’s extraterritorial effect is also not in line with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and goes against the tenets of international law. Democratic People’s Republic of Korea [Original: English] [29 May 2007] 1. It is a consistent position of the Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to oppose all kinds of sanctions including economic, commercial and financial embargoes on sovereign States. 2. The unilateral and extraterritorial embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba should be terminated without delay, since it is an obvious infringement of sovereignty violating principles and standards of the Charter of the United Nations and international laws. 3. The Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea invariably supports the efforts of the Government of Cuba and its people to end the embargo by the United States and will continue to develop economic and trade relations with Cuba in the future. Dominica [Original: English] [10 July 2007] The Commonwealth of Dominica has neither promulgated nor applied any laws or measures which in any way hinder the freedom of trade and navigation in respect of Cuba. The Commonwealth of Dominica is in full conformity with resolution 61/11. Dominican Republic [Original: Spanish] [12 June 2007] In its international relations, the Government of the Dominican Republic pursues policies which are in conformity with the norms and principles that underpin cooperation and exchange between nations. It therefore refrains from enacting and/or applying laws which breach those norms and principles. Ecuador [Original: Spanish] [11 June 2007] 1. The Republic of Ecuador, in keeping with its Political Constitution and the Charter of the United Nations, bases its relations with the international community on the recognition and firm belief that international law constitutes a standard of conduct required of States in their reciprocal relations; it consequently applies no measure that would be at variance with the sovereignty and juridical equality of States or the peaceful coexistence of individual nations. 2. The Government of Ecuador therefore voted in favour of resolution 61/11 and will continue to condemn the unilateral application of economic and commercial measures against Cuba. Egypt [Original: English] [12 July 2007] Egypt’s consistent view is that the unilateral sanctions outside the United Nations framework are not a course of action that Egypt can condone. Equatorial Guinea [Original: Spanish] [9 May 2007] 1. As in previous years, the Government of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, in reaffirming its commitment to the ideals, principles and objectives of the Charter of the United Nations, states that, although States are not equal, they are treated as equal under international law. It speaks out in favour of multilateralism as an appropriate setting for consensus-building, the harmonization of the interests of the States Members of the United Nations and the development of international cooperation. 2. Therefore, the Government of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea not only refrains from promulgating and applying laws and measures of the type referred to in the resolution but also maintains and continues to develop excellent relations of friendship and cooperation with the Republic of Cuba. Eritrea [Original: English] [27 June 2007] 1. The Government of the State of Eritrea has not promulgated or applied any laws or measures of the kind referred to in the preamble of resolution 61/11. 2. Eritrea is strongly opposed to the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba, which is inconsistent with the principles of international law. 3. Eritrea joins other States in calling for the immediate repeal or invalidation of such laws or measures, which are having adverse effects on the Cuban people and on Cuban nationals living in other countries. European Union [Original: English] [7 June 2007] 1. The European Union believes that the United States trade policy towards Cuba is fundamentally a bilateral issue. Notwithstanding, the European Union and its member States have been clearly expressing their opposition to the extraterritorial extension of the United States embargo, such as that contained in the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 and the Helms-Burton Act of 1996. 2. One should underline the fact that, in November 1996, the Council of Ministers of the European Union adopted a regulation and a joint action to protect the interest of natural or legal persons resident in the European Union against the extraterritorial effects of the Helms-Burton legislation, which prohibits compliance with that legislation. Moreover, on 18 May 1998, at the European Union/United States summit in London, a package was agreed covering waivers to titles III and IV of the Helms-Burton Act; a commitment by the United States Administration to resist future extraterritorial legislation of that kind; and an understanding with respect to disciplines for the strengthening of investment protection. The European Union continues to urge the United States to implement its side of the 18 May 1998 understanding. Gambia [Original: English] [8 June 2007] 1. The Gambia has not promulgated or applied any laws, measures or acts which have extraterritorial effects on the sovereignty of other Member States, the legitimate interests of entities or persons under their jurisdiction or the freedom of trade and navigation. 2. We continue to be opposed to the enactment or application of such laws or measures against Cuba, which impede the free and smooth flow of international trade and navigation. 3. As a responsible member of the international community, the Gambia therefore joins other Member States in calling for the immediate repeal or invalidation of such laws, measures or policies as they are contrary to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law. Ghana [Original: English] [26 July 2007] Consistent with its respect for and commitment to the Charter of the United Nations and international law, the Republic of Ghana supports the purposes and principles of General Assembly resolution 61/11, including paragraphs 2, 3 and 4. Ghana has therefore neither promulgated nor sought to apply any laws or measures the extraterritorial effects of which affect the sovereignty of other States. Indeed, in the specific case of Cuba, Ghana maintains active bilateral cooperation, mainly in the educational and medical fields. Greece [Original: English] [11 June 2007] Greece fully implements General Assembly resolution 61/11 in the light of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law, and has never promulgated or applied any laws or measures of the kind referred to in resolution 61/11, by which an economic, commercial and financial embargo would be imposed against Cuba. Grenada [Original: English] [11 June 2007] 1. The Government of Grenada recognizes the principle of the sovereign equality of States and neither promulgates nor applies any law or measure that would encroach on or undermine the sovereign rights of any State. 2. As sovereign States, Grenada and the Republic of Cuba enjoy very good relations. 3. The Government of Grenada reiterates its opposition to the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against this sister Caribbean nation and voices its concern over the constant tightening of the embargo. Such a situation is unconducive to human development and augurs hardship for the Cuban people. 4. In addition, being cognizant of and adhering to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law, Grenada has no laws that restrict or hinder international trade or navigation by any State and does not condone any unilateral application of economic and trade measures that restrict the free flow of trade. 5. Grenada thus unreservedly supports resolution 61/11, which calls for an immediate end to the unilateral embargo against the Republic of Cuba. Guatemala [Original: Spanish] [11 June 2007] In Guatemala there is no legal or regulatory impediment to freedom of movement or free trade with the Republic of Cuba. Moreover, it is the policy of the Government of Guatemala to reject any coercive measure that conflicts with the norms of international law. Guinea [Original: French] [29 May 2007] 1. The Government of the Republic of Guinea is deeply committed to the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations that establish the sovereign equality of States, non-intervention and non-interference in their internal affairs, and freedom of international trade and navigation. 2. On the basis of this position, from which it has never deviated, the Republic of Guinea has always refrained, and continues to refrain, from promulgating or applying laws and measures of an economic and commercial character that affect the freedom of international trade. 3. Given this fundamental position, and in conformity with the requirements of international law, the Government of Guinea unfailingly supports the lifting of the economic embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba. Guinea-Bissau [Original: English] [15 May 2007] 1. Guinea-Bissau reaffirms that these discriminatory commercial practices and the extraterritorial application of national laws are contrary to the need to promote dialogue and to the proper application of the purposes and principles enunciated in the Charter of the United Nations. 2. The Government of Guinea-Bissau did not support any of the resolutions which were adopted against Cuba. Neither did the Government put in place at the national level any mechanisms that might have given effect to such resolutions, considering their unilateral character and that they were contrary to international legal norms applicable to free trade and the free exercise of navigation rights. 3. Guinea-Bissau regrets, therefore, that this blockade of more than 47 years continues to cause serious economic, financial, health and other damage to Cuba. 4. Notwithstanding the fact that in the past 15 years the General Assembly has adopted successive resolutions on the need to end the blockade, there has been no sign of flexibility on the part of the United States of America regarding its persistent policy of economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba. 5. The Republic of Guinea-Bissau recognizes the importance that the Secretary-General attaches to this issue and calls for the implementation of the relevant resolution, and calls on the international community to continue with efforts so that the two countries, Cuba and the United States, can engage in a constructive dialogue aimed at establishing normal relations between them. Guyana [Original: English] [4 June 2007] The Republic of Guyana has not promulgated nor applied any laws or regulations the extraterritorial effects of which affect the sovereignty of other States. It is thus fully in observance of resolution 61/11 and is committed to continuing support. Haiti [Original: French] [17 May 2007] The Republic of Haiti has refrained from promulgating and applying laws and measures whose territorial effects affect the sovereignty of other States. It therefore fulfils all the requirements of resolution 61/11. Holy See [Original: English] [21 June 2007] The Holy See has never drawn up or applied economic, commercial or financial laws or measures against Cuba. Honduras [Original: Spanish] [5 July 2007] The Government of Honduras, deeply attached to and respectful of the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, wishes to make known to the United Nations and its Member States that the Republic of Honduras has no measure in force that restricts freedom of trade, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law, or contravenes the relevant General Assembly resolutions. India [Original: English] [25 June 2007] 1. India has not promulgated or applied any laws of the type referred to in the preamble of resolution 61/11. Thus, the necessity of repealing or invalidating any such laws or measures does not arise. 2. India has consistently opposed any unilateral measure by countries that impinge on the sovereignty of another country. These include any attempt to extend the application of a country’s laws extraterritorially to other sovereign nations. 3. India recalls the Final Document adopted by the Thirteenth Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries, held in Kuala Lumpur in February 2003, on this subject and urges the international community to adopt all necessary measures to protect the sovereign rights of all countries. Indonesia [Original: English] [19 June 2007] 1. As enshrined in the Constitution of 1945, the Government of the Republic of Indonesia is mandated to uphold the principles of justice, equality and peace. Consequently, Indonesia has not promulgated or agreed to the application of any unilateral and extraterritorial economic and trade measures that contradict the Charter of the United Nations and are against international law. The principles of non-intervention in countries’ internal affairs and freedom of international trade and navigation must also be respected and upheld. 2. Moreover, the application of an economic and trade embargo will produce negative effects on the economic and social life of innocent people, especially women and children. These measures also constitute a major impediment to the full enjoyment of the right to development by a sovereign State and its people. They are a violation of human rights, considering that the right to development is a basic human right of equal importance with civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. 3. Such a policy is not in line with the spirit of global partnership for development as set out in the Millennium Declaration, the Monterrey Consensus and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation. In fact, at the World Summit in September 2005 our leaders strongly reiterated their determination to ensure the timely and full realization of the development goals and objectives, including the Millennium Development Goals, to eradicate poverty. Indonesia’s position is in keeping with these expressions of global solidarity. 4. Indonesia therefore urges an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba and calls on all countries to adhere to the principles of equality, mutual respect, good neighbourliness and respect for human rights. Iran (Islamic Republic of) [Original: English] [12 July 2007] 1. The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran believes that the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba runs counter to the principles of international law governing relations among States and contradicts the letter and spirit of the Charter of the United Nations, which call for promoting solidarity, cooperation and friendly relations among nations. Such measures have adverse impacts on the living conditions and human rights of the Cuban people and will hamper the efforts of the Cuban Government to achieve Millennium Development Goals, including the eradication of poverty and promoting health and education, which are indispensable means for economic and social development. 2. The adoption of the relevant resolutions for so many years clearly indicates the strong objection of the international community to unilateral economic coercive measures in general, and the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the Government of the United States against Cuba in particular. 3. The Islamic Republic of Iran, which has long been experiencing economic coercive measures, shares the concern of the Cuban people and Government and therefore emphasizes the urgent need for putting an end to such measures and the full implementation of General Assembly resolution 61/11. Jamaica [Original: English] [9 July 2007] 1. The Government of Jamaica continues to oppose the extraterritorial application of national legislation with the attendant disregard for the sovereignty of States. Jamaica views this as contrary to the principles of international law, the non-interference in the internal affairs of States and the sovereign equality and peaceful coexistence of States. 2. In this connection, Jamaica reiterates its support for all General Assembly resolutions which call for the removal of the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba. In furtherance of this stance, Jamaica continues to align itself with the positions of the Group of 77 and the Non-Aligned Movement in opposing and condemning such unilateral action, which is in violation of the sovereign rights of the Cuban people and also contravenes the letter and spirit of the Charter of the United Nations. 3. In keeping with its obligations under the Charter, the Government of Jamaica has not promulgated legislation, implemented any measure or taken any other action which would violate the sovereignty of a State or its lawful national interests or impede its freedom of trade, economic cooperation or other commercial activity. 4. Jamaica remains convinced and maintains the position that only through a process of constructive engagement guided by the universal principle of the peaceful settlement of disputes will the most viable options for achieving a solution leading towards enduring peace and long-term stability emerge, to the satisfaction of all parties. Japan [Original: English] [4 June 2007] 1. The Government of Japan has not promulgated or applied laws or measures of the kind that are referred to in paragraph 2 of General Assembly resolution 61/11. 2. The Government of Japan believes that the economic policy of the United States towards Cuba should be considered primarily as a bilateral issue. However, Japan shares the concern, arising from the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act of 1996 (known as the Helms-Burton Act) and the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992, that, if application of such legislation causes undue hardship in relation to the economic activities of the enterprises or nationals of a third country, the legislation is likely to run counter to international law regarding the extraterritorial application of domestic laws. 3. The Government of Japan has been closely following the situation in relation to the above-mentioned legislation and the surrounding circumstances, and its concern remains unchanged. Having considered the matter with the utmost care, Japan voted in favour of resolution 61/11. Kazakhstan [Original: English] [13 July 2007] 1. The Republic of Kazakhstan expresses its full and unconditional support for General Assembly resolution 61/11 and calls to stop the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed on Cuba. 2. Kazakhstan opposes all forms of economic and financial sanctions and embargoes that contradict the norms of international law. Such long-term embargoes and blockades violate the spirit and fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations and universally adopted principles of international law. 3. Kazakhstan strongly believes that these sanctions imposed by the United States of America against Cuba have an impact on peace and stability in the region, affect the Cuban economy and cause undue suffering and hardship for the Cuban people. 