Cuba Defends NOAL Position on Biological Arms Convention  http://www.plenglish.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=456896&Itemid=1  Geneva, Switzerland, Dec 5 (Prensa Latina) Cuba, on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NOAL), repeated the group's strong support for the Convention on Biological Arms and noted the urgency to strengthen it, so that these devices are never used.Speaking at 7th Review Conference on the Convention, Cuban Ambassador Rodolfo Benitez questioned the U.S. government's opposition to adopt a binding protocol to strengthen the Convention, after seven years of negotiations and when it was practically concluded.Benitez also highlighted the vital importance of the Convention for the developing countries, due to its relevance to discuss international cooperation for the peaceful use of agents, materials and equipment in the field of biology and biotechnology."Unfortunately, some countries are keeping restrictions against others, prohibitions to prevent those nations from the free transfer of materials and technologies, in a flagrant violation of the regulations of the Convention," Benitez said.One of the clearest examples is the blockade imposed by the U.S. government on Cuba for more than 50 years,"Benitez said.In the opening ceremony, Cuba was elected vicepresident of the conference and will lead the NOAL group in the meeting to be held on December 22.

[ALSO SEE...IRAN RE-ELECTED TO OPCW EXECUTIVE COUNCIL  http://www.namnewsnetwork.org/v2/read.php?id=178087