Summary: November 4, 2003: Explanation of vote by Ambassador Aldo Mantovani, Deputy Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations on behalf of the European Union - Plenary Item 29 (A/58/L.4) - Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United State of America against Cuba (New York)
Mr. President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The acceding countries Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia, the associated countries Bulgaria, and Romania, declare that they align themselves with this explanation of vote.
Mr. President,
I have the honour to take the floor on behalf of the European Union with reference to the resolution entitled "Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba". The European Union believes that the United States trade policy towards Cuba is primarily a bilateral issue. However, the European Union has to reiterate its opposition to the extraterritorial aspect of the United States embargo that has been implemented in
accordance with the Cuban Democracy Act, of 1992, and the Helms-Burton Act, of 1996.
The European Union cannot accept that its economic and commercial relations with third countries be restricted through unilateral measures imposed by the United States on specific countries, in this case on Cuba. Therefore, in November 1996 the Council of Ministers of the European Union adopted a regulation and a joint action aimed at protecting the interests of natural or legal persons from the European Union against the extraterritorial effects of the Helms-Burton Act.
It was encouraging that, during their summit in London in 1998, the European Union and the United States agreed on a package of measures involving, inter alia, United States agreement to suspend titles III and IV of the Helms-Burton Act and not to adopt any further extraterritorial legislation of that kind, as well as agreement on both sides to increase investment protection. The European Union trusts that the United States Government will continue to act in accordance with the commitments
made.
The European Union's policy towards Cuba is clear and coherent with its principles. The Union adopted its common position on Cuba in December 1996, a position that is still in effect. The main objective of the European Union in its relations with Cuba is to encourage a process of peaceful transition to pluralistic democracy and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as improvement in the living standards of the Cuban people. We want this process to move forward as fast as
possible.
The European Union strongly condemns the serious deterioration of the human rights situation in Cuba. The increase in violations of human rights has raised an international wave of protests and condemnations and has increased the concern of the European Union about the political situation in Cuba.
However, constructive engagement still remains the basis of the European Union's policy towards Cuba and we call upon the Cuban authorities to respond accordingly. The European Union urges the Cuban authorities to bring about speedy, lasting and substantial improvements in the situation, in particular with a view to ensure the full respect for all human rights. In that connection, the European Union calls for the immediate release and fully re-integration into society of all prisoners of
conscience. We appeal to the Cuban authorities to cooperate fully with international human rights bodies and mechanisms. The European Union reaffirms its declaration made by the Presidency on 5 June 2003.
The European Union rejects the restrictions imposed on the embassies of most European Union member states by the Cuban authorities, which constitute a de facto violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
On the economic side, the European Union considers that opening up of the Cuban economy to the outside world continues to be necessary. Economic growth is essential to address poverty alleviation in the country. In that respect, the negative consequences of the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America as well as the severe limitations caused by the centralized economic system are working contrary to the economic development of the island.
Mr. President,
For all those reasons, and in spite of its serious criticism on Cuba, the European Union unanimously voted in favour of the resolution that has just been adopted.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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