Sixty-third session Item 20 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 62/3, 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-third session. The present report reproduces the replies of Governments and of entities of the United Nations system to the request of the Secretary-General for information on the matter. Contents Page Introduction 7 Replies received from Governments 7 Algeria 7 Angola 8 Antigua and Barbuda 8 Argentina 9 Armenia 10 Azerbaijan 10 Bahamas 11 Bangladesh 11 Barbados 11 Belarus 11 Belize 12 Benin 12 Bolivia 13 Botswana 14 Brazil 15 Burkina Faso 15 Burundi 15 Cambodia 16 Cape Verde 16 Chile 16 China 16 Colombia 17 Comoros 17 Congo 17 Costa Rica 18 Croatia 18 Cuba 18 Democratic People’s Republic of Korea 45 Democratic Republic of the Congo 45 Dominica 45 Dominican Republic 45 Ecuador 46 Egypt 46 Equatorial Guinea 46 Eritrea 47 Ethiopia 47 European Union 47 Gambia 48 Ghana 48 Grenada 49 Guatemala 49 Guinea 49 Guinea-Bissau 50 Guyana 50 Haiti 51 Holy See 51 Honduras 51 India 51 Indonesia 51 Iran (Islamic Republic of) 52 Jamaica 53 Japan 53 Kazakhstan 54 Kenya 54 Kiribati 54 Kyrgyzstan 54 Lao People’s Democratic Republic 55 Lebanon 55 Lesotho 55 Liberia 56 Libyan Arab Jamahiriya 56 Liechtenstein 56 Madagascar 57 Malawi 57 Malaysia 57 Maldives 58 Mali 59 Mauritius 59 Mexico 59 Morocco 61 Mozambique 61 Myanmar 62 Namibia 62 Nauru 63 Nicaragua 63 Niger 64 Nigeria 65 Oman 65 Pakistan 65 Panama 65 Papua New Guinea 67 Paraguay 68 Peru 68 Philippines 68 Qatar 69 Russian Federation 69 Rwanda 70 Saint Kitts and Nevis 70 Saint Lucia 71 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 71 San Marino 71 Sao Tome and Principe 71 Senegal 72 Seychelles 72 Sierra Leone 72 Solomon Islands 72 South Africa 73 Sri Lanka 74 Sudan 74 Suriname 75 Swaziland 75 Syrian Arab Republic 76 Thailand 77 Timor-Leste 77 Togo 77 Tonga 78 Trinidad and Tobago 78 Tunisia 78 Turkey 78 Turkmenistan 79 Uganda 79 Ukraine 79 Uruguay 80 Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) 80 Viet Nam 81 Yemen 82 Zambia 82 Zimbabwe 82 Replies received from organs and agencies of the United Nations system 83 Office of the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations system for operational activities for development 83 Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean 84 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 86 International Atomic Energy Agency 91 International Civil Aviation Organization 91 International Labour Organization 92 International Telecommunication Union 93 Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees 93 United Nations Children’s Fund 94 United Nations Conference on Trade and Development 95 United Nations Development Programme in Cuba 101 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization 103 United Nations Environment Programme 104 United Nations Human Settlements Programme 106 United Nations Industrial Development Organization 107 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime 107 United Nations Population Fund 108 Universal Postal Union 109 World Food Programme 109 World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization 110 World Meteorological Organization 111 World Trade Organization 112 I. Introduction 1. In its resolution 62/3, 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-third session. 2. Pursuant to that request, in a note verbale dated 10 April 2008, 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 23 July 2008. Replies received after that date will be reproduced as addenda to the present report. II. Replies received from Governments Algeria [Original: French] [6 June 2008] 1. Algeria again expresses its profound concern at the continuation of the economic, commercial and financial embargo unilaterally imposed for nearly half a century by the United States of America against Cuba. 2. Like the majority of States Members of the United Nations, Algeria has repeatedly called for the lifting of the embargo endured by the Cuban people. For the past 15 years or so, the General Assembly has adopted at every session a resolution calling for the embargo against Cuba to be lifted, considering it to be contrary to international law, 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 and impairs the Cuban people’s right to development. 4. The economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba violates the national sovereignty of a State Member of the United Nations. The extraterritoriality of a State’s legislation imposing unilateral sanctions is a negation of the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the rules of international law. 5. Besides contravening the relevant provisions of the Charter of the United Nations, this attitude calls into question freedom of trade, navigation and movement of capital, which has a considerable impact on the economic and human development of Cuba. Algeria expresses its profound concern about the grave consequences of this unjust and illegal embargo. 6. Algeria expresses its full support for the positions adopted at 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 this embargo imposed against Cuba, an embargo under which 70 per cent of Cuban citizens were born, and one that has been consistently rejected by a growing number of countries to the point that opposition to it is today almost unanimous. Angola [Original: English] [25 June 2008] The Government of Angola would like to take this opportunity to reiterate its unconditional support for the content of the report on the issues related to the economic, trade and financial embargo imposed against Cuba by the United States of America. The Government of Angola appreciates the importance that the Secretary-General places on this issue and appeals once again to the international community to continue to make efforts to support a deeper engagement of both countries in a constructive dialogue in order to identify a definitive solution to this problem, which has existed for quite some time. Antigua and Barbuda [Original: English] [9 July 2008] 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 the 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 its concern at the continued promulgation of the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba, despite the overwhelming support by Member States for General Assembly resolution 62/3, previous resolutions against the embargo and other relevant international treaties. 3. 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] [5 June 2008] 1. The Government of the Argentine Republic has fully implemented the provisions of General Assembly resolution 62/3 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 will also be wholly inapplicable and devoid of legal effect. 4. Argentina’s vote in favour of the adoption of General Assembly resolution 62/3 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. They aligned themselves with the nearly unanimous rejection by the international community of unilateral coercive measures. 6. That is why on more than one occasion and in various international forums — such as the Organization of American States, the Latin American Economic System (SELA) and the Ibero-American and the Latin America and the Caribbean-European Union 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 essential in order to achieve development, security and human rights for all. 7. Argentina also wishes to point out that, at the Fifth Latin America and the Caribbean-European Union Summit, held in Lima on 17 May 2008, the Heads of State or Government adopted a Declaration containing a paragraph relating to General Assembly resolution 62/3, which reads as follows: We reaffirm our commitment to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, we reaffirm our decision to support all efforts to uphold sovereign equality of all States, to respect their territorial integrity and political independence, to refrain in our international relations from the threat or use of force in any manner inconsistent with the purposes and principles of the United Nations, to uphold resolution of disputes by peaceful means and in conformity with the principles of justice and international law. We firmly reject all coercive measures of unilateral character with extraterritorial effect that are contrary to international law and the commonly accepted rules of free trade. We agree that this type of practice poses a serious threat to multilateralism. In this context, and with reference to UNGA resolution A/RES/62/3, we reaffirm our well-known positions on the application of the extraterritorial provisions of the Helms-Burton Act. 8. Argentina would also like to recall that the Seventeenth Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government, held in November 2007 in Santiago, Chile, 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. 9. In addition, the Argentine Republic considers it relevant to note that the Fourteenth Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI), held in Montevideo, Uruguay, on 11 March 2008, issued a Declaration on the need to end the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the Government of the United States of America against Cuba. Armenia [Original: English] [17 June 2008] The Republic of Armenia strongly adheres to the norms and regulations of international law in pursuing its foreign policy. The Armenian legislation contains no laws or regulations of the kind referred to in the preamble of General Assembly resolution 62/3. Azerbaijan [Original: English] [18 June 2008] 1. The Republic of Azerbaijan firmly upholds the 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, trade or financial relations between Azerbaijan and Cuba. Four cooperation agreements currently exist between the two Republics. In order to further develop bilateral relations, an Intergovernmental Commission between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Cuba was established on 18 October 2007. In 2007 foreign trade turnover between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Cuba reached $260,600. The Republic of Azerbaijan will continue to undertake appropriate measures to strengthen cooperation and develop friendly relations with the Republic of Cuba. Bahamas [Original: English] [15 May 2008] 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] [2 July 2008] The Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh has not promulgated or applied any laws or measures of the kind referred to in the preambular section of General Assembly resolution 62/3. Bangladesh has consistently supported the aforementioned resolution in the General Assembly and voted in its favour. Barbados [Original: English] [14 July 2008] Barbados has consistently voted in favour of the resolution entitled “Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba” since it was first introduced in the General Assembly at its forty-sixth session, in 1991. Belarus [Original: Russian] [23 May 2008] 1. The Republic of Belarus urges the United States of America to end the economic and financial embargo against Cuba as soon as possible. The lifting of United States sanctions could prepare the way for the normalization of relations between the two countries. 2. Belarus supports the inalienable right of every country to determine its own mode of development. Any unilateral attempts by States to change the internal political system of other States through military, political, economic or other means of pressure are unacceptable. 3. In the implementation of its foreign policy, Belarus abides strictly by the principles of international law. The legislation of Belarus contains no laws, decrees or measures whose extraterritorial effects impact on the sovereignty of other States, the legitimate interests of natural or legal persons under their jurisdiction or the freedom of trade and navigation. 4. Relations between Belarus and Cuba are characterized by a high degree of interaction and increasingly active cooperation that is mutually beneficial. Priority in bilateral relations is given to the development of trade and economic cooperation. There is mutual interest in and significant potential for building up bilateral trade and carrying out joint projects in various sectors of the economy. In 2007 the export of Belarusian goods to Cuba increased by 45 per cent in comparison with 2006. The eighth meeting of the Belarus-Cuba joint commission on trade and economic cooperation was held in March 2008 in Havana. The treaty and legal basis of bilateral relations has been significantly expanded. Twenty-five intergovernmental and inter-agency agreements have now been signed. 5. Cuba is one of the States which, under Decree No. 14 of the President of the Republic of Belarus of 18 April 2003, is granted tariff preferences in the form of a 25 per cent reduction in customs duties for a number of goods: meat and meat products; fish and shellfish; dairy products; products of animal origin and vegetables; coffee, tea and rice; timber; and others. 6. Belarus will continue to foster cooperation and friendly relations with Cuba in a focused manner. Belize [Original: English] [3 June 2008] 1. Belize has not promulgated or 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 and navigation. 2. Belize reaffirms its commitments to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, in particular the sovereign equality of States, nonintervention and non-interference in their internal affairs and freedom of international trade and navigation, which also form fundamental principles of international law. 3. In this regard, 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] [11 July 2008] 1. The Republic of Benin maintains excellent relations of friendship and cooperation with the Republic of Cuba. Such relations were exemplified by the eighth session of the Benin-Cuba Joint Commission, which was held in Cotonou on 19 and 20 May 2008. 2. Benin resolutely opposes unilateral coercive measures of a political, economic or military nature against Cuba. Benin has not adopted any laws or measures prohibiting the exercise of free trade and navigation with Cuba and cannot endorse such measures, which are incompatible with the spirit of the Charter of the United Nations. 3. Benin therefore believes that the unilateral coercive measures targeting Cuba should be ended. Bolivia [Original: Spanish] [28 May 2008] 1. Regarding paragraph 2 of General Assembly resolution 62/3, the Republic of Bolivia has not promulgated laws or applied measures that restrict trade with the sister Republic of Cuba. On the contrary, Bolivia enjoys not only relations of solidarity and cooperation, but also commercial relations with the Government and people of Cuba. 2. Consequently, Bolivia ratifies and maintains its firm and categorical rejection of the application of unilateral laws or measures of an economic, commercial or financial nature against any country. It therefore expresses in the strongest terms its condemnation of the prolonged embargo and economic warfare policies that the Government of the United States of America has been imposing on Cuba. 3. The United States embargo against Cuba for almost half a century is contrary to the purposes, principles and spirit of the Charter of the United Nations and of the Organization of American States, and the basic principles of international law. Not only does it seriously harm the Cuban people; it also has an adverse effect on the interests and rights of the American people and of other countries and peoples. Therefore, it flagrantly violates not only fundamental human rights, but also the sovereignty of other nations owing to its extraterritorial nature. 4. The United States extension of its territorial jurisdiction is contrary to the principle of sovereignty and non-intervention in the internal decisions of another State embodied in the case law of the International Court of Justice, and contradicts the rights of the Cuban people to self-determination and development. 5. Furthermore, the members of the World Trade Organization are strongly opposed to foreign laws that directly or indirectly violate the principle of nonintervention in internal affairs and adversely affect State sovereignty. The arbitrary stance taken by the United States of America of not complying with its obligations disrupts the balance and fairness between rights and obligations. In addition, it undermines the trust that all members placed in the World Trade Organization agreements. We consider it to be a clear, massive and systematic violation of the rights of Cuba: there is not one human right of the Cubans that the embargo does not undermine. 6. It is plain that, over these 16 consecutive years, Cuba has regained international support; this simply reflects the prestige and authority of the Cuban revolution and is also an expression of the immense sympathy that the Cuban people’s struggle arouses on the international scene. 7. Bolivia endorses this concerted battle that is being fought on the international front and expresses its support for Cuba and, consequently, its support for General Assembly resolution 62/3, which reflects the repudiation of this type of unilateral measure, as well as its commitment to the Charter of the United Nations, international law and multilateralism. It also affirms its support for the juridical equality of all nations as regards their sovereignty and confirms that this should take priority over any economic dispute; otherwise, it would be impossible to establish the rule of law in the international community. 8. Bolivia espouses the 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). Underscoring the spirit of union that underlies bilateral relations directly benefiting their people, and in order to increase international competitiveness and cooperation and promote trade between Bolivia and Cuba, the First Protocol Additional to Economic Complementarity Agreement No. 47 has been signed, reaffirming closer ties between Governments and peoples with shared ideals; it includes market access facilities and complete trade liberalization. 9. 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. 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. Cuba continues to offer scholarships to many Bolivian university students in Cuba, thus making a significant contribution to human resource development. It has also provided rural settlements in Bolivia with electricity through the installation of solar panels. 10. Regarding paragraph 3, Bolivia has no laws or measures that are at variance with the purposes of General Assembly resolution 62/3. Botswana [Original: English] [13 June 2008] The Republic of Botswana has never promulgated, applied for or enforced any laws and measures of the kind referred to in General Assembly resolution 62/3, nor does it intend to. As reflected in its vote on that resolution, Botswana is opposed to the continued adoption and application of such extraterritorial measures and in this regard supports the immediate lifting of the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba. Brazil [Original: English] [2 June 2008] 1. The Government of Brazil reiterates its position that discriminatory trade practices and the extraterritorial application of domestic laws run counter to the need to promote dialogue and ensure the prevalence of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. 2. 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, 61/11 and 62/3, Brazil has not promulgated or applied 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. The legal system of Brazil does not recognize the validity of the application of measures with extraterritorial effects. 3. Companies located in Brazil are subject exclusively to Brazilian legislation. Measures by any country which violate the provisions of resolution 62/3 or 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. Governments not complying with resolution 62/3 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] [10 July 2008] In accordance with its obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and international law, which establish freedom of trade and navigation, Burkina Faso has not promulgated or applied any laws or measures of the kind referred to in the preamble of General Assembly resolution 62/3 of 30 October 2007. Burundi [Original: French] [30 May 2008] Burundi has never applied and has no embargo against Cuba. Cambodia [Original: English] [22 May 2008] The firm position of the Royal Government of Cambodia concerning its support for the lifting of sanctions against the Republic of Cuba has been consistently expressed during previous sessions of the General Assembly. The Royal Government of Cambodia is of the view that the prolonged embargo has brought too much suffering to the innocent people of Cuba, which is indeed an unjust act. In this connection, the Royal Government of Cambodia wishes to call upon all States Members of the United Nations to take the appropriate measures to implement resolution 62/3. Cape Verde [Original: English] [2 June 2008] The Republic of Cape Verde, in accordance with the principles enshrined in the National Constitution and in conformity with the spirit of the Charter of the United Nations, which promotes solidarity, cooperation and friendly relations among countries and nations, has never promulgated or applied any laws or measures of kind referred to in the preamble to General Assembly resolution 62/3. Chile [Original: Spanish] [2 June 2008] 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. Chile and Cuba signed in 1999 Economic Complementarity Agreement No. 42, ratification of which is still pending. The volume of trade in 2007 between Chile and Cuba stood at US$ 67.2 million, an increase over 2006. Cuba ranks sixty-second among Chile’s trading partners and forty-ninth among the countries to which Chile exports. Furthermore, Chilean capital investments in Cuba under the January 2000 Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement have reached US$ 40 million. China [Original: English] [23 April 2008] 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 of America on Cuba, which has lasted for too long, serves no other purpose than to keep tensions high between the 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 of 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 the relevant resolutions of the Organization, be put to an end. Colombia [Original: Spanish] [22 May 2008] 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] [14 July 2008] 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 with extraterritorial effects which affect the sovereignty of other States. Congo [Original: French] [19 May 2008] 1. The Government of the Congo reaffirms its commitment to the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of international law and confirm that the Congo has no intention of associating itself with the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed against Cuba, which is a unilateral measure contrary to freedom of trade and navigation. 2. As in past years, the Congo accordingly voted in favour of the resolution on the subject (General Assembly resolution 62/3, adopted on 30 October 2008) and therefore has not promulgated or applied any law of the kind referred to in that resolution. Costa Rica [Original: Spanish] [6 June 2008] 1. As a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Costa Rica respects and complies with the principles governing that Organization, including the rejection of extraterritorial coercive economic measures imposed unilaterally against any State. Likewise, as a State Member of the United Nations, respectful of international law, Costa Rica favours freedom of international trade and would support the placing of a limit on such freedom only if it were in conformity with international law, within the framework either of the United Nations or of WTO. 2. For these reasons, Costa Rica neither promulgates nor applies laws or measures of the kind referred to in the preamble to General Assembly resolution 62/3, pursuant to its obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and international law. Croatia [Original: English] [3 July 2008] The Republic of Croatia, guided by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law, fully implements General Assembly resolution 62/3 and has never promulgated or applied any laws or measures of the kind referred to in the preamble to that resolution. Cuba [Original: Spanish] [10 July 2008] 1. Introduction 1. On the eve of the fiftieth anniversary of the day when the people of Cuba, after a long and hard struggle to gain true independence, succeeded in removing from power the bloody dictatorship that had oppressed it with the support of the Government of the United States of America, beginning the most profound process of political, economic and social changes in the history of the country, the United States’ economic, commercial and financial embargo remains the most blatant indication of a cruel and inhuman policy lacking all legitimacy and legality and whose objective has been the destruction of the Cuban revolution by any means possible, including by causing hunger and desperation in the Cuban population. 2. In view of its officially declared and covert objectives, in view of their scope and the means and measures employed to achieve them, the United States embargo against Cuba constitutes an act of genocide according to the provisions of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide of 1948 and an act of economic war under the conclusions reached at the 1909 London Naval Conference. 3. This policy, as confirmed by 16 consecutive resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly, is in breach of the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, the principles of international law that govern relations between sovereign States and the principles of freedom of trade and international navigation enshrined in various international instruments. 4. The intensified extraterritorial nature of this policy, particularly under the administration of President George W. Bush, is also — to an increasing degree — harmful to the sovereignty of third States and to the legitimate interests of entities and persons under their jurisdiction. 5. From the adoption of General Assembly resolution 62/3 on 30 October 2007 until now, key aspects of the embargo against Cuba have been maintained and strengthened, manifested in stronger economic sanctions and persecution of international business activity and financial transactions, including those involving Cuba’s contributions to United Nations organizations, the usurpation of Cuban trademarks and additional pressures and reprisals against anyone trading with Cuba or involved in cultural or artistic exchanges. The United States Government has moved into a more open and dangerous phase of organization and conduct of subversive operations, through both official and unofficial channels, as provided for in President Bush’s plan to recolonize Cuba and its updated version of 10 July 2006 6. It was the speech made by the President of the United States on 24 October 2007, just a few days prior to the adoption by the General Assembly of its most recent resolution urging the Government of that country to end its economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba, that clearly revealed the direction and emphasis of United States policy towards Cuba in the closing period of the Bush administration, with clear disregard for the wishes of the international community. 7. In addition to offering a ridiculously inaccurate picture of Cuban reality, in order to achieve the goal of demonizing the country’s image and fabricating a pretext for continuing an increasingly dissected policy, the United States President confirmed that “the operative word in our future dealings with Cuba is not ‘stability’. The operative word is ‘freedom’”. He revealed the decision to resort even to the use of force, if necessary, to undermine the Cuban people’s will to resist and what amounts to recolonization of the country, by producing a “regime change” in line with the aggressive and hegemonic doctrine of the current inhabitants of the White House. 8. In his demented and interventionist behaviour and in a clear sign of frustration at what he considers a lack of international support for his illegal undertaking, Mr. George W. Bush sent out a new call for accomplices to his policy of hostility and aggression towards the Cuban people. 9. The intensification of the political and media campaign of the current United States administration against Cuba, which is more extreme than all the preceding ones, was confirmed in the anti-Cuban speech of President Bush in the White House on 21 May 2008. 10. In the context of this strategy, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Kirsten Madison, and the proconsul for the virtual recolonization of Cuba, Caleb McCarry, toured the capitals of a number of European countries between 7 and 16 April of this year. 11. These spokespersons of Washington’s anti-Cuban policy concentrated their efforts on preventing the lifting of sanctions unjustly imposed by the European Union in 2003, discouraging senior European leaders from visiting Cuba and insisting on support for the anti-Cuban policy of the United States in its transatlantic dialogue with the European Union. 12. In order to destroy the constitutional order that was established and supported by the Cuban people, which is the main objective of the economic, commercial and financial embargo, the United States Government has used all the means available to it to recruit, organize and finance persons born in Cuba to act as employees for the United States policy of hostility and aggression towards the Cuban nation. Cuba has provided substantial evidence and proof of these facts, which have not been disputed by the United States administration. 13. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been one of the instruments used for channelling money to pay the salaries of United States mercenaries in Cuba, with the direct involvement of the United States Interests Section in Havana in those efforts. 14. On 14 May 2008, that federal agency called a meeting at its headquarters in Washington in order to distribute the additional 45 million dollars that had been allocated by the Bush Administration to the undeclared war against the Cuban people. 15. The head of USAID for Latin America, José Cardenas, former director of the Cuban American National Foundation (CANF) — established at the orders of the Reagan administration and committed to organizing and financing a number of terrorist actions against Cuba — chaired that meeting. At that meeting, additional federal funds were allocated for identifying other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in third countries with a view to contracting their services as part of the aggression against Cuba. 16. In referring to the significant expansion of the anti-Cuban programme of USAID, the Assistant Administrator for Latin America noted that the budget, which had been 13 million dollars in 2007, had been increased to 45 million dollars in the fiscal year 2008, which reflected the priority assigned by the Bush administration to overthrowing the Revolution of the Cuban people. 