4. In this regard, the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan does not contain any laws or regulations with extraterritorial effects on the sovereignty of other countries, the legitimate interests of corporations and individuals or freedom of international trade and navigation. Kenya [Original: English] [11 June 2007] The Government of Kenya reaffirms its objection to unilateral coercive measures directed at a State Member of the United Nations which are at variance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law. The implementation of unilateral trade measures against Cuba adversely affects the social and economic well-being of the people of Cuba and, because of its extraterritoriality, the citizens of other countries. The majority of the members of the United Nations and other organizations including the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries have all called for an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba. Kenya believes in and upholds the principle of maintaining friendly relations, including commerce, among nations for the promotion of peace and security as indispensable ingredients for the social and economic advancement for all people. Kiribati [Original: English] [1 June 2007] General Assembly resolution 61/11 holds moral and humanitarian considerations which, when adopted, will positively contribute to improving the general welfare and well-being of the people of Cuba. Lao People’s Democratic Republic [Original: English] [8 May 2007] It is unfortunate that the embargo imposed by the United States of America over the past years against Cuba, an independent and sovereign country, continues to be in effect. Such an embargo with its extraterritorial implications has not only hindered the progress of Cuba in its socio-economic development and caused untold suffering to its people, but has also violated the principles of international law and those of the sovereign equality of States as well as of freedom of international trade and navigation. As far as the Lao People’s Democratic Republic is concerned, in adhering to and complying with all principles and purposes enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and international law, it has neither promulgated nor introduced any laws and measures of the kind referred to in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of General Assembly resolution 61/11. Lebanon [Original: English] [11 May 2007] The Government of Lebanon fully complies with General Assembly resolution 61/11 concerning the necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations and international law. Lesotho [Original: English] [23 May 2007] 1. Lesotho reaffirms its commitment to the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations, the principles of international law, the freedom of trade and navigation. 2. Lesotho has never promulgated or applied any laws referred to in resolution 61/11. 3. Lesotho is concerned about the harmful effects of the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba and joins other members of the international community in calling for an end to the embargo. Libyan Arab Jamahiriya [Original: Arabic] [11 June 2007] 1. The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya affirms once again its strong opposition to unilateral measures imposed on States for political purposes and emphasizes that such behaviour, far from helping to solve differences between States, renders them more complicated. 2. The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya has continually expressed its commitment to the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of international law and has neither promulgated nor applied any laws of the kind referred to in operative paragraphs 2 and 3 of General Assembly resolution 61/11. It has in fact itself in the past been the victim of coercive measures of that nature. 3. The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya expresses its deep concern over the continued application by certain States of unilateral extraterritorial coercive economic measures, inasmuch as such measures constitute flagrant violations of the principles of international law. 4. The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya voted in favour of resolution 61/11 by way of reaffirmation of its position of opposition to the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed against Cuba. It calls on States to resolve their differences by peaceful means and to shun unilateral coercive measures, which are in contravention of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, constitute a violation of human rights and impede development efforts, which represent one of the lofty objectives of the United Nations. Liechtenstein [Original: English] [2 May 2007] The Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein has not promulgated or applied any laws or measures of the kind referred to in the preamble to General Assembly resolution 61/11. The Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein is furthermore of the view that legislation whose implementation entails measures or regulations having extraterritorial effects is inconsistent with generally recognized principles of international law. Madagascar [Original: French] [14 June 2007] The Government of Madagascar has never promulgated or applied economic, commercial or financial laws or measures against the Republic of Cuba. Madagascar has always been favourable to the lifting of the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed against Cuba and continues its solidarity with the other States Members of the United Nations, in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the provisions of international law which establish the freedom of trade and navigation. Malawi [Original: English] [12 July 2007] 1. The Government of the Republic of Malawi does not have any sanctions or embargo against the Government of Cuba in place. Furthermore, the Malawi Government enjoys excellent relations with the Government of Cuba and cooperates very well through a Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation. 2. The Malawi Government further wishes to reiterate its stance that it does not favour the unilateral application of economic and trade measures by one State against another because of their political orientation or difference of opinion. In this regard, the Government of the Republic of Malawi joins the rest of the international community in calling for immediate repeal of laws that have been promulgated solely for the purpose of penalizing other States and thwart the flow of international trade. Malaysia [Original: English] [11 July 2007] 1. Malaysia is against the unilateral imposition of economic, commercial and financial embargoes. This position is consistent with the provisions of international law as well as the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. Malaysia believes that the imposition of unilateral economic, commercial and financial embargoes is particularly harmful, as they constitute a form of collective punishment of the people of the country upon which the embargo is imposed. Such acts should therefore be revoked. 2. The aforementioned position has also been endorsed in many organizations and forums, including the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), of which Malaysia is a member. Paragraph 185 of the Final Document adopted by the Fourteenth Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries, held in Havana on 15 and 16 September 2006, inter alia: (a) Called on the Government of the United States of America to put an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba, which, in addition to being unilateral and contrary to the Charter and international law, and to the principle of neighbourliness, is causing huge material losses and economic damage for the people of Cuba, and urged strict compliance with resolutions 47/19, 48/16, 49/9, 50/10, 51/17, 52/10, 53/4, 54/21, 55/20, 56/9, 57/11, 58/7, 59/11 and 60/12 of the General Assembly; (b) Expressed deep concern over the widening of the extraterritorial nature of the embargo against Cuba and rejected the reinforcement of measures adopted by the United States Government, aimed at tightening the embargo, as well as other measures carried out by the Government of the United States against the people of Cuba. 3. Further, paragraph 15.4 of the Final Document of the Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement, held in Putrajaya, Malaysia, from 27 to 30 May 2006, stated that the Movement resolves to refrain from recognizing, adopting or implementing extraterritorial or unilateral coercive measures or laws, including unilateral economic sanctions, other intimidating measures and arbitrary travel restrictions, that seek to exert pressure on non-aligned countries — threatening their sovereignty, independence and freedom of trade and investment — and prevent them from exercising their right to decide by their own free will their political, economic and social systems, where they constitute flagrant violations of the Charter, international law, the multilateral trading system and the norms and principles governing friendly relations among States; and in this regard, oppose and condemn these measures or laws and their continued application, persevere with efforts to effectively reverse them and urge other States to do likewise, as called for by the General Assembly and other United Nations organs; and request States applying these measures or laws to revoke them fully and immediately. 4. Malaysia continues to believe in the importance of maintaining friendly relations among nations, as the primary means of promoting a peaceful and prosperous international system. Maldives [Original: English] [12 July 2007] 1. Maldives has not enacted any laws or regulations that contravene the provisions of resolution 61/11. 2. Maldives does not impose any sanctions against any country without an explicit mandate from the General Assembly or the Security Council of the United Nations or from those international organizations of which Maldives is a member. Accordingly, Maldives has not imposed any sanctions against Cuba nor has it enacted any laws or regulations that would contravene the provisions of resolution 61/11. Mali [Original: French] [29 May 2007] The Government of Mali has neither promulgated nor applied laws or measures whose extraterritorial effects affect the sovereignty of other States. It fully supports the provisions of General Assembly resolution 61/11. Mauritius [Original: English] [6 July 2007] The Government of Mauritius has not promulgated or applied any laws or measures of the kind referred to in the preamble of resolution 61/11. Mexico [Original: Spanish] [8 June 2007] 1. The Mexican delegation voting in favour of resolution 61/11, which the General Assembly adopted by a vote on 8 November 2006. 2. The Government of Mexico once again states its firm rejection both of the application of unilateral laws or measures imposing an economic embargo against any Member State and of the use of coercive measures that have no legal basis in the Charter of the United Nations. Mexico considers that this type of measure has adverse humanitarian consequences that are contrary to international law and, moreover, signify the abandonment of diplomacy and dialogue, which are the appropriate ways of settling disputes between States. 3. Mexico reaffirms its traditional and principled position that any type of political, economic or military sanction imposed on a State Member of the United Nations can only emanate from a decision or recommendation adopted by the Security Council or the General Assembly. Multilateralism continues to be the best way of ensuring peaceful coexistence and settling disputes between States. 4. The Government of Mexico again places on record that its bilateral and multilateral relations with other States are based on general principles of international law that govern peaceful and civilized coexistence between sovereign nations in the modern world. The principles enunciated have provided a firm basis and continuity in the relations between Mexico and Cuba. Accordingly, for the first time in 1992, the Government of Mexico, in a gesture full of meaning for the relations between the two countries, voted in favour of the resolution which the Government of the Republic of Cuba submitted to the General Assembly of the United Nations for adoption, with a view to rejecting and ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the Government of the United States of America against Cuba. 5. Since then, Mexico has reconfirmed the aforementioned principles of its foreign policy and has voted in favour of the resolution which the Government of Cuba has submitted to the General Assembly for adoption every year for the past 15 years. 6. Mexico has also opposed the imposition of unilateral laws that jeopardize cooperation and free trade between countries. Through various mechanisms, the Government of Mexico has shared with the international community its firm position against national laws which are designed to be applied extraterritorially in third countries and run counter to international law. In keeping with that position, the Mexican State promulgated the Trade Protection and Invalidation of Foreign Policies Contravening International Law Act, which has been in force since 23 October 1996. The purpose of this legislation is to prohibit acts which affect trade or investment when such acts result from the extraterritorial effects of foreign laws. 7. Mexico considers that it is through the observance of international law and the rules and principles governing coexistence between nations, even if there are asymmetries or disparities, and through respectful dialogue that States are able to overcome their differences and ensure a climate of international peace. 8. Mexico and Cuba maintain unbreakable historical ties. Opportunities for cooperation and respectful dialogue have been encouraged by Mexico through bilateral dialogue and in the competent regional and international forums and mechanisms. 9. The Government of Mexico has consistently opposed Cuba’s economic and political-diplomatic isolation. It has therefore firmly supported Cuba’s inclusion in all regional integration machinery in order to promote economic and commercial exchange, cooperation and development. 10. The Government of Mexico again pledges to continue to contribute to the effectiveness of international law under this agenda item. Mozambique [Original: English] [6 June 2007] 1. The Republic of Mozambique has never promulgated, applied or contributed to the application of any of the laws or regulations mentioned in General Assembly resolution 61/11. 2. The Republic of Mozambique, which has excellent relations of friendship and cooperation with Cuba, is of the view that the trade, financial and even scientific embargo against Cuba severely hampers the development of this friendly country. Mozambique therefore wishes to see the embargo lifted in order to enable the people and Government of Cuba to enjoy their sovereignty in accordance with the original principles and values enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. 3. In line with previous United Nations resolutions on this item, the Republic of Mozambique believes that constructive dialogue is necessary to foster mutual trust and understanding, as well as harmony and peaceful coexistence among nations of the world. 4. It was in this context that the Republic of Mozambique voted in favour of resolution 61/11 and reiterates its unconditional support to its provisions, appealing to the United Nations to ensure that all Member States take the resolution into consideration. Myanmar [Original: English] [29 May 2007] 1. Myanmar supports General Assembly resolution 61/11 and joins the call by the international community for the United States to bring an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed on Cuba. 2. The Union of Myanmar strongly believes that the promulgation and application by Member States of laws and regulations, the extraterritorial effects of which affect the sovereignty of other States, the legitimate interest of entities or persons under their jurisdiction and the freedom of trade and navigation violate both the spirit and letter of the Charter of the United Nations and the universally adopted principles of international law. Hence, Myanmar opposes all forms of economic and financial sanctions and embargoes that contradict the norms of international law. 3. The economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States on Cuba adversely affects its economy, causes undue suffering and hardship to the Cuban people and negatively impinges on third parties. Myanmar also believes that these measures will not promote peace and stability in the region. In this regard, Myanmar strongly opposes the measures imposed by the United States and joins the international community in bringing an end to these measures. 4. Having such a view, the Union of Myanmar has not promulgated any laws or regulations of the kind that are against the freedom of trade and international navigation. Namibia [Original: English] [2 May 2007] The Government of the Republic of Namibia upholds the principle of peaceful coexistence of nations and fair and open trade among nations. Namibia does not promulgate or apply any laws or measures constituting an economic, commercial or financial embargo against Cuba. On the contrary, Namibia continues to have excellent bilateral relations with Cuba and thus remains committed to the necessity of an immediate end to all sanctions imposed by the United States of America against Cuba. We believe that the measures imposed against Cuba have serious negative implications not only for the overall development and well-being of the Cuban population but also for international trade and navigation. Namibia strongly supports General Assembly resolution 61/11 and calls upon all Member States, in conformity with their obligations under the Charter of the United Nations, to ensure an immediate and unconditional lifting of the embargo against the Republic of Cuba. Nauru [Original: English] [3 July 2007] 1. The Republic of Nauru reiterates its position that discriminatory trade practices and the extraterritorial application of domestic laws run counter to the need for promoting dialogue and ensuring the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Furthermore, Nauru has not promulgated or applied laws or measures against Cuba that would prohibit economic, commercial or financial relations between the Republic of Nauru and the Republic of Cuba. 2. The Government of Nauru is opposed to the continued adoption and application of such extraterritorial measures and supports the immediate lifting of the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba. Nicaragua [Original: Spanish] [3 July 2007] 1. Nicaragua, in keeping with the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and international law, resolutely reaffirms its respect for the sovereign equality of States, the principle of non-intervention in internal affairs and freedom of international trade and navigation, set out in various international instruments, as well as other principles indispensable to international peace and coexistence. 