YouSaid · the spoken record

Benitez-Versen

lines on the record: 27
first: 2007-11-14
most recent: 2011-07-20
sittings or episodes: 5
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Sixthly, the Council should press for concrete commitments on funding and technology transfer on preferential terms to developing countries, making small island States and least developed countries a priority, as well as allocate new and additional resources for implementing adaptation actions. Allow me to conclude by emphasizing that climate change is a global threat that requires global solutions that are just, equitable and balanced. Only respect for the principles and commitments enshrined in the Framework Convention and the Kyoto Protocol can help us solve this problem. At the seventeenth Conference of the Parties, the world will have a new opportunity that must not be wasted. The way in which we deal with climate change today will have a direct impact on the development prospects of many countries and humankind's very survival.”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587Resumption1 (2011) · source
“In that regard, the Council should recognize that the emissions reduction goals being announced by some of the major developed countries go far beyond the range necessary to stabilize the rise in global temperature at a level that will prevent irreversible catastrophe. Fourthly, the Council should emphasize that the goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by the countries of the South cannot be formulated in such a way as to obstruct their right to development, but should be done on the basis of voluntary, non-binding mitigation actions, in accordance with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Fifthly, the Council should recognize that the main cause of global climate change is the unsustainable production and consumption patterns that prevail in developed countries.”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Secondly, it should underline how important it is that developed countries meet their international development commitments, including those relating to the Millennium Development Goals, official development assistance, Agenda 21, the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, the Barbados Programme of Action and the Mauritius Strategy, helping developing countries to take the actions needed to adapt to climate change. Thirdly, it should call on industrialized countries to undertake a second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol, with measurable and more ambitious goals for emissions reduction.”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587Resumption1 (2011) · source
“If the Security Council, despite its limitations and lack of jurisdiction in this area, wishes to demonstrate any seriousness in reviewing this issue of universal concern and making a meaningful contribution to the search for solutions, it should begin by making a statement that includes the following basic points. First, it should emphasize that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities is the cornerstone of a just and lasting solution to global climate change.”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587Resumption1 (2011) · source
“In the United Nations, therefore, it should be addressed, as has been the case in recent years, by the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council and their relevant subsidiary bodies, in particular the Commission on Sustainable Development and the United Nations Environment Programme. Cuba understands the legitimate concerns of some of the small island States, which have brought this issue to the attention of the Security Council. They are driven by a pressing need to find solutions to a problem that poses a serious threat to their security and physical integrity as territories and nations.”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Thirty countries consume 80 per cent of the fuel that the world produces. Developed countries therefore bear the main responsibility for repaying the debt historically owed to our planet's ecosystem. The relevant powers and functions of the various bodies within and without the United Nations must be duly respected. We are seriously concerned about the Security Council's growing interference in the functions and responsibilities of the other principal United Nations organs. Climate change is an issue that, by definition, should be discussed under the sustainable development cluster.”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Mr. Benitez Versen (Cuba) (spoke in Spanish): Cuba firmly supports the statements made by the representative of Egypt on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement and by the representative of Argentina on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most serious and imminent dangers threatening the survival of humankind. Paradoxically, the States most affected and in the worst position to adapt to the negative consequences of climate change, in particular small island developing States and African countries, are the least responsible for the problem. On the contrary, developed countries' emissions account for 76 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, which continue to grow. One billion people in the first world wastefully consume half the planet's energy while 2 billion poor people lack electricity.”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587Resumption1 (2011) · source
“In conclusion, I stress our conviction that a more transparent Council would be a more legitimate Council. A more inclusive and accessible Council that truly takes into account the opinions of the Member States of the Organization would be a more effective Council. We already have a significant number of specific proposals to improve the Council's working methods, such as those presented by the Non-Aligned Movement. What we need now is to take action without further delay.”
2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Such special reports, unfortunately, still do not exist. The question of the veto is intrinsically linked to the working methods of the Council, especially its decision-making mechanism. The veto is an anachronistic and anti-democratic privilege that should be eliminated as soon as possible. Until that happens, it would be important as a first step to consider various options for limiting the use of the veto, such as limiting the use of the veto to votes on measures adopted by the Council under Chapter VII of the Charter; allowing for the possible annulment of the veto through an affirmative vote by an agreed number of Council members in line with the number of members of an expanded Council; or allowing for a possible annulment of the veto by a two-thirds majority in the General Assembly.”
