Speaking at the plenary session of the expanded format of the XVI BRICS Plus Summit, in the Russian city of Kazan, the foreign minister reaffirmed the Cuban Government’s support for the joint proposal presented by Beijing and Brasilia to achieve “a serious, constructive, realistic and peaceful diplomatic solution to the current conflict in Ukraine.”

In this regard, he added that the resources to be used to consolidate peace must be in strict compliance with International Law and with guarantees of security and sovereignty for all parties involved.

“We oppose the conduct of NATO, dragged by the Government of the United States into direct involvement in the conflict that threatens international peace and security, with devastating consequences,” Rodriguez stated.

He demanded an end to the proliferation of unilateral coercive measures against Russia and the supply of arms and funds to fuel confrontations between two historically sister nations. In unison, the foreign minister added that, together with the BRICS members, Cuba shares the deep concern and condemnation of the genocide in Palestine and the escalation in the Middle East, as a result of the aggressiveness and impunity with which the State of Israel acts with the military, logistical, financial and political support of Washington.

“In order to achieve peace in the Middle East, it is urgent to reach a broad, lasting and fair solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, which includes the creation of a sovereign and independent Palestinian State on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital and guarantees for the return of refugees,” the minister stressed.

Rodríguez noted that Palestine must immediately become a full member of the United Nations.

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