2. On the basis of these principles, Nicaragua condemns the use of unilateral extraterritorial coercive measures, which are in violation of international norms and detrimental to human rights and create a situation of insecurity. 3. The brutal economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against the Republic of Cuba for the past 48 years not only goes against the principle of good neighbourliness that must reign among nations but gravely affects the people of Cuba, causing them large-scale material losses and economic damage that particularly affect the weaker sectors of society, namely children, women and the elderly. The embargo is a measure that violates collective human rights, including the inalienable right to development. 4. Pursuant to General Assembly resolution 61/11, the Government of Nicaragua wishes to report that in its internal juridical system no laws have been promulgated, nor do any measures exist, that restrict or affect the economic, commercial and financial rights of the Republic of Cuba. 5. Nicaraguan law does not recognize as valid the application of coercive measures with extraterritorial effects. Enterprises headquartered in Nicaragua are subject to our domestic law. 6. Nicaragua’s past three Governments unilaterally decreased diplomatic representation with Cuba at the level of chargés d’affaires. In January 2007, however, the Government of Reconciliation and National Unity increased it at the level of ambassadors plenipotentiary and extraordinary, in recognition of the fact that Nicaragua and Cuba have long maintained close relations based on friendship and cooperation between the peoples and Governments of the two countries, on the basis of which various economic and trade cooperation agreements have been concluded. 7. Nicaragua, together with the overwhelming majority of the international community, advocates the immediate lifting of the economic embargo against Cuba and the effects thereof. We affirm that differences, contradictory views and problems that affect or might affect relations between two countries must be resolved in a civilized manner, through dialogue and peaceful negotiation based on mutual respect and the sovereignty and legal equality of States. 8. In this regard, we note increasing expressions on the part of the international community aimed at putting an end to this criminal embargo, expressions which Nicaragua supports fully. They include, in particular: paragraph 185 of the final document of the Fourteenth Conference of Heads of State or Government of the Non-Aligned Movement, adopted by consensus in Havana in September 2006; the special communiqué of the Ibero-American Summit, held in Montevideo in November 2006; and General Assembly resolution 61/11, adopted on 8 November 2006 by an overwhelming majority of the States Members of the United Nations. 9. Moreover, we have witnessed the efforts taking place within United States society itself towards normalization of its relations with Cuba, including the voices of members of the United States Congress, some of whom have even submitted proposals to abolish the embargo. 10. We should like to recognize the importance attributed by the Secretary-General to this question and hope that he will intensify his efforts in the future in order to guarantee faithful compliance with the resolutions adopted on this subject, until success is achieved in eliminating the unjust, criminal embargo against Cuba and its heroic people. Niger [Original: French] [31 May 2007] 1. The Government of the Niger is deeply committed to respecting the principles of the sovereign equality of States, non-intervention in internal affairs, and freedom of international trade and navigation, as established in the Charter of the United Nations and in international law, and has taken no measure that conflicts with the resolution. 2. To the contrary, the Republic of the Niger and the Republic of Cuba have maintained good cooperative relations since 1994, the year in which the General Agreement on Cooperation between the two countries was signed. Since then, the scope of this cooperation and the activities covered by it have evolved and expanded. The two countries regularly hold bilateral consultations, thereby attesting to the political will of their leaders to strengthen the ties of cooperation and solidarity between them, for the benefit of their peoples. 3. The Government of the Niger considers that each country and each people are legitimately entitled to define freely their own mode of development, with the same chances and opportunities of success, in conformity with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. 4. For all the above reasons, the Republic of the Niger supports the fraternal Republic of Cuba in its campaign to secure the lifting of the economic, commercial and financial embargo that was imposed against it. Nigeria [Original: English] [13 July 2007] The Federal Government of Nigeria maintains friendly relations with all States and does not favour unilateral measures to settle political disputes. In this connection, the Federal Government reiterates its support for ending the embargo against Cuba. Oman [Original: English] [13 July 2007] The Sultanate of Oman affirms its full commitment to the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of the international law, including the principles established by the World Trade Organization. Pakistan [Original: English] [25 June 2007] Pakistan is fully in observance of resolution 61/11. Panama [Original: Spanish] [20 June 2007] 1. From the outset of diplomatic relations with the Government of the Republic of Cuba, the Government of the Republic of Panama expressed its interest in and its commitment to maintaining and strengthening the ties of friendship and cooperation in ways appropriate to their bilateral agendas. In this respect, despite unilateral coercive measures, the two Governments have nurtured and improved their economic, commercial and financial relations. 2. In this context, we would refer to the recent high-level official visit to Cuba by His Excellency Samuel Lewis Navarro, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Panama, on 17 and 18 March 2006, in the course of which three bilateral agreements were signed in the fields of political consultations, discontinuance of visas in diplomatic, official, consular and special passports, and health services and cooperation. 3. Subsequently, in January 2007, His Excellency President Martín Torrijos Espino paid an official visit to Havana to discuss cooperation questions in relation to agriculture, aquaculture, energy, culture, additional health matters (medicinal products and biotechnology), the literacy programme “Yo sí puedo” (“Yes I can”), visa requirements for business and ordinary travellers and the promotion of an agreement on sport. 4. On 1 and 2 March 2007, the first ministerial meeting on the political consultation machinery established by a memorandum of understanding signed in 2006 — in which four legal instruments were concluded in the areas of approval of university degrees, legal assistance in criminal matters, transfer of convicted persons and cooperation in matters relating to documentation and archives between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Panama and Cuba — was held in Panama City. 5. Concomitantly with the ministerial meeting, there were meetings of the joint cooperation committees (scientific-technical, educational-cultural and health), which were entrusted with evaluation, considering new areas of cooperation and promoting closer collaboration and bilateral agreement in all existing areas. 6. Cuba and Panama have, throughout their diplomatic relations, signed many agreements in a variety of fields, including drug trafficking control, air transport, cooperation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, cooperation in the fields of culture, education, and investment and protection of investments, political consultation machinery, discontinuance of visas in diplomatic passports, approval of university degrees, legal assistance in criminal matters, transfer of sentenced persons, and transfer of archives between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Panama and Cuba. Papua New Guinea [Original: English] [13 July 2007] 1. Papua New Guinea reiterates its position that it has never promulgated or applied laws and measures of the kind referred to in the preamble to resolution 61/11. 2. The Government of Papua New Guinea has consistently voted in favour of General Assembly resolutions on the necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed on Cuba. Papua New Guinea believes that the promulgation and application by Member States of laws and regulations with extraterritorial effects on the sovereignty of other States and legitimate interests of entities or persons under their jurisdiction, as well as the freedom of trade and navigation, are not in conformity with obligations that Member States have assumed under the Charter of the United Nations and international law. Paraguay [Original: Spanish] [11 June 2007] 1. In conformity with the principles established in the National Constitution and the Charter of the United Nations and the general principles of international law, the Government of the Republic of Paraguay considers that the extraterritorial application of domestic laws infringes on the sovereignty of other States, jeopardizes the juridical equality of States and compromises the principle of non-intervention, also affecting free trade and international navigation. 2. Paraguay fully complies with General Assembly resolution 61/11 and has not applied measures or laws of the kind indicated in that resolution. Peru [Original: Spanish] [30 May 2007] 1. No law or measure of the kind referred to in General Assembly resolution 61/11 exists or is applied in Peru. 2. The Government of Peru is against unilateral and extraterritorial measures that seek to affect the internal political process of a particular State. Peru considers that, in accordance with the principles of international law concerning non-intervention and non-interference in the internal affairs of States, due respect for the national constitutional order is of fundamental importance in international relations. 3. The Government of Peru is guided in this matter by past pronouncements of the Permanent Mechanism for Consultation and Concerted Political Action (the Río Group) and the statements issued at the Ibero-American Summits, including that of Montevideo in 2006. 4. Lastly, the Government of Peru wishes to renew its firm and unchanging commitment to the common objectives in the areas of representative democracy, exercise of human rights and economic freedom. Philippines [Original: English] [21 May 2007] 1. There are no laws, regulations or measures established by the Philippine Government that are contradictory to General Assembly resolution 61/11. 2. Normal trade relations exist between the Philippines and Cuba with total trade amounting to $1.2 million in 2005, up from $177,000 the year before. 3. Under the framework of the 2001 Philippines-Cuba Agreement of Scientific and Technological Cooperation, both countries are working on the possible transfer of Cuban technology on hepatitis B production and exploring other fields of cooperation and biotechnology. 4. Other bilateral agreements between the Philippines and Cuba include: (a) an agreement on cultural and educational cooperation; (b) the cooperation agreement between the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Cuban Chamber of Commerce; (c) an agreement between the Philippine Sports Commission and the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation of Cuba; and (d) the Philippines-Cuba Agreement on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. Qatar [Original: Arabic] [10 May 2007] 1. Qatar neither promulgates any laws or regulations that have effects extending beyond its geographic borders or affect the sovereignty of other States, the legitimate interests of entities or persons within its territorial boundaries or the freedom of international trade and navigation, nor has it adopted any other measures contradictory to General Assembly resolution 61/11. 2. Moreover, Qatar follows a policy of strict compliance with the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the Untied Nations, in particular the principles of sovereign equality of States and non-interference in their internal affairs, and its Government rejects the use of economic measures as a means of achieving political goals. In its relations with other countries it abides by the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the rules of international law. Russian Federation [Original: Russian] [18 June 2007] 1. The Russian Federation’s position with regard to the resolution in question has not changed: we share the view of the overwhelming majority of States Members of the United Nations, which firmly reject the United States embargo against Cuba and favour its withdrawal. 2. We are convinced that ending the embargo and normalizing United States-Cuban relations overall would hep to improve the situation concerning Cuba and enhance its involvement in international and regional processes. 3. The continuation of the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba by the United States of America is counterproductive, is not in keeping with the spirit of the times and is a remnant of the cold war that hinders the establishment of a new, just world order based on the Charter of the United Nations and international law. 4. Guided by the fundamental principles of the Charter regarding the inadmissibility of any discriminatory measures or interference in the internal affairs of States, we maintain our position that it is necessary to vote in favour of the draft resolution calling for the embargo to be lifted. Rwanda [Original: English] [9 July 2007] Rwanda reaffirms its commitment to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, and has neither promulgated nor applied laws and measures of the kind referred to in the preamble to resolution 61/11. Saint Kitts and Nevis [Original: English] [18 June 2007] 1. The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis recognizes and adheres to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, among others the sovereign equality of States, non-intervention and non-interference in their internal affairs and freedom of international trade and navigation, which are also enshrined in many international legal instruments. 2. Saint. Kitts and Nevis has not promulgated or applied any laws or measures with extraterritorial effects that could affect the sovereignty of other States and the legitimate interests of entities or persons under their jurisdiction including the freedom of trade and navigation. 3. Saint Kitts and Nevis favours effective multilateralism and calls for the elimination of unilateral and coercive measures that are contrary to international law and the commonly accepted rules of free trade. 4. Saint Kitts and Nevis has enjoyed, over a decade, peaceful and friendly relations with the Republic of Cuba and wishes to reiterate its concern over the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States, an act that appears to create suffering and hardship for the Cuban people. 5. The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis, therefore, reiterates its support for General Assembly resolution 61/11. Saint Lucia [Original: English] [18 June 2007] 1. The Government of Saint Lucia recognizes the principle of the sovereign equality of States in the international community and has not promulgated any law, legislation or measure or taken any other action that would infringe on the sovereignty of a State or its lawful national interests or obstruct the freedom of commercial activity, trade and economic cooperation, in keeping with obligations under the Charter of the United Nations. 2. Saint Lucia opposes the extraterritorial application of national legislation and considers it as being contrary to the principles of international law, the sovereign equality of States, non-interference in the internal affairs of States and peaceful coexistence. 3. Saint Lucia reiterates its support for the General Assembly resolutions calling for an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba. Saint Lucia endorses the positions of the Caribbean Community, the Group of 77 and the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries in opposing and condemning this action. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines [Original: English] [7 May 2007] The Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has no laws which in any way restrict the freedom of trade and navigation with Cuba. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has consistently voted in favour of the General Assembly resolutions on this question. Sao Tome and Principe [Original: English] [7 May 2007] 1. In reference to General Assembly resolution 61/11, the Government of Sao Tome and Principe has not adopted any law that supports the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba. 2. The principles and provisions of the Charter of the United Nations are observed in order to promote the freedom of people, trade and navigation among member States. Senegal [Original: English] [8 June 2007] Concerning the implementation of General Assembly resolution 61/11, the Government of Senegal has neither promulgated nor applied laws or measures of the kind referred to in the preamble to the said resolution. Seychelles [Original: English] [11 May 2007] 1. The Government of the Republic of Seychelles fully endorses the content of General Assembly resolution 61/11 and subsequently does not have or apply any laws or measures that may in any manner or form constitute or contribute to an imposition of economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba. 2. Furthermore, the Government of Seychelles is of the view that legislation whose implementation entails measures or regulations having extraterritorial effects is inconsistent with generally recognized principles of international law. Sierra Leone [Original: English] [9 July 2007] 1. Consistent with its obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and international law, Sierra Leone has neither promulgated nor applied any laws or measures of the kind referred to in the preamble of resolution 61/11. 