17. As if that was not sufficient, the United States Government is now using its diplomatic representatives in Havana to transfer money from recognized terrorist organizations based in United States territory to subversive groups in Cuba, as recently denounced by the Government of the Republic of Cuba. 18. The subsequent chapters of this report include updated information on the consequences of the economic, commercial and financial embargo of the United States against Cuba over the period since the adoption of General Assembly resolution 62/3 to 31 May 2008. The main feature is a strengthening of the policy aimed at destroying the Cuban Revolution. It should be noted that many examples of the harmful impact of the United States embargo on Cuba could not be included in this document, as there would otherwise be reprisals or collateral damage to providers and institutions from third countries that maintain economic, commercial and financial links with Cuba, in accordance with international law and despite the extraterritorial pressures arising from the economic warfare waged by the United States Government against the Cuban people and its commitment to freedom, independence and sovereignty. 2. Application of the Bush plan to recolonize Cuba. Intensification of the United States embargo 19. On 24 October 2007, President Bush, continuing his obsessive hostility, announced a further escalation of anti-Cuban measures. In a speech made on that day, he confirmed his embargo policy and announced “new measures”, to which he added a call for the use of force to overthrow the Cuban constitutional Government. 20. The new measures announced by the President were very much in line with the strategy outlined in the plan to recolonize Cuba (the “Bush plan”), which was approved on 6 May 2004 and had been drawn up by a presidential commission established on the initiative of President Bush himself for the declared purpose of destroying the Cuban Revolution. 21. The Bush plan was updated and strengthened on 10 July 2006. In this process, a chapter classified as secret was added to the plan, which included measures and actions which cannot be made public as they clearly violate international law. 22. In a report prepared by the United States Government Accountability Office, published in November 2007 at the request of the Democrat Representative for New York, Charles Rangel, who is the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means, it was explicitly recognized that the embargo against Cuba is the most comprehensive set of economic sanctions imposed by the United States of the 20 programmes of sanctions applied to different countries. 23. As of December 2007 — using conservative calculation methods — the economic, commercial and financial embargo policy of the United States against Cuba has caused the country economic losses of over 93 billion dollars. 24. The following facts are irrefutable proof of the numerous measures that have been taken to strengthen the iron-clad embargo imposed on Cuba over the period from July 2007 to the first half of 2008: (a) On 30 June 2007 officials from the United States Department of Homeland Security detained a shipment of medical donations on its way through the Maine-Quebec border, which had been collected by the Quebec-Cuba Friendship Caravan and was to be brought to Havana by the eighteenth Pastors for Peace Caravan. According to a press release from that non-governmental organization, the United States officials had instructions not to allow anything to pass through on the way to Cuba and the shipment was detained for 30 days to investigate the presumed “threat” to the security of the United States; (b) On 11 July 2007 the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced that the United States company Logica CMG Inc. had been fined an amount of 220,000 dollars, as its predecessor corporation CMG Telecommunications, Inc. had procured, assembled and exported computers to Cuba and had provided technical assistance after the export; (c) On 5 August 2007 it became known that the Treasury Department had not renewed the licence of the NGO Population Services International (PSI) to continue its cooperation projects with Cuba, which included the provision of “Vives” condoms and their distribution to groups that were vulnerable to contracting AIDS; (d) On 18 December 2007 Senator Bill Nelson (Democrat, Florida) submitted bill S.2503 “to exclude from admission to the United States aliens who have directly and significantly contributed to the ability of Cuba to develop its petroleum resources”. This bill proposes abrogation of the Maritime Boundary Agreement and other measures, arguing that there is a need to tackle the potential danger to Florida’s ecosystems as a result of Cuban oil exploration and development programme in its exclusive economic area; (e) On 24 January 2008 the Oil & Gas Journal announced that the same senator, Bill Nelson, had sent a letter to President Bush requesting the non-renewal of the Maritime Boundary Agreement that had been signed by the United States and Cuba in 1977; (f) On 7 February 2008 the White House published a notice signed by President Bush on 6 February entitled “Continuation of the National Emergency Relating to Cuba and of the Emergency Authority Relating to the Regulation of the Anchorage and Movement of Vessels”. The notice extended Presidential Proclamation 7757 of 2004, which had expanded the scope of the national emergency relating to Cuba in order to prevent United States pleasure craft from entering Cuban waters as a means of depriving the country of financial resources and intensifying the embargo; (g) On 22 February 2008, according to information from OFAC, fines were imposed on two United States entities, BankAtlantic and RMO, Inc. In the first case, OFAC claimed that in July 2004 BankAtlantic had failed to block a financial transaction in which the Government of Cuba had an interest. In the second case, it was alleged that RMO, Inc. had initiated a funds transfer related to travel to Cuba. On the same date, five individuals were fined a total amount of 9,238.87 dollars for purchasing Cuban tobacco via the Internet; (h) On 4 April 2008 the Department of Homeland Security, through the United States Coast Guard, issued new security regulations for ships arriving in United States territory from certain countries, including Cuba, as the current regulations were considered to be ineffective in complying with anti-terrorist measures. According to those measures, ships should be subject to additional inspections on arrival in United States ports and to additional security charges; (i) According to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), on 11 April 2008 the United Advantage Northwest Federal Credit Union was fined 2,970 dollars for having transferred funds to Cuba without a licence. Three individuals who purchased Cuban cigars on the Internet were also fined 1,898.04 dollars; (j) According to OFAC, on 14 April 2008 the American financial company Citigroup was fined 16,250 dollars for having accepted, without a licence, payment for goods shipped via a Cuban company. Three persons were also fined: one for having received or paid for goods and services in which Cuba allegedly has interests; one for having conducted commercial transactions related to services; and one for having bought Cuban cigars on the Internet. They were fined 6,000 dollars, 1,063 dollars and 282.50 dollars respectively. 3. Extraterritorial aspects of the embargo policy 25. During the past year, the Bush administration adopted new measures and regulations that tightened economic sanctions still further. It also increased the extraterritorial persecution of citizens, institutions and companies of third countries that have established or have simply proposed the establishment of economic, commercial, financial or scientific/technical relations with Cuba, thereby presuming to decide on matters that fall under the sovereignty of other States. 26. The ongoing process of international corporate mergers, mega-mergers and strategic global partnerships, in which the United States is highly active, continues to have a negative impact on Cuba. These mergers and partnerships increase the extraterritorial effects of the embargo by reducing Cuba’s external economic opportunities and impeding its insertion into the world economy. 27. In addition, the ban on using the United States dollar in commercial and financial transactions and the pressure and threats exerted by United States authorities to deter institutions from conducting such transactions or cooperating with Cuban companies have made it more costly for Cuba to perform the operations needed for the effective functioning of its economy and to provide a decent standard of living for its people. 28. Between May 2007 and April 2008, the United States Department of the Treasury continued to harass and persecute the financial and banking institutions of countries all over the world, so that they would be discouraged from conducting any kind of transaction with Cuba. It also took measures designed to obstruct the right of every country to engage in free and sovereign trade with whomever it chooses; for example, it issued serious threats against companies in third countries so that they would suspend their sales and contracts with Cuba. 29. The United States continues to assume the right to legislate on behalf of other countries in their relations with Cuba, even to the extent of granting itself the power to certify the conduct and actions of other States. The extraterritorial provisions of this policy, which result in sizeable losses and disadvantages both for Cuba and for third countries, 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 companies, of products originating in Cuba or containing any components of Cuban origin; (c) The sale of goods or services to Cuba by third-country companies 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) The United States Government penalizes third-country business people who have investments in or conduct business with Cuba by denying them a visa to enter the United States. This may even extend to family members. Such individuals may be prosecuted in United States courts if their transactions with Cuba involve property that has been the object of claims by United States citizens or Cuban-born individuals who subsequently acquired United States citizenship. 4. Impact of the embargo on socially sensitive sectors 30. Since the beginning of the embargo against Cuba, the food and health sectors have been top-priority targets for United States aggression. The essence of the United States’ genocidal policy is to bring about hunger, disease and desperation in Cuban society and, ultimately, cause the Government to fall. Food 31. During the period covered by this report, the embargo caused losses in the food sector amounting to over 174 million dollars and continued to have a negative impact on the production of food for domestic consumption. 32. In addition to dealing with the sharp rise in international food prices, Cuba incurred additional expenditures owing to the restrictions imposed by the United States embargo: (a) Food imports from the United States continue to be affected by insecurity and the export and transport of agricultural products from the United States to Cuba is subject to strict oversight measures and licensing arrangements. In 2007, the Cuban firm Alimport was forced to block funds for an average of 10 to 15 days prior to taking delivery of merchandise, thereby incurring a loss of some 30 million dollars. In addition to the existing obstacles, tighter regulations relating to the inspection of ships went into effect on 18 April 2008. The new regulations will result in higher shipping costs and thus deter companies even further from selling food to Cuba; (b) If Cuba had access to the breeding technology used in the United States, it could raise current production by 153 million eggs and save 6.8 million dollars annually in feed; (c) Poultry production and consumption have been affected by Cuba’s lack of access to ships with temperature control and proper equipment. If Cuba had the necessary equipment, it could increase its poultry production by some 35.3 million dollars. This would ensure the population a stable supply of protein and provide employment for more than 4,000 poultry workers who have been redeployed to other activities; (d) The agricultural sector is being prevented from purchasing high-yield seeds of top genetic quality from specialized firms in the United States. In 2007, Cuba imported some 27,652.65 tons of potato seed — 10,461.45 from Canada and 17,191.20 from Europe — and approximately 67.3 tons of vegetable seed from Europe, Japan and the Middle East. Imported seed from these regions can take up to two months to reach Cuba, causing delays in the planting schedules of certain crops. If Cuba were able to import this seed from North America, it would save some 177,844.65 dollars. 33. Examples of how the extraterritorial application of the embargo has affected the food sector include the following: (a) The Cuban-French joint venture Los Portales, which produces water and beverages, suffered losses when the Mexican firm FAMEX S.A. de C.V., which sells aluminium containers, decided to change its aluminium supplier. Containers manufactured for Cuba cannot contain more than 12 per cent United States components, a requirement that cannot be met at the present time. As a result of this situation, Cuba has to pay an extra 6.15 dollars for every thousand containers imported. During the period under review, Los Portales incurred additional costs in the amount of 900,000 dollars. The Cuban-Belgian-Brazilian joint venture Bucanero, which uses the same supplier for its beer and malt cans, also incurred 1.2 million dollars in additional costs; (b) The Cuban company Maquimport was forced to use an intermediary to purchase equipment needed to upgrade the technology in the Cuban rice industry because its supplier, fearing that its interests in the United States would be jeopardized, refused to deal directly with Cuba. Maquimport incurred approximately 75,600 dollars in additional costs; (c) In July 2007, the Brazilian sugar exporter Cosan S.A. cancelled a contract to ship 270 tons of sugar (contract No. 12-07/08) to the Cuban-Canadian joint venture Coracan, which produces and markets instant food products. Cosan cancelled the contract because it had been listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as a public company and thus could no longer trade with Cuba. Owing to lack of supplies, the industry was paralyzed for seven days; Coracan lost 180,000 dollars in sales and incurred 11,500 dollars in bank commissions and interest. Public health 34. Between May 2007 and April 2008, the public health sector incurred losses amounting to more than 25 million dollars. 35. In addition to the economic damage caused by the higher costs of purchasing products and equipment in distant markets and using intermediaries, the embargo has increased the human suffering of patients, families and medical personnel. The latter are unable to provide adequate care for patients because the United States pharmaceutical companies hold exclusive ownership of products and technology that are critical for the treatment of various illnesses. 36. Examples of how the embargo has affected the health sector include the following: (a) Cuban children requiring cardiovascular surgery were affected by the lack of certain inputs required for different surgical procedures. Because these inputs had to be purchased in distant markets through third parties, Cuba incurred 245,072 dollars in additional expenditures, 1,389 dollars of which was for freight charges alone. This situation made it impossible to meet the needs of every patient; (b) Cuba was prevented from acquiring the devices needed to perform interventional cardiac catheterization and other procedures used to close congenital heart defects. For example, the company Boston Scientific, which markets a transcatheter occlusion device called an Amplatzer, refused to do business with Cuba. This meant that more children had to be placed on the waiting list for open heart surgery, which endangered their health and lowered their life expectancy. The following are some of the patients affected by this situation: • María Gainza Pozo, 2 years old, province of Holguín, municipality of Sagua de Tánamo, clinical file No. 680689 • Olivia Oliva Báez, 3 years old, province of Ciudad Habana, Central Havana, clinical file No. 683826 • Félix Cruz, 4 years old, province of Matanzas, municipality of Colón, clinical file No. 657743 • Fidel Valeriano Ramos, 6 years old, province of Matanzas, municipality of Jagüey Grande, clinical file No. 681080 (c) The National Centre for Medical Genetics was unable to purchase essential gene sequencing equipment, simply because the equipment is produced only by United States companies. Gene sequencing facilitates the diagnosis of and research on deafness, hereditary hearing loss, hereditary breast cancer, cystic fibrosis and a large number of gene mutations that cause diseases such as phenylketonuria, mitochondrial disease, Wilson’s disease and Von Hippel-Lindau disease. It is essential for effective family genetic counselling; (d) The National Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases incurred higher costs because it was prevented from purchasing syringes from the United States for administering insulin to diabetic patients; (e) The financial costs incurred by the Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology amount to 288,355 dollars. The Institute has been barred from purchasing PET (positron emission tomography) and CT (computerized tomography) scanners, which are essential to modern oncology because they produce the most accurate images of functional processes in the body. There are three companies in the world that produce this kind of technology; however, the United States Government has barred them from selling their equipment to Cuba; (f) The German firm Siemens AG refused to repair a gamma camera, which is a high technology device used in cancer diagnosis and research, because the replacement parts are manufactured in the United States and Siemens does not have the required export licence from United States authorities; (g) Owing to pressure from the United States Department of the Treasury, the United States company St. Jude Medical stopped selling Cuba its prosthetic valves. This continues to have adverse effects for heart patients requiring surgery or a pacemaker; (h) Academic exchanges between Cuba and the United States of America have been curtailed by the refusal of the United States Government to grant visas to health professionals. During the reporting period, over 30 visas were denied to Cuban specialists who should have attended various events, conferences and exchanges of experiences in the United States. This was in addition to the measures taken to prevent access to bibliographies and scientific papers. Cuba was also denied membership of the American Society for Microbiology; (i) The prestigious Pedro Kourí Institute of Tropical Medicine has encountered severe difficulties in diagnosing West Nile virus, which is mainly transmitted by migratory birds. The United States firms Fisher and Sigma refused to sell it the incubator and mineral oil required for its research. The United States firm Biorad also refused to supply Cuba with the equipment for pulsed field gel electrophoresis needed for the molecular epidemiological surveillance of the bacteria salmonella, E. coli, shigella and Vibrio cholerae, which cause severe infections; (j) The development of Cuba’s HIV/AIDS programme has been hampered by the refusal of United States companies to sell equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS; (k) The embargo prevents United States producers of pesticides, fumigation equipment and medical entomology resources from trading with Cuba. As a result, Cuba has to purchase pesticides and all other vital fumigation and medical entomology resources on alternative markets and incurs higher costs as a result, essentially due to freight charges and high commissions. During the reporting period, Cuba purchased fumigation equipment for a total of 450,000 dollars, spare parts for fumigation equipment for a total of 85,000 dollars and pesticides for 370,000 dollars. If Cuba had been able to purchase these resources on the United States market, it would have saved approximately 750,000 dollars on prices, transportation and freight costs, commissions and timeliness of delivery. 37. Following are some examples of how the extraterritorial application of the embargo has affected the health sector: (a) Fearing that it would be fined, the Japanese firm Hitachi refused to sell an ultracentrifuge to Cuba on the grounds that it contained United States components. This equipment is needed to carry out Western blotting, a key technique for the diagnosis of HIV/AIDS; (b) Cuba has been unable to purchase growth hormone from Pharmacia since the Swedish firm was taken over by a United States company. Growth hormone is used in paediatric endocrinology to treat children with growth problems (short stature) resulting from a deficiency of that hormone; (c) Cuba was prevented from obtaining around 3 million disposable syringes, worth 256,000 dollars, for child immunization through the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, the suppliers having indicated that they could not sell the syringes if their final destination was Cuba; (d) As recently as 4 June 2008, Merck SA reported that since Whatman, originally a British company, had been acquired by the United States firm GE Healthcare, it had “received notification from GE strictly prohibiting us from selling Whatman products to Cuba”. The letter added that “we have cancelled all outstanding orders from our clients in Cuba and have completely ceased our activities in relation to Whatman products”. Other socially sensitive sectors Education and culture 38. The effect on the education and culture sectors of the negative consequences of the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba has been particularly severe. Education 39. Despite the tremendous efforts made by the Cuban Government to achieve high-quality education for all, without exclusion, ensuring the ongoing development of the whole population, the embargo policy continues to represent a serious obstacle to progress in this sector. For example: (a) The education system, from primary to university level, is severely constrained in its ability to provide students with study materials and laboratory equipment, since the embargo hampers efforts to acquire them on the international market; (b) The embargo is having a particularly negative impact on teaching in vocational schools and special education centres for people with disabilities. The centres are not able to access diagnostic methods, computers and educational resources, which are generally produced in the United States. Nor can they obtain consumables, spare parts and other equipment produced by American companies or their subsidiaries based in third countries. The 16 special schools for hearing-impaired children and 5 day-care centres that require specialized equipment to develop auditory perception are a case in point. Each one needs an audiology unit and two speech viewers for individual corrective compensatory work; (c) Some 2,230 children with physical/motor impairments who receive outpatient care lack access to computer equipment, such as smart keyboards, touch screens and switches, distributed by firms holding United States patents. It has also been impossible to obtain wheelchairs for children who need them, since the United States companies in question refuse to sell them. A request placed through www.spinlife.com was for example rejected. Most companies with the technical capacity to meet special educational needs — such as those distributing WPPSI, WAIS and Grace Arthur performance tests — are of United States origin. Cuban children do not have access to their products; (d) Computers are intensively used in modern learning methods and at least one computer should be available for every 10 students. In Cuba, because of the financial restrictions imposed by the embargo, each computer has to be used by 33 students; (e) Since it was unable to buy the inputs for the 2008/2009 academic year on the United States market or from the subsidiaries of United States companies, Cuba was obliged to purchase them on more distant markets, spending an additional 2,505,600 dollars in transport costs alone; (f) The embargo prevents Cubans from accessing the basic information products, such as databases, bibliographies and Internet-based information services, that are needed to improve the quality and efficiency of the teaching process and the preparedness of students. It limits the participation of Cuban lecturers and researchers in scientific and postgraduate training events. For example, on the basis of the extraterritorial provisions of the embargo, Dr. Julia Noda Gómez was not permitted to attend a training workshop on avian influenza surveillance and monitoring; (g) Since no bank transactions are possible between Cuba and the United States, the participation of American students in various postgraduate courses at Cuban universities has been affected. The University of Havana alone has suffered losses in excess of 1.5 million dollars due to the suspension of Spanish language, arts, history and economics classes that had benefited American students for several years. Culture 40. Cuban culture has not escaped the negative impact of the embargo policy of the United States Government. Owing to the tightening of the embargo, both Cuban and United States citizens have been deprived of the chance to enjoy the best of the artistic and literary expression of the two peoples: (a) In the cultural sphere, artists working in music, sculpture, ballet and the performing arts, among other disciplines, have been prevented from exhibiting or auctioning their work; staging performances; or selling recordings or books in United States territory, notwithstanding their international prestige and the exceptional quality of their work. Those that have presented or distributed their work in the United States, or performed in that country, have been denied the income appropriate to their presentations or the monies due to them in respect of prizes awarded by prestigious institutions, and have been unable to collect the royalties owing to them; (b) The Cuban companies EGREM and Bis Music cannot engage in direct commercial transactions with United States clients in order to distribute Cuban music — recognized worldwide for its quality — on the United States market, since those companies are fearful of being penalized under the provisions of the embargo. As a result, Cuba is forced to market its music through third countries, at an additional cost of around 20 per cent; (c) The Cuban cinema industry cannot distribute its work via satellite, a mechanism now frequently used to sell films and documentaries, because, among other reasons, the United States has almost absolute control of the technology. If Cuba were able to make these sales, it would generate additional income of 5 million dollars, which would be used to improve the operation of its 358 cinemas, 174 video halls and 160 video libraries. These need to purchase projection and sound equipment, equipment for the transmission of audiovisual signals, spare parts, video home system (VHS) and DVD readers, cinema lenses and carpets, all of which must be sourced in Europe at higher prices. To give just one example, in the United States a video projector costs 3,000 dollars, compared with 5,000 dollars in Europe; (d) In the first half of April 2008, the United States Government denied visas to the film director Juan Carlos Tabío and the actor Luis Alberto García, who had planned to attend the Havana film festival in New York, where tribute was to be paid to their work. Other highly-regarded Cuban artists have also been denied visas to attend prestigious international events such as the Chicago Latino film festival, the Sundance film festival and the Los Angeles Latino international film festival; (e) For the opening of his exhibition “First Mark” in Havana, Peter Nadin, an Anglo-American artist based in New York was obliged by the embargo laws to export his work to Cuba via Canada, at an additional cost of over 5,000 dollars. Because the United States Department of the Treasury delayed processing his travel permit, the artist was also absent from many of the exhibitions of his work. Transport 41. The Cuban State has launched a far-reaching programme to upgrade its transport sector, the direct results of which are already being felt by Cuba’s people and economy. Despite the efforts and will of the Cuban Government, however, the embargo continues to prevent faster progress from being made in this respect. 42. Following are some examples of the adverse effects on the transport sector: (a) The inability to access spare parts for repairing Cuban locomotives, which are largely of United States origin, has depressed the transport of cargo. In the reporting period, 280 departures were cancelled because of a lack of locomotives and 250,000 tons of goods failed to be transported. While this significantly affected the rail company in economic terms, the greatest impact was felt by the Cuban people, since most of the items in question were basic consumer goods; (b) As a result of delays in commercial transactions to acquire spare parts, owing to the need to find intermediaries and purchase the parts on distant markets, the Metrobus system suffered a decline in service in the period 2007-2008 equivalent to over 19 million passengers; (c) The embargo has resulted in additional outlays of more than 70 million dollars in the transport sector. This figure includes almost 18 million dollars in higher import prices due to the sourcing of products on alternative markets, 5 million dollars in higher borrowing costs due to country risk, 21 million dollars in additional freight and insurance charges; 18 million dollars in additional costs because of the need to tie up resources in inventory; and a financial impact of approximately 8 million dollars due to exchange rate variations and the additional cost of financing; (d) One example of the extraterritorial application of the embargo against Cuba in the transport sector is the violation committed against the shipping companies P&O Nedlloyd (a former client) and CMA-CGM (France). Funds amounting to 56,000 dollars and 500,000 dollars respectively were confiscated from these companies because they had transacted business in United States dollars with the Havana container terminal. (a) Impact on the external sector of the Cuban economy 43. Ever since it was first imposed, the embargo has been aimed at depriving Cuba of its income from the export of goods and services; preventing or hindering the country’s access to external funding sources; and causing it to incur higher costs, whether because it has to purchase products at higher prices or because it is denied access to nearby markets and therefore has to pay higher transport costs and tie up more resources in inventory as a result of trading over greater geographical distances. 