Thongphane stated that the long-standing U.S. hostility toward the Cuban people contravenes the United Nations Charter and imposes hardships on an innocent population.

No country should be deprived of the right to choose its own path without external interference, the diplomat added, speaking on the first day of the United Nations General Assembly debate on the resolution against the U.S. blockade of the Caribbean nation—a resolution that will be put to a vote tomorrow.

He noted that, in addition to the blockade—which has lasted more than 60 years—there is an energy-related siege that has caused immense difficulties for the Cuban people in obtaining food, medicine, and energy.

From the podium of the General Assembly in New York, the Laotian representative urged the international community to support the termination of all unilateral measures imposed against any state.

Reiterating that Laos will support the Cuban resolution against Washington’s siege, he insisted that constructive dialogue, based on mutual respect, is the only way to resolve differences.

He called for respect for the UN Charter and the safeguarding of the rights of all nations, and urged that Cuba be allowed to freely determine its own future in accordance with its own interests.

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