2. Sierra Leone supported the resolution and is convinced that the lifting of discriminatory trade practices and extraterritorial application of domestic laws would not only help to alleviate the socio-economic condition of the Cuban people, but also promote dialogue, good-neighbourliness and cooperation among States. Solomon Islands [Original: English] [17 May 2007] The Solomon Islands reaffirms its obligation under the Charter of the United Nations and supports freedom of trade. Somalia [Original: English] [5 July 2007] The Republic of Somalia reaffirms its objection to any unilateral coercive measures at variance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law, while emphasizing its strong support for the principles of freedom of international trade and navigation. The Transitional Federal Government of the Republic of Somalia has never promulgated any law or measure that would restrict the freedom of international trade and navigation. South Africa [Original: English] [28 June 2007] 1. South Africa has repeatedly joined the vast majority of countries in expressing its disagreement with and opposition to all aspects of the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba. South Africa views the continued imposition of this embargo as a flagrant violation of the principle of the sovereign equality of States and non-intervention and noninterference in one another’s domestic affairs. The vigour with which the international community reacted to this embargo in 2006, condemning it by a record vote of 183 to 4, is a clear indication that the time has come for it to be lifted, thereby ending the untold suffering of the Cuban civilian population, which is bearing the brunt of that injustice. 2. Cuba’s outstanding work in the areas of health, education and biotechnology, in Africa and the underdeveloped world in particular, and the world in general, is recognized by the international community. The embargo stifles this outstanding contribution to economic and social development, as well as the betterment of the lives of the poor. 3. South Africa and Cuba have maintained long-standing relations, which are continuing to expand through increased cooperation on a wide range of issues, including economic, commercial and financial collaboration. The role that Cuba had played in South Africa’s liberation history was duly recognized in December 2006, when the names of Cuban heroes who contributed to that struggle were inscribed on the Wall of Remembrance at Freedom Park in Pretoria, a heritage precinct telling South Africa’s history in a visual and interactive way. 4. Cuba will host the fifth annual joint consultative mechanism meeting between the two countries in July 2007, while South Africa will host the fifth session of the Joint Bilateral Commission in November 2007. Through these two cooperative mechanisms, the Governments of South Africa and Cuba strive to expand their already sound relations in various areas of cooperation. Cuba, through the bilateral cooperation projects within the context of the Joint Bilateral Commission, is greatly assisting South Africa in addressing its skills shortage problems through the provision of professional workers and trainers in a myriad of identified areas. In addition, several high-level delegations, led by ministers, deputy ministers and directors-general, have been exchanged during the past year with a view to further strengthening their bilateral relations. 5. In the multilateral sphere, South Africa and Cuba continue to cooperate within various organizations and share complementary views on many issues, such as the reform of the United Nations and the promotion of the agenda of the South. South Africa has given its full support to Cuba as Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement and will continue to cooperate with Cuba in this and other international organizations. Sri Lanka [Original: English] [15 June 2007] 1. Sri Lanka does not approve of the use of unilateral coercive economic measures against any country that are inconsistent with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law and that will impede the free flow and transparency of international trade. 2. Sri Lanka has not promulgated any laws or measures referred to in the preamble to General Assembly resolution 61/11. Sri Lanka has voted in favour of the General Assembly resolutions on the necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba. Sudan [Original: English] [18 May 2007] 1. The Government of the Sudan wishes to stress that General Assembly resolution 61/11 was a very important resolution which the Sudan fully supported, while calling for an end to the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba in its statement before the General Assembly. 2. The Sudan is increasingly promoting its bilateral relations with the Republic of Cuba. In this regard, the Joint Ministerial Commission between the Sudan and Cuba will be convened from 29 May to 1 June 2007 in Havana, and Sudan’s delegation will be headed by the Minister of International Cooperation and other high-ranking officials. The Joint Ministerial Commission is the mechanism embodying all sectors of cooperation between the two countries. As a means of fostering bilateral ties and combating the negative effects of the embargo, the Joint Ministerial Commission is expected to enhance and consolidate relations between the Sudan and Cuba in all fields. Suriname [Original: English] [25 May 2007] 1. The position of Suriname is to remain committed to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and to uphold the principles of international law. In this connection the Government of the Republic of Suriname has never promulgated or applied laws or measures of the kind referred to in the preamble to General Assembly resolution 61/11. 2. The Government of the Republic of Suriname is of the considered view that sovereign equality, non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and other relevant norms governing international relations should be respected at all times. Swaziland [Original: English] [9 July 2007] 1. The Kingdom of Swaziland continues to support efforts aimed at ending the blockade against Cuba and is highly encouraged by the fact that the General Assembly has adopted 14 resolutions since 1992 in favour of lifting the blockade. 2. Once again, the Secretary-General has been requested to submit a report to the General Assembly at its sixty-second session on the implementation of the latest resolution, resolution 61/11. 3. It is therefore our fervent hope that the Cuban people will be able to rely on the support of the international community in their legitimate demand that the blockade imposed on them by the United States of America be lifted and that Cuba will enjoy all the freedoms, rights and privileges enjoyed by all sovereign nation-States without any hindrance. 4. The Kingdom of Swaziland views the continued imposition of an economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba as a violation of the principle of the sovereign equality of States and non-intervention and non-interference in one another’s domestic affairs. In addition to being unilateral and contrary to the Charter of the United Nations and to the principle of good-neighbourliness, the embargo has caused huge material losses, economic damage and incalculable suffering for the people of Cuba, while also undermining the legitimate economic interests of third countries. 5. In line with all previous United Nations resolutions on this item, the Kingdom of Swaziland believes that constructive dialogue is needed to foster mutual trust and understanding as well as harmony and peaceful coexistence among all nations of the world. 6. The Kingdom of Swaziland will never cease to support any draft resolution before the General Assembly under this agenda item. Syrian Arab Republic [Original: Arabic/English] [2 July 2007] 1. Proceeding from its position of principle with respect to the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba, the Syrian Arab Republic voted in favour of General Assembly resolution 61/11, which emphasizes the need for compliance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and reaffirms the principles of the sovereign equality of States, non-intervention in their internal affairs and freedom of international trade and navigation. In the resolution, the Assembly also calls upon States to take the necessary measures to put an end as soon as possible to the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed against Cuba for more than three decades. In this regard, the Syrian Arab Republic recalls the communiqué of the Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries at their Conference held in Havana on 15 and 16 September 2006, in which they called upon the United States to put an end to the embargo against Cuba, which in addition to being unilateral and contrary to the Charter, international law and the principle of neighbourliness, is causing huge material losses and economic damage for the people of Cuba. 2. The Heads of State or Government once again urged strict compliance with the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly, and expressed deep concern over the widening of the extraterritorial nature of the embargo against Cuba and over continuous new legislative measures geared to intensify it. 3. We also refer to the Declaration adopted by the South Summit of the Group of 77 and China, held in Doha, in which the participants categorically rejected laws and regulations with extraterritorial impact and all other forms of coercive economic measures, and expressed grave concern over the impact of economic sanctions on the development capacity of the targeted countries. The Summit also adopted a special appeal from all the leaders of the developing countries for the immediate lifting of this embargo, given that it is causing the Cuban people enormous material losses and inflicting huge economic damage, in addition to being a unilateral measure and in contravention of the Charter, international law and the principle of good-neighbourliness. 4. The international community has frequently stated that it rejects the maintenance of the sanctions unilaterally imposed on Cuba and the Helms-Burton Act, which exceeds the jurisdiction of national legislation and encroaches on the sovereignty of other States that deal with Cuba. This is incompatible with the principle of the sovereign equality of States. Experience has shown that, for the most part, sanctions regimes have caused enormous material damage and major economic losses for the civilian inhabitants of the countries targeted. 5. Accordingly, the Syrian Arab Republic calls for an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba. This would help to create a positive climate in international relations and enhance the role of international legitimacy in safeguarding the principle of the sovereign equality of States. Thailand [Original: English] [21 May 2007] 1. In principle, Thailand does not support the imposition by one country of its national law on another country which, in effect, compels a third country to comply. In Thailand’s view, such an act would be contrary to the basic principles of international law as well as the Charter of the United Nations. 2. Thailand has maintained no legal provisions or domestic measures of such nature. Timor-Leste [Original: English] [22 June 2007] 1. The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste has never promulgated, applied or enforced any laws or measures of the kind referred to in General Assembly resolutions 47/19, 48/16, 49/9, 50/10, 51/17, 52/10, 55/20, 56/9, 57/11, 60/12 and 61/11. Timor-Leste fully supports the implementation of the aforementioned resolutions. 2. Timor-Leste affirms its commitment to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, particularly the sovereign equality of States, non-intervention and non-interference in their internal affairs and freedom of international trade and navigation, which also form fundamental principles of international law. Togo [Original: French] [13 July 2007] 1. In keeping with the position it has always maintained internationally with regard to freedom of trade and navigation and recourse to coercive unilateral measures, Togo deplores the embargo imposed on Cuba by the United States of America and its impact on the Cuban people. 2. In consequence, the Togolese Government has neither promulgated nor applied laws or measures contrary to the provisions of General Assembly resolution 61/11. 3. Togo will continue, as in the past, to maintain relations of friendship and cooperation with Cuba both bilaterally and multilaterally in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law. Tonga [Original: English] [13 July 2007] 1. The Kingdom of Tonga adheres fully to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and accepted under international law, in particular the principles of sovereign equality of States, non-intervention and non-interference in their internal affairs and freedom of international trade and navigation. 2. Thus, the Kingdom of Tonga has not promulgated or applied any laws or measures of the kind referred to in the preamble of resolution 61/11. The Kingdom of Tonga maintains friendly and diplomatic relations with Cuba. Trinidad and Tobago [Original: English] [13 July 2007] The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago does not apply unilateral economic measures as a means of political and economic coercion against other countries. Tunisia [Original: French] [17 May 2007] Tunisia applies no laws or measures with extraterritorial effect. Turkey [Original: English] [24 May 2007] 1. The Republic of Turkey does not have any laws or measures of the kind referred to in the preamble to General Assembly resolution 61/11, and reaffirms its adherence to the principles of trade and navigation in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations and international law. 2. The Government of Turkey maintains its stance that differences and problems between States should be settled through dialogue and negotiations. Turkmenistan [Original: Russian] [19 June 2007] 1. Like the overwhelming majority of States Members of the United Nations, Turkmenistan, following the spirit and letter of the Charter of the United Nations, which is the basis of the principles of international law and freedom of trade and navigation, has for many years consistently advocated the lifting of the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed against Cuba. 2. Turkmenistan considers that economic, commercial and financial sanctions affect primarily the populations of the countries against which they are directed and have an adverse effect on their economic and social development and people’s daily lives. The unilateral use of this type of sanction should not serve as a legal instrument of international relations. 3. Neither the domestic legislation of Turkmenistan nor the international treaties and agreements which it has concluded contain any provisions that conflict with the provisions of General Assembly resolutions on the embargo against Cuba. In conducting its international relations, Turkmenistan has not carried out and does not carry out any act that goes against the General Assembly resolutions on this subject. Uganda [Original: English] [9 July 2007] Uganda has normal trading relations with the Republic of Cuba and does not honour the embargo. Ukraine [Original: English] [16 May 2007] 1. The Government of Ukraine does not have any legislation or regulations whose extraterritorial effects could affect the sovereignty of other States and the legitimate interests of entities or persons under their jurisdiction, or the freedom of trade and international navigation. 2. Equally, the Government of Ukraine does not accept the use of economic measures as a means of achieving political aims and upholds, in its relations with other countries, the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations, the norms of international law and the freedom of trade and navigation. Uruguay [Original: Spanish] [29 May 2007] 1. The Eastern Republic of Uruguay, consistent with its refusal to apply unilateral coercive measures that affect free trade and the transparent practice of international commerce, thereby undermining the well-being of people and obstructing integration, repeats that it does not recognize in its legislation the extraterritorial application of domestic laws of other States. 2. Accordingly, it has not applied measures or laws of the kind referred to in General Assembly resolution 61/11. 3. It has also repeatedly denounced the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed against Cuba as a result of such measures and has joined in many declarations to this effect, including the one issued at the Sixteenth Ibero-American Summit, held in November 2006 in Montevideo. 4. The Eastern Republic of Uruguay maintains full diplomatic relations with the Republic of Cuba, having an embassy in Havana and acting as host to Cuba’s diplomatic mission in Montevideo. These relations are characterized by their firm basis and the deep respect each State has for the other. Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) [Original: Spanish] [8 June 2007] 1. The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela categorically rejects the application of unilateral measures with extraterritorial effect because, in its opinion, they violate the norms and principles of international law, as established in the Charter of the United Nations and other international legal instruments. Accordingly, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela supported the resolutions adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations and the declarations made in other political forums repudiating this type of action, which undermines peaceful coexistence between nations and international legality. 2. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, because of its firm commitment to peace and the potent dictates of ethics and international law, confirms that it has not promulgated or applied unilateral measures with extraterritorial effect which impair the sovereign rights of other States. It appeals to the Government of the United States of America to refrain in its foreign policy from adopting unilateral measures with extraterritorial effects which breach the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. 3. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela urges the Government of the United States of America to end the inhumane economic embargo which it has imposed against Cuba for over 40 years, affecting the well-being of the citizens of that Caribbean nation, the fraternal Cuban people, by prejudicing their human rights. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela expresses its concern about the strengthening of the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed against Cuba by the United States, an action which does nothing to help establish the necessary climate of dialogue and cooperation which should prevail in international relations between sovereign States, in conformity with the spirit and aims of the Charter of the United Nations. 4. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela endorses the repeated pronouncements made by the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, the Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government, the Río Group, and the European Union-Latin America and Caribbean (EU-LAC) summit in repudiation of the application of unilateral measures with extraterritorial effects because of their threat to multilateralism. In short, the Venezuelan Government denounces the application of the extraterritorial provisions of the Helms-Burton Act by United States authorities. 5. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela considers that the maintenance by the United States of the unilateral measures is a characteristic manifestation of a type of diplomacy rooted in militarism and the arrogance of power which it had believed to be outdated. 