General Assembly Speeches by Cuba and Vietnam on Ukraine

 STATEMENT BY THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE 

OF CUBA TO THE UNITED NATIONS, AMBASSADOR 

PEDRO LUIS PEDROSO CUESTA, AT THE 

EXPLANATION OF VOTE ON THE DRAFT RESOLUTION 

REGARDING THE SUSPENSION OF RIGHTS OF 

MEMBERSHIP OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION IN THE 

HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL. 

New York, 7 April 2022.

Mr. President;

Cuba has always championed and worked for a 

Human Rights Council capable of coping with the 

complex challenges the international community 

faces in this area, from which no country escapes. 

We defend objectivity, impartiality and transparency 

in the work of that body, and that its procedures and 

mechanisms are implemented on the basis of 

accurate and verified information. 

The use of the clause on suspension of the right of 

membership in the Council will, in no way, favor the 

search for a peaceful, negotiated and lasting solution 

to the conflict in Ukraine; and much less will it help to 

foster the spirit of cooperation, dialogue and 

understanding that should prevail when addressing 

the issue of human rights.

It is disrespectful, moreover, that just a few days

before the conclusion of a regular session of the 

Human Rights Council; that body has not even been 

given the opportunity to speak out on this subject.

Mr. President,

Since the beginning of the negotiation process 

regarding the establishment of the new Council that 

would replace the Commission on Human Rights, 

Cuba opposed the membership suspension clause, 

due to the serious risk that it would be used by 

certain countries that favor double standards, 

selectivity and the politicization of human rights 

issues. 

This clause can be activated with the support of only 

two thirds of those present and voting; therefore, 

abstentions do not count and not even a required 

minimum number of votes is established for the 

suspension to be approved. 

To be elected as a member of the Human Rights 

Council, a country needs to obtain at the very least, 

in a secret ballot, the endorsement of the majority of 

the UN members, that is to say, no less that 97 

votes. 

Thus, the rights of a member of the Council can be 

suspended by the will of an even smaller number of 

States than those that decided to elect it and grant it 

those rights.

The Russian Federation, which was elected as a 

member of the Human Rights Council in 2020 by 158 

votes, could today be suspended by a lower number.

That suspension mechanism, which has no parallel 

in any other United Nations organ, can be easily 

used in a selective manner. Today it is Russia, but 

tomorrow it could be any of our countries, particularly 

nations of the South that do not bow to the interests 

of domination and staunchly defend their 

independence.

It was no coincidence that the most enthusiastic 

supporters of the membership suspension clause, 

when the establishment of the new Human Rights 

Council was being negotiated, were developed 

nations with a proven tendency to accuse countries 

of the South that do not abide by their alleged

models of democracy, while remaining silently 

complicit in the face of flagrant violations of human 

rights in Western countries. 

Of course, not everyone present in this hall shares 

our concerns about the suspension mechanism, 

since they know that the victims of its selective use 

will always be others. 

Will this Assembly be able, some day, to pass a 

resolution suspending the membership of the United 

States in the Human Rights Council, just to mention

an example? 

We are all aware that this has not happened and will 

not happen, despite its blatant and massive 

violations of human rights, as a result of invasions 

and wars of plunder against sovereign States, in 

accordance with its geopolitical interests. They have 

caused the death of hundreds of thousands of 

civilians, whom they call "collateral damage"; millions 

of displaced persons and mammoth destruction 

throughout our planet´s geography, but this 

Assembly has never suspended any of their rights.

We all also know that the suspension clause will not 

be applied against the State that has imposed 

against Cuba, for more than 60 years, a criminal 

economic, commercial and financial blockade which

constitutes, without a doubt, the most protracted, 

flagrant, massive and systematic violation of the 

human rights of an entire people and a true act of 

genocide against an entire country.

It is ironic, to say the least, to see that the country 

that opposed the establishment of the Human Rights 

Council and demanded, in this very hall, the vote 

against the resolution that gave birth to it, is the 

same country that has activated at its own benefit

now, as it did in 2011, one of the most controversial 

clauses of that forum.

Mr. President,

Cuba will be consistent with the reservations it made 

relating to the membership suspension mechanism, 

upon the adoption in 2006 of resolution 60/251 that 

established the Human Rights Council and resolution 

65/265, of 2011, on the suspension of Libya's rights.

The adoption of the draft resolution we are 

considering today, will set an additional dangerous 

precedent, particularly for the South. 

It is not enough for them to impose country-specific 

resolutions and selective mandates. Now they intend 

to take a new step towards the legitimation of 

selectivity and the creation of a Human Rights 

Council increasingly at the service of certain 

countries, as was once the extinct and discredited 

Commission on Human Rights.

