Cuba's DPR to the United Nations, Yusnier Romero.

United Nations, October 20 (RHC) Cuba's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Yusnier Romero,  reaffirmed his country's support for decolonization efforts around the world, a scourge still suffered by some territories.

Addressing the United Nations Fourth Committee on Wednesday, the diplomat recalled that the colonial status of Puerto Rico has been considered for more than 43 years in the Special Committee on Decolonization.

Last June 18, Committee members adopted by consensus for the 39th time the resolution recognizing the inalienable right of the Puerto Rican people to self-determination and independence.

To date, the current status of that territory prevents Puerto Ricans from making sovereign decisions to meet their needs and define their future, especially those related to economic and social problems.

The process of decolonization, which made possible the self-determination and independence of many peoples, is considered one of the most significant transformations of the 20th century, he added.

However, he said, it is urgent to materialize multilateral mechanisms to eradicate this scourge still suffered by several territories, among them, the 17 registered in the UN Special Committee on Decolonization.

The Cuban diplomat reiterated that his country defends the right of the people of Western Sahara to self-determination based on respect for the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and International Law.

Likewise, he added that it supports the Argentine Republic's legitimate right in the sovereignty dispute over the Malvinas Islands, South Georgia, South Sandwich Islands, and the surrounding maritime areas.

Cuba's commitment and solidarity with the peoples of the non-self-governing territories are manifested over the years, and through collaborative actions, a total of 2073 scholarship holders from those places have graduated on the island to date, he said.