6. The international community must not flag in its effort to end the practice of applying unilateral coercive measures which seek to curtail the sovereign right of States to determine, in keeping with the right of self-determination, their own political and social model consistent with the actual situation in their respective country and the particular requirements of their people. Accordingly, the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela renews its firm commitment to unlimited respect for the norms and principles of international law. It therefore calls again on the Government of the United States of America to end the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed against Cuba. Such a decision would demonstrate the commitment of the United States of America to international legality, as symbolized by the effective application of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Viet Nam [Original: English] [24 May 2007] 1. The multi-decade embargo and blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba is a violation of international law and freedom of trade and navigation. It also runs counter to the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the aspiration of nations to construct sound, equitable international relations that are non-discriminatory in regard to political regime and show respect for each country’s development path. 2. Over the past years, the General Assembly has continuously adopted by an absolute majority a number of resolutions requesting the Government of the United States to end its economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba, the most recent being resolution 61/11 in 2006, with 183 votes in favour. 3. Viet Nam holds that conflicts between the United States and Cuba should be settled through dialogue and negotiation on the basis of mutual respect, respect for each other’s sovereignty and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. 4. Viet Nam affirms its strong support for the related resolutions of the General Assembly and believes that the United States will soon work out specific and useful measures and initiatives to implement the adopted resolutions in order to expeditiously end the embargo against Cuba. 5. Once again, Viet Nam reaffirms its friendship, cooperation and solidarity with the Cuban people. Viet Nam and other lovers of peace, freedom and justice will do our utmost to help the Cuban people overcome the consequences caused by the embargo. Yemen [Original: English] [5 June 2007] In virtue of its commitment to the principles of the sovereignty of States, and to the rights of States to pursue their own political and economic choices, and in view of the fact that these principles are enshrined in its constitution and reflected in the conduct of its foreign policy, the Republic of Yemen reiterates its support for General Assembly resolution 61/11. Zambia [Original: English] [28 June 2007] Zambia is of the view that the economic, commercial and financial embargo must be lifted since it has adversely affected the well-being of the Cuban people. Zimbabwe [Original: English] [5 June 2007] 1. The Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe condemns the illegal and immoral economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed against the sovereign Government and people of Cuba. 2. The Government of Zimbabwe once again restates its opposition to the passing of national laws and regulations that have extraterritorial impact, including all other coercive economic measures, unilateral sanctions, etc. which are targeted mainly at developing countries that seek to reassert their sovereignty. 3. The Government of Zimbabwe also reiterates its respect for the right of countries and peoples to follow a development path of their choice. In this regard, the Government of Zimbabwe has not passed and will not pass unilaterally, any laws that subvert the economic and political independence of other sovereign States and will respect international law and the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations. 4. The immediate and unconditional lifting of the unilateral embargo by the United States on Cuba will open up opportunities and enhance prospects for accelerated development for the people of Cuba through market access, development credits granted by international financial institutions, technology and the much-needed freedom of navigation, trade and remittances from Cuban citizens abroad. III. Replies received from organs and agencies of the United Nations system Office of the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations system for operational activities for development [Original: English] [6 July 2007] 1. The United Nations country team in Cuba has been preparing annual reports on the effects of the embargo maintained for almost five decades by the United States of America. In 2006 it was not possible to find any substantial improvements. The impact of the embargo is pervasive in the social, economic and environmental dimensions of development in Cuba, particularly affecting the most vulnerable socio-economic groups of the Cuban population. This has been made more acute by the further limitations placed on remittances from Cubans living abroad. 2. The embargo seriously affects the implementation of projects and programmes of the United Nations system in Cuba. Each United Nations agency has contributed its specific inputs to the report. Transverse impacts can be grouped in four categories of limitations that are having a negative impact on all the United Nations funds, programmes and specialized agencies in Cuba: (a) Purchase of inputs at competitive prices. Cuban national companies are not allowed to purchase products, components or technologies in United States territory or from United States companies, even though the United States is the closest, most competitive and most diversified market. Alternative markets are distant, resulting in higher importation costs. The importation of goods via circuitous routes and from distant countries increases freight and fuel costs and delays delivery, which has adversely affected the agility of project implementation in Cuba. This is true of inputs such as fertilizers, computers, laboratory equipment, food supplements, medicines and medical equipment, office supplies, agricultural implements, vehicles, condoms, electric generators and other basic equipment; (b) Limitations on the import of United States-patented drugs, equipment and computer software. It is impossible to purchase medicines and medical equipment produced by the United States or covered by United States patents, even when such products are purchased through multilateral cooperation and fall into the category of humanitarian assistance. Restrictions on the acquisition of licences for United States-patented computer software, such as the MicroSoft Office package needed for the effective execution of programmes and operations, further limit the work of the United Nations system. Corporate software applications using United States computer packages are not available to the local offices of United Nations agencies, funds and programmes in Cuba. No technical equipment, modern technology or technical inputs that are under United States patents are permitted to be bought for United Nations-supported activities in Cuba; (c) United Nations staff missions to Headquarters in New York. Visas are requested well in advance, complying with United States requirements, when United Nations staff are required to travel to Headquarters in New York. Even so, visas are not always granted on time. This sometimes requires rebooking tickets, almost always at higher costs, or the cancellation of a programmed mission altogether. Staff who are Cuban nationals are those most affected, but internationally recruited staff are also affected. This often prevents the participation of United Nations-system staff in corporate training and official meetings, limiting the valuable exchange of experiences between the United Nations staff in Cuba and Headquarters; (d) Exchange of expertise. Professional exchanges between Cuba and the United States are also complicated by visa policies, even when training or seminars are organized with the support of United Nations technical cooperation projects. Cuban experts from government, academia and civil society invited to United Nations-hosted events experience problems in obtaining timely visas. Furthermore, it is difficult to establish partnerships and collaboration with United States non-governmental organizations and to promote exchanges among experts from the two countries since the United States Government limits the travel of American scientists and/or technicians to Cuba on exchange missions. Similarly, United States philanthropic foundations must obtain licences to provide cooperation to Cuba, which further limits partnership possibilities with United Nations programmes. Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean [Original: English] [22 June 2007] 1. The embargo imposed by the Government of the United States of America on Cuba has been in place for more than four decades, adversely affecting the economic and social life of Cuban citizens. The United States has tried to convert its unilateral policy into a binding multilateral one with measures such as the Torricelli Act (1992), the Helms-Burton Act (1996) and others. 2. The Cuban authorities estimate the accumulated direct and indirect damages of the embargo at 86,000 million dollars. Using the official exchange rate of 1 Cuban peso to 1 United States dollar, that amounts to 162 per cent of the Cuban gross domestic product in 2006. 3. An important part of the embargo is the pressure of the United States Government on foreign banks doing transactions with Cuba in United States dollars. As a consequence of the United States imposing a fine of 100 million dollars on the United Bank of Switzerland, the Cuban Government banned the circulation of the United States dollar in 2004, and imposed a tax of 10 per cent on transactions in that currency. That measure, motivated by a third-country action, might be functional for the purpose of reaching a monetary unification of the convertible Cuban peso with the non-convertible peso in the future. 4. As part of the same process of reaching monetary unification, the Central Bank of Cuba banned the use of the United States dollar for payments between Cuban companies in July 2006. That measure has strengthened the convertible Cuban peso and will lead to a further appreciation vis-à-vis the United States dollar. It may also act as a disincentive for Cubans abroad who send remittances to their families in Cuba. 5. Another element of the embargo is a persecution of Cuban assets in the world. That has obliged Cuban authorities to adopt special measures to prevent their assets from being seized by the United States Government. As a result, there is an additional cost to maintaining Cuban assets abroad and, more broadly, to engaging in international economic transactions. 6. In addition, foreign direct investment (FDI) in Cuba is strongly affected by the embargo. Foreign companies investing in Cuba have been retaliated against, and their employees cannot enter the United States. That reduces Cuba’s possibilities of attracting FDI to a set of foreign companies that have no business interests with the United States. 7. Revenues from tourism, an important source of foreign exchange, have also been adversely affected by the embargo. The ban on United States citizens travelling to Cuba eliminates the possibility of tapping that natural market, potentially the most lucrative for Cuban tourism companies. 8. The authorization of the sale of food and medicines, implemented by the United States Government after Hurricane Michelle at the end of 2001, has continued into 2006-2007. While this humanitarian measure should not be considered an attempt to lift the embargo on the part of the United States Government, it has served to alleviate the effects of the drought between 2003 and 2006. 9. The continuous increase in international oil prices, coupled with the unfavourable effects of the embargo, has obliged Cuba to search for new commercial partners, most notably the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The interchange of goods and services between the two countries continued to increase in 2006. In addition, Cuba has strengthened commercial ties with China, and has signed an agreement to expand integration processes with Bolivia, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and Nicaragua. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations [Original: English] [8 June 2007] 1. The main changes since the last reporting period can be summarized as follows: (a) Access to food has improved, with the food-deprivation problem moderating. Both the prevalence and the number of people experiencing food deprivation rose during the first half of the 1990s. However, from 1995-1997 to the current period, that trend appears to be reversing; (b) Rice paddy production in 2006 is provisionally estimated at 410,000 tons, a recovery of 10 per cent from the drought-affected level of the previous year, but still the third consecutive reduced crop. By contrast, production of maize declined 4 per cent, to 350,000 tons, but remained at average levels. Imports of cereals have been increasing in recent years and in 2006/07 are expected to cover three quarters of the country’s consumption requirements; (c) In early 2005, the United States Government introduced new measures, including changes in payment regulations, that have inhibited food sales to Cuba and may adversely affect food consumption. This tightening of rules resulted in a reduction in imports of agricultural products from the United States during the period 2004 to 2006 (from 392 million to 340 million dollars). 2. The main effects of the embargo on agriculture, fisheries and the food industry should continue to be viewed from two different perspectives: (a) The problems brought about by the impossibility of taking full advantage of the potential to export products such as coffee, honey, tobacco, live lobsters and aquaculture products to the nearest market (the United States). This has meant major losses, since it has been necessary to sell to markets located farther away, with the resultant higher marketing and distribution costs. Moreover, trade often leads to a transfer of know-how. Cubans are not benefiting from such transfers; (b) The increase in costs for inputs needed for agricultural, fisheries and livestock production (fuel, spare parts for agricultural machinery, animal feeds, phyto- and zoosanitary products and fertilizers, as well as top technological products such as herbicides, low toxicity insecticides, other highly effective pesticides or veterinary pharmaceuticals, and kits for disease diagnosis that in many cases are produced only by United States firms). This directly increases production costs, resulting in decreased profitability and a lower capacity to satisfy local demand. In general, if equipment were purchased from the United States the cost of equipment imports would decrease by at least 20 per cent. 3. The embargo has very negative implications for Cuba’s balance of trade and foreign exchange earnings, as well as for the country’s volume of production. The value of agricultural products imported increased from 808.6 million dollars in 1999 to 1.1 billion dollars in 2005. At the same time, exports registered a downward trend, declining from 785.5 million dollars in 1999 to 492 million dollars in 2005. Over the same period, the negative agricultural trade balance increased from 23.1 million dollars in 1999 to 608 million dollars in 2005. The import of food products for human consumption, particularly those destined for social programmes, is affected by the embargo, as restrictions limit their quantity and quality, thus having a direct effect on the food security of the vulnerable segments of the population. 4. An additional problem resulting from the embargo has to do with Cuba’s access to external multilateral financing for development programmes in agriculture and rural development in general, and the related availability of resources for rehabilitating and modernizing agricultural equipment and infrastructure. Cereals 5. After falling in the two previous seasons, cereal production recovered by 17 per cent in the 2006/07 marketing season. Cereal imports are estimated at about 2.3 million tons, consisting of wheat (1 million tons), maize (650,000 tons) and rice (600,000 tons). Although in the past Cuba sourced much of its grain requirement from the European Union, the easing of sanctions by the United States since 2001 has resulted in larger purchases from that country: in the 2005/06 marketing season, Cuba sourced 80 per cent of its maize imports, 47 per cent of its wheat imports and 20 per cent of its rice from the United States. In the case of rice, the early-payment condition introduced by the United States in 2004 was associated with an 11 per cent reduction in imports from that country in 2006 because of a ban imposed on United States long-grain rice for fear of its being genetically modified. The ban was lifted in April 2007. Oilseeds 6. The oil-crop production in Cuba is not significant and, as a result, the country depends almost entirely on imports to meet its needs for meal to make vegetable oil. Commodities dominating imports are soybeans, soy oil and soy meal. When the United States embargo came into effect, Argentina and Brazil became the main suppliers of soybeans and derived products. Both Canada and Mexico have, on occasion, shipped small volumes to Cuba. Sources of non-soybean oils and meals imported by Cuba include Argentina, Canada, China, the European Union and Mexico. From 2002, following the easing of the United States food export restrictions, imports of soybeans and derived products from that country resumed, largely replacing purchases from elsewhere. Raw sugar 7. The production of raw sugar, the main agricultural export and traditionally one of the main sources of foreign exchange, reached 1.3 million metric tons in the 2005/06 marketing year, with estimates for 2006/07 showing an increase to 1.5 million tons. These production levels, however, remain substantially lower than historical averages: output of 2.2 million tons in 2004 was a 70-year low. A slight recovery in the sector between last year and the current marketing year signals a marginal reversal of the trend towards production declines over the past 15 years; however, the sector has continued to struggle since 2003, when a major restructuring of the milling sector closed 70 of 160 mills. Export volumes have fallen by more than 50 per cent since the sector was restructured — from 1.9 million tons to an estimated 850,000 tons in 2006. Nearly 25 per cent of the 700,000 tons of sugar consumed in Cuba is imported. Cuba and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela signed a framework agreement in March 2007 to establish 11 ethanol plants in Venezuela that would import Cuban sugar as feedstock. Plans are under way, with the financial support of the Venezuelan Government, to rehabilitate the sugar sector in Cuba in order to provide at least