44. During the reporting period, the harassment against Cuban commercial operations and financial transactions worldwide was maintained and intensified, showing that the embargo is very far from being a bilateral matter, as the United States Government claims. 45. The impact on Cuban exports of goods and services was estimated at 1,745,600,000 dollars in 2007. This figure includes the impact of exports traditionally made to the United States market and currently not permitted, such as the export of agricultural products, fruit and vegetables, coffee, honey, marine products such as fish and shellfish, leaf tobacco and processed tobacco, sugar and sugar derivatives, rum, minerals and other products, taking into account availability, import levels and consumption of products and services, and the potential market share for products of Cuban origin in the United States. 46. Due to the forced geographical relocation of its trade and markets and the damage and harm caused to its economy by the extraterritorial application of the United States embargo policy, Cuba has incurred extraordinary expenses in conducting its foreign trade. The total loss amounts to around 956.2 million dollars, a figure comprising the higher prices paid on the products it acquires, higher freight charges and shipping insurance costs, the tying up of excessive resources in inventory and reserves, and the more onerous financing conditions and losses on exchange rate fluctuations that are the result of United States pressure on banking institutions, as well as the ban on the use of the dollar in transactions carried out by Cuba. 47. During the reporting period, the policy of the United States was aimed at hindering Cuba’s monetary/financial transactions, preventing the use of the dollar in these transactions and blocking access to sources of funding. Because Cuba was obliged to use other foreign currencies, it incurred extraordinary expenses as a result of exchange rate fluctuations and other bank charges (known as double forex). 48. One case showing its impact is that of a Cuban bank which received loans from a European institution, denominated in United States dollars but payable in euros. The total value of the repayments made over 12 months was 0.14 per cent higher as a result of double exchanges. 49. During the period under consideration, Cuba encountered greater difficulties in using its correspondent banks, which reduced the efficiency of its transactions. Without prior notice, it suddenly had to find new avenues for executing transactions abroad, as well as contending with the existing restrictions on the use of the United States dollar as a means of payment. 50. There was a continued and growing trend for foreign financial and banking institutions to refuse to confirm or advise letters of credit, maintain relations with Cuban banks or even carry out low-value standard transactions. Some foreign banks have begun to require proof of the origin of funds, on a case-by-case basis, when handling transfers from Cuban companies. 51. It should be underlined that banks and financial institutions with a strong presence in the United States are fearful of reprisals from the United States authorities, which investigate the institution’s dealings with Cuba and use any information found to hinder its access to bond trading platforms. 52. The measure taken by the United States securities markets regulatory authority, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), on 25 June 2007, strengthens the embargo against Cuba in the financial sphere and highlights its extraterritorial component. The SEC published on its website a “black list” of foreign companies with business interests in the five countries that the State Department of the United States designates “state sponsors of terrorism”, among them Cuba, which is included for well-known reasons of political manipulation. 53. The list named 28 Cuban companies, mostly operating in the banking, oil, communications, biotechnology and airline sectors. The SEC website also provides links to the information contained in these companies’ disclosure documents regarding their relations with Cuba. 54. Following are some examples of the ways in which the embargo makes it difficult for the transactions of Cuban companies and entities to be processed through the banks comprising Cuba’s financial and banking system: (a) On 27 June 2007, it was disclosed that the Milan subsidiary of Banca Antonveneta had been instructed by its parent company to block all transfers to Cuba, whatever their currency. The same bank had already frozen, on 25 June, a bank transfer of 41,000 euros from the Milan office of the Cuban tourism company Cubanacán; (b) On 29 August 2007, the Financial Times newspaper reported that around 40 foreign banks were being investigated by the United States Department of the Treasury and Department of Justice for supposed violations of United States sanctions programmes against certain countries, including Cuba. The newspaper did not disclose the names of the institutions under investigation, though it said that most of them were European and that they were in the process of negotiating the financial penalties that would be applied to them; (c) On 10 November 2007, shortly after the Canadian financial institution CU Electronic Transaction Services (CUETS) was acquired by the Canadian subsidiary of Bank of America, it was announced that, under the economic sanctions imposed by the United States, MasterCard credit cards issued by CUETS could not be used in Cuba, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Myanmar, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Sudan. Section 211 of the United States Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act of 1999 and further acts of aggression with respect to trademarks 55. 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. 56. The persistent enforcement of this legislation and of the measures adopted in consequence by the United States Administration not only has negative implications for the bilateral relations between Cuba and the United States, but also adversely affects multilaterally accepted agreements. In fact, it was the harmful effects of this legislation on international trade that prompted the World Trade Organization (WTO) Appellate Body to decide, in 2002, that section 211 violated the national treatment and most-favoured-nation obligations of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs), and to ask the United States Government to adjust that legislation in a manner consistent with its international obligations. 57. The Bush administration continues to ignore the decision of the WTO Appellate Body. The repeated postponement of compliance with the verdict of the competent body of WTO offers unequivocal proof of the lack of political will on the part of the United States authorities to settle this dispute and abide by the rules of international trade. A precedent has been set with unpredictable consequences for trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights. (b) Impact on other sectors of the Cuban economy 58. Because of its weight in the country’s economy, the Cuban tourism industry continues to be a prime target for some of the actions contained in the Bush plan. The amount of income forgone in this industry during the reporting period is estimated at around 1,419,400 dollars. 59. Perhaps the most striking example is that of the British travel agent, Steve Marshall, who lives in Spain and sells holidays to Europeans wishing to visit tropical destinations, including Cuba. In October 2007, around 80 of his websites were shut down without warning, as a result of action by the United States Government. The Department of the Treasury stated that the firm eNom had contravened the law, since the travel agency helped United States citizens to evade the restrictions on travel to Cuba and was a “generator of resources that the Cuban regime uses ...”. 60. Among the domain names closed down as a result of the embargo were www.cuba-hemingway.com, a website with literary content, www.cubahavanacity.com on Cuban history and culture, and other service finder sites specifically aimed at Italian and French tourists, such as www.ciaocuba.com and www.bonjourcuba.com. 61. According to a statement given by the American Society of Travel Agents to the United States International Trade Commission, as many as 1.3 million hotelbased tourists and 500,000 cruise ship passengers could visit Cuba in the short term if United States citizens were not banned from travelling to the island. Estimates based on market research carried out by United States tourism companies and other companies linked to the air transport sector suggest that, if the embargo were lifted, the number of visitors to Cuba from the United States could exceed five million per year in just a few years’ time. 62. A key feature of the reporting period was the emphasis placed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury on threatening and penalizing any type of online sales relating to Cuban tourist services, travel reservations, accommodation, aircraft leasing, cruise ship tourism and nautical tourism. 63. According to information from the Office of Foreign Assets Control, the popular United States internet travel agency Travelocity.com was fined 182,750 dollars for 1,458 alleged violations of the embargo against Cuba, between 1998 and April 2004, the allegation being that it had provided “travel-related services in which Cuba or Cuban nationals had an interest by arranging air travel and hotel reservations to, with or within Cuba”, without the necessary licence. 64. To comply with the new measures adopted by the Department of Homeland Security under the Secure Flight Program, Canadian airlines have since October 2007 been required to disclose personal information on all passengers travelling on flights across United States airspace, including flights to Cuba, at least 72 hours before flight departure. This measure intensifies the persecution of United States citizens and residents of Cuban origin who intend to travel to Cuba. 65. The Office of Foreign Assets Control also stepped up its pressure on Boeing at the start of 2008. As a result, Boeing threatened the airline Air Europa with the withdrawal of services deemed vital if Air Europa continued to lease its aircraft to Cubana de Aviación. Given the consequences of such actions for the airline, it decided to suspend the leasing agreement and other flight operations with Cubana de Aviación. This negatively affected the number of tourists visiting Cuba from Spain, the United Kingdom and France, and as a result the Cuban tourism industry suffered losses in excess of 2 million dollars. 66. On 14 February 2008, AIU Insurance Company, Japan Branch, complying with instructions from its parent company in the United States, informed clients that it had decided to exclude a group of countries, including Cuba, from coverage under its foreign travel insurance. This has had a negative impact on the number of Japanese tourists visiting Cuba, because they face higher insurance premiums and an increase in the cost of their holiday package. 67. The Japanese firm Yamaha, after supplying engines to the Cuban fishing and tourism industries for 20 years, has refused to continue selling these items, and no longer even offers spare parts for them, on the grounds that this would contravene the embargo regulations. 68. One of the principal problems that continues to be faced by the Cuban fishing industry is its lack of access to the United States market, one of the world’s most important markets for the consumption of marine products. The impact on the fishing industry in the reporting period alone amounted to 4,886,900 dollars. 69. If, during the period under consideration, Cuba had been able to place its sales of lobster tails and marine prawns on the United States market, it would have saved 401,500 dollars in tariffs alone. These products are free of tariffs in the United States market, whereas in Europe and Canada a levy of between 4.3 and 5 per cent is charged. 70. Scientific research, technological investment and product quality management have also been adversely affected. Cuba cannot access the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) equipment and resources supplied by the United States firm Neogen for the monitoring of food-safety management systems and therefore needs either to source them from other suppliers on distant markets or resort to more costly control procedures. 71. The Cuban sugar industry has sustained losses of around 113.5 million dollars as a result of the embargo. Some of the factors affecting this industry are described in the following paragraphs: (a) Since it does not have access to the preferential sugar market in the United States (contract No. 14 of the New York Board of Trade for imports to the United States under the preferential framework), Cuba has to sell its sugar below the price determined by that contract. The resulting loss, adjusted on the basis of real output figures for Cuba, is around 27 million dollars; (b) United States companies and their subsidiaries in third countries refuse to sell to Cuba herbicides for pre- and early post-emergent weed control among ratoons for sugar cane cultivation. We are therefore forced to purchase herbicides such as Plateau DG (70 DG) (Imazapic) on much more distant markets; (c) Cuban import company Azuimport contacted the Japanese firm Yamazaki Mazak Corporation with a request to buy CNC turning products and machining centres in order to improve production quality. This Japanese subsidiary passed the request to its parent company Mazak Corporation, which is based in the United States. The following reply was received: “Mazak Corporation cannot supply its products or services while the United States Government maintains the embargo against Cuba”. 72. As part of its programme of action for the benefit of the Cuban people, the Cuban State is deeply engaged in implementing major construction projects, such as the repair, refurbishment and expansion of hospitals and schools, and the building and repair of homes and roads, among other projects. The embargo is hindering the regular supply of the materials, equipment and spare parts needed to ensure completion of these projects. 73. In the period May 2007 to April 2008 alone, the impact of the embargo on housing plans totalled around $22 million. With that amount, Cuba could have built around 3,646 new homes or renovated approximately 7,600. 74. Grupo Industrial GIMAC, a manufacturer and distributor of equipment, products and services for the housing sector, lost 79,344 dollars on freight differences due to its purchase of 58 PVC resin containers on distant markets. With that amount, it could have acquired an additional 40 tons of PVC, enough to produce 270 km of electric cabling for the construction of 10,000 homes. 75. The distribution company Imeco, an importer of construction materials and products, has had to make its purchases on more distant markets as a result of the embargo, at an additional cost of around 15.3 million dollars. 76. The purchase of technological cloth for the production of asbestos-cement fibre used in housing construction and repair of structures damaged by weather events was frustrated, since the seller, the Austrian company Huyck.Wangner, was discovered to be a subsidiary of the Xerium Group in the United States, whose directives prohibited the company from exporting to Cuba. 77. Komatsu of Brazil refused to sell to Cuba a significant amount of equipment for road work on the National Highway. In observance of the extraterritorial regulations of the embargo, the Brazilian company replied that, as a subsidiary of a United States company, it could not sell to Cuba. 78. Likewise, a purchase of Dynapac compactors — a very useful piece of construction equipment for filling in or levelling the ground — could not be completed, as the European provider stated that it would be impossible to supply that equipment because it used Cummins motors, from the United States. Other manufacturers had to be located with the resulting delays and impact on the production process. 79. The company Sideromecanica has suffered losses of over 69 million dollars. 80. Acinox, the major producer of corrugated bars (cabillas), sheet billets and steel products for construction has suffered losses on the order of 6.7 million dollars because of the impossibility of accessing the United States market and the need to use other currencies besides the dollar in its commercial transactions. Over 27,800 tons of corrugated bars could have been produced for that amount, enough to build some 18,533 apartments in multifamily buildings, which would represent 25.7 per cent of the proposed Plan, benefiting over 74,132 Cuban citizens. 81. The Spanish companies ZIV P+C and Chemetall, respectively, would not sell to Antillana de Acera and the Alcuba company a protector digital multifunctional ZIV and chemicals for the pre-treatment process of galvanized steel shapes. The response in both cases was the following: “we have problems with licensing for non-European products (...), due to the embargo against your country, we cannot allow any problems with our non-European suppliers”. 82. The development of the agricultural sector in Cuba, of vital importance in guaranteeing food security for our people, has been severely affected by the United States embargo. The following are some of the notable effects during this period: (a) The National Centre for Agricultural Health (CENSA) cannot acquire products (components and supplies) from the manufacturer Amersham Biosciences, belonging to General Electric, for a team that will use them in processing of test for diagnosis of bird flu. Three contracts for this transaction were drawn up with different providers, which it has not been possible to carry out because General Electric blocked the transaction when it discovered the items were for Cuba; (b) The nuclear technology laboratory of the Agricultural Research Institute had to be closed because it was impossible to acquire specialized equipment. As a result, Cuba cannot conduct physiological and genetic studies of plants which tolerate abiotic stress, which would lead to new crop varieties with higher yields in stress situations. Because of this situation, Cuba has been obliged to buy hybrid seeds at much higher cost, which has increased the cost of food production. 83. The development of science, technology and the environment has not escaped this criminal policy, as borne out by the following examples: (a) On 6 December 2007, CNN announced the winners of the prestigious prize in the field of environmental preservation and protection “CNN Heroes in their Own Communities”. Out of 7,000 participants from 93 countries, the Cuban citizen Irania Martínez García was awarded one of the prizes. Irania had mobilized members of her community in Guantánamo Province to transform an urban garbage dump into a recycling centre and a nursery for trees, plants and vegetables. The embargo prevented her from attending the awards ceremony and receiving the 10,000 dollar prize; (b) The financial restrictions of the United States embargo on Cuba led to a freeze on 4,500 dollars in funding for the Centre for Environmental Research and Services of the Province of Villa Clara (CESAM), representing the first payment for a sponge farming project financed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), through the Caribbean Environment Programme (UNEP-CARSU). This initial payment had been sent by the UNEP Office in Nairobi to Morgan Bank in New York; (c) The Institute for Scientific and Technological Information (IDICT) was significantly impacted by being denied access to the Premier Academia database, containing e-books of Taylor and Francis publishers. The database was launched in 1996 as a comprehensive central database for researchers in the fields of science, technology and medicine; (d) During the reporting period serious problems were encountered in processing visas for Cuban experts invited to participate in international events held in the United States or Puerto Rico. On some occasions the visas were denied and on others there was simply no reply to the request. During this period, eight experts from the environmental agency and two from the Cuban Academy of Sciences could not attend international events held in territory under United States jurisdiction. 84. The extraterritorial effect of the embargo is also felt in the area of technical cooperation. The International Atomic Energy Agency has acknowledged that due to the United States policy of embargo, its technical cooperation programme with Cuba has been affected, since the specialized equipment comes from United States companies. Obtaining visas so that Cuban citizens can attend training or meetings in the United States is also exceedingly difficult. 85. In the world of sports, there have also been numerous examples of the application of the embargo: (a) Cuban sports medicine has lost 492,000 dollars from broken equipment with no replacement parts. Cuba was denied the right to perform repairs on equipment that would allow it to provide better care for its athletes; (b) The sport of diving required two trampolines and two bases for training athletes in preparation for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Because United States companies would not sell them this equipment, Cuba had to pay Carimex of Mexico a total of 23,653 dollars over the price for which the products are sold in the United States; (c) The purchase of four judo mats, also intended for training the Cuban team for the Olympics, was cancelled, even after the shipment was ready for loading to be shipped, when the supplier Dehaven learned that the final destination was Cuba. 86. The losses to Cuban civil aviation caused by the United States embargo from May 2007 to 15 April 2008 are calculated at 197.6 million dollars. Some cases illustrating this are as follows: (a) In August 2007, at the airport of Montreal, Canada, replacement parts for the central air conditioning systems (chillers) installed in Terminal No. 3 of José Martí International Airport, Havana, ordered by a Cuban company in that sector, were held and confiscated. The parts were valued at 35,000 dollars. The Canadian customs authorities alleged that, due to the Helms-Burton Act, Cuba could not purchase equipment or parts with components manufactured in the United States. The chillers were the York brand, manufactured in the United States; (b) Cuba’s acquisition of new and more efficient aircraft has been hindered by the United States throughout the years of the embargo. In addition, nonAmerican companies who employ technology from that country find it impossible to sell this type of equipment to Cuba. As a result, Cubana de Aviación has been forced to continue operating with less efficient aircraft, especially with regard to the consumption of jet fuel, and to lease aircraft under unfavourable and discriminatory conditions. The additional cost has been 14.8 million dollars; (c) At the end of November 2007 the Department of the Treasury ordered Boeing not to do business with the Air Atlanta Icelandic group, which uses Boeing aircraft to fly to Cuba, as it considered that a violation of the embargo regulations. Shortly thereafter, the European airline Icelandic cancelled its agreement to lease Boeing aircraft to Cubana de Aviación; (d) The updating and modernization of the Technical Information Centre of the Cuban Civil Aeronautics Institute, IACC; Cubana de Aviación Corporation S.A. system has been affected because the company Avitas Europe, based in the United Kingdom, stated that it could not negotiate with Cuba because its Washington headquarters would not allow it. This company publishes manuals which are highly useful in buying and selling aircraft and airplane engines for transporting passengers and cargo. 87. Cuban heavy industry, which supports the national economy through its production of nickel, oil, cement, and chemical and electrical products, suffered the effects of the embargo during this period in all its areas of production. 88. For any country, energy is of the highest strategic significance. Cuba is a net importer of energy, and consequently, it is conducting an ambitious programme to save energy and improve efficiency in the use of energy resources and diversification of energy sources in order to lessen in some measure the negative impact of the sudden rise in oil prices on its economy. Our country is seeking to make progress in meeting its sustainable development objectives. 89. However, the United States policy of embargo arises as the main obstacle to the achievement of these objectives. In the context of its policy against Cuba, the Bush administration has made it a priority to adopt measures to slow down the Cuban energy development strategy and make it more costly. To that end, it threatens third-country companies interested in sharing the risk of exploration for possible oil deposits and in addition neutralizes the approaches of any United States companies which have shown interest in investment in this area, both in Cuban territory and in the Cuban Exclusive Economic Zone in the Gulf of Mexico. 90. The examples which follow offer a comprehensive picture of the actions taken to implement the embargo in this area: (a) Companies offering specialized services in the petroleum field acquired by United States transnational corporations terminated their contracts with Cuba. On 10 September 2007, the United States company Weatherford stated that it had given instructions to its Canadian subsidiary Precision Energy Services to discontinue its management services for wells in Cuba. Later, it instructed the company to suspend its operations immediately, remove its equipment from the wells and send all its personnel back to Canada, not to make any payment to Cuban companies and to transfer to Canada all the funds it had in its bank account at the Cuban bank BFI; (b) After approval of the Bush plan, the nickel industry was the most directly targeted by the United States Government. For that purpose the Inter-agency Nickel Group was created. This Cuban industry has experienced losses of 67.5 million dollars in its nickel and cobalt exports; (c) As part of the Energy Revolution Programme promoted by Cuba in its efforts to enhance and modernize its electricity generation, transmission and distribution system, it acquired 544 electrical generators in South Korea. Due to the rules of the embargo, this equipment had to be sent in 53 shipments by the route Korea-Jamaica-Cuba or Korea-Panama-Cuba, for an additional cost of 100,000 dollars for each trip, given that access to United States ports is restricted for six months after any vessel has entered a Cuban port. 91. In the information and communications sector, access to the newest technology, components and replacement parts is limited, along with correspondence between the two countries. Access to Internet services and sites is impossible and the acquisition of such internationally recognized software as the Windows operating system is prohibited. More information on this subject is given as follows: (a) The embargo does not in any way allow open and unrestricted access to so-called “freeware”, whether commercial or free of charge. During this period, access to new versions of the most world’s popular open-source database, MySQL, remained limited. The same was true for Java when the United States firm Sun Microsystems acquired ownership of that system, which was downloaded for free on the Internet in Cuba, and was widely used for a large variety of applications; (b) The merger between the manufacturer MGE UPS Systems of the French group Schneider Electric and the United States manufacturer APC to create the company APC-MGE had serious effects on the supply of UPS Tri-phase to the Cuban company Ecosol. After the sale of that product was delayed extensively, accompanied by false promises that the merger would not affect the supply of this equipment, APC-MGE France informed the Cuban company that it would cease operations on the insistence of APC, declining to fulfil the contract. Executives of APC-MGE both in the Dominican Republic and France requested that they not be contacted again because such contact would be harmful to them. These products were intended for the University of Computer Science, the Neurological Hospital, the Cardiovascular Surgery Institute and an amusement park. Attempts to obtain these shipments through other intermediaries, one French and another Canadian, were unsuccessful, in the former instance because of the high price and the latter because they refused to complete the transaction when they learned it was to be shipped to Cuba; (c) The courier service United Parcel Service (UPS), in Berlin, returned a package of documents destined for Cuba to the moving firm Zapf, invoking the embargo and its extraterritorial nature. 92. Postal links between Cuba and the United States are limited to the service required by the Universal Postal Union, a situation that is detrimental to the peoples of both countries. Services cannot be extended to such areas as the exchange of money orders, scheduled deliveries, cash on delivery and declared value packages. 