In contrast to men like Funes, Ortega, Mujica, and Chávez, whose careers began in guerrilla movements or failed coups, Mockus s past is irreproachable. He has never been co opted by private interests, be they political, economic, or criminal.

Cuba has the moral high ground afforded by an irreproachable record in this area and the right conferred on it by the exercise of sovereignty throughout the territory of Cuba to denounce the abuses and violations being committed daily by the United States Government on the detainees on the Guantánamo naval base and to demand an end to these practices, which are in violation of international law.

Within the context of the issue under consideration, we would also like to welcome the establishment by the Government of Uruguay of the World Centre for Research and Information on Peace, which will act as a secondary site of the University in the Southern Cone. Clearly, the fact that Uruguay is assuming responsibility for the Centre guarantees that its political, legal and academic credentials will be irreproachable.