Cuba’s alternate permanent Ambassador to the body Yuri Gala remarked his country’s unwavering willingness to fight for the self-determination and independence of all nations and peoples under colonial power.

“We receive such a responsibility as a commitment to continue working to advance a genuine process that will contribute to making the will of their peoples heard in those 17 non-independent territories,” Gala added.

In particular, the Cuban diplomat insisted on the demand for the people of Puerto Rico to be able to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination and independence.

“It is time to strengthen our ties and to step up coordinated efforts to move towards colonialism eradication as soon as possible,” Gala said.

The Cuban ambassador warned of the ongoing challenges on the road to meeting the goals set out in the 2030 Agenda in this regard.

There are still too many challenges and barriers that seriously jeopardize the Organization’s objectives in this area, he stated.

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