The Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations denounced before the Security Council the impact of the U.S. economic, commercial, and financial blockade on maritime security during the open debate held this April 27.

According to the Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations on its Facebook profile, Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Cuba to the UN, emphasized the strategic relevance of the issue and its global implications, especially for developing countries and Small Island Developing States.

The diplomat warned about the coercive and extraterritorial measures of the U.S. Government that restrict Cuba's maritime trade, particularly provisions intended to prevent the supply of fuel, which also affect third-party States and companies.

He condemned acts of piracy and terrorism against oil tankers and their crews in the Caribbean Sea, which violate International Law and the freedom of navigation and constitute a direct threat to international maritime security.

Soberón Guzmán reaffirmed Cuba’s sovereign right to trade freely with any nation without external interference and denounced that the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States violates the sovereignty of States and limits their aspirations for sustainable development.

During his speech, he referred to the escalation of tensions in the Middle East, warning of the additional risks it generates for maritime security, and reiterated the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States.

The Cuban representative highlighted the importance of the role of the International Maritime Organization in promoting the safety of navigation and called for strengthening international cooperation to face common challenges and ensure a safe and sustainable maritime environment.