For the reasons explained above, the Cuban 

delegation will vote against draft resolution L.XX.

Thank you very much

Address by ambassador Pedro Luis Pedroso Cuesta, Cuba’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, in the United Nations General Assembly Emergency Special Session on Ukraine. New York, 1 March 2022

Mr. President, 

Last 26 February, the Cuban Government issued a Statement on the events in Ukraine, clearly adopting a stance in favor of a solution that guarantees the security and sovereignty of all and addresses legitimate humanitarian concerns.

Cuba champions International Law and is committed to the Charter of the United Nations. Cuba will always defend peace and unambiguously oppose the use or threat of use of force against any State. 

That is why we firmly support the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, signed in 2014 in Havana by the Heads of State and Government of our region. 

Cuba is also committed to International Humanitarian Law and calls on all parties to protect the civilian population, their possessions and infrastructure. 

We deeply regret the loss of innocent civilian lives in Ukraine.  The Cuban people have had and continue to have a very close relationship with the Ukrainian people.

Mister President,

It is impossible to make a rigorous and honest examination of the current situation in Ukraine, without carefully assessing the factors that have led to the use of force and non-observance of legal principles and international norms.

Cuba strongly endorses and supports those principles and norms, which are, particularly for small countries, an essential reference to fight hegemony, abuse of power and injustice.

The U.S. determination to continue NATO’s progressive expansion towards the Russian Federation borders has brought about a scenario with implications of unpredictable scope, which could have been avoided.

The United States’ and NATO’s military moves in recent months towards regions adjacent to the Russian Federation, preceded by the delivery of modern weapons to Ukraine, which altogether add up to a military siege, are well known.

Ignoring for decades the well-founded claims of the Russian Federation for security guarantees and assuming that Russia would remain defenseless in the face of a direct threat to its national security was a mistake.  Peace cannot be achieved by sieging or cornering States.

History will hold the United States accountable for the consequences of an increasingly offensive military doctrine outside NATO’s borders, which threatens international peace, security and stability.

Our concerns grow bigger after NATO’s recent decision to activate, for the first time, NATO Response Force.

Cuba rejects hypocrisy and double standards.  It should be recalled that in 1999 the United States and NATO launched a major aggression against Yugoslavia, a European country that was fragmented with a high cost in human lives in pursuit of geopolitical objectives, disregarding the UN Charter.

The United States and some allies have used force on many occasions.  They have invaded sovereign states to bring about regime changes and interfere in the internal affairs of other nations that do not submit to their interests of domination and defend their territorial integrity and independence. 

They are also responsible for the death of hundreds of thousands of civilians, which they call “collateral damage”, the displacement of millions of persons and the massive destruction of the geography of our planet because of their plundering wars.

Mister President,

The draft resolution on the situation of Ukraine not adopted in the Security Council on 25 February was not intended as a genuine contribution to resolve the current crisis.  

The text that is now being considered by this General Assembly suffers from the same shortcomings and lacks the necessary balance. 

It does not take into account the legitimate concerns of all the parties involved. It does not acknowledge either the responsibility of those who instigated or deployed aggressive actions that hasten the escalation of this conflict.

Mr. President,

We welcome the start of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.  Dialogue and negotiations, not war, are the only means of solving the conflict. 

Cuba will continue advocating a serious, constructive and realistic diplomatic solution to the current crisis in Europe by peaceful means, ensuring the security and sovereignty of all, and regional and international peace, stability and security.

Many thanks.

http://misiones.minrex.gob.cu/en/un/statements/76-unga-address-ambassador-pedro-luis-pedroso-cuesta-cubas-permanent-representative

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“Cuba champions a solution that guarantees the security and sovereignty of all”

Statement by the Revolutionary Government

The U.S. determination to continue NATO’s progressive expansion towards the Russian Federation borders has brought about a scenario with implications of unpredictable scope, which could have been avoided.

United States’ and NATO’s military moves towards regions adjacent to the Russian Federation in recent months, preceded by the delivery of modern weapons to Ukraine, which together conform a military siege, are well known.

It is impossible to make a rigorous and honest exam of the current situation in Ukraine, without carefully assessing the Russian Federation just claims to the United States and NATO, and the factors that have led to the use of force and non-observance of legal principles and international norms that Cuba strongly supports and, are, particularly for small countries, an essential reference against hegemony, abuse of power and injustice.

Cuba champions the International Law and is committed to the Charter of the United Nations. Cuba will always defend peace and oppose the use or threat to use force against any State.

We deeply regret the loss of innocent civilian lives in Ukraine. The Cuban people have had and continue to have a very close relationship with the Ukrainian people.

