Cuban ambassador Rodolfo Benitez questioned the opposition
of the United States to adopt a legally binding protocol
aimed at strengthening it, after seven years of negotiations
and when it was already practically concluded, the Prensa
Latina news agency reported.
While addressing participants in the Convention’s 7th review
conference, Benitez reaffirmed the vital importance the
agreement’s regulations on international cooperation for the
peaceful use of agents, materials and equipment in the
spheres of biology and biotechnology have for developing
nations.
Sadly, he pointed out, some States maintain restrictions and
prohibitions against others, which prevent the free transfer
of materials and technologies, in flagrant breach of what
that Convention stipulates.
He stated that one of the clearest examples of that
violation is the economic, commercial and financial blockade
of the United States against Cuba, a criminal measure
lasting for almost half a century now.
During the inaugural session, Cuba was elected to the
vice-chairmanship of the conference and will lead the NAM
group at the meeting that will run until December 22.