four of the planned facilities with initial supplies. Meat products 8. The total production of meat increased by 4.4 per cent from 2004 to 2005 after it had already increased by 3 per cent in the previous year. Nevertheless, possible obstacles, such as the lack of animal feeds, minerals, vitamin supplements, genetic materials and incubation equipment, could hinder growth in production. United States chicken exports to Cuba, benefiting from the granting in 2001 of a poultry exemption to the embargo, have soared to record levels. From nil in 2000, Cuba has risen to one of the major destinations for United States chicken exports. Additional major suppliers to Cuba include Brazil and Canada. Cuba’s new food policy has placed priority on pork production (mainly on small and medium-sized farms) to meet the increasing demand for meat protein. In 2006, pork production is estimated to have remained near the same level as in the previous year. This stagnation in production is likely caused by increased feed costs for pork production, because of increased feed prices as well as shipment and commercial transaction costs. Dairy products 9. National milk production of 600,000 tons annually does not cover Cuba’s growing domestic demand for dairy products. Over 80 per cent of dairy imports are milk powder (57,000 tons yearly), coming mostly from New Zealand and the European Union and destined mainly for the Government’s social programmes. With the easing of some restrictions on food imports from the United States in 20002001, there were occasional shipments of milk powder to Cuba. As milk powder prices have almost doubled in the past year, social programmes will face financial difficulties in obtaining it and they need sources of supply. The United States has been one of the largest exporters of skim milk powder. Fish products 10. Almost all of Cuba’s fish exports consist of high-value products, notably frozen shrimp and lobster, which are in strong demand on the international market. However, access to nearby markets is limited, especially those with high purchasing power, and Cuba is therefore obliged to export to more distant markets with the resultant higher marketing and distribution costs. Export earnings amounted to 77 million dollars in 2005 for a total volume of 6,810 tons. On the other hand, fish imports, consisting mainly of low-value fish products, amounted to 54.5 million dollars for a total volume of 43,800 tons. 11. FAO provides technical assistance to Cuba through its Technical Cooperation Programme, the FAO corporate programme and the TeleFood Fund. During 2006, some 10 technical assistance projects were in operation in Cuba. In 2006-2007, three Technical Cooperation Programme projects and four TeleFood projects were approved. FAO will continue to support Cuba’s efforts to increase the sustainability of food security, through (a) the intensification and diversification of agriculture, (b) the increase in food safety and quality and (c) the increase in economic accessibility of food. FAO will also support Cuba’s actions oriented towards the conservation and rational use of natural resources, such as forests, soils, water and biodiversity. Project operations in Cuba continued to be adversely affected by the economic embargo, because of increased costs in the purchase of, as well as limited access to and availability of, agricultural inputs. Taken together, they have had a negative impact on the effectiveness of development resources. International Atomic Energy Agency [Original: English] [21 May 2007] 1. The Agency’s assistance activities to all of its member States, including Cuba, are governed by article III, paragraph C, of its statute, which reads as follows: In carrying out its functions, the Agency shall not make assistance to members subject to any political, economic, military, or other conditions incompatible with the provisions of this Statute. 2. In accordance with the above-mentioned article, the Agency works to overcome any difficulties that may arise in the implementation of its Technical Cooperation Programme in Cuba to ensure that the objectives of the programme are fulfilled, and also strives to ensure the participation of Cuban experts in relevant coordinated research projects to the fullest extent possible. International Civil Aviation Organization [Original: English] [7 June 2007] 1. The mandate of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is to promote the safe, secure and orderly development of civil aviation in the world. The organization is not directly involved in the implementation of resolution 61/11, which is directed at States. 2. Cuba, a contracting State of ICAO, benefits from assistance through the Technical Cooperation Programme and the Regular Programme of ICAO, both at headquarters and at the ICAO North American, Central American and Caribbean Office in Mexico. In particular, the organization has facilitated the participation of Cuba in all relevant regional technical cooperation projects and is assisting the country in improving its international civil aviation infrastructure through national technical cooperation projects. 3. The cooperation of ICAO with Cuba has considerably expanded in the last decade. There have been a number of requests from the Government of Cuba and its Civil Aviation Authority for the assistance of ICAO in the implementation of technical cooperation projects in the areas of flight safety, airport safety, development of aeronautical infrastructure, strengthening of the civil aviation authority, human resources development, training programmes at the managerial and technical levels and modernization of technology. 4. As a result of the embargo, numerous difficulties and constraints have been encountered in the management and implementation of ICAO technical cooperation projects in Cuba, in particular with regard to procurement of equipment, including software equipment, and spare parts that are made or have components made in the United States of America. It has proved very difficult, in particular, for the Cuban Civil Aviation Authority to obtain the required export licences from United States authorities for a number of items purchased. In the field of training, it is almost impossible to have civil aviation training centres in the United States accept Cuban officials for training. Also, difficulties in obtaining entry visas to the United States have prevented Cuban civil aviation officials from participating in international conferences in the field of civil aviation convened by ICAO in the territory of the United States. International Labour Organization [Original: English] [11 June 2007] 1. As reported in previous years, Cuba is treated in the same way as any other member State of our organization and actively participates in the annual International Labour Conference and other forums of the International Labour Organization (ILO). 2. The ILO Office in Mexico continues its technical cooperation programme on issues of employment and decent work in Cuba. During the biennium 2006-2007, ILO will provide technical assistance in three substantive areas: (a) Improvement of labour productivity, in benefit of the workers; (b) Contribution to the consolidation of national social security programmes and policies; (c) Effectiveness of prevention systems to reduce work-related accidents and diseases. 3. Within these areas, key activities are productivity training at the workplace in the sugar industry and review of related remuneration strategies; human resource development; administrative strengthening of social security institutions and contribution and benefit schemes; and training of labour inspectors in safety and health issues, among others. 4. Furthermore, upon request from the Labour Ministry, ILO might provide technical assistance on selected International Labour Standards (Convention No. 144, on tripartism and Convention No. 160, on labour statistics) and the revision of the Labour Code. Finally, cooperation with the trade unions is focusing on International Labour Standards and safety and health at work in high-risk occupations. In addition, the Cuban Labour Ministry asked for technical assistance from ILO with regard to the improvement of labour statistics and indicators. 5. Our organization ratifies its view that the United Nations is the appropriate forum for addressing questions related to the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba. International Telecommunication Union [Original: English] [29 June 2007] 1. The Permanent Mission of Cuba in Geneva sent a communication to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) dated 28 May 2007, which includes the Cuban Government’s summary of the main damages suffered by the Cuban people in the field of informatics and communications, as a result of the implementation of the United States blockade. 2. The concerns of Cuba with respect to interference with its communications were raised at the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference, held in November 2006 in Antalya, Turkey. The Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau was invited to request the assistance of the United States Administration on this issue and to conduct a consultation on the matter. 3. The Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau will include this case of alleged harmful interference in his report to be submitted to the 2007 World Radiocommunication Conference, to be held in Geneva from 22 October to 16 November 2007. 4. ITU member States may settle disputes on questions relating to the interpretation or application of the ITU Constitution, Convention and Administrative Regulations, including the Radio Regulations (all of which address harmful interference), according to the provisions of article 56 of the Constitution. These provisions, however, lack enforcement mechanisms. 5. The object of the ITU Constitution and Convention is to facilitate peaceful relations, international cooperation among peoples and economic and social development by means of efficient telecommunication services. In this respect, it is the wish of ITU member States that disputes related to the basic instruments of the Union be settled bilaterally in the spirit of avoiding harmful interference and respecting sovereignty. 6. In the context of Cuba, the main challenge is to propose implementation of technical solutions without the use of technologies whose export to Cuba is restricted. Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS [Original: English] [13 June 2007] The following are ways in which the United States embargo on Cuba has affected HIV and AIDS programmes in Cuba: (a) There is an inability to use United States dollars for importation of goods (conversion to other currencies results in economic loss), and any Cuban charges or payments in that currency are confiscated; (b) The accumulated direct economic damage to the Cuban economy brought about by the embargo has exceeded $86 billion, which means critically needed funds are diverted from health and other social programmes; (c) The United States embargo prevents Cuba from importing the latest antiretrovirals from the United States of America and companies from other countries. For example, Abbott was prevented from selling two drugs for AIDS treatment — Ritonavir and Liponavir + Ritonavir — resulting in a sixfold increase in price to acquire them from another manufacturer. Similarly, Gilead replied that it could not supply the antiretroviral drug Tenofovir because to do so it would require an export licence from the United States. The Government decided to purchase the drug from the company Alfarma S.A. at an additional cost of $299,988; (d) Cuba produces its own antiretrovirals. However, there is a serious time lag between the invention of a new antiretroviral and Cuba’s production of a generic version. This, in the long run, will have an impact on the clinical management of people living with HIV; (e) There is a general inability to purchase equipment, medicines, vaccines, antiretrovirals for the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, last-generation antibiotics and laboratory materials produced by the United States or covered by United States patents, even when such products are purchased through multilateral cooperation; (f) There is an inability to have access to credit from international financial institutions, such as the Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank, to carry out development work;_Ref176350154 \h \* MERGEFORMAT 3 (g) Multilateral institutions, such as United Nations agencies and the Pan American Health Organization, are unable to carry out activities related to the prevention, treatment and care of HIV patients because they cannot import medicines and other goods, such as food. For example, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reported that during the implementation of a project financed by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, there was a delay of over six months in the delivery of canned meat to patients living with HIV/AIDS, because the Brazilian provider was acquired by a United States company that subsequently refused to honour the contract;_Ref176350309 \h \* MERGEFORMAT 4 (h) There is an inability to forge partnerships with other agencies. For example, UNDP has faced difficulties in establishing effective partnerships with relevant United States-based non-governmental organizations, including in the area of HIV/AIDS, as well as in promoting exchanges among experts from both countries;_Ref176350309 \h \* MERGEFORMAT 4 (i) The ban on imports has resulted in a shortage of condoms. In 2005, the availability of condoms was still insufficient to meet the estimated yearly demand of 60 million. Thus, the incidence of new cases continues to increase, mainly among males aged 25 to 34; (j) Since 1992, the embargo has prohibited ships from loading or unloading cargo in United States ports for 180 days after delivering cargo to Cuba, strongly discouraging shippers from delivering medical equipment to Cuba. Consequently, shipping costs have risen dramatically and further constricted the flow of food, medicines, medical supplies and even gasoline for ambulances. From 1993 to 1996, Cuban companies spent an additional $6.7 million on shipping medical imports from Asia, Europe and South America. Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees [Original: English] [22 May 2007] 1. Cuba is not a signatory to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees or its 1967 Protocol. Thus, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) receives and decides asylum claims under its mandate and contributes to providing assistance to the refugee population. Thus far, Cuba has maintained its de facto policy of non-refoulement protection and assistance in the education and health sectors to refugees recognized under the UNHCR mandate, but does not offer local integration possibilities for them. Therefore, and in the absence of prospects for voluntary return in most of the cases, the only durable solution for refugees in Cuba is resettlement sought by UNHCR in third countries. 2. It is anticipated that Cuba’s readiness to become a party to the international refugee instruments and to engage in finding solutions to the refugee situation within the country are dependent on a change in its bilateral relations with the United States of America. Thus any measure contributing to ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed on Cuba is seen as a positive step that may lead towards Cuba’s accession. United Nations Children’s Fund [Original: English] [27 July 2007] 1. The economic and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba since 1962 continues to have a negative impact on the lives and fundamental rights of children, adolescents, women and families. As further measures are imposed on top of existing ones, the cumulative effect of the 45-year embargo has been worsening with time. 2. Cuba faces serious constraints in commercial transactions when it is forced to import products from more distant countries. This translates into considerably higher costs and also has a negative impact on United Nations cooperation at all levels. For the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), it hampers the ability to purchase necessary provisions and supplies for our programme of cooperation. The embargo also decreases our ability to import nutritional products destined for both family and social consumption (in schools, hospitals and day-care centres), directly affecting the nutritional level and health of the population. Similar effects include the unmet need for basic educational material and supplies. Concrete examples of the harmful effects of the embargo on Cuba’s populations are set out below. Health 3. Beginning in 2007, several health institutions and biotechnological scientific research centres that produce vaccines were barred from receiving international financing. This inhibits the execution of a project meant to produce a vaccine against dengue fever in children. The Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Centre of Cuba cannot receive the 730,000 dollars granted for three years through the Pediatric Dengue Vaccine Initiative. The United States Department of the Treasury has notified Cuba that it cannot have access to the funds. 4. The United States Department of Commerce denied the renewal of BioCen’s export licence. That company was responsible for exporting the hepatitis B vaccine Heberbiovac HB to Cuba. The Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Centre asked UNICEF and the World Health Organization to intercede in order to obtain the renewal of the export licence and to maintain the supply of Heberbiovac HB to UNICEF. The case is still pending at the United States Department of Commerce. 5. The lack of access to appropriate equipment prevented children suffering from kidney deficiency from receiving dialysis treatment. The multinational firm that leads the market in this equipment is North American. 6. The Pedro Kourí Institute of Tropical Medicine was unable to obtain necessary equipment for the electrophoresis technique (used in monitoring salmonella and other bacteria that cause severe gastrointestinal infections, mainly in children) because the firm that sells it, Bio-Rad, is North American. Access to information 7. As a consequence of the embargo, Cuban institutions — among them those working on child issues — cannot have access to fibre-optic technology for Internet connectivity. This limits access to information in the spheres of education and health. 8. Overall, the embargo has a direct negative impact on the lives of children, adolescents and families, and violates the spirit and the letter of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development [Original: English] [29 June 2007] Trends in Cuba’s trade 1. