Photo: Prensa Latina
For the sixteenth consecutive occasion, Cuba will raise its voice for Puerto Rico before the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization, Juana Elena Ramos Rodríguez, an official of the Department of Multilateral Affairs and International Law of the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced at a press conference.
The diplomat explained that by presenting this draft resolution, Cuba was once again demonstrating its historic commitment to the sister nation of Puerto Rico, which has provided moving examples in its struggle for self-determination and independence over the past centuries.
Cuba, together with the rest of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), reiterated that the issue of the decolonization of Puerto Rico is of vital importance to the region, the official added.
Ramos also ratified the Latin American and Caribbean nature of Puerto Rico, which has been recognized at the CELAC summits.
Among the most significant elements to be presented on June 22 is that of urging the U.S. government to assume its responsibility to advance a process that allows the Puerto Rican people to fully exercise their inalienable right to self-determination, independence and sovereign decision-making to address pressing economic and social needs.
The issue of the return of all lands occupied in Puerto Rico and the Vieques and Ceiba bases will also be addressed, together with concerns presented by the community for the actions carried out against Puerto Rican independence fighters. A petition to the U.S. President to release Oscar López Rivera, a political prisoner for 34 years, will also be included.
As the press conference drew to a close, the official stressed that the Puerto Rican people can continue to rely on our unwavering solidarity and that Cuba will continue to defend the country’s legitimate right to self-determination and independence.
A total of 34 resolutions and decisions have been adopted by the Special Committee on Decolonization on the status of Puerto Rico, with the inclusion of this new resolution.
The Committee, which began its sessions on Monday June 15 and will continue until June 27, will discuss the political, economic and social situations of 16 other Non-Self-Governing Territories, as labeled by the UN, including the case of the Malvinas Islands.