History will hold the United States accountable for the consequences of an increasingly offensive military doctrine outside NATO’s borders, which threatens international peace, security and stability.

Our concerns grow bigger after NATO’s recent decision to activate, for the first time, NATO Response Force.

Ignoring for decades the well-founded claims of the Russian Federation concerning security guarantees and assuming that Russia would remain defenseless in the face of a direct threat to its national security was a mistake. Russia has the right to defend itself. Peace cannot be achieved by sieging or cornering States.

The draft resolution on the situation of Ukraine not adopted in the Security Council on 25 February, which will be submitted to the General Assembly, was not intended as a genuine contribution to resolve the current crisis.

On the contrary, it is an unbalanced text, which does not take into account the legitimate concerns of all the parties involved. It does not acknowledge either the responsibility of those who instigated or deployed aggressive actions that hasten the escalation of this conflict.

We call for a serious, constructive and realistic diplomatic solution to the current crisis in Europe by peaceful means, ensuring the security and sovereignty of all, and regional and international peace, stability and security.

Cuba rejects hypocrisy and double standards. It should be recalled that in 1999 the United States and NATO launched a major aggression against Yugoslavia, a European country that was fragmented with a high cost in human lives in pursuit of geopolitical objectives, disregarding the UN Charter.

The United States and some allies have used force on many occasions. They have invaded sovereign states to bring about regime changes and interfere in the internal affairs of other nations that do not submit to their interests of domination and defend their territorial integrity and independence. 

They are also responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of civilians, which they call “collateral damage”, millions of displaced persons and for the enormous destruction of the geography of our planet because of their plundering wars.

Havana, 26 February 2022

(Cubaminrex)

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Vietnam

THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM

PERMANENT MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS

STATEMENT

by H.E. Mr. Dang Hoang Giang,

Permanent Representative

of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to the United Nations

at the resumed Eleventh Emergency Special Session

of the General Assembly

on the situation in Ukraine

New York, 07 April 2022

Mr. President,

Viet Nam has maintained a principled and steadfast position in support of resolving conflicts by peaceful means and with respect for the United Nations Charter and international law, including the principles of sovereign equality, respect for independence and territorial integrity of states, and refrainment from the threat or use of force.

We have followed closely with great concerns over the situation in Ukraine, with severe consequences for the people.

It is with extreme concern that we learn of recent reports of great loss of life among innocent civilians.

Viet Nam opposes and condemns all forms of attacks against civilians in violations of international law, international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

Recent information in this regard should be examined based on objective and transparent verification, with the cooperation of parties concerned.

We have time and again reiterated that it is imperative to immediately cease the use of force to avoid further civilian casualties and losses, as well as damages to civilian infrastructure.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, if not resolved peacefully and expeditiously, will continue to affect the entire world, given the spillover effects now seen across regions.

We are therefore convinced that the only way forward is to de-escalate tension, resume dialogue and negotiation through all channels, with a view to achieving long-term solutions that take into consideration the interests and concerns of all parties, in accordance with international law.

There is no viable alternative.

International efforts should be carried out in a prudent manner in order to be conducive to reaching a final solution.

Discussion and decisions undertaken by international organizations and agencies should follow their established procedures and working methods.

In this vein, we are of the view that deliberation and decisions taken by the General Assembly should be based on impartial information, broad consultations with member states.

Dialogue and negotiations among related parties is the most feasible way forward to a peaceful, comprehensive solution.

It is our hope that the United Nations and Member States will work together toward this end.

I thank you./.

STATEMENT by H.E. Mr. Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to the United Nations at the Eleventh Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly (mofa.gov.vn)

Mr. President, 

1. More than seventy years ago, the founders of the United Nations  instilled into the Charter their hope and aspiration to save succeeding  generations from the scourge of war. They enshrined in the Charter the  fundamental principles which have become the foundation for contemporary  international law and friendly relations and cooperation among nations.  

2. However, actions not in line with these principles continue to pose  serious threats to international peace and security and development of nations  and the people. They challenge the very relevance and legitimacy of the United  Nations.  

For a number of times, our nation’s own history of enduring wars has  shown that too often wars and conflicts until today stem from obsolete doctrines  of power politics, the ambition of domination and the imposition and the use of  force in settling international disputes. A number of them are associated with  historical legacies, misperception and misunderstanding. 

Viet Nam understands firsthand that once broken out, wars and conflicts  only cause enormous suffering to human beings and grave consequences for  many aspects of the life of nations directly involved as well as of others.  

3. Against this backdrop, Viet Nam has time and again underscored the  importance of respect for international law and the UN Charter. All  international disputes should be resolved by peaceful means, based on the  fundamental principles of international law and the UN Charter.  

