Explanation of Vote, delivered by Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the Australian Mission to the United Nations, The Hon Robert Hill on the Resolution to end the commercial, financial and economic embargoes imposed by the United States on Cuba
30 October 2007
(As Delivered)
Australia has consistently expressed its opposition, as a matter of principle, to the promulgation and application by States Members of the United Nation of laws and measures, the extraterritorial effects of which affect the sovereignty of other states, the legitimate interests of entities or persons under their jurisdiction, as well as freedom of trade and navigation.
Such laws and measures are not justified by the principles of international law and comity. Australia is therefore concerned about the extraterritorial aspects of the Helms-Burton act of 1996. For those reasons, Australia has again voted for the resolution submitted under the agenda item.
This vote should not be interpreted as in any way endorsing the internal policies of Cuba. Holding political prisoners and failing to comply with international human rights standards is not an internal matter – it should be of concern to all of us.
We should take every opportunity to remind Cuba of its international obligations and urge its full cooperation with international human rights treaties, bodies and mechanisms.
In particular, we should urge the Cuban Government to meet its responsibility and respect the rights of all its population.
The Cuban Minister claims the blockade is the main obstacle to the rights of the Cuban people. He will, with respect, have greater credibility in pursuing this argument, when he can show that the rights of all Cuban people are properly respected and protected by his own Government.