The communist government of Cuba took over the coordination of the Group of 21 (G-21) on Monday as part of the United Nations Disarmament Conference, held in Geneva, Switzerland.
This was reported on the social network X by Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, who emphasized that the G-21 is the most numerous negotiating group within the multilateral forum, consisting of 33 nations.
According to the regime leader, the bloc considers nuclear disarmament to be its top priority, at a time of increasing global tension due to conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, and the Asia-Pacific region.
Cuba will lead the group's work until August 15, as part of the rotating agenda of the organization, stated the official newspaper Granma.
The Disarmament Conference was established in 1978 as the only multilateral negotiation forum on disarmament, following previous experiences such as the Committee of Ten (1960) and the Conference of the Disarmament Committee (1969-1978).
The G-21, for its part, mainly groups together developing countries with critical positions towards traditional nuclear powers. This is all happening amidst the armed conflict between Israel and the United States versus Iran, an ally of the Havana regime.
Diplomatic contradictions
Despite its constant rhetoric against nuclear weapons, the Cuban regime has never openly condemned the atomic arsenal of allies such as Russia, China, or North Korea. On the contrary, it has acted as a spokesperson for their positions in international forums.
The most recent display of bias was evident a few days ago when the ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel strongly condemned the bombings by the United States on Iranian nuclear facilities, describing them as a “dangerous escalation of conflict,” while remaining silent on the Russian nuclear threats in Eastern Europe.
Cuba, the missiles, and history
The topic is not foreign to the Cuban context. In 1962, the island was the epicenter of one of the most serious crises of the Cold War: the Missile Crisis, also known as October Crisis, when the late dictator Fidel Castro allowed the secret deployment of Soviet nuclear missiles on national territory. The world stood on the brink of a nuclear war between the U.S. and the USSR during the 13 days of October, until a secret agreement prevented the conflict.
This historical legacy continues to weigh on the official discourse, which attempts to present itself as a promoter of peace, but often overlooks the inconsistencies in its foreign policy, especially when it comes to authoritarian allies who possess nuclear weaponry or maintain ongoing military tensions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Role in the G-21 and its Foreign Policy
What is the G-21 and what is Cuba's role in this group?
The G-21 is the largest consultative group at the UN Disarmament Conference, composed of 33 developing countries that advocate for nuclear disarmament as the top priority. Cuba recently took on the coordination of this group, highlighting its commitment to nuclear disarmament, despite the contradictions in its foreign policy regarding its nuclear allies.
How do contradictions manifest in Cuba's foreign policy regarding nuclear disarmament?
Despite its rhetoric against nuclear weapons, the Cuban regime has never openly condemned the nuclear arsenals of its allies such as Russia, China, or North Korea. In contrast, it has vigorously criticized the United States for its military actions, which reflects a bias in its foreign policy.
What is the relationship between Cuba and Iran, and how does it influence their international policy?
The relationship between Cuba and Iran is an ideological and strategic alliance that has strengthened in recent years. Both countries share an anti-Western stance and support each other in international forums, despite criticism for their repressive practices and human rights violations.
What impact does the history of the Missile Crisis have on Cuba's current stance on nuclear disarmament?
The story of the 1962 Missile Crisis, when Cuba allowed the deployment of Soviet nuclear missiles on its territory, continues to weigh heavily on the official Cuban discourse. While it tries to present itself as a promoter of peace, this historical legacy highlights the inconsistencies in its current foreign policy.
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