FIDEL’S MESSAGE TO KOFI ANNAN
The Cuban government adheres to the 12 international instruments on the subject of terrorism

PRESIDENT Fidel Castro sent a letter (today, October 3) to the UN secretary-general, informing him that the Cuban government has decided to adhere to the 12 international instruments on the subject of terrorism, of which three have already been approved and ratified. The message adds that the Cuban National Assembly, meeting in a special session on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the explosion aboard a Cubana passenger plane off the coast of Barbados, will be asked to ratify that support.

Havana, October 3, 2001

Your Highest Excellency Mr. Kofi Annan

Dear Secretary-General:

Please allow me to express Cuba’s support for the pronouncements you have made in defense of the principles of international law and the role that should correspond to the United Nations in the critical conditions the world is experiencing after the attacks perpetrated against New York and Washington on September 11.

I wish to inform you that in response to the call you made to members of the international community in your speeches of September 22 and October 1 before the General Assembly, the Government of the Republic of Cuba has decided to adhere as you requested to the existing international instruments on the subject of terrorism, three of which have already been approved and ratified by Cuba.

With the objective of facilitating the relevant procedures, tomorrow Thursday, October 4, the government is to ask the National Assembly of People’s Power, meeting in a special session in tribute to the victims of terrorism in our homeland, to ratify our adhesion to the nine instruments which are still in the process of being approved and ratified. The aforementioned tribute is taking place on the 25th anniversary of the act of terrorism that destroyed a Cuban airliner in full flight off the Barbados coast, costing the lives of the 73 passengers on board.

Equally, our country will continue its efforts in favor of the conclusion of a general and integral agreement against terrorism, one that really defines that repugnant practice and allows the international community to confront it in an effective, lasting and urgent manner, with the full support of world public opinion and without unnecessary, useless and dangerous wars that multiply violence and hatred among the peoples.

I take advantage of this opportunity, Your Excellency, to reiterate the testimoeny of my highest esteemhighest esteem.

Fidel Castro Ruz