2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Cuba notes with serious concern the growing tendency of the Council to consider matters and assume functions that are not within its competence, usurping the role granted by the Charter to other bodies, in particular the General Assembly. This trend must be stopped as a matter of urgency. The Council needs, as soon as possible, to carry out a profound revision of its agenda and to bring it in line with its mandate. The Council should strictly observe the provisions of the Charter and all the resolutions of the General Assembly as the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations. The Council must give due account of its work to the General Assembly by submitting truly analytical annual reports, as well as special reports as provided for under Articles 15 and 24 of the Charter of the United Nations.”
2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Closed meetings and unofficial consultations should take place only in very exceptional circumstances. The State concerned should be allowed to participate in Council discussions on topics that affect it directly, in accordance with Article 31 of the Charter. The opinions expressed by Member States in thematic open debates should be reflected in the resolutions and presidential statements of the Council. Those countries that are not members of the Council should be guaranteed access to subsidiary bodies and the right to participate in their discussions. The Council's rules of procedure, which remain provisional after more 60 years, should be formalized in order to increase transparency and accountability.”
2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source
“But the majority of the changes have been somewhat formal and, in reality, the Council is neither transparent, democratic nor efficient. Unfortunately, the permanent members - and on occasion not even all of them - in particular when dealing with highly important issues, continue to negotiate behind closed doors, where they take decisions of fundamental importance that are later presented as faits accompli to the other members of the Council and the rest of the membership of the United Nations. Cuba believes that, as a minimum, the following urgent changes, to mention but a few, are necessary to the working methods of the Council. The number of public meetings should be increased, in accordance with Article 31 and 32 of the Charter of the United Nations.”
2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Mr. Benitez-Versen (Cuba) (spoke in Spanish): Cuba welcomes the convening of this important debate on a topic of interest to us all. We should also like to express our full support for the statement made by the representative of Egypt on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. The position of Cuba is clear. The Security Council needs to undergo comprehensive, urgent and far-reaching reform. There can be no genuine reform of the United Nations until the Security Council is reformed. Security Council reform must by necessity include the modification of its working methods. In recent years, there have been modest changes in the working methods of the Council, including on some of the issues raised in the note contained in document S/2006/507 and subsequent notes by the President of the Council.”
2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Let me say in conclusion that it is up to the United States Government to put Posada Carriles on trial for what he is - a terrorist - and to move forward on the path of cooperation rather than that of confrontation.”
2009-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6128Resumption1 (2009) · source
“We reiterate that if the new Government of the United States truly wishes to demonstrate its commitment to the fight against terrorism, it now has a chance to act firmly, without the use of double standards, against the terrorist organizations that for all these years have been committing aggression against Cuba from the territory of the United States. The current United States Administration has the opportunity to stop using terrorism for political 18 purposes and to put an end to the unjust and unfounded inclusion of Cuba on the list of countries that allegedly support terrorism - a list prepared unilaterally by the United States Department of State.”
2009-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6128Resumption1 (2009) · source
“It also knows that in 1997 Posada conceived and led a series of terrorist acts using explosives against hotels in Havana - among many other repellant actions in the course of his long career. The terrorist himself has publicly confessed his horrible crimes. So, we wonder what more is needed before action is taken. Cuba once again calls upon the United States authorities to try Posada Carriles as a terrorist, or to return him to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, which for nearly four years has been requesting his extradition. Cuba is convinced that the only effective way to prevent and combat terrorism is through bilateral and multilateral cooperation among all States on the basis of mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs and the sovereign equality of States.”
2009-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6128Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Mr. Benitez Versen (Cuba) (spoke in Spanish): I have requested the floor to reply briefly to the comments made by the representative of the United States a few minutes ago. The United States authorities merely repeat again and again - as they have done today - justifications for their actions in this case, saying that Posada Carriles is being subjected to a criminal trial in their country. What they do not say is that they have never indicted him for terrorist activities, but continue to handle the case as though it merely involved illegal immigration and other minor charges. The Government of the United States possesses all the evidence and information it needs to prove Posada Carriles's guilt in the mid-flight explosion of a Cubana de Aviacion aircraft, taking the lives of 73 innocent persons.”