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) estimates that Cuba’s total merchandise trade for 2006 was 2.8 billion dollars for exports and 9.4 billion dollars for imports, representing a goods trade deficit of 6.6 billion dollars, an increase of 2 billion dollars from the previous year. The availability of up-to-date trade data for Cuba is limited, but the estimated data for 2005 indicated that, in that year ores and metals, food and agriculture, and manufactured goods accounted for 48, 30 and 22 per cent, respectively, of Cuba’s exports. The European Union was the largest market for Cuban goods, taking 42 per cent of Cuban exports, mostly from the categories ores and metals and food and agriculture. The Latin America and the Caribbean region was the second-largest market for Cuban goods, largely accounted for by manufactured goods, which represented 20 per cent of Cuban exports. For the rest of the world, ores and metals and food and agriculture were Cuba’s largest export items, accounting for 21 and 13 per cent of exports, respectively. As regards Cuba’s imports, manufactured goods had the largest share, accounting for 53 per cent, followed by fuels and food and agriculture, with shares of 23 and 22 per cent, respectively. The Latin America and the Caribbean region was the largest source of Cuba’s imports, providing 37 per cent. The corresponding figure for the European Union was 26 per cent, while for the United States of America it was 8 per cent, reflecting United States exports of agricultural and medical products that were allowed under the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000. 2. For services trade, UNCTAD estimates for 2006 were 3.9 billion dollars for exports and 0.8 billion dollars for imports, representing a service trade surplus of 3.1 billion dollars, an increase of 0.3 billion dollars from the previous year. It was reported that while in the second half of the 1990s international tourism had led to the expansion of import capacity in Cuba, in the past two years the main driver was rising earnings from the sale of professional and other services, particularly to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, and nickel exports, owing to the rapid increase in the international price. Cuba’s national income growth in 2006 was estimated between 9.5 and 12.5 per cent, and the growth rate was in fact among the highest in the region. The increase in import capacity and new cooperation agreements with China and Venezuela on trade, investment and credit lines contributed significantly to the growth of Cuba’s economy in 2006. 3. For capital inflows, UNCTAD estimates that annual foreign direct investment stocks in Cuba were about 75 million dollars during the period 2000 to 2005. Also, it was reported that new credits from China and other lenders had produced a net surplus on the capital account in 2006._Ref176352301 \h \* MERGEFORMAT 4 Cuba’s initiatives in the World Trade Organization relating to the United States embargo 4. Since the previous reporting period Cuba has taken a number of initiatives in the World Trade Organization (WTO) that addressed the United States embargo. Pursuant to the decision of 20 December 2001 on the extension of the waiver from article XV:6 of the 1994 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, the Government of Cuba submitted the annual report for 2006, and it also requested the extension of the waiver, which was due to expire on 31 December 2006. The waiver was extended until 31 December 2011. The annual report estimated that the accumulated economic cost of the United States embargo to the Cuban economy was more than 86 billion dollars. It also stated that the direct economic damage inflicted on Cuba by the United States embargo was over 4.108 billion dollars in 2005, while damage to Cuban foreign trade was more than 945 million dollars in 2005, an increase of 15 per cent from the previous year. The financial cost related to the high risk rating assigned to Cuba because of the United States embargo was over 320 million dollars, and assets frozen in United States banks as a consequence of the embargo totalled 268 million dollars in the same year. The impact on third countries caused by the extraterritorial application of the United States embargo against Cuba was also highlighted, and, as discussed below, the measures concerned were identified in the Doha negotiations. 5. In the Negotiating Group on Market Access under the Doha negotiations, the Government of Cuba identified the United States embargo measures as inconsistent with the WTO principles, rules and obligations, and as an issue of multilateral concern given the extraterritorial application of the embargo. Developments in the United States of America 6. The second report to the President of the United States from the Commission for Assistance to Free Cuba, submitted in July 2006, recommended enhancing the embargo. 7. A decade-long legal battle between Bacardi USA and the French company Pernod Ricard concerning the validity of the trademark Havana Club continued. In August 2006, the United States Patent and Trademark Office declared that the Cuban Government’s registration of the Havana Club trademark for rum was cancelled. Against this decision, Pernod Ricard, which has the right to the trademark according to the Government of Cuba, appealed the Patent and Trademark Office decision, protesting that it was a violation of the WTO rulings of January 2002 on the United States Section 211 Omnibus Appropriations Act of 1998. Meanwhile, responding to the WTO rulings, in March 2007 a twin legislation bill (H.R. 1306 and S.749) was introduced that would amend a 10-year-old appropriations act provision that denies protection for trademarks connected with businesses seized from their owners by the Government of Cuba. 8. The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida announced on 10 October 2006 a new federal task force to enforce trade and economic sanctions against Cuba, the Cuban Sanctions Enforcement Task Force, which is aimed at carrying out “vigorous investigation of violations and enforcement through federal criminal prosecutions of the United States economic and trade sanctions against Cuba”. 9. In January 2007, two legislation bills (H.R. 624 and H.R. 654) concerning the United States embargo against Cuba were introduced. The former is to lift the trade embargo, and the latter is to end the travel restrictions between Cuba and the United States. However, it has been reported that passage of those bills might not be possible this year. In February 2007, a legislation bill (H.R. 1026) was introduced to remove from the Agricultural Export Facilitation Act of 2007 a regulation, established by the Treasury Department in 2005, requiring cash payments for agricultural exports prior to ships leaving ports instead of upon delivery. In addition, the bill seeks to ease travel restrictions for Cuban officials and United States agricultural representatives. A similar bill (S.1673) was introduced on 21 June 2007. 10. On 2 April 2007, at the request of the Senate Finance Committee, the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) launched an investigation into the effect of trade and travel restrictions against Cuba on United States exports of agricultural, fish and forest products to the country. ITC will also estimate United States sales of agricultural, fish and forestry products in three scenarios: (a) United States restrictions on agricultural exports are removed; (b) United States restrictions on travel to Cuba by United States citizens are lifted; and (c) United States restrictions affecting agricultural exports are removed and United States travel restrictions are ended. The report will be submitted to the Committee by 29 June 2007. Implications 11. In spite of the adoption of resolution 61/11, there has been no change in the United States policy concerning the embargo against Cuba since the previous reporting period. The embargo remains stringent, imposing severe economic, commercial and financial restrictions against Cuba with the attendant costs for the country. While Cuba’s economy has shown favourable trends in 2006 owing to strengthening economic ties with developing countries, particularly the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and China, as well as the favourable trend in the international price of nickel, it is evident that the United States embargo has resulted in a substantial opportunity cost for Cuba and has impeded Cuba’s efforts to integrate itself into the world trading system. This had an adverse impact on gross domestic product growth, export revenues, industrial and agricultural production, trade and social sectors such as food, health, education, communications, science and technology in Cuba. Moreover, the impact of the extraterritorial aspect of the United States embargo has had important implications for trade diversion and the business environment, given the significant involvement of United States interests in transnational corporations. Not only Cuban citizens but also those in third countries and in the United States are affected by the embargo in terms of the inability to interact with Cuba in the economic, academic and social fields. United Nations Development Programme in Cuba [Original: English] [6 June 2007] 1. The Office of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Cuba has been preparing annual reports since 1992 on the effects of the embargo. During 2006 the situation remained very similar to that of the previous years. The impact of the embargo can be observed in all spheres of the country’s social and economic activities, affecting the opportunities for national and local development and creating economic hardship that adversely affects the most vulnerable groups of population. 2. According to estimates by Cuban authorities, the accumulated direct and indirect damages to the Cuban economy brought about by the embargo since the early 1960s amount to 86.108 billion dollars. 3. The embargo has limited Cuba’s access to the development credits granted by international financial institutions such as the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. This has limited the possibility of obtaining resources to financially support Cuba’s national and/or local development plans. 4. It has also been very difficult to establish partnerships and to collaborate with United States NGOs, as well as to promote exchanges among experts from both countries. The embargo has limited the work of United States-based nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and private foundations to undertake development activities in Cuba, and as a result has also limited possible partnerships between UNDP and United States-based civil society groups. 5. The embargo has also brought negative consequences for external cooperation initiatives, generating many difficulties for programme and project implementation because of commercial restrictions on purchasing inputs from United States companies, while also having an impact on the final import cost of inputs purchased form other countries. Owing to Cuba’s geographical position, the United States market represents the closest, most convenient and most diversified trade area. However, Cuban companies are still unable to purchase products, components or technologies in United States territory, or from United States companies. As a result, Cuba is forced to purchase and import products from more distant places at much higher cost. This has had a direct impact on UNDP development cooperation by increasing both the transaction cost of project inputs and the transportation costs of imported goods. 6. A clear example of the above is the project financed by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Following the established procedures to make purchases, the project requested offers of medicines for patients with HIV/AIDS in order to ensure that 100 per cent of people living with HIV/AIDS received the required antiretroviral treatment. Since it is not possible to buy antiretroviral products from United States labs directly or from their subsidiaries in other countries, the medicines have had to be purchased from third countries, and from secondary suppliers at prices significantly higher than those on the international market. In fact, although the prices of medicines as shown on public price lists have decreased, Cuba does not benefit from the decrease. 7. There are also constraints in obtaining offers for antiretroviral products. Several times, the International Dispensary Association and Pharma Mission have indicated the impossibility of finding companies willing to sell medicines to the project in Cuba. Specifically, that was the case with the Lopinavir-Ritonavir medicine from the American manufacturer Abbott. There have been some cases of pharmaceutical companies trying to obtain an export licence from the United States Department of Commerce and deciding to give up because of the bureaucratic process, which hinders and delays the purchase. This is the case of companies such as Gilead and Puerto Rico Pharmaceutical, which started the process for obtaining an export licence for Viread and never concluded the process. Thus, not only the price but also the very availability of antiretroviral drugs to Cuban AIDS patients has been adversely affected by the embargo. In December 2006 the UNDP Cuba Office could not make use of the corporate long-term agreement signed between UNDP and Dell, and had to purchase computing equipment from other suppliers, despite actions taken by the UNDP Acquisitions Unit. As a result, the equipment had to be purchased for a higher price. The situation of access to software licences is similar. Corporately endorsed computer software cannot always be used by UNDP in Cuba because of the lack of software licences for Cuban-based operations. 8. The UNDP Office faces difficulties in acquiring software licences for the legal use of Office Package and software needed to conduct programme and operational activities efficiently. 9. Owing to limitations on financial services of United States banks to Cuba, UNDP operations must use additional administrative measures to undertake programme finance operations, resulting in higher costs to the Office. 10. The embargo has also affected Cuban officials working in support of the United Nations system objectives, as well as of the Organization per se. United States visas for UNDP national and international staff in Havana who must travel to UNDP headquarters in New York must be requested well in advance. However, despite compliance with United States requirements, the visas are not always granted on time. Thus, Cuban UNDP staff are frequently prevented from participating in official training workshops and official meetings, and both headquarters and the country Office are deprived of acquiring and sharing valuable experiences. This also applies to official Cuban delegates to UNDP-sponsored workshops in the United States of America, including representatives of government, NGOs, universities and other development actors. Last-minute changes in travel tickets to accommodate the late issuance of visas also increases administrative costs for the country Office. 11. Finally, UNDP personnel on official travel to headquarters encounter difficulty in purchasing air tickets from Cuba to the United States, having to look for routes that will take them there through difficult connections and at much higher rates. This results in missions whose final costs are higher than budgeted, because of the extra costs of being routed through Canada, Mexico or Panama, not to mention the extra travel time. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization [Original: English] [11 July 2007] 1. In response to the request for concise information on relevant developments since 2006 on how the embargo affects the ability of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to work with and for the Cuban people, UNESCO points out that it is not a funding agency, but rather a specialized technical agency within the United Nations system, and does not manage a large number of projects in Cuba on which to gauge the impact. 2. The situation has remained relatively unchanged since 2006. In its fields of competence — education, science, culture, and communications and information — it is difficult to quantify the impact of the embargo on programmes run by UNESCO. From a qualitative point of view, the following observations can again be made. In the area of education, the embargo continues to affect the availability of educational resources. In the area of science, the embargo limits the ability to purchase up-to-date scientific materials. Scientific exchanges and other academic and professional exchanges are further complicated by visa policies that make travel and study movement difficult. In the area of culture, the embargo has an impact on the ability to obtain materials for historical preservation, supplies for cultural industries and cooperation with American institutions that might otherwise collaborate, including exchanges. In the area of communications and information, Cuba is unable to acquire underwater fibre-optic cables handled by United States firms, software licences and certain equipment. However, in this area, it is difficult to separate the impacts of the embargo from the overall factors that affect the free flow of information and the use of information and communications technology in the country. United Nations Environment Programme [Original: English] [11 May 2007] Being a non-resident agency, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) does not have field projects in Cuba. However, it maintains cooperation with Cuba in a number of areas as follows: (a) In public information and awareness, Cuba has recently participated in the UNEP children’s painting competition; (b) Cuba participates in two Global Environment Facility projects: Global Environmental Citizenship and Energy with Biomass in the Isle of Youth; (c) Cuba collaborates actively in South-South cooperation activities in the Latin American and Caribbean region, and Cuban experts, within the framework of the UNEP programme in the region, are supporting activities specifically in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica and Panama; (d) UNEP also works with various stakeholders in Cuba in the formulation of reports on the state of the environment (Global Environment Outlook reports); (e) Cuba participates in the working group on environmental indicators established by the Forum of Ministers for Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean to measure progress in achieving the goals of the Latin American and Caribbean Initiative for Sustainable Development. United Nations Human Settlements Programme [Original: English] [12 July 2007] 1. The mandate of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UNHabitat) is to coordinate the implementation of the Habitat Agenda and to assist member States in attaining the human settlements-related Millennium Development Goals. The United States economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba severely limits free trade and the transfer of scientific and technological know-how and expertise for peaceful and humanitarian purposes and, thus, has a negative impact on human settlements-related goods, services and technologies. The embargo, in this way, undermines the ability of the Government of Cuba to implement the Habitat Agenda and attain the human settlements-related Millennium Development Goals. 