Speaking during the inaugural session of the UN Disarmament Commission, the Cuban ambassador to the world body, Rodrigo Malmierca, expressed his concern for the interruption of the multilateral disarmament agenda in recent years, while the worlds military spending continues to rise.

According to Granma news daily, Malmierca noted that the United States alone, the main military investor, could spend more than $700 billion this year.

The Cuban diplomat explained that this amount represents 48% of the total and added that the increase in military spending is an element that causes legitimate international distrust and concern.

"The fact that the world military spending far exceeds the funds dedicated to achieving the Development Goals of the Millennium is counterproductive," Malmierca stressed.

He pointed out that the results of this period of sessions of the Disarmament Commission, which will conclude on April 24th, will largely influence the work of the multilateral disarmament mechanisms in the near future.

Finally, he reaffirmed that Cuba, also on behalf of the Movement of Non Aligned Countries, believes that nuclear disarmament is and should continue to be the main priority of all disarmament efforts.

(mathaba.net)