These include the principles of sovereign equality, respect for the  political independence and territorial integrity of states, non-interference in 

internal affairs of states, and refrainment from the threat or use of force. All  States, large and small, must adhere to these fundamental principles. 

4. Viet Nam therefore has been extremely concerned over the ongoing  armed conflict in Ukraine, a sovereign member state of the UN. Viet Nam and  other ASEAN member states issued a statement on this matter on 26 February  2022. It is imperative now to exercise utmost restraint and immediately cease  the use of force to avoid further casualties and losses, especial those of civilians.  

We call on concerned parties to de-escalate tension, resume dialogue and  negotiation through all channels, with a view to achieving long-term solutions  that take into consideration the interests and concerns of all parties, in  accordance with international law, in particular the respect for sovereignty and  territorial integrity of states. Such a solution will put an end to the ongoing  suffering and make major contribution to peace, security and development in  Europe and the world at large.  

In this regard, we take note of the meeting between the delegations of  Ukraine and the Russian Federation yesterday and look forward to continued  engagement by relevant parties and early results from the negotiations. At the  same time, it is of critical importance to safeguard the safety, security of the  people and indispensable civilian infrastructure, in line with international  humanitarian law. 

5. To create a favourable environment for such objectives, we call on the  international community, countries in and beyond the region to continue their  support for and facilitation of dialogue among parties. We encourage greater  efforts to scale up humanitarian assistance for civilians and commend  operations by the UN and other partners in the last few days to assist people on  the ground, including refugees.  

It is also essential to ensure safety and security for all foreign nationals  living in Ukraine, including the Vietnamese nationals, as well as the facilitation  of their evacuation. 

I thank you./.

https://vnmission-newyork.mofa.gov.vn/en-us/News/ConsulateNews/Pages/2.3.aspx

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H.E. Mr. Dang Hoang Giang,

Permanent Representative

of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to the United Nations

at the Eleventh Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly

New York, 28 February – 2 March 2022

Mr. President,

1. More than seventy years ago, the founders of the United

Nations instilled into the Charter their hope and aspiration to save

succeeding generations from the scourge of war.

They enshrined in the Charter the fundamental principles which

have become the foundation for contemporary international law and

friendly relations and cooperation among nations.

2. However, actions not in line with these principles continue to

pose serious threats to international peace, security and development

of nations and the people.

They challenge the very relevance and legitimacy of the United

Nations.

For a number of times, our nation’s own history of enduring

wars has shown that too often wars and conflicts until today stem

from obsolete doctrines of power politics, the ambition of domination

and the imposition and the use of force in settling international

disputes. A number of them are associated with historical legacies,

misperceptions and misunderstandings.

Viet Nam understands firsthand that once broken out, wars and

conflicts only cause enormous suffering to human beings and grave

consequences for many aspects of the life of nations directly involved

as well as of others.

3. Against this backdrop, Viet Nam has time and again

underscored the importance of respect for international law and the

UN Charter.

All international disputes should be resolved by peaceful means,

based on the fundamental principles of international law and the UN

Charter. These include the principles of sovereign equality, respect for

the political independence and territorial integrity of states, noninterference

in internal affairs of states, and refrainment from the

threat or use of force.

All States, large and small, must adhere to these fundamental

principles.

4. Viet Nam therefore has been extremely concerned over the

ongoing armed conflict in Ukraine, a sovereign member state of the

UN.

Viet Nam and other ASEAN member states issued a statement

on this matter on 26 February 2022.

It is imperative now to exercise utmost restraint and

immediately cease the use of force to avoid further casualties and

losses, especial those of civilians.

We call on concerned parties to de-escalate tension, resume

dialogue and negotiation through all channels, with a view to

achieving long-term solutions that take into consideration the interests

and concerns of all parties, in accordance with international law, in

particular the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

Such a solution will put an end to the ongoing suffering and

make major contribution to peace, security and development in

Europe and the world at large.

In this regard, we take note of the meeting between the

delegations of Ukraine and the Russian Federation yesterday and look

forward to continued engagement by relevant parties and early results

from the negotiations.

At the same time, it is of critical importance that relevant parties

safeguard the safety, security of the people and indispensable civilian

infrastructure, in line with international humanitarian law.

5. To create a favourable environment for such objectives, we

call on the international community, countries in and beyond the

region to continue their support for and facilitation of dialogue among

parties.

We encourage greater efforts to scale up humanitarian assistance

for civilians and commend operations by the UN and other partners in

the last few days to assist people on the ground, including refugees.

It is also essential to ensure safety and security for all foreign

nationals living in Ukraine, including the Vietnamese nationals, as

well as the facilitation of their evacuation.

I thank you./.