2. The construction and maintenance of human settlements, as well as their reconstruction after natural disasters, demand a stable supply of construction materials, tools and equipment (technology), as well as energy and raw materials. Imports required by the programmes and plans for housing, infrastructure and services are seriously affected by the embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba. 3. The prohibition of access to the United States market forces Cuba to procure products from other countries. This is more expensive, owing to price differences with the North American market, the higher costs associated with transport, higher interest rates associated with the perceived risk factor, exchange rate variations and bank charges associated with multiple currency operations. The greater distances involved owing to the impossibility of using United States transport facilities, as well as the penalty imposed on merchant ships from other countries trading with Cuba, are factors that delay and complicate procurement. 4. Another important obstacle is the limited transfer of more efficient and ecologically sound technologies owing to the embargo on the use of patents originating from the United States of America, or commercialized by United States companies. 5. Restrictions on access to energy, energy-saving technologies and oil are also a causal factor of dysfunctional human settlements planning and management. This is particularly the case with the provision of basic urban services such as transport, solid waste collection and disposal, water supply and sanitation, and emergency response to hazards, such as fires, floods and hurricanes. The energy embargo is forcing Cuba to use inefficient and often environmentally unsustainable alternatives. Limited access to low-cost chemicals and equipment for water and wastewater treatment also has a major effect on the quality and affordability of these services, with negative impacts on environmental and public health. 6. The issue of outstanding claims on properties previously owned by United States citizens or naturalized Cuban citizens hinders the use and rehabilitation of important facilities and has a negative effect on the rationality and coherence of urban and real estate development. 7. Visa and travel restrictions are also inhibiting scientific, technical and cultural exchanges, making it difficult for planners, architects, engineers and social scientists to travel to Cuba to advise their Cuban counterparts in the design, planning and management of housing and human settlements. 8. In essence, from the human settlements perspective, the United States embargo on Cuba is having negative social and environmental effects on human settlements planning and management and environmental health, particularly for the poor and disadvantaged segments of the population. United Nations Industrial Development Organization [Original: English] [1 June 2007] 1. As stated on previous occasions, and in particular in the context of the globalization of commercial and financial relations, it is the view of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) that the embargo has had a negative effect on Cuba’s economic development. Although UNIDO is continuing its technical cooperation programme in Cuba, the effectiveness and impact of such cooperation may be adversely affected by the prolonged embargo. 2. At present, UNIDO is continuing the implementation of the second phase of the integrated programme for Cuba, which includes components dealing with entrepreneurial development; energy efficiency and alternative sources of energy; cleaner and sustainable management of the environment; and agro-industries. The programme is funded by the Governments of Austria and Switzerland, the Global Environment Facility and UNIDO. United Nations Population Fund [Original: English] [31 May 2007] 1. For several years the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has prepared reports on the effects of the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba during the past four decades. In the last 12 months the situation has not changed: the measures introduced with the embargo were maintained, with their resulting negative impact. It must be underlined that these measures fundamentally affect the people of Cuba and hamper the social and cultural development as well as the quality of life of the Cuban population, in particular of the most vulnerable groups. This situation has also had negative consequences on external cooperation programmes, owing to the impossibility of purchasing equipment, medicines and laboratory materials produced by the United States or covered by United States patents. It is also very difficult to establish partnerships and collaboration with United States non-governmental organizations and to promote exchanges among experts of the two countries. 2. The financial burden and commercial barriers in the health-care system in particular have led to shortages or intermittent availability of drugs, medicines, equipment and spare parts. They also hinder the renovation of hospitals and other health-care delivery infrastructures. The import restrictions imposed by the United States embargo have a direct impact on the population’s reproductive health status. Although the Cuban population has ample knowledge of the most common contraceptive methods, and those methods are in high demand, there are severe limitations to their availability and quality, as well as to medicines for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections, equipment for emergency obstetric care and other commodities related to sexual and reproductive health. 3. Since the United States embargo prevents Cuba’s access to United States products and suppliers, commodities linked to sexual and reproductive health assistance and related materials have to be purchased in Europe or Asia at higher prices and with higher freight charges. This situation contributes to further limiting the nation’s purchasing capacity. Commercial restrictions also limit Cuba’s access to state-of-the-art technologies, new drugs and reproductive health products. 4. Although the overall incidence of sexually transmitted infections has declined, cases of HIV are increasing. Even though most cases (80 per cent of the total) occur among males aged 25 to 34, an increase in the number of female cases has been observed in the last five years. The AIDS incidence rate began to decrease in 2002, primarily because people living with HIV have free access to antiretroviral drugs, which can delay the onset of AIDS. Cuba has managed to contain the spread of the HIV and AIDS epidemic for almost 20 years, since the disease appeared in the country. The prevalence rate is very low if compared with that of other Caribbean countries. The availability of condoms is still insufficient relative to demand. A grant approved by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria for the period 2003-2008 is contributing to the partial palliation of this situation. 5. With regard to the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents and youth, an important demand for printed information and educational materials related to sexually transmitted infections, HIV, AIDS and the prevention of unwanted pregnancies remains unmet. Abortion rates have declined. However, owing to the high rate of abortions among women under age 20, information is required, as well as counselling, training of providers and appropriate contraceptive methods. Under its current programme of assistance, UNFPA supports government efforts to train teachers and social workers to provide sexual education to adolescents and children attending the nation’s school system and to produce reproductive health education materials for schools. This contribution, however, only partially covers the country’s needs. 6. The embargo has also affected the delivery of services to Cuba’s growing elderly population. Owing in part to the financial restrictions and consequent shortages of all types of materials, the Government is unable to fulfil the needs of this population group, particularly in terms of housing, maintenance, medical supplies and equipment for nursing homes and day-care centres. More support will be needed in the future as the elderly population continues to increase during the country’s demographic transition process. 7. At present, international sources of assistance to Cuba are very limited. UNFPA is one of the very few sources of funds to support sexual and reproductive health, population and development, and gender programmes. UNFPA cooperation is helping to build capacity and to develop best-practice models that may benefit other countries in the region. Even though important results have been achieved with regard to population and development, reproductive health and gender issues, continued support for Cuba is essential to achieve national goals in these areas and to prevent setbacks. Universal Postal Union [Original: English] [6 June 2007] 1. As a specialized agency of the United Nations, the Universal Postal Union (UPU) is not directly involved in implementing resolution 61/11. UPU has always regarded Cuba as a fully fledged member of the organization. As such, Cuba enjoys the same rights and obligations as other UPU members. In recent times, Cuba has benefited from UPU assistance in the field of regional reform and modernization, training and cost-accounting projects. 2. Furthermore, Cuba plays an active role in the activities of UPU and its bodies. For example, Cuba was elected a member of the UPU Postal Operations Council in 2004 and serves on a number of the Council’s committees and working groups. World Food Programme [Original: English] [4 June 2007] The United States embargo continues to severely limit trade and has a direct impact on the capacity and efficiency of Cuba’s infrastructure (port, transport, warehousing, commodity tracking), food processing, water distribution and agricultural production. The efficiency of the Cuban Government’s food-based social safety nets, which are instrumental to household food security, is thereby negatively affected. Combined with (and partly contributing to) deteriorating land and water quality, these factors have had an impact on people’s well-being. Micronutrient deficiencies are a concern. Anaemia prevalence is high, especially among children under 2 years of age, jeopardizing their development potential. The impact is stronger in the eastern provinces, where food insecurity is greater. Some of the foods that the World Food Programme distributes are produced locally. As in previous years, in 2006 their production was delayed and interrupted due to delays in the arrival of raw materials, production equipment and spare parts. World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization [Original: English] [19 June 2007] 1. Technical cooperation of the World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization (WHO/PAHO) in the field of health in Cuba includes a broad programme of recognized importance for the country that at the same time creates opportunities of particular interest for other countries of the region, especially given the notable development of health care and public health in Cuba and the implementation of innovative programmes that have an impact on priority problems of the Americas region. 2. The embargo has had a negative impact on the economy of the country, in addition to the health sector and other sectors that affect the health status of the population. The Ministry of Public Health appraises the impact at more than 30 million dollars in the 2005-2006 period, and a total of 2.268 billion dollars since the beginning of the embargo. 3. Cuba’s health authorities have documented the effects on cost and lost opportunities for diagnosis and treatment in practically all specialties, including oncology, organ transplantation, HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular diseases, anaesthesiology and vector control. It should be pointed out that the infant population has been particularly affected by this situation. 4. It is worth mentioning the difficulties of scientific exchange, as well as the lack of access to advanced scientific-medical information, which are caused by the withholding beyond the requested period or denial of visas necessary for Cuban professionals to participate in events carried out in the United States of America; the lack of authorization for United States scientists to travel to Cuba; and the difficulties for the dissemination or publication of Cuban scientific knowledge in the United States. The National Board of Scientific Societies has documented 37 cases of denial of visas to Cuban professionals from May 2006 to April 2007, preventing them from participating in important scientific events carried out in the territory of the United States, among them the thirteenth World Conference on Smoking, Washington, D.C.; the annual meeting of the American Neurological Association, Atlanta; the meeting of the Board of Medical Education Cooperation with Cuba, Atlanta; the annual Congress of the American School of Surgeons, Chicago; the meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Las Vegas; the Conference of the Academy of Architecture for Health, Miami; the Conference of the Academy of Pediatrics, Atlanta; the fifty-third annual meeting of the American Academy of Electrodiagnosis Medicine, Washington, D.C.; the Symposium of Psychiatry, Miami; the second International Conference on Cardiac Insufficiency in Children and Young Adults, California; the thirty-eighth meeting of Codex, Houston; the Seminar of Environmental Microbiology, San Juan, Puerto Rico; the sixtieth Postgraduate Assembly in Anesthesiology, New York; the annual meeting of the Scientific Council of the American Hernia Society, Hollywood; the twenty-ninth annual Postgraduate Pediatric Symposium, Texas; the fifty-ninth meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, Boston; and the seventeenth session of the Inter-American Society of Hypertension, Miami. 5. One particular case was the withholding, for a second consecutive year, of the visa for the Cuban Minister of Health, preventing him from participating in the 2006 PAHO Directing Council. 6. Additionally, United States companies, including their branches throughout the world, are prohibited from selling their products to Cuba. WHO/PAHO regional purchase mechanisms (which are recognized as regional public goods) are also affected by this prohibition, creating a problematic situation in terms of cost, timeliness and quality, which affects directly the health of the Cuban population. 7. The restrictive measures of the United States Department of the Treasury have prevented purchase of medicines, medical equipment, replacement parts and other medical supplies from numerous United States companies, among them: Abbott; Amersham Pharmacia Biotech; Amplatzer; Arrow; Baxter; Boston Scientific; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Cansen; Curtis; Cyanamid; Dista; Dupont Pharma; Fisher; General Electric; Gilead; GlaxoSmithKline; Health Care; Highlight; Hudson; Humphrey-Zeiss; Irving Scientific; Medicult; Merck, Sharp & Dohme; Novartis; Pfizer; Pharmacia; Polaroid; Radiometer; St. Jude Medical; Scandinavia IVF Science; Signa; Supelco; and Valdesta; and the following laboratories: Bio-Rad; Becton Dickinson; Immuno-Mycologics Inc.; Meridian Bioscience; and Meridian Diagnostic. 8. The WHO/PAHO Office in Cuba cannot purchase equipment, including computer equipment, in the United States. Thus, computer equipment has been purchased from European countries, making it more difficult and more expensive to maintain the uniformity of technology in compliance with the organization’s directives. Also, due to the embargo, the domestic market usually lacks many items, limiting the options of the country Office. World Trade Organization [Original: English] [1 August 2007] 1. Although in the World Trade Organization (WTO), members do not address the implementation of United Nations resolutions in the light of the purposes and principles of the Charter and international law, there are various WTO forums and mechanisms where the United States of America, Cuba and other members can address issues relating to their WTO rights and obligations, including obligations with regard to non-discrimination, prohibition of quotas and the possibility of invoking exceptions to those obligations. 2. In 2006 members raised these issues in a number of instances, including in particular in the Trade Policy Review Body, the Dispute Settlement Body and in the negotiating group on non-agricultural products. United Nations press release GA/10288. United Nations press release GA/10529. See A/59/PV.44, statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cuba, Felipe Pérez Roque. See A/61/132. UNCTAD secretariat calculations based on United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database and Statistics Division estimates. Figures for 2005 were calculated by the UNCTAD secretariat on the basis of United Nations Statistics Division estimates. UNCTAD GlobStat Database. Sector-specific data for trade in services is not available for Cuba. The Economist Intelligence Unit, “Country Report: Cuba”, February 2007. World Investment Report 2006, fact sheet on Cuba, UNCTAD, http://www.unctad.org/Templates/ Page.asp?intItemID=2441&lang=1. WTO document, “Cuba-Article XV:6 — Report by the Government of Cuba for 2006 under the Decision of 20 December 2001”, G/C/W/562, 9 November 2006. WTO document, “Cuba-Article XV:6, Decision of 15 December 2006”, WT/L/678, 19 December 2006. It also estimated that indirect damage was $54 billion. WTO documents, “Communication from Cuba”, TN/MA/NTR/2, 15 May 2006, and TN/MA/W/82, 17 January 2007. Measures identified are, for example, the Helms-Burton Act, the United States Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Tariff Classification Act of 1962. See www.cafc.gov. Caribbean Net News, “New battle lines drawn in Cuban rum wars”, 10 August 2006. See also A/61/132, footnote 22. See http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s110-749 and http://www.govtrack.us/ congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-1306. “United States announces action on Cuba, Haiti embargoes: Violators of Cuba embargo are targeted; Haitian arms ban modified”, 11 October 2006, http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/ display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2006&m=October&x=200610111704391xeneerg0.2698328. Washington Trade Daily, “No Cuba Trade Bill This Year”, Vol. 16, No. 119, 15 June 2007. “Farm Bureau backs Cuba legislation”, 19 February 2007, from Cuba Journal. ITC news release 07-036, 2 April 2007, “ITC to investigate economic impact of US trade and travel restrictions with Cuba on US agriculture exporters”. It should be noted that the PAHO Directing Council is also the Regional Committee for the American Region of WHO.   sss1 \* MERGEFORMAT A/62/92 sss1 \* MERGEFORMAT A/62/92 FooterJN \* MERGEFORMAT 07-39386 \* MERGEFORMAT 104 \* MERGEFORMAT 2 FooterJN \* MERGEFORMAT 07-39386 United Nations A/62/92 General Assembly Distr.: General 3 August 2007 English Original: Arabic/English/French/ Russian/Spanish jobn \* MERGEFORMAT 07-39386 (E) 270807 310807 Barcode \* MERGEFORMAT *0739386*