Statement by Estanislau da Silva MP on behalf of RDTL National Parliament to National Preparatory Committee of Sri Lanka and the Cuban Institute of Friendship with Peoples‏

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Parlamento Nacional 

REPUBLICA DEMOCRATICA DE TIMOR-LESTE 

Honorable President 

Distinguished Delegates and Representatives 

 Ladies and gentlemen 

 On behalf of the National Parliament of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, I would like to thank the National Preparatory Committee of Sri Lanka and the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples for inviting us to take part in this important international forum of solidarity with Cuba. 

I would also like to thank the Government and the people of Sri Lanka for the warm hospitality that we have been enjoying since our arrival in this beautiful country. 

The cooperation and solidarity among governments, state institutions, NGOs and individuals around the world are essential elements of international relations for peace and stability. 

These are also the essential components in this era of globalization as we strive for economic integration and development of our countries for the wellbeing of our respective Peoples. 

We can all see that there is now a well-founded international commitment to increase economic growth and social inclusion as a way to reduce poverty and hunger in our globe and ultimately, to consolidate peace and stability. 

However, we would like to stress that a peaceful regional and worldwide economic and political cooperation should always imply: 

 a) Respect for differences and for the integrity of the national sovereignty; and 

b) A comprehensive dialogue on regional and international issues. 

We all are aware that this is the only way to overcome our differences and to reduce unnecessary tensions and conflicts. 

 On behalf of the National Parliament of Timor-Leste I would like to reiterate once again the East Timorese solidarity and support for Cuba and its amazing People. 

 I would like to recall that on the 11th of May 2010, the National Parliament of Timor-Leste unanimously approved a resolution of solidarity and support to the people of Cuba and called for a constructive dialogue between the relevant Parties in relation to the blockade. This resolution appealed for: 

1. An immediate and unconditional lifting of the North-American blockade of Cuba as requested on many occasions by the General Assembly of the United Nations; 

 2. A dialogue between the United States of America and the Republic of Cuba;

 3. A review of the situation of the five Cuban detainees in the United States including their visitation rights by their respective families. 

We hope that this Regional Solidarity Conference with Cuba will have a major impact on the solidarity movement around the world, and especially in the United States. 

We, Timorese, have a profound admiration for the resilience of the Cuban people and of their leadership. Despite all the difficulties associated with the USA economic blockade, the Cubans have been able to develop their country in a very unique and exemplary way. 

 It is actually one of the most well reputed countries in terms of Human Development Index in the world. It is one of the very few countries in the world that dispatches medical and educational teams to work in many countries with scarce resources with the aim to speed up their socio-economic development. 

 Despite its severe economic difficulties, Cuba has been giving Timor-Leste an unconditional and amazing support for almost 40 years. 

Cuba was one of the few countries which always stood up in the international arena for the right of the East Timorese People to self-determination and independence. 

As an independent country, Timor-Leste has been a beneficiary of the Cuban solidarity and friendship for more than ten years especially in the areas of health and literacy. 

Thanks to the Cuban support, we have reduced illiteracy in our country and, by 2016; we will have around two medical doctors per village, increasing thereby the ratio of Doctor/people. 

In 2013 we will have around 1000 Timorese graduated as medical doctors who would have studied in Latin American Medical School in Cuba and completed full internship in Timor-Leste under close supervision of Cuban medical professors. 

The Cubans have proven their commitment to work under extreme conditions for the wellbeing of their own People and around the world. Let us unite efforts to free the Cuban People from all constrictions, which do not enable them to speed up their socio-economic development. Let us support the development of Cuba and work together for a better world.

 Our solidarity with Cuba is a matter of principle. We are here to recall that every country must comply with the international law on people’s right to self-determination. 

Viva le pueblo de la Cuba! 

 Viva la solidariedade internacional! 

 Thank you, Estanislau Aleixo da Silva 

Member of the National Parliament, Timor-Leste

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