Speaking at the 44th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council on Tuesday, Cuba on behalf of 52 countries welcomed the adoption of the law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region by China's top legislature. 

The number of countries, which signed the joint statement Cuba read at the session, is expected to rise. 

"Non-interference in internal affairs of sovereign states is an essential principle enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and a basic norm of international relations," a representative of Cuba read the joint statement. 

"In any country, the legislative power on national security issues rests with State, which in essence is not a human rights issue and therefore not subject to discussion at the Human Rights Council," said the statement. 

"We believe that every country has the right to safeguard its national security through legislation, and commend relevant steps taken for this purpose." 

"In this context, we welcome the adoption of the decision by China's legislature to establish and improve a legal framework and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for the purpose of safeguarding national security, as well as China's reaffirmation of adherence to 'One Country, Two Systems' guideline," the statement said. 

Speaking at a reception marking the 23rd anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the establishment of the HKSAR on Wednesday, Chief Executive Carrie Lam said the national security law is a turning point for Hong Kong to end chaos and bring back order. 

On Tuesday, Hong Kong police also said in a statement they will resolutely enforce the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR. 

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China's central govt: National security law will help Hong Kong return to normal track

The Hong Kong and Macao Office of China's State Council said on Tuesday that the law adopted by the country's top legislature will help Hong Kong restore social order and return to the normal track.  

Meanwhile, the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR released a statement on Tuesday, voicing its support for the adoption of the law and the decision to list it in Annex III to the HKSAR Basic Law. 

(Cover: Cuba delivers the statement on behalf of 52 countries. /UN)

(With input from Xinhua)