Statement by
H.E. Ambassador Rezlan Ishar Jenie
Permanent Representative of
The Republic of Indonesia to the United Nations
on Agenda item 28:
Necessity of Ending the Economis, Commercial and Financial Embargo Imposed by The United States of America Against Cuba
Before
the Plenary of the 59th General Assembly

New York, 28 October 2004

Mr. President,

Once again the General Assembly finds itself addressing the issue of the necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba. In this regard, Indonesia wishes to associate itself with the statement made by Qatar on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

The embargo and sanctions imposed bagainst Cuba have been in effect for more than 40 consecutive years. Therefore, it is disheartening to note that twelve years after the General Assembly adopted Resolution No. 47/19, no significant measures have been taken towards lifting the embargo.

It is a matter of principle that Indonesia has consistently expressed its opposition to the promulgation and application by one member state of laws and measures whose extraterritorial effects impinge on the sovereignty of other member states. These measures are contrary to the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations which embodies the spirit of multilateralism.

Indonesia recognizes the principles of sovereign equality of States, non-intervention and non-interference in their internal affairs, and freedom of international trade and navigation as the underpinnings of multilateralism. These principles are enshrined in many international legal instruments and none of them is being upheld or advanced by the unilaterally imposed embargo on Cuba.

Mr. President,

After four decades we face an unwanted stalemate despite increasing opposition to this embargo. The fact of the matter is that the embargo does more harm than good. The embargo serves little purpose but to perpetuate a lose-lose situation.

What the embargo amounts to is economic warfare that causes considerable collateral damage. It harms economically those whom it is intended to benefit politically. The people of Cuba are its main victims. Innocent of all political charges, their futures and human rights are nevertheless being sacrificed. If anything, they are being unjustifiably victimized by the embargo on a daily basis.

It is also true that in this age of increasing interdependence, globalization, and universal acceptance of the Millennium Declaration with its goal of global partnership for development, the embargo lacks a legitimate frame of reference. In this regard, we join with those who have spoken in support of the need to bring to an end the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed against Cuba.

In strong support of the principles of the United Nations Charter and of international law, including the freedom of international trade and navigation, Indonesia will again vote in favour of the draft resolution.

I thank you.