We thank you all for your presence. We have invited you to this conference to inform you that, in fulfillment of the decision announced by my Government on 10 December 2007, on the occasion of the commemoration of the International Human Rights Day, I have just signed, on behalf of the Republic of Cuba, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

This signature formalizes and reaffirms Cuba’s commitment with the rights protected in both Instruments, which my country has been systematically realizing since the triumph of the Cuban Revolution in 1959.

The act of signing both Covenants responds to a sovereign decision of the Cuban Government. Cuba has never acted nor will act under pressure.

This decision has been taken now that the selective and unjust mandate against Cuba imposed by the brutal pressure and blackmail carried-out by the United States in the former Human Rights Commission has been clearly defeated, representing a historic victory for the Cuban people.

While signing the Covenants, Cuba has presented the following Statement valid for both of them:

“The Republic of Cuba declares that it was the Revolution the one that made possible the enjoyment by its people of the rights protected by the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States of America and its policy of hostility and aggression against Cuba, constitutes the most serious obstacle to the enjoyment by the Cuban people of the rights protected by the Covenants.

The Constitution of the Republic and the national legislation enshrine the rights protected in these Covenants.

The policies and programs carried-out by the State guarantee the effective realization and protection of these rights for all Cubans.

As far as the scope and application of several of the elements contained in these international instruments, Cuba will register those reservations or interpretative declarations it considers relevant.”

Thank you very much.

Minrex 28-02-2008