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• 04 / 19 / 2009

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Cuba reiterated before the UN that the elimination of nuclear weapons is a high priority issue and called for leaving behind any rhetoric about the issue and to fulfill "forgotten promises."

"As we give speeches and we all say we are committed to peace and disarmament, the reality in this room is very different," Cuban Ambassador Abelardo Moreno said during a general debate in the UN Disarmament Committee.

There are at least 25,000 nuclear weapons in the world today, 10,200 of them ready to be used right now, according to UN figures.

The Cuban diplomat said that the mere existence of such weapons and of doctrines prescribing their possession and employment constitute a serious threat to international peace and security.

"Cuba reiterates its full support to the long-standing position of the Non Aligned Movement that nuclear disarmament is and should remain the highest priority in the field of disarmament," stressed Moreno.

"It is time to leave empty rhetoric behind and fulfill neglected promises," he said

He reiterated the Cuban proposal to allocate at least half of the current military expenses to meet economic and social development needs through a fund run by the United Nations.

Source: Juventud Rebelde