5. Impact on the peoples of the United States and other countries 93. The United States Government’s brutal economic war against Cuba does not affect Cubans alone. By violating international laws, the Bush administration also harms other world peoples, including its own. 94. Faced with the obvious failure of its criminal policies, and with the increasingly widespread support of the international community for an end to the embargo, the United States Government has extended and intensified those policies. It has sought to minimize contact between peoples and relations between religious, academic, scientific, cultural and sporting organizations. The following are some examples: (a) In July 2007, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia denied a challenge brought by the Emergency Coalition to Defend Educational Travel against the Department of the Treasury. On 13 June 2006, Judge Ellen Huvelle had accepted that restrictions on educational travel were consistent with the Bush Plan, even though they violated the academic freedom enshrined in the Constitution; (b) In November 2007, athletes from the United States and Puerto Rico were prevented from taking part in the 2007 Marabana marathon. Many teams, clubs and individual runners from the United States and from Puerto Rico applied to attend the sporting event but were ultimately prevented from doing so because of the embargo; (c) The Department of the Treasury denied travel permits to 20 United States musicians, whose only aim was to take part in the 12th International Festival of Electro-Acoustic Music, “Springtime in Havana 2008”; (d) In the same way, in April 2008, a travel licence for Cuba was denied to a group of New York state lawmakers who would have been part of a trade delegation from that state; (e) A group of 88 students for a Master’s degree in Business from the Southern Methodist University in Texas saw their travel to Cuba cancelled as a result of an “alert” issued by the Department of the Treasury, which alleged misuse of the licence issued to the University; (f) The United States company Sport Show Broadcasting signed a 210,000dollar contract with ICRT (the Cuban Radio and Television Institute) for the television rights to 30 Cuban National Series baseball games. Owing to strong political pressure, Cuba was able to broadcast only six of the games; (g) A similar situation arose with regard to the Mexican cable network PCTV, which was also interested in the Cuban National Series but had to cancel a 100,000-dollar contract without explanation. In financial terms, the cost amounted to some 268,000 dollars, not to mention the fact that the peoples of the United States and Mexico were unable to enjoy the games; (h) Professor Todd J. Martínez of the University of Illinois, a United States national, was unable to attend the event Fotodinámica 2008 in Havana, after his application for a travel permit was rejected. In November, three United States specialists were unable to attend the event Lingüística 2007, having failed to receive the necessary permit. (i) Hola Airlines of Spain, whose aircraft previously brought Operation Miracle patients from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to Havana, was obliged to end its flights to Cuba. When Hola Airlines requested repairs for a damaged aircraft, the company Boeing informed it that the United States Government forbade it from providing technical assistance or parts unless Hola Airlines ended its links with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and Cuba. Operation Miracle is a strictly humanitarian programme intended for low-income patients. It aims to provide surgery for eye complaints such as cataracts, ptosis and pterygium. 5.1. Impact on international agencies and organizations 95. During the period in question, the embargo has continued to hinder Cuba’s involvement in international events, agencies and organizations, and to interfere with those organizations in their normal interaction with Cuba. Some examples are given below. (a) The National Assembly of People’s Power was unable to pay its contributions to the Inter-Parliamentary Union and to the Latin American Parliament in 2007. The UBS in Geneva, Banistmo in Bogotá, Colombia, and Lloyds Bank in London all declined to receive Cuba’s payment, invoking rules of the embargo; (b) The State Department denied visas to two Cuban Members of Parliament who were to attend a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Parliamentary Confederation of the Americas, held in Los Angeles from 22 to 25 June 2007; (c) The embargo has also affected Cuba’s interactions with the World Intellectual Property Organization in Geneva. Cuba has continued to experience difficulties in paying for an international patent application from that Organization. The transactions were to take place through two Swiss banks, which refused to continue processing them, in compliance with the restrictions imposed by the United States embargo. As a result, the transactions must be performed through a third party, increasing the risks and costs involved. 6. Opposition to the embargo within the United States 96. The United States Government has been unable to silence condemnations of its continuous hostility to Cuba. Voices within the United States continue to oppose that policy and to call for it to be changed. 97. At the time of writing, the following events could be mentioned as examples: (a) On 12 June 2007, the Board of Directors of the United States of America Rice Millers’ Association adopted a resolution calling on Congress and the Administration to put an end to trade and travel restrictions and establish normal commercial relations between Cuba and the United States; (b) On 14 June 2007, a briefing entitled “Rethinking the United States Embargo against Cuba” took place in the United States Congress, featuring representatives Charles Rangel (Democrat, New York) and Jeff Flake (Republican, Arizona). The briefing was attended by legal aides, non-governmental organizations, diplomats, journalists and agricultural organizations. Representative Rangel stated that the embargo was hypocritical, and drew attention to the electoral weight of Florida as a key factor in the continuation of sanctions. He described the travel restrictions as an insult to United States citizens and a violation of their civil and constitutional rights; (c) On the same day, a delegation of leaders from the worldwide humanitarian organization Church World Service and the National Council of Churches USA, alongside representatives of the eleven largest Christian denominations in the United States, lobbied Congress to gain support for the bills S.721 and HR.654 on the freedom to travel and export to Cuba. On 7 June, the same organizations issued a statement to that effect. On 12 June, they wrote to Members of both houses of Congress stating that any relevant legislation should include a clause calling for an end to restrictions on travel for religious purposes to Cuba; (d) On 17 June 2007, the Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary, Senator Patrick Leahy (Democrat, Vermont), introduced bill S.1806 entitled “Judicial Powers Restoration Act of 2007”, section 3 of which would repeal section 211 of the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999; (e) On 19 July 2007, in the debate on the Agriculture Appropriations Bill in the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Byron Dorgan (Democrat, North Dakota) introduced two amendments on the sale of agricultural produce and medicine to Cuba. In the Subcommittee on Agriculture, he introduced an amendment proposing authorization of a general licence for travel to Cuba for United States exporters of agricultural produce and medicine. In the Subcommittee on Financial Services, he proposed a return to the pre-2005 payment arrangements for agricultural products sold to Cuba. Both amendments received Committee approval; (f) On 25 June 2007, Representative Mark Udall (Democrat, Colorado) introduced a bill on United States participation in Cuban energy exploration (HR.3182), which would allow the United States to participate in the exploration for and development of hydrocarbon resources; (g) On 21 September 2007, representatives Jeff Flake (Republican, Arizona), William Delahunt (Democrat, Massachusetts), James McGovern (Democrat, Massachusetts), Jo Ann Emerson (Republican, Missouri), Jerry Moran (Republican, Kansas) and Rosa DeLauro (Republican, Connecticut) wrote to the Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and to the Secretary of the Treasury Henry Paulson, on behalf of the Congressional Working Group on Cuba, urging the United States Government to rescind the restrictions on travel to Cuba, in particular for CubanAmericans; (h) In the second half of September 2007, State-level agriculture officials apparently met and discussed the need to normalize trade between the United States and Cuba. The meeting resulted in a statement endorsed by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture; (i) In the period in question, 12 delegations of trade representatives visited Cuba. They included the officials responsible for agriculture in New Mexico, North Dakota, California, Texas, Iowa and Montana; (j) At the Second National Latino Congress, held from 5 to 9 October 2007 in Los Angeles, three resolutions on Cuba were passed. One of these called on the United States Congress to remove restrictions on family travel to Cuba on the grounds that they violated the Constitution and international law; (k) On 29 October, the National Lawyers Guild issued a statement condemning the denial of a visa to the Vice-President of the Labour Law Society of the Cuban bar association, a member of the Board of Directors of the International Association of Democratic Lawyers, who had been invited to attend an event; (l) On 27 November 2007, a group of United States artists and intellectuals including the actors Sean Penn and Danny Glover, the writers Alice Walker, Cristina García, and the musicians Harry Belafonte and Ry Cooder, wrote to President Bush calling for an end to the ban on cultural exchanges between Cuba and the United States; (m) On 27 March 2008, the former Secretaries of State Colin Powell, Henry Kissinger, James Baker III, Warren Christopher and Madeleine Albright took part in a conference at the University of Georgia. Press reports said that the panellists took a critical approach to the Cuban issue, commenting that the fifty-year-old embargo had benefited nobody, and was motivated more by domestic factors than by foreign policy. It was reportedly also said that once a policy had failed to work for fifty years, it was time to start considering a new approach; (n) On 9 April 2008, at a conference at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Senator Christopher Dodd (Democrat, Connecticut) called for a strategic partnership in the western hemisphere, which, he said, should begin with a change in United States policy towards Cuba, including dramatic alteration in posture, the ending of the embargo, the lifting of travel restrictions and caps on remittances, and the holding of talks on issues of mutual interest; (o) On 14 May 2008, the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) issued an independent task force report entitled “U.S.-Latin America relations: a New Direction for a New Reality” which proposed ending the embargo on Cuba through a series of steps including: (i) Allow free travel and facilitate trade with Cuba. The White House should lift the restrictions on Cuban American families’ travel and remittances introduced in 2004; (ii) Restore and make more flexible the 13 categories of travel licence for “people-to-people” contacts established by the Clinton administration in the run-up to the Pope’s visit to Cuba in 1998; (iii) Promote dialogue on issues of mutual interest including migration, human trafficking, drug smuggling, public health, the future of the Guantánamo Naval Base and sustainable management of natural resources, particularly if Cuba, with a group of foreign oil companies, begins deep sea exploration for oil reserves; (iv) Repeal the 1996 Helms-Burton Act, which removed most of the Executive’s powers to end economic sanctions. In addition, the United States Congress should take legislative action, as it did for farm goods, to liberalize bilateral trade with and travel to Cuba, thus creating opportunities for strengthening democratic institutions. 7. Conclusions 98. The last year has seen the most hard-line implementation of the United States embargo on Cuba. With the resurgence of the policy, there has been an irrational hounding of third-country government entities, businesses, banking institutions and citizens, even resulting in the blocking of websites with the slightest connection to Cuba. 99. By December 2007, the accumulated direct economic damage to the Cuban people as a result of the United States economic, commercial and financial embargo had been conservatively calculated to be over 93 billion dollars. 100. In order to gain an objective view of the meaning of this harm to the Cuban economy, it should be pointed out that the sum in question is 1.6 times the country’s gross domestic product (the value of one year’s output of goods and services), approximately 12 times the level of Cuba’s external debt in 2006, and approximately 23.5 times the value of investment in 2006. 101. The sum specified only covers the damage suffered by the Cuban economy and people and excludes the 54 billion dollars of damage caused to the nation by almost half a century of attacks and terrorist acts committed by the United States Government and its mercenaries. 102. As part of its strategy of bringing the Cuban people to its knees through starvation and sickness, and therefore crushing the Revolution, actual and planned acts of sabotage against the country have been stepped up, with the declared aim of destabilizing and destroying the constitutional system established by the Cuban people. On 19 May 2008, the Government of Cuba made public irrefutable evidence of plotting and interference by the official representatives of the United States. 103. There can be no doubt that the embargo is now the biggest obstacle to the development and well-being of Cubans and that it is a massive, flagrant and systematic violation of the rights of an entire people. 104. The United States continues its arrogant and condescending disregard of the 16 resolutions adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. The all but unanimous call from the international community for this genocidal policy to end has still not been heeded. 105. The Cuban people will never stop defending its Revolution and will continue to further its enjoyment of freedom and independence, no matter what obstacles and hindrances it must overcome to do so. Cubans’ commitment to resistance is unerring. The Cuban nation will continue its sovereign and unstinting work of pursuing the objectives of justice, equity and solidarity that are at the root of its Revolution. 106. 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 People’s Republic of Korea [Original: English] [9 May 2008] 1. It is the 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 of America against Cuba constitutes an obvious infringement upon the sovereignty of Cuba, violates the principles and norms of international law and of the Charter of the United Nations, and thus deserves the concern and denunciation of the United Nations and the international community. The criminal blockade policy against Cuba pursued by the United States for more than four decades should be terminated without delay, in conformity with the relevant United Nations resolutions and the demands of the international community. 3. The Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea invariably supports the efforts of the Government and the people of Cuba to end the embargo by the United States and will continue to develop economic and trade relations with Cuba in future. Democratic Republic of the Congo 1. The Democratic Republic of the Congo maintains and continues to develop good relations with the Republic of Cuba. 2. The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has therefore always supported all resolutions on the necessity and urgency of ending the embargo on Cuba with a view to finding satisfactory solution to the issue. Dominica [Original: English] [4 June 2008] 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 Cuba. The Commonwealth of Dominica is in full conformity with resolution 62/3, adopted by the General Assembly on 30 October 2007. Dominican Republic [Original: Spanish] [7 June 2008] In its international relations, the Dominican Republic complies with the norms and principles that underpin relations of cooperation and exchange between nations, the tenets of the Charter of the United Nations and other norms of international law. It therefore refrains from promulgating or applying laws that breach those norms and principles. Ecuador [Original: Spanish] [27 May 2008] 1. Ecuador vigorously rejects the embargo imposed against Cuba, which it considers to be a violation of the norms of international law, the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations and resolutions of the General Assembly. 2. Ecuador, faithful to the principles of respect for the sovereignty and juridical equality of States, reiterates its position that it has refrained from promulgating laws that run counter to freedom of international trade and navigation or violate the principle of non-intervention in the internal and international policy of States. Accordingly, the country does not apply nor will it apply any kind of measure in breach of General Assembly resolution 62/3. 3. Ecuador looks to the Government of the United States to end the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed against Cuba, which, besides being a unilateral measure contrary to international law, is not conducive to the good-neighbourliness that should prevail among American countries. 4. Ecuador will continue to contribute to the implementation of General Assembly resolutions that call for an end to the unilateral application of economic and commercial measures and encourages Member States to refrain from adopting further measures that exacerbate the economic and social effects of the embargo against the Cuban people. Egypt [Original: English] [16 June 2008] The delegation of Egypt voted in favour of the resolution, in line with Egypt’s consistent view that unilateral sanctions outside the United Nations framework are not a course of action that Egypt can condone. Equatorial Guinea [Original: Spanish] [3 July 2008] 1. The Government of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea believes that the Cuban people’s repeated request is justified. It is well known that the embargo that has been imposed on Cuba for over 45 years has been the cause of continuous and substantial suffering and deprivation on every level for that noble and sovereign people. 2. In the same way, the extraterritorial reach of the embargo affects third countries, preventing them from exercising their economic, commercial, financial and even humanitarian sovereignty as provided for by international law. 3. In view of the foregoing, the Government of Equatorial Guinea, acting in accordance with its commitment to peace, harmony and sincere cooperation between all nations, associates itself with all of the countries of the world that call for an end to the embargo imposed by the United States of America on Cuba. Eritrea [Original: English] [26 June 2008] 1. The Government of the State of Eritrea has not promulgated or applied any laws or measures of the kind referred to in General Assembly resolution 62/3. 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. 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. Ethiopia [Original: English] [16 July 2008] 1. The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia 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 of non-interference in one another’s domestic affairs. In addition, the embargo has caused huge material losses and economic damage to the people of Cuba. 2. The Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia therefore wishes to see the embargo lifted in order for the people and the Government of Cuba to enjoy their sovereignty in accordance with the principles and values enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia believes that constructive dialogue is necessary to foster mutual trust and understanding among the nations of the world. European Union [Original: English] [27 May 2008] 1. The European Union believes that the United States of America 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 the European Union adopted a regulation and a joint action to protect the interests 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] [17 June 2008] 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. 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. 2. 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] [11 June 2008] 1. The Republic of Ghana, in fulfilment of its commitment to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and international law, has steadfastly refrained from promulgating or applying laws whose extraterritorial effects adversely affect the sovereignty of other States, the legitimate interests of entities or persons under their jurisdiction or the freedom of trade and navigation. 2. With specific reference to resolution 62/3, Ghana has maintained very cordial bilateral relations with the Republic of Cuba, and continues to cooperate actively with the latter, particularly in the field of health. Grenada [Original: English] [6 June 2008] 1. The Government of Grenada recognizes and upholds the principle of the sovereign equality of States; it neither promulgates nor applies any law or measures that would encroach on or undermine the sovereign rights of any State. 2. As Caribbean sister nations, Grenada and the Republic of Cuba enjoy very good relations. The Government of Grenada perceives measures such as those imposed against Cuba by the United States of America through its economic, commercial and financial embargo, as well as subsequent measures aimed at tightening the embargo, as violating the sovereign rights of all Cubans and contravening the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of States. It is counterproductive to the achievement of the goal of human development, an unnecessary hardship on the Cuban people and does not augur well for the peaceful coexistence of a stable society of States. 3. Additionally, Grenada reiterates that it 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. Grenada therefore unreservedly supports this seventeenth General Assembly resolution, resolution 62/3, which calls for an immediate end to the unilateral embargo against the Republic of Cuba. Guatemala [Original: Spanish] [12 June 2008] 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] [6 June 2008] 1. The Government of the Republic of Guinea reiterates its commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. 2. In that connection, it recognizes the sovereign equality of States within the international community. It adheres to the principles of non-intervention and noninterference in the internal affairs of States, and the freedom of international trade and navigation. 3. The Republic of Guinea has therefore not promulgated or applied any laws of the kind referred to in General Assembly resolution 62/3. 4. The Government of the Republic of Guinea will continue to consistently support the ending of the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed on Cuba by the United States of America. Guinea-Bissau [Original: English] [26 May 2008] 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. Nor 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 the fact that they were contrary to international norms applicable to free trade and the free exercise of navigation rights and other responsibilities enunciated in the Charter of the United Nations, including the implementation of General Assembly resolution 62/3. 3. Guinea-Bissau regrets, therefore, that this blockade of more than 48 years continues to cause serious economic, financial, health and other damage to Cuba. Notwithstanding the fact that in the past 16 years, the General Assembly, by a majority vote, 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. 4. The Republic of Guinea-Bissau recognizes the importance that the Secretary-General attaches to this issue and calls for the implementation of this resolution. It calls on the international community to continue its efforts to ensure that the two countries can engage in a constructive dialogue aimed at establishing normal relations between them. Guyana [Original: English] [27 May 2008] The Republic of Guyana has not promulgated or applied any laws or regulations whose extraterritorial effects affect the sovereignty of other States. It is thus fully in observance of General Assembly resolution 62/3 and is committed to continuing support. Haiti [Original: French] [19 May 2008] 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 General Assembly resolution 62/3. Holy See [Original: English] [15 July 2008] The Holy See has never drawn up or applied economic, commercial or financial laws or measures against Cuba. Honduras [Original: Spanish] [27 May 2008] The Government of Honduras neither promulgates nor applies unilateral economic or commercial laws or measures against other States that affect the free development of international trade, in accordance with its obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and international law. India [Original: English] [9 June 2008] 1. India has not promulgated or applied any laws of the type referred to in the preamble to General Assembly resolution 62/3 and, as such, 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 Fourteenth Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries, held in Havana on 15 and 16 September 2006, on this subject and urges the international community to adopt all necessary measures to protect the sovereign rights of all countries. Indonesia [Original: English] [6 June 2008] 1. The Government of the Republic of Indonesia has not promulgated or applied extraterritorial laws or measures that run counter to the principles of the sovereign equality of States, non-interference in their internal affairs and freedom of international trade and navigation of other States, as referred to in General Assembly resolution 62/3. 2. The application of unilateral and extraterritorial economic and trade measures runs counter to the Charter of the United Nations and is against international law. The principle of non-intervention in countries’ internal affairs and the freedom of international trade and navigation must also be respected and upheld. 3. Moreover, the application of an economic and trade embargo will have negative effects on the economic and social life of innocent people, especially women and children. That 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. Our position is in keeping with these expressions of global solidarity. Iran (Islamic Republic of) [Original: English] [11 June 2008] 1. The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran reiterates its belief 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 continue to adversely affect the living conditions and human rights of the Cuban people and will hamper the efforts of the Cuban Government to achieve the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals. In that context, the embargo is hampering the efforts of the Cuban Government to eradicate poverty and hunger and to promote health and education, which are indispensable means for the achievement of economic and social development. 2. The adoption of the relevant resolutions, with such a wide range of support and 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 of America against Cuba in particular. Furthermore, as the international community is facing new challenges such as the global food crisis and thus increased hunger and malnutrition, the imposition of embargoes and sanctions will be more unjustifiable than ever and deserve stronger objections and appropriate reactions at the global level. 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 to put an end to such measures and the full implementation of the contents of General Assembly resolution 62/3. Jamaica [Original: English] [6 June 2008] 1. In keeping with its obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and international law, the Government of Jamaica 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. 2. The Government of Jamaica remains opposed to the unilateral application of economic and trade measures by one State against another that affect the free flow of international trade, as well as to the extraterritorial application and effects of national legislation on the sovereignty of States. Such actions are contrary to the principles of international law, the sovereign equality of States, non-interference in the internal affairs of States and peaceful coexistence. 3. In this regard, the Government of Jamaica reiterates its support for the General Assembly resolutions calling for an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba. Jamaica affirms the position of the Group of 77 and the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries in opposing and condemning such unilateral action, which is in violation of the sovereignty and rights of the Cuban people and in contravention of the Charter of the United Nations. 4. The Government of Jamaica reiterates the call made by the General Assembly urging all States that have and continue to apply such laws and measures to take the necessary steps to repeal or invalidate them as soon as possible. The Government of Jamaica maintains the position that constructive engagement and peaceful negotiations remain the most acceptable means for advancing peace and stability. Japan [Original: English] [4 June 2008] 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 62/3. 2. The Government of Japan believes that the economic policy of the United States of America 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 aforementioned legislation and the surrounding circumstances, and its concern remains unchanged. Having considered the matter with the utmost care, Japan voted in favour of resolution 62/3. Kazakhstan [Original: English] [4 June 2008] 1. In its foreign policy, Kazakhstan is guided by the principles of international law and supports the right of nations to develop according to their own way of development. Kazakhstan strongly condemns any unilateral actions involving the use of economic and trade measures by one State, the exterritorial implications of which affect the sovereignty of another State. 