2009-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6128Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Terrorists are recruited, while weapons are purchased and territory is provided to those who finance, plan and commit terrorist acts against Cuba. Cuba once again asks the Security Council to assess the ample and detailed information provided by our country and to take appropriate action. That would contribute to the efforts to end the impunity enjoyed by those who plan and commit terrorist activities against Cuba from the territory of the United States. Cuba hopes that justice will be done sooner rather than later.”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The decision to allow Posada Carriles to go free, who continues to maintain contacts in Miami with terrorist elements and the extreme right, is the clearest illustration of the duplistic morality of the current Government of the United States. It is also a complete refutation of its supposed fight against terrorism. The Government of the United States expects us passively to accept its hypocritical call to do as it says and not as it does. The case of Luis Posada Carriles is undoubtedly the best known example, but of course it is hardly the only one. In Miami and other cities of the United States, funds are provided and used to finance terrorist activities with complete impunity. Bank accounts are openly and regularly used to finance terrorism.”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Mr. Benitez Versen (Cuba) (spoke in Spanish): I have asked for the floor to respond to the statement that has just been made by the representative of the United States. Given that the Council's debate today has been lengthy and at times intense, I shall be brief. We understand that it is not pleasant for the delegation of the United States for uncomfortable truths about the behaviour of its Government to be introduced in the Security Council. However, that cannot prevent those truths from being stated and repeated. It is to no avail for them to attempt repeatedly to cover up the obvious. The reality evident to everyone is that the Government of the United States has gone to truly shameful extremes to protect the most famous terrorist in the Western Hemisphere.”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The shameful conduct of a number of Council members, as powerful as the Council may be, must not continue to so seriously affect the credibility of this body, which, under the Charter, must act on behalf of all of Member States.”
2007-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5779 (2007) · source
“The plan has always been that Posada Carriles would not speak in public about the terrorist acts he committed against Cuba, Venezuela and many other countries, when he acted under the orders of the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States for 25 years. Allow me to conclude by stressing the fact that in order to seriously fight terrorism, political will is required. It is impossible to eliminate terrorism, while we condemn a few terrorist acts and we tolerate or justify others or pass over them in silence. Once again, Cuba has launched an urgent appeal to the Security Council to consider the claims made by our country and to act accordingly.”
2007-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5779 (2007) · source
“Why in its appeal to the Federal Appeals Court, presented at the last minute on 6 November, did the United States authorities continue without mentioning one word about the terrorist activities of Posada Carriles and insist on dealing with it as a simple immigration case? Why do the immigration and customs authorities within the Department of Homeland Security of the United States not use the tools at their disposal to keep the terrorist in prison? Why did the United States Government overlook the extradition request presented with all the requirements duly satisfied by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela? We know very well that the United States representative is not going to answer all of these questions, but that does not matter. The truth could not be clearer.”
2007-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5779 (2007) · source
“But what she did not say is that her authorities have never tried him for his terrorist activities, despite the fact that they had all of the information and evidence for doing so. Instead, they dealt with the case as a simple immigration violation, and they thereby guaranteed the protection of the terrorist and his release, which took place on 8 May. There are many questions on the table. Why did the United States Government allow Posada Carriles to enter its territory with impunity, despite the many warning calls that were made by President Fidel Castro? Why did the United States Government protect for months those terrorists who were on its territory illegally? Why, having all the evidence needed to charge him criminally, did they simply charge him on 11 January with minor immigration offences?”
2007-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5779 (2007) · source
“What the representative of the United States did not say is that the terrorist was caught after months had gone by during which the United States authorities denied the presence of Posada Carriles on United States territory, despite the many public denunciations by President Fidel Castro of the entry of that terrorist into this country. It was only when the press published interviews with him, including coloured photos on the front page while he was taking advantage of the Miami sun, they had no other alternative but to arrest him. It is also true, as the representative of the United States said, that Posada Carriles has been subject in the United States to criminal proceedings.”
2007-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5779 (2007) · source
“If the Government of the United States had acted consistently with international law and the relevant resolutions adopted by the Security Council, including resolution 1373 (2001), instead of continuing to protect Luis Posada Carriles, they would have prosecuted him and tried him for his many acts of terrorism, or they would have extradited to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. We draw attention to the fact that, in her comments, the representative of the United States did not deny any of the statements made by Cuba. However, she omitted many details that are extremely relevant. I would like to remind participants of a few of these details. Certainly, as the representative of the United States said, Posada Carriles was detained by the authorities of that country on 17 May 2005.”
2007-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5779 (2007) · source
“Mr. Benitez Versen (Cuba) (spoke in Spanish): The Cuban delegation has been compelled to take the floor once again in order to answer the comments made by the delegation of the United States. We would like to apologize for the late hour, but Cuba will not allow that manipulation and deception to prevail. The truth has to be told. As happened in May of this year, the United States delegation repeated on that occasion that, with respect to the case of Posada Carriles, its authorities acted in a manner consistent with international law. That is completely false.”
2007-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5779 (2007) · source