At the 27th OPCW Conference, held at the World Forum Center in The Hague, the Cuban diplomat recalled that Article XI calls for not hindering the economic and technological development of OPCW members, or international cooperation in chemical activities for peaceful purposes.

The economic, commercial and financial U.S. blockade, a policy imposed for over 60 years, fails to comply with these elements, Pino stressed.

She mentioned limitations and drawbacks the U.S. blockade represents for the development and exchange of scientific knowledge and of chemical substances and equipment for the purposes established by the Convention, among them industrial, agricultural, medical, pharmaceutical and research use.

The Cuban ambassador availed the opportunity to reaffirm Cuba´s stance in favor of total elimination of chemical weapons.

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