2. In this regard, Kazakhstan calls for an immediate end to such actions against Cuba. Kenya [Original: English] [1 June 2008] 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 extraterritorial nature, 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 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] [2 June 2008] General Assembly resolution 62/3 involves moral and humanitarian considerations which, when adopted, will positively contribute to improving the general welfare and well-being of the people of Cuba. Kyrgyzstan [Original: Russian] [12 August 2008] 1. In accordance with the fundamental principles of international law, including the provisions of the United Nations Charter, the Kyrgyz Republic has not promulgated or applied any laws or provisions with extraterritorial effects that would affect the sovereignty of other States. 2. The Permanent Mission of the Kyrgyz Republic to the United Nations takes this opportunity to convey to the Secretariat the renewed assurances of its highest consideration. Lao People’s Democratic Republic [Original: English] [22 May 2008] 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. That embargo, with its extraterritorial implications, has not only hindered the progress of Cuba in its socio-economic development and caused untold sufferings for its people, but also violated the principles of international law, that of the sovereign equality of States and that of the 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 62/3. Lebanon [Original: English] [29 May 2008] The Government of Lebanon is committed to the principles of the United Nations and of international law, in particular the need to respect the sovereignty of States; therefore, Lebanon has not taken any economic and commercial measures against Cuba. Lesotho [Original: English] [27 June 2008] 1. Lesotho reaffirms its commitment to the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of international law, which, among other things, provide for freedom of trade and navigation. 2. Lesotho is concerned about the harmful effects of the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba and will continue to support the call for the lifting of the embargo. Liberia [Original: English] [17 July 2008] 1. Consistent with its obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and international law, Liberia has neither promulgated nor applied any laws or measures of the kind referred to in the preamble to General Assembly resolution 62/3. 2. Liberia supported the resolution and is convinced that the lifting of discriminatory trade practices and of the 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. Libyan Arab Jamahiriya [Original: English] [14 May 2008] 1. The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya expresses its commitment to the Charter of the United Nations and to the principles of international law and has not previously enacted or applied any laws such as the ones mentioned in General Assembly resolution 62/3 but, on the contrary, has been a victim of such coercive measures. 2. The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya reiterates its strong opposition to unilateral measures imposed on States for political purposes and stresses that such behaviour does not help in resolving disputes between States, but leads to further complications. The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya expresses its deep concern at the persistence of some States in imposing unilateral extraterritorial coercive economic measures in clear violation of the principles of international law. 3. Accordingly, the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya voted in favour of the resolution as an affirmation of its position in opposition to the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba and calls upon States to resolve their differences peacefully, staying away from unilateral coercive measures, which constitute a breach of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, a violation of human rights and an obstruction to development efforts, which are one of the objectives of the United Nations. Liechtenstein [Original: English] [6 May 2008] The Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein has not promulgated or applied any laws or measure of the kind referred to in the preamble to General Assembly resolution 62/3. 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] [16 July 2008] The Government of Madagascar has never promulgated or applied any economic, commercial or financial laws or measures against the Republic of Cuba. Madagascar has always been in favour of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed on Cuba. It stands united with the other Member States of the United Nations, in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law, which establish freedom of trade and navigation. Malawi [Original: English] [17 June 2008] 1. The Government of the Republic of Malawi does not have sanctions or any embargo against the Government of Cuba. The Government of Malawi is one of those countries that continue to enjoy excellent relations with the Government of Cuba through a number of forums, such as the Non-Aligned Movement and many others. 2. The Government of Malawi further wishes to reiterate its denunciation of such unilateral application of economic and trade sanctions against one State by another on the basis of their differences of opinion or political orientation, as such sanctions serve only to perpetuate the suffering of ordinary people. In this regard, the Government of Malawi joins the rest of the international community in calling for the lifting of these sanctions on the Government of Cuba. Malaysia [Original: English] [9 July 2008] 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 the 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. It should also be noted that the preponderance of the Members of the United Nations, in responding to similar resolutions of the past, have clearly indicated a similar position. 5. 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] [14 May 2008] 1. Maldives has not enacted any laws or regulations that contravene the provisions of General Assembly resolution 62/3. 2. Maldives does not impose any sanctions against any country without an explicit mandate from the General Assembly or the Security Council 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 62/3. Mali [Original: French] [4 June 2008] The Government of Mali fully supported resolution 62/3 and voted in favour of it. In this connection, it has neither promulgated nor applied laws or measures whose extraterritorial effects impinge on the sovereignty of other States. Mauritius [Original: English] [19 May 2008] The Government of Mauritius has not promulgated or applied any laws or measures referred to in the preamble to General Assembly resolution 62/3. Mexico [Original: Spanish] [6 June 2008] 1. 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 serious humanitarian consequences that are contrary to international law and, moreover, signify the abandonment of diplomacy and dialogue as the appropriate ways of settling disputes between States. 2. Mexico reaffirms its traditional and principled position that any type of political, economic or military sanctions 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 of the United Nations. Multilateralism continues to be the best way of ensuring peaceful coexistence and settling disputes between States. 3. 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. 4. Through various mechanisms, the Mexican Government 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 Act on Protection of Trade and Investment against Foreign Norms which Violate International Law, which has been in force since 23 October 1996 and is designed to prohibit acts which affect trade or investment when such acts result from the extraterritorial effects of foreign laws. 5. The Government of Mexico wishes once again to place 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 United Nations General Assembly 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. 6. Since then, Mexico has reconfirmed the aforementioned principles of its foreign policy and has voted in favour of the resolution on this item which the Government of Cuba has submitted to the United Nations General Assembly for adoption every year for the past 16 years. 7. The Government of Mexico has also 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. 8. Mexico and Cuba maintain unbreakable historical ties, sustained in a climate of renewed trust, consistently respecting the purposes and principles embodied in the Charter of the United Nations and in particular peaceful coexistence, respect for the sovereignty and sovereign equality of States, and non-interference in their internal affairs. On this basis, 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 relationship between Mexico and Cuba is following a constructive course, so that exchanges can be enhanced, inter alia, in political, social, economic, commercial, financial and educational areas, science and technology, migration and health, to the benefit of both peoples. 10. Day after day, Mexico encourages political, economic and commercial contacts with Cuba, which are fostered by the agreements concluded by the two countries at the Third Meeting of the Standing Mexico-Cuba Information and Consultation Mechanism, held in March 2008, designed to enhance exchanges in the various areas covered by the bilateral relationship. Particular mention should be made of the commitment to hold meetings of the existing bilateral mechanisms — including those dealing with the areas of migration, drug trafficking, trade and industrial development, transport, agriculture and fisheries, foreign trade, tourism, health and development — and of the formulation of an economic relations development programme including, among other components, trade missions, review of the implementation of the Bilateral Economic Complementarity Agreement, broad dissemination of the Bilateral Agreement for the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments and reactivation of the Mexico-Cuba Intergovernmental Working Group for Economic and Industrial Collaboration, which is responsible for coordinating the bilateral economic agenda. 11. In this context of collaboration, mention should also be made of the conclusion in March 2008 of the agreement for the restructuring of Cuba’s debts to Mexico. This instrument, which conforms to the regulatory provisions in force in each country and is mutually satisfactory for both parties, helps to stimulate the development of economic and commercial relations for the benefit of both countries. 12. In addition, an analysis is being made of the phenomenon of migration between Mexico and Cuba, by which the two countries are seeking to guarantee a legal, safe and orderly migration flow by establishing a comprehensive legal framework and shared responsibility. 13. Accordingly, the Government of Mexico again pledges to continue to contribute to the effectiveness of international law under this agenda item. Morocco [Original: French] [22 May 2008] 1. The Kingdom of Morocco reiterates its firm attachment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and to the cardinal principles of international law. 2. The Kingdom of Morocco has always favoured the development of friendly relations between the States Members of the United Nations. Mozambique [Original: English] [28 May 2008] 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 62/3. 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 that country. Mozambique therefore wishes to see the embargo lifted in order to enable the people and the 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. It was in this context that the Republic of Mozambique voted in favour of the aforementioned resolution and reiterates its unconditional support for its provisions, appealing to the United Nations to ensure that all Member States take the resolution into consideration. Myanmar [Original: English] [10 July 2008] 1. It is the consistent position of the Union of Myanmar 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. Consistent with this position of principle, Myanmar opposes all forms of economic and financial sanctions and embargoes that contradict the norms of international law. 2. Myanmar believes that the imposition of an economic, commercial and financial embargo by the United States on Cuba is not conducive to promoting peace and stability in the region. Instead, these measures, by their adverse affects on the economy of Cuba, cause undue suffering and hardship for the Cuban people and negatively impinge on third parties. Myanmar therefore strongly opposes the measures imposed by the United States. 3. Accordingly, the Union of Myanmar has not promulgated any laws or regulations of the kind that are against freedom of trade and international navigation. In expressing its continued support for General Assembly resolution 62/3, Myanmar joins the call by the international community for the United States to bring to an end the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed on Cuba. Namibia [Original: English] [30 May 2008] The Government of the Republic of Namibia upholds the principle of peaceful coexistence of nations, respects the sovereign equality of States and believes in fair and open trade among nations. Namibia remains concerned about the promulgation and application of all laws and measures constituting an economic, commercial or financial embargo against Cuba, especially the extraterritorial nature of such laws and measures. Bilateral relations between Namibia and Cuba continue to be excellent, and thus the Government 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 for the overall development and well-being of the Cuban population. Namibia strongly supports General Assembly resolution 62/3 and calls upon all Member States, in conformity with their obligations under the Charter of the United Nations, for an immediate and unconditional lifting of the embargo against the Republic of Cuba. Nauru [Original: English] [9 July 2008] 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] [19 June 2008] 1. The State of 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 and non-interference 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 and rejects the use of unilateral extraterritorial coercive measures, which are in violation of international norms and, in this case, violate the human rights of the Cuban people and create a situation of insecurity in conflict with international law. 3. The brutal and arrogant economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against the Republic of Cuba for almost 50 years not only goes against the principle of good neighbourliness and the other purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, especially the development of friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights, but also gravely affects the people of Cuba, causing them large-scale material losses and economic and, in particular, psychological and social, harm, owing to the influence they exercise by occupying part of its territory, not with schools but with the Guantánamo military base. The embargo is a measure that violates collective human rights, including the inalienable rights to self-determination and to development. 4. Pursuant to General Assembly resolution 62/3, the State of Nicaragua wishes to report that no laws have been promulgated, nor do any measures exist in its internal juridical system 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. Previous Nicaraguan Governments had unilaterally decreased diplomatic representation to the level of chargé d’affaires. However, in January 2007, the Government of Reconciliation and National Unity increased it to the level of ambassador plenipotentiary and extraordinary, in recognition of the fact that Nicaragua and Cuba have long maintained close relations founded 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 termination of the economic embargo against Cuba and its effects, as well as the territorial occupation consisting of the Guantánamo military base. We affirm that 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. In this regard, we note an increasing number of pronouncements by the international community in favour of putting an end to this criminal embargo, pronouncements that Nicaragua supports fully. They include, in particular: paragraph 185 of the final document of the Fourteenth Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries, adopted by consensus in Havana in September 2006; the special communiqué of the Ibero-American Summit, held in Montevideo in November 2006; General Assembly resolution 61/11, adopted on 8 November 2006 by an overwhelming majority of the Member States and General Assembly resolution 62/3, which is the reason for this report. 8. We have also been pleased to witness the pressure being exerted within United States society, including by members of the United States Congress who have submitted proposals to lift the embargo, because they consider that their interests are not served by this disgrace to humanity. 9. We should like to acknowledge the importance attributed by the General Assembly to this question, and hope that it will intensify efforts in the future in order to guarantee faithful compliance with the resolutions adopted on this subject, until the unjust and criminal embargo is lifted, and the military base of the United States of American on Cuban territory is closed, dismantled and withdrawn. Niger [Original: French] [15 July 2008] 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. Since 1994, the year in which the General Agreement on Cooperation between the Niger and Cuba was signed, relations have become closer and widened in scope, as is demonstrated by the signing of further cooperation agreements and the holding of regular joint committee meetings. Accordingly, the Government of the Niger, remaining faithful to its ideals and to the rules of democracy, considers that each country and each people are legitimately entitled to define freely their own mode of development, with the same opportunities for success, in conformity with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. 3. 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 imposed against it. Nigeria [Original: English] [11 July 2008] The Federal Government of Nigeria maintains friendly relations with all States and does not favour unilateral measures to settle political disputes. Consequently, the Federal Government reiterates its support for ending the embargo against Cuba. Oman [Original: English] [27 May 2008] The Government of the Sultanate of Oman has not supported the economic embargo against Cuba, and there have been limited trade exchanges between Oman and Cuba during the embargo period, whereby the trade balance during the last five years has been in favour of Cuba. Pakistan [Original: English] [12 May 2008] Pakistan is fully in observance of resolution 62/3. Panama [Original: Spanish] [11 July 2008] 1. From the outset of diplomatic relations with the Government of the Republic of Cuba, the Government of the Republic of Panama has 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 of the Political Consultation Mechanism established by a memorandum of understanding signed in 2006 was held in Panama City. 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. 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. On 5 November 2007, the Minister for Foreign Affairs made an official visit to Cuba to mark the twenty-fifth Havana International Fair. The principal outcome of the visit was the signature of cooperation agreements on air services and maritime equipment. 7. More recently, from 28 to 30 April 2008, the second ministerial meeting of the Political Consultation Mechanism and of the Cuba-Panama Joint Cooperation Commissions took place in Havana, and led to the signing of three bilateral agreements: • Cooperation agreement on the rational and efficient use of energy and on the use of renewable energy, which complements the Basic Cooperation Agreement. • Scientific and technological cooperation agreement between the Water Resources Authority of Panama and the Ministry of the Fishing Industry of Cuba. • Cooperation agreement on cinema studies; and cooperation agreement on education — Institute for Human Resources Training and Development (IFARHU). The third meeting of the Political Consultation Mechanism will take place in Panama City in 2009. 8. Various inter-agency agreements on technical cooperation exist between the Republic of Panama and Cuba. These include the literacy project implemented by the Ministry of Social Development of Panama, which uses the “Yes I can” (“Yo sí puedo”) method developed in Cuba; the programme Operation Miracle, which saw Cuban doctors carry out free eye surgery for the poorest people in the country’s interior; a bilateral programme for the cultivation of roots and tubers; a programme, in cooperation with the Ministry of Agricultural Development for the development of a disease-resistant sweet potato variety that should make inroads into the European market. 9. Cuba and Panama have, throughout their diplomatic relations, signed many agreements in a variety of fields, including combating drug trafficking, air transport, cooperation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, cooperation in the fields of culture, education, and investment and protection of investments, political consultation mechanisms, 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 both countries. 10. At the international level, Panama has therefore supported efforts to end the economic, commercial and financial embargo on Cuba, by appealing to the United Nations General Assembly, the other agencies for international dialogue and harmony of which it is a member, and other international agencies and instruments. 11. With reference to bilateral commercial relations, we should like to point out that exports of Panamanian products to the Cuban market rose significantly, to $1 million and $1.4 million in 2006 and 2007 respectively. At the same time, Cuba’s exports to Panama also increased considerably. In 2006 and in the first half of 2007, imports to Panama from Cuba continued to grow steadily, by $20.7 million and $26.1 million respectively. 12. According to data provided by the Colón Free Zone, commercial exchanges with Cuba that took place through the Free Zone tended to grow, albeit at a slower rate, in 2007; the figure was 215,683,000 in 2006 and 220,231,000 in 2007. Companies engaged in commercial transactions with Cuba state that such transactions take place under normal conditions and that payments are processed normally. Papua New Guinea [Original: English] [11 July 2008] 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 General Assembly resolution 62/3. 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 the 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] [9 June 2008] 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 nonintervention, also affecting freedom of international trade and navigation. Paraguay fully complies with General Assembly resolution 62/3 and has not applied measures or laws of the kind indicated in that resolution. Peru [Original: Spanish] [30 April 2008] 1. No law or measure of the kind referred to in General Assembly resolution 62/3 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 Rio Group) and the statements issued at the Ibero-American Summit, including the Special Communiqué of the Heads of State and Government of the Ibero-American countries on the necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba, adopted in Santiago, Chile, in November 2007. 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] [7 July 2008] 1. The Government of the Philippines fully supports and reiterates its commitment to adhere to General Assembly resolution 62/3, which calls for ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba. 2. The Government of the Philippines reiterates that it has not imposed and does not intend to impose any laws, regulations or measures that are contradictory to the implementation of resolution 62/3. 3. The Philippines and Cuba have cultural and economic ties dating as far back as the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade in the early sixteenth century. Normal trade relations exist between the Philippines and Cuba, with total trade amounting to $1.21 million in 2007. 4. A joint communiqué between the Philippines and Cuba outlines a list of cooperative endeavours for 2007-2009 in the fields of science and technology, the environment, biotechnology, trade, education, justice, sports, tourism, heritage restoration and culture. Bilateral agreements between the Philippines and Cuba include: (a) an agreement on cultural and educational cooperation; (b) an agreement on scientific and technological cooperation; (c) an agreement on sports cooperation; and (d) a cooperation agreement between the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and the Cuban Chamber of Commerce. Qatar [Original: Arabic] [23 May 2008] 1. Qatar does not promulgate or apply any laws or regulations that have effects beyond its geographical boundaries or affect the sovereignty of other States, the legitimate interests of entities or persons within the territorial boundaries of those entities or the freedom of international trade and navigation, nor has it adopted any other measures incompatible with General Assembly resolution 62/3. 2. Qatar pursues a policy of strict compliance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and, in particular, the principles of the 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] [28 May 2008] 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 we favour its withdrawal. 2. We are confident that ending the embargo and normalizing United States-Cuban relations overall would help to improve the situation concerning Cuba and to facilitate Cuba’s more active 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] [16 July 2008] Rwanda reaffirms its commitment to the purpose 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 General Assembly resolution 62/3. Saint Kitts and Nevis [Original: English] [4 June 2008] 1. The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis reiterates its call on the Government of the United States of America to end the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba. This unilateral act contravenes the Charter of the United Nations, which not only discourages such action but, rather, promotes unified collaboration among States. The Charter respects the sovereign equality of States and advances non-intervention and non-interference in their internal affairs and freedom of international trade and navigation, which are so enshrined in many international legal instruments. 2. The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis laments the sustained embargo on Cuba, which has contributed to the hardships that the Cuban people continue to endure. Therefore, Saint Kitts and Nevis again joins the international community in appealing to the Government of the United States to adhere to 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, 61/11 and 62/3 of the General Assembly regarding the need to end the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba. 3. Saint Kitts and Nevis has not promulgated or applied any laws or measures restricting the freedom of trade and navigation that impinge on the sovereignty of other States or the legitimate interests of entities or persons under their jurisdiction. This is in fulfilment of its obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and international law. 4. The relationship between Saint Kitts and Nevis and Cuba has always been peaceful and friendly, and the Government of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis reiterates its support for the General Assembly resolution. Saint Lucia [Original: English] [18 June 2008] 1. In compliance with the international obligations under the Charter of the United Nations, and consistent with the commitment to the principles of the sovereign equality of States, the Government of Saint Lucia has not promulgated any law, legislation or measure, nor has it 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 this regard, Saint Lucia acknowledges the sustained economic, educational and technical cooperation between Cuba and Saint Lucia in furtherance of economic and social development and sustainability. 2. The Government of Saint Lucia reiterates its longstanding opposition to the extraterritorial application of national legislation and considers it as being contrary to the principles of international law, the sovereign equality of States, noninterference in the internal affairs of States and peaceful coexistence. 3. The Government of 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 reiterates its position in opposition to such action. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines [Original: English] [14 May 2008] 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. San Marino [Original: English] [10 July 2008] The Republic of San Marino has always and generally been against the imposition of any embargo, and it is therefore against the imposition of the unilateral embargo against Cuba as a means of pressure and because of the serious repercussions on the population. Sao Tome and Principe [Original: English] [22 May 2008] The Government of Sao Tome and Principe has not adopted any law that supports the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba. The principles and provisions of the Charter of the United Nations are observed in order to promote the freedom of trade and navigation and the free circulation of people. Senegal [Original: English] [8 May 2008] The Government of Senegal has neither promulgated nor applied laws and measures of the kind referred to in the preamble to General Assembly resolution 62/3. The Government of Senegal attaches great importance to the full respect of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and obligations under international law. Seychelles [Original: English] [5 May 2008] 1. The Government of the Republic of Seychelles fully endorses the content of resolution 62/3, adopted by the General Assembly on 30 October 2007, and subsequently does not have or apply any laws or measures that may in any manner or form constitute or contribute to the imposition of an economic, commercial or 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] [17 July 2008] 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 to General Assembly resolution 62/3. Sierra Leone has consistently supported the resolution and is convinced that the lifting of discriminatory trade practices and the 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] [30 April 2008] The Solomon Islands reaffirms its obligation under the Charter of the United Nations and supports the freedom of trade. South Africa [Original: English] [1 July 2008] 1. South Africa has repeatedly joined the 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. 