SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON DECOLONIZATION APPROVES TEXT CALLING ON UNITED STATES
TO EXPEDITE PUERTO RICAN SELF-DETERMINATION PROCESS
Draft Resolution Urges Probe of Pro-Independence Leader’s
Killing, Human Rights Abuses; Calls for Clean-up, Decontamination of Vieques
(Issued on 13 June 2006.)
Acting without a vote today, the Special Committee on decolonization approved a draft resolution by which the General Assembly would call on the United States to expedite the process to allow Puerto Ricans to exercise fully their inalienable right to self-determination and independence, and return all occupied land and facilities on both Vieques island and Ceiba.
By other terms of that text, sponsored by Cuba, the Assembly would also express its deep concern over the intimidation, repression and other violent acts committed in the last few months against Puerto Rican pro-independence leaders. It would urge an investigation into such acts, including the 23 September assassination of pro-independence leader Filiberto Ojeda Rios.
After a day-long hearing of petitioners on the Puerto Rico question, the Special Committee approved the text by which the General Assembly would reaffirm the right of the Puerto Rican people to self-determination and independence in line with General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV), and Puerto Rico’s status as a part of Latin America with its own national identity. The Assembly would call on the United States to respect fundamental human rights in Puerto Rico, pay for the clean-up and decontamination of areas of the island affected by United States military activities, and address the ensuing serious environmental and health consequences.
(PLEASE CONTINUE.) http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2006/gacol3138.doc.htm
TO EXPEDITE PUERTO RICAN SELF-DETERMINATION PROCESS
Draft Resolution Urges Probe of Pro-Independence Leader’s
Killing, Human Rights Abuses; Calls for Clean-up, Decontamination of Vieques
(Issued on 13 June 2006.)
Acting without a vote today, the Special Committee on decolonization approved a draft resolution by which the General Assembly would call on the United States to expedite the process to allow Puerto Ricans to exercise fully their inalienable right to self-determination and independence, and return all occupied land and facilities on both Vieques island and Ceiba.
By other terms of that text, sponsored by Cuba, the Assembly would also express its deep concern over the intimidation, repression and other violent acts committed in the last few months against Puerto Rican pro-independence leaders. It would urge an investigation into such acts, including the 23 September assassination of pro-independence leader Filiberto Ojeda Rios.
After a day-long hearing of petitioners on the Puerto Rico question, the Special Committee approved the text by which the General Assembly would reaffirm the right of the Puerto Rican people to self-determination and independence in line with General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV), and Puerto Rico’s status as a part of Latin America with its own national identity. The Assembly would call on the United States to respect fundamental human rights in Puerto Rico, pay for the clean-up and decontamination of areas of the island affected by United States military activities, and address the ensuing serious environmental and health consequences.
(PLEASE CONTINUE.) http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2006/gacol3138.doc.htm