2. South Africa views the continued imposition of this embargo as a flagrant violation of the principle of the sovereign equality of States, non-intervention and non-interference in one another’s domestic affairs. The vigour with which the international community reacted to the embargo when condemning it by a record vote of 184 to 4 in 2007 is a clear indication that the time has come for it to be lifted, thereby ending the untold suffering on the Cuban civilian population, which is bearing the brunt of that injustice. 3. Cuba’s outstanding work in the areas of health, education and biotechnology in Africa, 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 to the betterment of the lives of the poor. 4. South Africa and Cuba have maintained longstanding 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 played in South Africa’s liberation history has been duly recognized in 2008, with the celebration of the twentieth anniversary of the battle of Cuito Cuanavale at the national level. South Africa hosted the sixth session of the Joint South Africa-Cuba Consultative Forum in June 2008, and the fifth session of the Joint Bilateral Commission (JBC) 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 JBC, 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] [23 May 2008] 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 which impede the free flow and transparency of international trade, and reaffirms the freedom of trade and navigation. 2. Sri Lanka has not promulgated any laws and measures referred to in the preamble to General Assembly resolution 62/3. In the past, Sri Lanka has continuously supported General Assembly resolutions on the need to end the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba. Sudan [Original: English] [28 May 2008] 1. The Government of the Sudan pursues a policy that respects the principles of the sovereign equality of States and non-interference in the internal affairs of others. Consistent with its principled stand, the Sudan opposes the imposition of sanctions on developing countries because of their devastating impact on the efforts of those countries to achieve sustainable development and because they constitute a violation of the Charter of the United Nations. To that effect, the delegation of the Sudan participates every year in the debate of the General Assembly on the agenda item in question and votes, along with the majority of Member States, in favour of General Assembly resolutions prohibiting the imposition of such unilateral measures and sanctions. The Government of the Sudan reaffirms that it does not promulgate or apply any laws or measures that could, by being applied outside its own national borders, affect the sovereignty of any State. The Government of the Sudan calls for the repeal of laws that impose such measures. 2. On the basis of the foregoing, the Sudan opposes the economic and commercial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba, which has caused great damage and suffering to the Cuban people and violated its legitimate rights and interests, being a flagrant violation of international law and of the Charter of the United Nations and showing disregard for their lofty and noble principles. 3. The Sudan itself continues to suffer from the unilateral economic sanctions imposed on it by the United States since November 1997. Such unilateral sanctions are in violation of the legitimate right of the Sudan and Cuba and all developing countries and their peoples to choose their own political, economic and social systems that fully respond to their aspirations. 4. Since the adoption of the General Assembly resolution in question, the Government of the Sudan has put the issue at the forefront of the multilateral system with a view to mobilizing support for the elimination of all forms of unilateral coercive economic measures on developing countries. 5. The Sudan is increasingly promoting its bilateral relations with the Republic of Cuba. In this regard, the Joint Ministerial Commission between Sudan and Cuba was convened from 29 May to 1 June 2007 in Havana; the delegation of the Sudan was headed by the Minister of International Cooperation, along with 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. An advanced step in the bilateral relations between the two countries was taken when the Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Sudan to the United Nations was accredited as an Ambassador to Cuba in December 2007. Suriname [Original: English] [14 July 2008] 1. The position of Suriname is to remain committed to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and upholding the principles of international law. Consequently, the Government of the Republic of Suriname has never promulgated or applied laws and measures of the kind referred to in the preamble to General Assembly resolution 62/3. 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] [17 July 2008] 1. The Kingdom of Swaziland once again expresses its concern over the continued imposition of an economic, commercial and financial embargo against the Republic of Cuba. In our view, this is a violation of the principles of the sovereign equality of States and non-intervention in the internal affairs of another State. 2. 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 the sovereign equality of States and their freedom of trade and international navigation, the Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland, in conformity with paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of General Assembly resolution 62/3, 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. 3. In addition to being unilateral and contrary to the Charter and to the principle of good-neighbourliness, the embargo has caused huge material losses, economic damage and incalculable suffering to the people of Cuba, while also undermining the legitimate economic interests of third countries. 4. The Kingdom of Swaziland therefore reiterates its support for the General Assembly resolutions calling for an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba and further endorses the positions of the Group of 77 and the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries in opposing this action. The Kingdom of Swaziland 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 and international law. Syrian Arab Republic [Original: English] [29 May 2008] 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 62/3, 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. 2. 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 of the United Nations, international law and the principle of neighbourliness, is causing huge material losses and economic damage to the people of Cuba. 3. 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 the continuous new legislative measures geared to intensifying it. 4. 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. 5. 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. 6. 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] [7 July 2008] 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. Thailand has maintained no legal provision or domestic measures of such nature. Timor-Leste [Original: English] [12 June 2008] The Government of Timor-Leste again calls upon the Government of the United States of America to end the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba, which, in addition to being unilateral and contrary to the Charter of the United Nations and international law, is causing serious material losses and economic damage to the people of Cuba. It once again urges 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, 60/12, 61/11 and 62/3 of the General Assembly. It expresses deep concern over the widening of the extraterritorial nature of the embargo against Cuba and does not support the measures adopted by the United States Government aimed at tightening the embargo. Togo [Original: French] [10 July 2008] 1. In keeping with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, Togo has always strived to respect the sovereign equality of States, and for non-intervention and non-interference in their internal affairs. In the same way, our country unreservedly supports the principle of free trade and navigation. Such principles are enshrined in numerous international legal instruments. 2. Togo therefore systematically rejects the use of any unilateral coercive measures to exert pressure on States. 3. For that reason, Togo has never promulgated or applied any laws or measures aimed at curtailing the sovereignty of other States, or the legitimate interests of entities or persons under their jurisdiction. 4. Like the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries and the member States of the Group of 77, Togo has consistently supported the actions of the Cuban Government aimed at ending the embargo imposed on Cuba by the United States of America. Tonga [Original: English] [9 July 2008] 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 the sovereign equality of States, non-intervention and non-interference in their internal affairs and freedom of international trade and navigation. As such, the Kingdom of Tonga has not promulgated or applied any laws or measures of the kind referred to in the preamble to General Assembly resolution 62/3. 2. The Kingdom of Tonga maintains friendly and diplomatic relations with Cuba. Trinidad and Tobago [Original: English] [13 July 2008] 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] [9 June 2008] Tunisia applies no unilateral laws or measures with extraterritorial effect. Turkey [Original: English] [21 May 2008] The Republic of Turkey does not have any laws or measures of the kind referred to in the preamble to General Assembly resolution 62/3 and reaffirms its adherence to the principles of trade and navigation, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations and international law. The Government of Turkey maintains its stance that differences and problems between States should be settled through dialogue and negotiations. Turkmenistan [Original: Russian] [26 June 2008] 1. Like the overwhelming majority of States Members of the United Nations, Turkmenistan, in accordance with the letter and spirit of the Charter of the United Nations, the fundamental principles of international law and freedom of trade and navigation, has for many years consistently called for the lifting of the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba. 2. Turkmenistan considers that economic, commercial and financial sanctions impact first and foremost on the populations of those countries against which they are imposed, negatively affecting their social and economic development and daily lives. The unilateral use of such sanctions is not a legitimate instrument of international relations. 3. Turkmenistan’s domestic legislation and the international treaties and agreements to which it is a party contain no provisions that are at variance with the provisions of the General Assembly resolution on the embargo against Cuba. Moreover, in its international activities, Turkmenistan does not carry out — and has not carried out — any actions that violate the provisions of the relevant General Assembly resolution. Uganda [Original: English] [22 July 2008] With respect to General Assembly resolution 62/3, the Republic of Uganda wishes to state that it has normal trading relations with Cuba and does not support the embargo. Ukraine [Original: English] [4 June 2008] 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. 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] [2 June 2008] 1. In its foreign policy, the Eastern Republic of Uruguay follows a tradition of actively defending the principles of international law and, in particular relation to the case referred to in General Assembly resolution 62/3, the basic principle that no State may apply or encourage coercive economic and political measures in order to override the sovereign will of another State. In connection with this case, this principle disallows the implementation of unilateral coercive measures that affect the free and transparent flow of international trade, thereby undermining the well-being of peoples. The embargo against Cuba is thus in violation of the principles of international law. Laws or measures of the kind referred to in resolution 62/3 have no place in Uruguay’s legal system. 2. In addition to repeatedly denouncing the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed against Cuba, Uruguay has joined in the categorical pronouncements expressly opposing the embargo that have been adopted at the international level. Uruguay and the Republic of Cuba maintain close ties of friendship and have taken a variety of measures to encourage and strengthen their economic and trade relations, for the benefit of the peoples of both countries. Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) [Original: Spanish] [29 May 2008] 1. The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reiterates its categorical rejection of the application of unilateral measures with extraterritorial effect because, in its opinion, they violate the norms and principles of international law, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and other international legal instruments. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has strongly supported the resolutions adopted by the General Assembly on this subject and the declarations made in other political forums repudiating this type of hostile action, which undermines peaceful coexistence between nations and international legality. 2. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, staunch in its commitment to peace and to full respect for international law, confirms its unswerving resolve not to adopt unilateral measures with extraterritorial effect that impair the sovereign rights of other States. It again appeals to the Government of the United States of America to refrain in its foreign policy from promulgating unilateral measures with extraterritorial effects. 3. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela therefore urges the Government of the United States of America to end the cruel economic embargo that it has imposed against Cuba for over 40 years. This policy of confrontation has affected the wellbeing of the citizens of that Caribbean nation, whose human rights have been harmed as a result of this inhumane policy. It demands that the United States of America comply strictly 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, 61/11 and 62/3. 4. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reiterates its rejection of the strengthening of the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed against Cuba by the United States, an action that in no way contributes to the necessary climate of dialogue and cooperation that should prevail in international relations between sovereign States, in conformity with the spirit and purpose of the Charter of the United Nations. 5. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela endorses the repeated declarations made by the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, the Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government, the Rio Group, and the European Union-Latin America and Caribbean (EU-LAC) summit in repudiation of the application of unilateral measures with extraterritorial effects, which it considers to be contrary to dialogue and cooperation as genuine expressions of multilateralism. In this context, the Venezuelan Government denounces and repudiates the application of the extraterritorial provisions of the Helms-Burton Act. 6. As has been stated, the maintenance of these unilateral measures is contrary to the spirit of dialogue and cooperation that should prevail in international relations, since their application defies, breaches and violates the norms and principles of international law. 7. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is convinced that the international community must not let up in its efforts to end the practice of applying unilateral coercive measures that 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. 8. The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela renews its firm commitment to unconditional respect for the norms and principles of international law and therefore appeals again to 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 reflected in the effective application of the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations. Viet Nam [Original: English] [4 June 2008] 1. The United States of America’s policy and practice of blockade and embargo against Cuba over the past decades represents a violation of international law in general and free trade law in particular, and an infringement of the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law, contravening the common desire of the nations of the world to build sound and equal international relations, regardless of political system and with respect for each nation’s right to choose its own path of development. 2. The General Assembly has for many years now consistently adopted, by an overwhelming majority, resolutions demanding that the United States end its economic, trade and financial blockade and embargo policies and laws against Cuba, the most recent of which is resolution 62/3 of 2007, adopted with 184 votes in favour. 3. It is the view of Viet Nam that differences between the United States and the Republic of Cuba should be solved through dialogue and negotiation, in the spirit of mutual respect, respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty, and noninterference in the other’s internal affairs. Viet Nam reaffirms its strong support for the related resolutions of the General Assembly and believes that the United Nations will soon produce concrete initiatives and measures to rapidly implement adopted resolutions in order to put an immediate end to the blockade and embargo against Cuba. 4. Once again, Viet Nam confirms its friendship, cooperation and solidarity with the Cuban people and resolves to do its utmost with other peace-, freedom- and justice-loving peoples in the world, to help the Cuban people overcome the consequences of the aforementioned immoral and illegal blockade and embargo policy. Yemen [Original: English] [9 July 2008] The Permanent Representative of the Republic of Yemen to the United Nations has the honour to convey the commitment of the Government of the Republic of Yemen in implementing General Assembly resolution 62/3, in particular its paragraph 2. Zambia [Original: English] [29 May 2008] The Zambian Government supports the need to end the economic, commercial and financial embargo by the United States of America against Cuba. Zambia is among States Members of the United Nations that affirmatively voted for General Assembly resolution 62/3, which calls for the lifting of this policy. Zambia, in this respect, joined in the international rejection of the implementation of the unilateral measures with extraterritorial effects against Cuba. Zimbabwe [Original: English] [20 May 2008] 1. As before, Zimbabwe deplores the imposition by the Government of the United States of America of an economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba. 2. Zimbabwe, in strict adherence to the principles of the sovereign equality of States and non-interference in the internal affairs of other States, as contained in the Charter of the United Nations and international law, does not have laws and measures that restrict international trade or that have extraterritorial application. 3. Zimbabwe, itself a victim, is fully aware of the aggravating impact of unilateral economic coercive measures applied for political purposes, especially against developing countries. Economic blockades or sanctions, declared or undeclared, have a negative impact on ordinary people, as they limit access to foreign lines of credit, markets for a country’s exports and new technology, which affects export competitiveness and undermines the welfare of ordinary people. 4. The embargo by the United States against the Government and people of Cuba is unjustified and should therefore be lifted. 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] [25 July 2008] 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 against Cuba. The negative impact of the embargo is pervasive in the social, economic and environmental dimensions of human development in Cuba, severely affecting the most vulnerable socio-economic groups of the Cuban population. In 2007 there were no substantial improvements. 2. The embargo seriously affects the implementation of the United Nations system’s projects and programmes in Cuba. Each United Nations agency has contributed its specific inputs to the report. The report presents the most significant cross-cutting impacts, grouped in five categories of limitations, that are negatively affecting all United Nations funds, programmes and specialized agencies in Cuba: (a) Purchase of inputs at competitive prices. Cuban national companies and foreign companies established in Cuba 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. This 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, condoms, office supplies, agricultural implements, vehicles, electric generators and other basic equipment. Humanitarian assistance is also hampered by these restrictions. In this context, United Nations system emergency response in Cuba to tropical storm Noel at the end of 2007 was affected; (b) Limitations on the import of United States-patented goods, services and technologies. Goods, services or technologies produced by the United States or covered by United States patents or containing any element produced or patented by the United States are not available to Cuba. This includes medicines, medical equipment and other products under the category of humanitarian assistance, even when such products are purchased through multilateral cooperation. Restrictions on the acquisition of licences for United States-patented computer software needed for the effective execution of programmes and operations further limits the work of the United Nations system. Corporate software applications using United States computer packages are not available to the local United Nations offices in Cuba. In this sense, global corporate contracts with United States companies cannot benefit United Nations agencies, funds and programmes in Cuba; therefore it is necessary to identify providers exclusively for those offices, with higher prices and administrative costs. (c) United Nations staff missions to Headquarters in New York. Visas are not always granted on time when United Nations staff are required to travel to Headquarters in New York, even though those visas are requested in compliance with United States requirements. As a result, missions have to be cancelled and tickets rebooked at higher costs. Staff who are Cuban nationals are the most affected, but internationally recruited staff are also affected. This severely affects the exchange of experiences between Headquarters and the United Nations staff in Cuba, as it impedes the participation of United Nations system staff in corporate training and official meetings. (d) Exchange of expertise. Professional exchanges between Cuba and the United States are also affected by visa policies, even when training courses 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 also experience problems in obtaining timely visas. Additionally, the United States Government limits the travel of United States scientists and/or technicians to Cuba on exchange missions, and United States philanthropic foundations must obtain licences to provide cooperation to Cuba. Accordingly, it is difficult to establish partnerships and collaboration with United States non-governmental organizations and to promote exchanges among experts from both countries. (e) Financial services from United States banks. United Nations local offices in Cuba cannot make use of corporate accounts with United States banks. Therefore, those offices have to use additional administrative measures to undertake programme finance operations, resulting in higher costs to the office and a higher administrative burden entailed by the use of third-country banks. Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean [Original: English] [4 June 2008] Economic background 1. The economic and social situation in Cuba has been improving steadily during the present decade. The economy has mostly overcome the difficulties of the so-called special period of the 1990s, which resulted from the collapse of the Soviet bloc and the Cuban dependency on related subsidies. Economic growth has been steadily improving, reaching 7.5 per cent in 2007 and projected to reach 8 per cent in 2008. For the most part, that has been possible owing to an increasingly close economic relationship with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and China. These two countries are now Cuba’s most important trade partners. 2. The number of electric outages, widespread just a few years ago, has been reduced by 90 per cent. Urban and inter-urban transportation networks, as well as the railway system, have been rehabilitated and improved. Social infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, kindergartens, community centres and the like, have been upgraded and expanded over the past few years. The backlog of unfinished houses and apartments that had accumulated in the previous period owing to a lack of building materials has been reduced substantially. As a result, the standard of living of the population at large has improved in comparison with the worsening conditions that prevailed at the beginning of the 1990s. The effects of the United States embargo 3. 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 standard of living of Cuban citizens and the normal functioning of the Cuban economy. The United States has been trying to convert this unilateral policy into a binding multilateral framework with measures such as the Torricelli Act (1992) and the Helms-Burton Act (1996). 4. The Cuban authorities estimate that the accumulated direct damages of the embargo amount to more than 90 billion dollars. Using the official exchange rate of 1 Cuban peso to 1 United States dollar, that amounts to 161 per cent of the Cuban gross domestic product in 2007. Additional sanctions and more severe retaliation and punishment against individuals, companies and sovereign nations have been imposed by the Government of the United States of America, increasing the scope and intensity of the embargo. 5. Cuba is forced by the embargo to import grains and other agricultural products from faraway countries, substantially raising shipping costs. In addition, and given the uncertainty introduced by the embargo, Cuba has to maintain large inventories, thus incurring additional costs. 6. The embargo has reduced the possibility and increased the cost of buying inputs, technology and equipment that would increase productivity and reduce production costs for goods and services in various sectors of the Cuban economy. This is particular relevant in the health-care sector, with the Cubans being denied access to the latest generation of equipment and medicine, available in some cases only from United States companies or at prohibitively high prices through third countries. In the area of information and communications technology, the Government of the United States has prohibited the provision of Internet services by United States Internet providers to Cuba. 7. The normal functioning of many sectors is dependent on the maintenance of obsolete equipment, in many cases of United States manufacture. The embargo makes it next to impossible to maintain that equipment, and increases the cost of such maintenance manifold, especially in sectors such as civil aviation, transportation and agriculture. This is compounded by the fact that Cuban exports are adversely affected, since they are not sold in what should be their natural destination country, which is not only the closest one but also the largest consumer in the world. 8. There have also been cases where Cuban brands have been registered in the United States under the same name, but with United States citizens as proprietors. The World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled in 2002 that section 211 of the United States Omnibus Appropriation Act of 1998, the legal basis for the cases mentioned, is contrary to the most-favoured nations obligations under the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (see case No. DS176 of the WTO Dispute Settlement Body, January 2002). 9. Tourism, one of the most dynamic sectors in the Cuban economy, has been particularly affected by the embargo. The acquisition of two Spanish tourism companies by United States firms has resulted in a reduced number of Spanish tourists in Cuba for two years in a row. Furthermore, Cubans citizens were denied the opportunity to travel to the United States to attend seminars and conferences or to perform and exhibit their work in such diverse fields as education, culture, sports and health care. 10. Third parties have also been affected by the embargo, which means that Cuban companies have a very limited choice of foreign partners. The persecution of those involved in Cuban commercial and financial transactions with third parties has been intensified, increasing costs not only for Cuba, but also for citizens and companies of other countries. This is especially notable in the case of foreign direct investment. Retaliation by the United States against foreign companies investing in Cuba has reached the point where the children of the managers of those companies are denied the possibility of studying at universities in the United States. 11. Restrictions on banking with Cuba have also intensified. This has not only placed an additional burden on Cuban companies in financing commercial operations with the rest of the world, but made it impossible for Cuba to honour its financial obligations to the United Nations itself, among others. Some 20 banking institutions worldwide have been affected by the extraterritoriality policy of the United States Government. 12. In sum, this unilateral policy of the Government of the United States of America has direct and indirect effects on the society and economy of Cuba, on third countries (owing to the extraterritorial nature of the embargo) and on the citizens and companies of the United States itself. Most importantly, it affects considerably the standard of living of Cuban citizens. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations [Original: English] [17 June 2008] Overall effects of the embargo on food security, agriculture, fisheries and the food industry 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 now very minimal. 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 has reversed itself; (b) Rice paddy production in 2007 is provisionally estimated at 420,000 tons, slightly below the level of the previous year but above the drought-affected level of 2005. However, this volume is still well below the level achieved in 2002 and 2003 (around 700,000 tons). By contrast, production of maize increased some 3 per cent from the past season, to 360,000 tons. Imports of cereals have remained steady in recent years and in 2007/08 are expected to cover three quarters of the country’s consumption requirements. The Cuban Government expects to reduce the impact of food and feed prices by promoting national agricultural production, thus reducing purchases on the external market; (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); (d) The high food import bill paid in 2007 was due to an increase in prices of up to 23.7 per cent over 2006. According to the Government, as a result, the purchase of the same amount of food as was imported in 2006 cost an additional 286 million dollars in 2007. The increase is continuing in 2008 as a result of rising food prices. 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. A particular case involves the limitations on the purchase of seed resulting from the restrictions faced by seed companies in doing business with Cuba. In 2007, the Ministry of Agriculture alone imported 27.6 thousand tons of potato seed from Canada (10.4 thousand) and Europe (17.2 thousand). A total of 67.3 tons of vegetable seed was also imported from Europe, Japan and the Middle East, with important implications in terms of freight costs. The Government estimates that if such seed could be purchased in the United States of America, Cuba could save approximately 872 million dollars, which could be used to purchase more seed. 4. 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. 5. 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. Effects of the embargo on selected agricultural commodities Cereals 6. Cereal production in the 2007-2008 marketing season is provisionally estimated at 640,000 tons, similar to the level of the previous season and well below the average of the past five years. Planting of first-season 2008-2009 rice and maize crops began at the end of May, with the arrival of seasonal rains. An increase in the cereals-planted area is expected as a response to measures adopted by the Government in the agricultural sector to reduce the food import bill. Cereal imports are estimated at about 1.9 million tons, consisting of wheat (750,000 tons), maize (530,000 tons) and rice (620,000 tons). Although in the past Cuba sourced much of its grain requirements from the European Union, the easing of sanctions by the United States since 2001 has resulted in larger purchases from that country: in the 2005-2006 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 owing to a ban imposed on United States long-grain rice for fear of its being genetically modified. The ban was lifted in April 2007. However, the recent increase in the price of food (especially cereals) could lead to higher expenses in this sector, which could result in reduced availability of resources for other important areas of the economy. Oilseeds 7. 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 of such products to Cuba. Sources of non-soybean oils and meals imported by Cuba include Argentina, Canada, China, the European Union and Mexico. In 2002, imports of soybeans and derived products from the United States resumed, largely replacing purchases from elsewhere. Raw sugar 8. The production of raw sugar, the main agricultural export and traditionally one of the main sources of foreign exchange, reached a record low of 1.2 million metric tons in 2007 owing to several factors, including adverse weather conditions which resulted in low yields and hampered field work, and reductions in the area planted and in the production capacity of processing plants. The Government estimates that 182 million metric tons of the 2007 harvest could not be processed owing to insufficient financial resources, which caused a loss of 40 million dollars. Harvesting of the 2008 sugar cane crop is virtually complete, and estimates point to a recovery in production to 1.5 million tons. These production levels, however, remain substantially lower than historical averages: output of 2.2 million tons in 2004 was regarded as a 70-year low. The 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 annually in Cuba is imported. The Governments of 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. Poultry and eggs 9. United States chicken exports to Cuba, which benefited from the granting in 2001 of a poultry exemption to the embargo, soared to record levels. United States shipments to Cuba rose from nil in 2000 to nearly 75,000 tons by 2003, propelling Cuba to the rank of seventh-largest export market for the United States. That country’s exports to Cuba are likely to continue to benefit from the soaring demand for chicken — a demand that has grown to more than 100,000 tons. Chicken consumption in Cuba should reach about 160,000 tons in 2008. Additional major suppliers to Cuba include Brazil and Canada. 10. Cuba faces limitations in the development of an internal poultry industry. Restrictions on access to technologies available in the United States and other countries, as well as to the raw materials needed for balanced rations, prevent the reduction of the import bill. The dependence of the poultry sector on imported feedstock has resulted in the adoption of preventive measures to avert a collapse in protein supply in case feedstock exports from the United States are paralyzed. The Government therefore keeps 3.8 million eggs under refrigeration to guarantee an egg supply to the population, at a cost of 5.6 million dollars. The Government estimates that the direct cost of the embargo for the poultry industry is approximately 53.4 million dollars, excluding the imports of inputs. Dairy products 11. National milk production of 430,000 tons annually does not cover Cuba’s growing domestic demand for dairy products. Milk powder represents more than 90 per cent of dairy imports (60,000 tons yearly). Imports are destined mainly for the Government’s social programmes. With the easing of some restrictions on food imports from the United States in 2000-2001, there were occasional shipments of milk powder to Cuba. Following the early-payment condition introduced by the United States in 2005, shipments have been lower. In mid-2007, the Government ensured a 250 per cent increase in the price paid to milk producers in order to stimulate domestic production and reduce the high cost of milk powder imports (about 300 million dollars annually). The price increases will not signify higher retail prices for consumers, but the current price of cereals and the implications for the price of imported and locally produced feedstock will make milk and dairy products more expensive. Fish products 12. 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, the embargo prevents access to one of the most important fish and fish-products markets. As a result, Cuba is obliged to export to more distant markets, with the resultant higher marketing and distribution costs. Export earnings amounted to 63.6 million dollars in 2006, for a total volume of 7,210 tons (product weight). On the other hand, fish imports, consisting mainly of low-value fish products, amounted to 36.2 million dollars for a total volume of 22,700 tons (product weight). Technical assistance to Cuba provided by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 13. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) provides technical assistance to Cuba through its Technical Cooperation Programme, which now includes the Technical Cooperation Programme Facility (which enables FAO representatives to respond to Government requests for urgent small-scale technical assistance activities and to strengthen the field programme development process) and the TeleFood Special Fund. In 2007, five national Technical Cooperation Programme projects (one of them being the Programme Facility, with two technical components), five regional Programme projects and five TeleFood projects were operational in the country. Through these projects, FAO has been supporting the optimization of agro-industrial processes for increased access to food and the conservation and use of natural resources for increased agricultural productivity; emergency assistance was also provided to support the eastern provinces of Cuba in recuperating from the damage caused by the climatic events that occurred at the end of 2007 and in reducing agricultural producers’ vulnerability to similar disasters. FAO will continue to support Cuba’s efforts to increase the sustainability of food security, through (a) the intensification and diversification of agriculture, (b) increased food safety and quality, and (c) the greater economic accessibility of food. FAO will also support Cuba’s actions in the area of 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, owing to the increased cost of materials and supplies, as well as to the 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] [13 May 2008] 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. However, the existing embargo poses certain difficulties to the implementation of the Agency’s Technical Cooperation Programme in Cuba, as it is not possible to procure some specialized equipment from United States companies, or on occasion to obtain visas for Cuban nationals to attend IAEA-organized training activities or meetings in the United States. In accordance with the above-mentioned article of its Statute, the Agency tries to overcome such difficulties to the extent that it can, for example by purchasing equipment from other locations and sending Cuban nationals for training in other countries, in order to meet the requirements of the Agency’s Technical Cooperation Programme in Cuba. International Civil Aviation Organization [Original: English] [3 June 2008] 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 General Assembly resolution 62/3, 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 the 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. The mobilization of financial resources for technical cooperation projects is constrained by the embargo, preventing potential negotiations with American financing institutions. 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] [4 June 2008] 1. 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 the issues of employment and decent work in Cuba. During the biennium 2008/09, ILO is providing technical assistance in three substantive areas: (a) Promotion of productivity, income generation and decent work in strategic sectors, through human resources development based on labour competencies; (b) Consolidation of national social security programmes and policies, with special emphasis on the reduction of work-related accidents and diseases in high-risk sectors (construction, agriculture, electricity) through effective prevention systems; (c) Strengthening of tripartism and social dialogue, specifically for effective monitoring of fundamental principles and rights at work. 3. Within these areas, key activities relate to: (a) Productivity, income generation and decent work • Development of training materials and workplace training in the sugar industry • Systematization and dissemination of best practices industry-wide • Review of related remuneration strategies • Construction of a network of public institutions and enterprises applying the Productivity Progress Measurement System methodology (b) National SafeWork system: • Training of labour inspectors in safety and health issues • Training of workers’ organizations that collaborate with labour inspection (c) Tripartism and social dialogue for decent work • Technical assistance on Convention No. 144 on tripartism and the ratification process • Strengthening of workers’ organizations (training on ILO mandate, functions and operations of supervising bodies, fundamental principles and rights) 4. 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] [6 June 2008] 1. The concerns of Cuba with respect to interference with its communications continue to receive full consideration by the Union. 2. Two active cases of harmful interference submitted by the Administration of Cuba which involve transmissions from radio stations based on board an aircraft under the administration of the United States of America are under consideration by the ITU Radio Regulations Board. Both cases have also been considered by the World Radiocommunication Conference, held in Geneva from 22 October to 16 November 2007. 3. The Conference noted that, in spite of repeated requests from the ITU secretariat (Radiocommunication Bureau) to the Administrations concerned to take the necessary actions to eliminate harmful interference, no information was reported to the Bureau on any improvement in the situation. The World Radiocommunication Conference urged the Administrations concerned to fulfil their obligations under the provisions of the Radio Regulations, but nonetheless expressed the view that a broadcasting station operating on board an aircraft and transmitting solely to the territory of another Administration without its agreement cannot be considered as being in conformity with the Radio Regulations. 4. After the Conference, and in the light of the regular weekly reports from the Administration of Cuba on the continuing character of the harmful interference on two frequencies, the Radio Regulations Board continued to encourage the Administrations of the United States and Cuba to cooperate and to find a solution. The main challenge is to find technical solutions without the use of technologies whose export to Cuba is restricted. The matter is placed once again on the agenda of the Radio Regulations Board for consideration at its 47th meeting, to be held from 23 to 27 June 2008. Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees [Original: English] [22 May 2008] 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 and of 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] [6 June 2008] 1. The economic and financial embargo continues to have negative effects on the situation and fundamental rights of children, adolescents, women and families. 2. Commercial limitations hamper the ability of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to purchase provisions and supplies needed for cooperation projects. The embargo also decreases the ability to import nutritional products destined for children, families and general consumption (in schools, hospitals and day-care centres), which directly affects the health and nutritional status of the population. According to official estimates, the cost of basic foods has dramatically increased since 2005, when the import of a ton of powdered milk cost 2,200 dollars compared with 4,800 dollars in 2008. The combined effect of the embargo and current international economic conditions affecting the availability and prices of basic foods for children and families has further aggravated the situation. Similar negative effects are being felt in the area of education, as basic needs for educational material and supplies remain unmet. Impact on the country programme of cooperation 3. Commercial limitations increase the price of every item that UNICEF needs to purchase as part of its projects. Furthermore, it undermines the cooperation of all United Nations agencies, as many of the products needed must be bought outside the country at higher costs. In the case of UNICEF, this has resulted in a decrease in the purchase of provisions and other supplies planned within the framework of cooperation for projects that are directed at approximately 2,766,180 children under 18 years of age (representing 24.6 per cent of the total population), women and families. Impact on children’s rights Health 4. The vaccination programme faced problems related to the purchase of disposable syringes. As part of a Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization project, about 3 million disposable syringes were to be received for child immunization. However, the suppliers did not authorize the purchase because Cuba was to be the ultimate beneficiary. Another example of the negative impact of the embargo is the increase in the number of children suffering from heart conditions who are waiting for appropriate treatment at the William Soler Paediatric Hospital, after Boston Scientific and Amplatzer refused to negotiate with Cuba. Children being treated at the National Institute of Oncology and Radiology also are feeling the negative impact of the embargo, as medication, equipment and other items have become increasingly scarce. It has been impossible to purchase a positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (PET/CT) scanner, a state-of-the-art piece of medical equipment needed for treatment that is made by only three manufacturers worldwide, all unauthorized to negotiate with Cuba. Food/nutrition 5. As the embargo restricts food imports, the scarcity of iron-rich and fortified foods continues to cause iron deficiency anaemia in the population, in particular in children under 3 years of age, as well as in women of reproductive age and pregnant women. In spite of the UNICEF contribution to national health strategies to eradicate iron deficiency anaemia in children under 3 (the rate was 50 per cent in 2000), prevalence still reached 37.5 per cent in 2007. Children with special needs 6. Commercial barriers make it very difficult to purchase the necessary equipment for children with special needs, including those requiring physical rehabilitation. Education 7. The availability of textbooks and educational material is insufficient to meet the needs of all schools nationwide. In addition, there is still a significant lack of school supplies such as pencils, notebooks and paper needed for educational purposes. Access to improved drinking-water sources and sanitation facilities 8. About 13 per cent of families in rural areas do not have access to improved drinking-water sources, while 14 per cent do not have access to improved sanitation facilities. In some cases, well-drilling machines are left unused because it is nearly impossible to purchase spare parts, which are manufactured in the United States. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development [Original: English] [14 July 2008] 1. The Accra Accord, which emerged from the twelfth session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), held in Accra from 20 to 25 April 2008, urges States to refrain from promulgating and applying any unilateral economic, financial or trade measure not in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations that impedes the full achievement of economic and social development, particularly in developing countries, and that affects commercial interests. Also, it recognizes that these actions hinder market access, investments and freedom of transit and the well-being of the population of affected countries. Moreover, the Accra Accord stresses that meaningful trade liberalization would require addressing such measures. The embargo measures applied by the United States against Cuba are the type of measures referred to in the Accra Accord, and they have had substantial costs for Cuba. Trends in Cuba 2. Overall direct economic damage to Cuba has been assessed at more than 89 billion dollars and additional costs incurred with respect to Cuba’s external trade at over 1 billion dollars (see A/62/92, para. 131). It is estimated that during the period from May 2006 to April 2007, the embargo caused losses of more than 258 million dollars in the food sector and over 30 million dollars to the national health system. Lack of access to state-of-the-art medicines and diagnostic methods was cited as the major drawback in the Cuban public health sector. In December 2006, the United States Government prohibited all United States Internet providers from providing their services to Cuba, and, consequently, access by Cubans to the Internet has been limited, affecting a broad range of social, economic and academic activities. Moreover, the extraterritorial application of the United States embargo has had substantial costs for citizens in third countries, hampering businesses and obstructing capital flows involving Cuba. 3. In spite of the adverse effects of the embargo, in 2006 the Cuban gross domestic product increased by 12.5 per cent over the previous year. International trade also expanded in that year. For trade in goods, UNCTAD estimates for 2006 are 3 billion dollars for exports and 9.5 billion dollars for imports, representing a goods trade deficit of 6.5 billion dollars, an increase of 1 billion dollars over the previous year. Ores and metals, food and agricultural products and manufactured goods accounted for 48, 28 and 24 per cent, respectively, of Cuba’s exports. The European Union was the largest market for Cuban goods, accounting for 42 per cent of exports, mostly in the categories of 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 21 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 11 per cent of exports, respectively. Cuba’s total imports increased by 2 billion dollars from the previous year. In terms of the composition of imports, manufactured goods had the largest share, accounting for 53 per cent, followed by fuels and food and agriculture, with shares of 25 and 21 per cent, respectively. The Latin America and the Caribbean region was the largest source of Cuba’s imports, providing 38 per cent. The corresponding figure for the European Union was 20 per cent. 4. Export and import trends in Cuba were unchanged in 2006 from the previous year, except as concerns agricultural imports from the United States. While Cuba’s agricultural imports from other partners increased in 2006, those from the United States decreased. With the introduction of the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000, the United States started to export its agricultural products to Cuba, and in 2005 the value of Cuba’s agricultural imports from the United States reached 460 million dollars. However, in 2006 it went down to 380 million dollars. That trend is likely the result of the measures introduced by the Treasury Department in 2005 to tighten the financial requirements for United States agricultural exports to Cuba. 5. The availability of up-to-date trade data for Cuba is limited, but for 2007 UNCTAD estimates are 3.7 billion dollars for exports and 10 billion dollars for imports, representing a goods trade deficit of 6.3 billion dollars, a decrease of 0.3 billion dollars from the previous year. 6. For services trade, UNCTAD estimates for 2007 were 6.6 billion dollars for exports and 0.8 billion dollars for imports, representing a service trade surplus of 5.8 billion dollars, about the same level as the previous year. The sale of professional and other services, particularly to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, remained strong in 2007. The prices of those service exports to Venezuela were linked to oil import prices from the country, and this mechanism cushioned Cuba from oil-price shocks. It is estimated that the number of Cuban professionals working abroad may have risen in 2007, although the increase would be more modest than in the period from 2004 to 2006. The tourism sector is another major source of foreign exchange earnings, but it was projected that the number of tourist arrivals would fall by 10 per cent in 2007. 7. Concerning foreign direct investment, UNCTAD estimated that annual foreign direct investment stocks in Cuba amounted to 78 million dollars in 2006. Many of the new investments came from State companies or private companies outside the countries members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Venezuela and China continued to account for a large part of the investments. Developments in the United States of America 8. Bipartisan legislative proposals were made in June 2007 that were aimed at promoting United States agricultural exports to Cuba and easing restrictions on United States citizens travelling to the country. Those proposals aim to: (a) facilitate the export of United States agricultural products to Cuba as authorized by the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000; (b) remove impediments to the export to Cuba of medical devices and medicines; (c) allow travel to Cuba by United States citizens; (d) allow travel of Cuban citizens who are involved in agricultural purchases from the United States; (e) establish an agricultural export promotion programme with respect to Cuba; and (f) to repeal a United States law, inconsistent with the principles of the World Trade Organization, that bars United States recognition of certain Cuban trademarks. However, the President of the United States expressed his intention to veto the proposals if they were adopted by the Congress. 9. A report entitled “US Agricultural Sales to Cuba: Certain Economic Effects of US Restrictions” was issued in July 2007 in response to a request from the Senate Committee on Finance to estimate the effects on United States sales of agricultural products to Cuba if financing and travel restrictions were lifted. The study found that removing those restrictions, particularly financing restrictions, would increase the annual United States share of Cuba’s agricultural imports to nearly 70 per cent, representing an annual boost of more than 300 million dollars in United States agricultural sales. The report also estimated that were travel restrictions to be lifted, the number of Americans travelling to Cuba would increase from 171,000 to between 554,000 and 1.1 million in the short term. However, the impact of such a development on United States agricultural exports would be limited, as these exports consist mostly of bulk products that are not consumed in the tourist sector. Conclusions 10. Since the previous reporting period, there has been no improvement in the embargo. Existing sanctions have been applied with vigour, and the embargo measures have continued to have a serious impact on Cuba. While Cuba’s economic climate was favourable, owing largely to strengthened South-South cooperation, the embargo had attendant costs for the Cuban economy and society. Also, as a study undertaken by the United States International Trade Commission demonstrates, the embargo results in the loss of substantial opportunities for the United States. Moreover, while United States agricultural exports to Cuba were allowed by the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000, the financing restrictions introduced in 2005 on United States agricultural exports to Cuba affected agricultural exports to Cuba in 2006. Legislative efforts to ease embargo measures against Cuba continue in the United States, but they face strong opposition and are unlikely to succeed in the near future. The extraterritorial application of the United States embargo continues to affect citizens in third countries and impedes their trade with and investments in Cuba. The impact of the extraterritorial application is considerable owing to the significant United States interests in transnational corporations. Table 1 Cuban exports of merchandise (Millions of United States dollars) Partner Commodity groupa 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007b European Union (27 member States) Food and agriculture 335 370 309 433 Ores and metals 376 589 569 745 Fuels 0 0 0 0 Manufactured goods 27 29 29 32 Subtotal 738 988 907 1 210 Latin America and the Caribbean Food and agriculture 39 35 30 42 Ores and metals 14 36 23 38 Fuels 13 12 6 11 Manufactured goods 259 443 510 617 Subtotal 325 525 570 708 United States of America Food and agriculture 0 0 0 0 Ores and metals 0 0 0 0 Fuels 0 0 0 0 Manufactured goods 0 0 1 0 Subtotal 0 0 1 0 Other regions Food and agriculture 302 302 189 323 Ores and metals 265 487 444 607 Fuels 12 0 12 8 Manufactured goods 33 30 36 48 Subtotal 612 819 681 986 World Food and agriculture 676 707 528 799 Ores and metals 655 1 111 1 037 1 389 Fuels 25 12 18 19 Manufactured goods 319 502 576 697 Total 1 675 2 332 2 159 2 905 3 690 Source: UNCTAD secretariat calculations based on United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (COMTRADE) and International Monetary Fund Direction of Trade (DOT) data. Note: Data availability in COMTRADE and DOT as at 8 July 2008. a The commodity group is classified according to Standard International Trade Classification, Rev.3. b For 2007, only the figure for total exports to the world is available. Table 2 Cuban imports of merchandise (Millions of United States dollars) Partner Commodity groupa 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007b European Union (27 member States) Food and agriculture 288 211 193 230 Ores and metals 17 24 28 25 Fuels 83 21 6 14 Manufactured goods 1 084 1 193 1 511 1 619 Subtotal 1 472 1 451 1 739 1 889 Latin America and the Caribbean Food and agriculture 190 283 424 509 Ores and metals 8 10 26 26 Fuels 783 1 220 1 797 2 172 Manufactured goods 461 559 736 932 Subtotal Subtotal 1 442 2 073 2 984 3 640 United States of America Food and agriculture 319 433 463 370 Ores and metals 0 0 0 0 Fuels 0 0 0 0 Manufactured goods 13 16 19 12 Subtotal 331 449 482 382 Other regions Food and agriculture 266 334 490 929 Ores and metals 30 37 36 66 Fuels 140 69 142 158 Manufactured goods 980 1 197 1 715 2 438 Subtotal 1 417 1 638 2 385 3 952 World Food and agriculture 1 062 1 261 1 571 2 039 Ores and metals 55 72 91 117 Fuels 1 006 1 310 1 946 2 344 Manufactured goods 2 538 2 965 3 982 5 001 Total 4 662 5 610 7 591 9 503 10 083 Source: UNCTAD secretariat calculations based on United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (COMTRADE) and International Monetary Fund Direction of Trade (DOT) data. Note: Data availability in COMTRADE and DOT as at 8 July 2008. a The commodity group is classified according to Standard International Trade Classification, Rev.3. b For 2007, only the figure for total imports from the world is available. Table 3 Cuban service exports and imports (Millions of United States dollars) 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Export Import Export Import Export Import Export Import Export Import 2 979 650 3 450 740 5 326 776 6 472 793 6 611 816 Source: Economist Intelligence Unit. United Nations Development Programme in Cuba [Original: English] [5 June 2008] 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 2007 the situation remained very similar to that of previous years. The impact of the embargo can be observed in all spheres of the country’s social and economic activities, affecting opportunities for national and local development and creating economic hardship. The embargo also affects the population’s most vulnerable groups and human development in general. 2. According to estimates by Cuban authorities, as of 2006 cumulative direct and indirect losses to the Cuban economy due to the embargo since the early 1960s amount to 89.234 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 been very difficult to establish partnerships and to collaborate with United States non-governmental organizations, universities and research institutes and to promote exchanges among experts from both countries. The embargo has limited the efforts of United States-based non-governmental organizations 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 had negative consequences for external cooperation initiatives, generating many difficulties for programme and project implementation owing to commercial restrictions on purchasing inputs from United States companies and their subsidiaries. This situation has a negative impact on the final cost of imported project inputs; projects face more difficulties in terms of finding suppliers, and products have been purchased from very distant countries. 6. Due 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, the sole exception being foodstuffs, and then only through full-cost advance cash payments. As a result, Cuba is forced to purchase and import products from more distant places, at a much higher cost. This has had a direct impact on UNDP development cooperation, both by increasing the transaction costs of obtaining project inputs and by increasing transportation costs for such imported goods. 7. A clear example of the above is the project financed by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Following established purchasing procedures, the project requested competitive 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 either 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. 8. As an example, last year it was not possible to purchase Ritonavir 100 mg or Ritonavir 80 mg/ml from Abbot or to purchase Atazanavir 200 mg from BMS. Finally, Ritonavir 100 mg was purchased, but at a price 20 per cent higher than that charged by Abbott. The remaining medicines could not be purchased for several reasons related to United States restrictions. 9. For United States companies, the process of obtaining licences from the United States Government to operate in Cuba is quite cumbersome and takes a long time, which affects the effectiveness and efficiency of their operations, even in the case of donations. As a consequence, development results are jeopardized. 10. Additionally, the embargo has had an impact on purchasing processes for medical equipment, making it difficult to obtain price quotes for equipment to measure viral load and flow cytometers to determine CD4 cell count. This delays the purchasing process by approximately six months. 11. The embargo also affects daily work at the UNDP Cuba Office, as outlined below. 12. In cases involving UNDP global bidding processes for the provision of specific services to country offices, the fact that certain companies cannot operate in Cuba without first obtaining specific licences can affect the effectiveness of bidding processes and have impacts in terms of costs. 13. Since December 2006, the UNDP Cuba Office has not been able to make use of the corporate long-term agreement signed between UNDP and Dell and has had to purchase computer equipment from other suppliers, despite actions taken by the UNDP Purchasing Unit. As a result, the equipment had to be purchased at 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 Cuba-based operations. The UNDP Office faces difficulties in acquiring the software licences needed to conduct programme and operational activities efficiently. A similar situation prevailed in 2007, also affecting the 2008 purchasing plan. As a result, administrative costs for the Office are higher. 14. Due to restrictions on financial services from United States banks to Cuba, UNDP operations must use additional administrative measures to undertake programme finance operations, resulting in higher costs to the Office and a greater administrative burden due to the use of third-country banks. 15. The embargo has also affected Cuban officials working in support of the United Nations system objectives, as well as of the United Nations itself. 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 (more than a month). However, despite compliance with United States requirements, such visas are not always granted on time. Thus, Cuba-based UNDP staff are frequently prevented from participating in official training workshops and official meetings, and both headquarters and the country office are deprived of the benefit of acquiring and sharing valuable experiences. This also applies to official Cuban delegates to UNDP-sponsored workshops in the United States, including representatives of government, non-governmental organizations, universities and other development actors. Higher-priced air tickets must be purchased to allow for date changes and cancellations owing to the uncertainty resulting from the late granting of visa authorizations. Last-minute changes to travel tickets to accommodate the late issuance of visas also increase administrative costs for the country Office. 16. UNDP personnel travelling to New York headquarters on official business encounter difficulties in purchasing air tickets from Cuba to the United States, as they have to take routes that involve multiple connections, 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. 17. Finally, long-serving UNDP national staff members who hold private saving accounts in the United Nations Federal Credit Union in New York have had such accounts frozen upon their retirement due to restrictions by the Office of Foreign Assets Control on transactions by Cuban nationals with United States-based financial institutions. This has caused hardships for UNDP pension recipients. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization [Original: English] [10 July 2008] 1. In response to the request for brief and concise information on relevant developments since June 2007 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 that it is difficult, therefore, to quantify the damage that the embargo has caused to programmes run by the organization within its field of competence — education, science, culture and communication and information. However, from the qualitative point of view, the following observations can be made. 2. The situation has remained relatively unchanged since 2007. In the area of education, the embargo continues to have an impact on the availability of educational resources, linked to trade restrictions that prevent their purchase at more competitive prices. In the area of science, the embargo continues to limit the ability to purchase up-to-date scientific materials, and scientific academic and professional exchanges continue to be limited by visa policies that make travel and study movement difficult. In the area of culture, the embargo continues to have an impact on the ability to obtain historical preservation materials, supplies for cultural industries and cooperation with American institutions that might otherwise collaborate, including exchanges. In the area of communications and information, Cuba remains unable to acquire underwater fibre-optic cables handled by United States firms, software licences and certain equipment. However, it remains 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 technologies in the country, although recently there has been a liberalization of laws relating to the ownership of computers and cell phones and a lifting of the embargo in relation to cellular phones. United Nations Environment Programme [Original: English] [9 July 2008] 1. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) does not implement activities directly related to General Assembly resolution 62/3. However, UNEP does carry out relevant activities related to its programme of work in Cuba and the embargo has not had an impact on the capacity of UNEP to carry out the activities detailed below. 2. The launching of the tri-national cooperation agreement between Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Haiti occurred on 22 June 2007. UNEP is part of that effort, whose objective is collaboration in the creation of a corridor between the countries and the provision of assistance for environmental recovery in Haiti. A project proposal for the corridor was presented to the European Union in April 2008. Early warning and assessment 3. Global Environment Outlook 4 (GEO-4) scenario chapter. The Centre for World Economy Studies (CIEM) in Cuba is one of the selected centres of excellence for UNEP for assessment-related activities, known as GEO Collaborating Centres. CIEM coordinated a group of experts from nine Latin American and Caribbean countries with the goal of producing a set of scenario narratives for the region that have been used to develop the outlook component of GEO-4, contained in its chapter 9, “The future today”. The global publication was launched in September 2007. CIEM will also collaborate in the production of chapter 4, entitled “Future outlook”, of the forthcoming GEO regional report, to be published in January 2009; 4. Latin American and Caribbean Initiative for Sustainable Development (ILAC) indicators Cuba. Even though Cuba is not one of the 12 member countries of the Environmental Indicators Working Group of the Forum of Ministers of the Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean, Cuban experts from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment and the Office of Statistics have been participating in some of the ILAC indicator activities. UNEP is in the process of signing a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry to prepare a national ILAC indicator report; 5. GEO-Cities. These environmental assessment reports are under preparation in the cities of Santa Clara, Holguin and Cienfuegos. Environmental law 6. The Latin American Parliament workshop on access to environmental justice was held in La Habana on 8 and 9 October 2007, in the framework of the Global Environmental Citizenship/Global Environment Facility Global Environmental Citizenship Project as a subregional activity for Cuba, one of the seven countries participating in the project. The workshop consisted of presentations and a debate among governmental and non-governmental stakeholders on various substantive and procedural issues related to access to information, participation in decision-making and access to environmental justice. Global Environment Fund projects 7. Global Environment Fund projects include the following: • The National Capacity Self-Assessment for Global Environmental Management • Enabling activities for the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants • Generation and delivery of renewable energy-based modern energy services in Cuba, in particular on Isla de la Juventud • Integrating watershed and coastal area management in the small island developing States of the Caribbean • Solar and wind energy resource assessment The United Nations Development Assistance Framework in Cuba 8. UNEP has contributed significantly to the United Nations Development Assistance Framework in Cuba; the activities described below have been carried out under the area of cooperation for environment and energy. 9. Cuba is a party to the Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region (Cartagena Convention). The Convention is administered by UNEP, meaning that UNEP has been given responsibility for secretariat functions, which are delivered through the Regional Coordinating Unit. Three protocols, on oil spills, protected areas and wildlife, and pollution from land-based sources and activities, supplement the Convention. Today, the activities of the Caribbean Environment Programme focus mainly on the implementation of the protocols, on information management and exchange, and on environmental education and training. 10. Work is also under way to reduce polluted run-off to the Caribbean Sea, through the holding of workshops, the production of guidelines and integrated management plans, sewage control and the adoption of national contingency plans for marine emergencies. The region’s network of parks and protected areas is continually being strengthened, and a small grants fund is providing assistance to marine protected areas. United Nations Human Settlements Programme [Original: English] [5 June 2008] 1. The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) believes that the embargo has a long-term impact that has negative implications with respect to the following areas: (a) The stable and speedy import supply of construction materials, tools and equipment, as well as energy and raw materials for the construction and maintenance of human settlements, and their reconstruction after natural disasters; (b) The transfer of more efficient and ecologically sound technologies and the use of patents originating from the United States or commercialized by United States companies and other companies around the world; (c) Access to energy, energy-saving technologies and oil, which are also important assets in 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, so that Cubans can use efficient and environmentally sustainable alternatives; (d) Access to low-cost chemicals and equipment for water and wastewater treatment needed to improve the quality and affordability of those services, and the resulting impact on environmental and public health; (e) The resolution of outstanding claims on properties previously owned by United States citizens or naturalized Cuban citizens, which is necessary for the use and rehabilitation of important facilities and the rationality and coherence of urban and real estate development; (f) Visa and travel permits needed for scientific, technical and cultural exchanges, particularly for planners, architects, engineers and social scientists to advise their Cuban counterparts in the design, planning and management of housing and human settlements. 2. In essence, from the human settlements perspective, the implementation of General Assembly resolution 62/3 would have beneficial social, economic and environmental effects on human settlements, planning and management and environmental health, particularly for the poor and disadvantaged segments of the population. 3. However, despite the embargo, UN-Habitat has continued to carry out its activities in Cuba. UN-Habitat, in collaboration with its counterparts — the Cuban National Housing Institute and the Physical Planning Institute — has been developing technical cooperation projects. In June 2007, the Executive Director of UN-Habitat travelled to Havana to sign a cooperation agreement on sustainable human settlements and urban environmental management. 4. Eleven pilot projects in support of a local Agenda 21 have been successfully completed in four cities, and an evaluation workshop has been held. The future use of the Santa Clara Training Centre as a resource tool for the environment and the implementation of local Agenda 21 projects in Cuba and other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean will also be evaluated. 5. UN-Habitat also played an active role in developing the United Nations country strategy. It is currently formulating a Habitat country programme document for the human settlements sector, to be published shortly, that includes projects to be carried out jointly by UN-Habitat and the Government of Cuba during 2008-2009. United Nations Industrial Development Organization [Original: English] [5 June 2008] 1. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) reaffirms its support for General Assembly resolution 62/3. As stated on earlier occasions, it is the view of UNIDO that the embargo has a negative impact on the economic development of Cuba. Recently, the situation has been aggravated by rising oil and food prices on global markets and the resulting economic slowdown. Although UNIDO is continuing to cooperate with Cuba in several technical fields, the long-term benefit to the country of such cooperation may be diminished by the prolonged embargo. 2. At present, UNIDO is implementing programmes that focus on energy efficiency and alternative sources of energy; cleaner and sustainable management of the environment; and the total phase-out of the use of methyl bromide in soil fumigation, substrates, storage and structures. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime [Original: English] [22 May 2008] 1. Despite its need, at present Cuba does not benefit from technical assistance provided by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) because of the unavailability of resources earmarked by funding partners for this purpose (91 per cent of the UNODC budget consists of such tied funds). 2. Cuba has benefited from some programmes in the areas of law enforcement and drug control and participates in meetings of the Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, which offer an opportunity to strengthen ties and cooperation among the law enforcement authorities of Latin American countries. However, since Cuba is not an active member of the Organization of American States or a member of the Inter-American Development Bank or the World Bank, the possibility of resource mobilization and participation in joint or regional programmes for technical cooperation is limited. Stand-alone initiatives, focused directly on Cuba are even less likely, for the same reason. 3. UNODC welcomes the opportunity to cooperate with Cuba. Given its geographical situation, the country is in a vulnerable position, right in the middle of drug-trafficking transit routes. It is of great importance that Cuban law enforcement authorities have access to compatible procedures and professional skills to facilitate successful interaction with their regional counterparts. In view of the scarcity of funds for the region, the Office has promoted the completion of a study on “Crime and development in the Caribbean”, subtitle “Caught in the crossfire”. Indeed, Cuba is a country caught in the crossfire between the world’s largest drug producers (the Andean countries) and the largest consumer nations (in the northern hemisphere). It is therefore essential to increase UNODC operations in the region, including, of course, in Cuba. For that reason, the Office has been very proactive in its quest for funds. United Nations Population Fund [Original: English] [3 June 2008] 1. For several years the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has prepared reports on the effects of the embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba for almost five decades. During the past 12 months, the situation has not changed; the measures introduced by the embargo, some of them reinforced in recent years, have been maintained, with a resulting negative impact. It must be underlined that those measures fundamentally affect the people of Cuba, particularly the quality of life of the most vulnerable groups, and hamper economic, social and cultural development. The situation has had a negative impact on external cooperation programmes owing to the fact that it is impossible to purchase equipment, medicines and laboratory materials produced by the United States or covered by United States patents. It also leads to difficulties in establishing and maintaining partnerships with United States non-governmental organizations and exchanges among experts from both countries. 2. The financial burden and commercial barriers in the health-care system in particular have led to shortages or the intermittent availability of drug, medicines, equipment and spare parts. They also hinder the continuous 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 common contraceptive methods and uses them widely, 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. Commercial restrictions also limit Cuba’s access to state-of-the-art technologies, new drugs and reproductive health products. Since the United States embargo prevents access by Cuba 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, generally at higher prices, with a consequent increase in costs, mainly for transportation and freight. 4. Cuba has managed to contain the spread of the HIV and AIDS epidemic for more than 20 years, since the disease appeared in the country. The prevalence rate is very low if compared with that of other Caribbean countries, and the overall incidence of sexually transmitted infections has declined. Cases of HIV are increasing among women, although most cases (80 per cent of the total) still occur among males aged 20 to 24. The availability of condoms has improved thanks in part to the support obtained from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, but supplies are still below the quantity required. 5. In general, there is a lack of access to appropriate contraceptives for adolescents and young adults, which is likely to influence the still relatively high abortion rates and high rates of menstrual regulation among these population groups. 6. The economic embargo has also affected the delivery of services to Cuba’s growing elderly population. Owing in part to the financial restriction 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 future as the elderly population continues to increase owing to the country’s demographic transition process. 7. At present, international sources of assistance to Cuba are very limited. UNFPA is one of the few sources of funding to support activities related to sexual and reproductive health, population and development strategies, and gender equity. The support provided by UNFPA is aimed at strengthening national capacities and developing best practices that may also benefit other countries in the region. Important results have been achieved in this regard. Continued support for Cuba is essential to help it achieve national and international development objectives in the aforementioned areas and prevent any setbacks. Universal Postal Union [Original: English] [11 July 2008] 1. As a specialized agency of the United Nations, the Universal Postal Union (UPU) is not directly involved in implementing General Assembly resolution 62/3, which directly affects Member States only. 2. 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. 3. 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] [7 July 2008] The United States embargo continues to severely limit trade and has a direct impact on the capacity and efficiency of Cuba’s logistics 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 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 (WFP) distributes are produced locally. As in previous years, in 2007 their production was delayed and interrupted due to delays in the arrival of raw materials, production equipment and spare parts. With respect to the food that WFP imports into Cuba, shipments have been delayed and costs have been increased by the need to trans-ship commodities prior to their arrival in Cuba. World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization [Original: English and Spanish] [10 July 2008] 1. According to Government sources, in strictly economic terms, the impact of the embargo during the period covered by the present report (June 2007 to May 2008) is on the order of 25 million dollars, totalling a cumulative impact of 2,293.3 million dollars since 1960. 2. The economic embargo affects public or population health in Cuba overall by hindering the country’s development and the upgrading of its basic sanitation infrastructure, and limiting access to public health goods, including scientific knowledge. The result is a poorer quality of life and health that can be described but is difficult to measure in economic and social terms. The cases below are illustrative: (a) The country’s access to the free flow of ideas and knowledge is limited owing to the restrictions on Cuban participation in major research forums and events. Notwithstanding its recognized advances in science and innovation, Cuba’s scientific community is at a disadvantage because of its limited access to fellowships and grants, a situation that is detrimental not only to the country but to global science and development, whose advancement requires access to the scientific output of all countries; (b) The procurement of vaccines and diagnostic sets for measles and rubella surveillance through third countries raises costs, hampers epidemiological surveillance and complicates the logistics of mass vaccination, exposing the people of Cuba and neighbouring countries to unnecessary health risks; (c) The procurement of 3 million disposable syringes for vaccination was hindered because United States suppliers could not be considered by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) bidding process, resulting in the need to procure the syringes from suppliers in other regions and a longer time to complete the transaction. 3. The impact of the economic embargo on Cuba’s national health system keeps the health indicators of the Cuban population from improving further. During the period covered by the present report, the following situations were noted: (a) Lack of diagnostic materials and equipment, replacement parts, surgical supplies and drugs hinders the operations of emergency services and care for patients in serious condition. The resources for treating patients who need this type of care, adults and children alike, are limited. In the case of patients with psychiatric disorders, state-of-the-art drugs are unavailable; (b) The work of the Oncology and Radiology Institute, an institution devoted to research, diagnosis, and the care of patients with cancer, is hindered by the lack of drugs, equipment, and other supplies, especially for the treatment of Cuban children seen at the Institute. The lack of a positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scanner prevents more accurate diagnosis of patients with cancer. As for radiation technology, the breakdown of the gamma chamber, high-technology oncology equipment that needs replacement parts produced in the United States, makes it impossible to provide proper medical care for people suffering from cancer who require this type of care; (c) The Genetics Centre does not have a gene sequencer, which is manufactured by United States companies. This impedes the diagnosis of hereditary deafness and hearing loss; it also limits research on hereditary breast cancer and cystic fibrosis, to name but a few diseases; (d) The William Soler Cardiocentre lacks the health supplies necessary for treating patients with heart disease. Lack of access to products manufactured by United States companies such as St. Jude Medical, Boston Scientific and Amplatzer prevents the provision of proper care to seriously ill patients who need a pacemaker, St. Jude prosthetic valves or septal occluders, forcing their treatment with alternative, riskier surgical techniques. 4. PAHO/WHO technical cooperation is constrained by restrictions on the movement of scientific, technical and financial resources between the two member countries. The embargo has limited access to and the use of the communication tools and equipment necessary for technical cooperation and has restricted the participation of government staff and scientists at events organized by the Pan American Health Organization in Cuba and the United States. World Meteorological Organization [Original: English] [10 July 2008] 1. With respect to existing collaboration between Cuba and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), WMO has been providing support to projects, meteorological equipment and instruments as well as co-sponsoring meteorological conferences. 2. As a member of WMO, Cuba benefits from WMO global and regional services, receiving publications and other materials from the organization. Cuba takes part in WMO activities such as meetings, workshops and courses. 3. WMO maintains collaborative relations with all Caribbean States, including Cuba, which is a member of Regional Association IV (North America, Central America and the Caribbean) through the WMO Regional Office for the Americas. Furthermore, Cuba participates in projects covering the Caribbean area, such as the Small Island Developing States Caribbean project, and benefits from them. World Trade Organization [Original: English] [19 May 2008] 1. Although in the World Trade Organization (WTO) members do not address the issue of 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, the prohibition of quotas and the possibility of invoking exceptions to those obligations. 2. For example, in 2007 the issue was raised in a number of instances, including in particular in the Dispute Settlement Body, as well as in the negotiating group on non-agricultural market access. It is also regularly referred to when the trade policies of the United States are reviewed in the Trade Policy Review Body. * A/63/150. From a speech made by the United States President in the State Department on 24 October 2007. Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba. See section 211 of the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 and the new hostile banking measures connected with the theft of Cuban brand names. CFR is one of the most influential foreign-policy think tanks in the United States, and includes prominent members of the country’s establishment; it has a basically centre-right view. External debt 7,793.7 million dollars, Cuban Statistical Yearbook, p. 126. Source: Central Bank. See TD/442, sect. II, para. 20. Ibid. Ibid., para. 73. WTO document, “Cuba-Article XV:6 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994: report by the Government of Cuba under the decision of 15 December 2006”, WT/L/708, 10 December 2007. The Economist Intelligence Unit, “Country Report: Cuba”, November 2007, p. 9. Ibid., p. 27. Ibid., p. 26. World Investment Report 2007, fact sheet on Cuba, UNCTAD, http://www.unctad.org/wir. The Economist Intelligence Unit, “Country Report: Cuba”, op. cit., p. 10. H.R. 2819 and S.1673: Promoting American Agricultural and Medical Exports to Cuba Act of 2007. International Trade Daily, “Republicans Stall Agriculture Spending Bill; White House Issues Veto Threat over Cuba”, BNA Monitoring Service, 2 August 2007. United States International Trade Commission, “US Agricultural Sales to Cuba: Certain Economic Effects of US Restrictions”, Investigation No. 332-489, Washington, D.C., July 2007. United States Senate Committee on Finance news release, 19 July 2007, Washington, D.C. Ibid. __________________ __________________  sss1 \* MERGEFORMAT A/63/93 sss1 \* MERGEFORMAT A/63/93 FooterJN \* MERGEFORMAT 08-40557 \* MERGEFORMAT 4 \* MERGEFORMAT 3 FooterJN \* MERGEFORMAT 08-40557 United Nations A/63/93 General Assembly Distr.: General 1 August 2008 English Original: Arabic/English/French/ Russian/Spanish jobn \* MERGEFORMAT 08-40557 (E) 101008 Barcode \* MERGEFORMAT *0840557*