A/72/315 We consider it necessary to establish a legally binding international regulatory framework which is complementary to existing international law but applies to information and communications technologies. Information and telecommunications systems can be turned into weapons when they are designed or used to inflict damage on the infrastructure of a State. All States must respect existing international standards in this field. Access to the information or telecommunications systems of another State should be in line with the international cooperation agreements concluded and should be based on the principle of consent of the State concerned. The nature and scope of exchanges must respect the laws of the State which is granting access. The hostile use of telecommunications with the overt or c overt intention of undermining the legal and political system of States is a violation of internationally recognized norms in this field and constitutes an illegal and irresponsible use of those means. Such use can give rise to tensions and situations that are not conducive to international peace and security and can adversely affect the integrity of State infrastructure to the detriment of its security in both the civilian and military fields. Cuba reiterates its concern at the covert and illegal use, by individuals, organizations and States, of the computer systems of other nations for the purpose of attacking third countries, because of its potential for triggering international conflicts. Through illegal radio and television broadcasts, the United States has been constantly attacking Cuban airwaves, disseminating programming specifically designed to incite the overthrow of the constitutional order established by the Cuban people. In 2016, illegal broadcasts averaging 1,875 hours per week were transmit ted against Cuba, using 25 frequencies, from United States territory. The constant radio and television broadcasts transmitted by the United States against Cuba contravene the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, international law and the regulations of the International Telecommunication Union. Once again, Cuba calls for an immediate end to these aggressive policies which violate the sovereignty of Cuba and which are, furthermore, incompatible with the development of ties based on mutual respect and cooperation between States. It also hopes that the economic, commercial and financial embargo, which has caused serious damage to the Cuban people, will be lifted. The embargo has had a harmful impact in the area of information and communications, among other aspects of the daily life of the Cuban people. The Heads of State and Government of Latin America and the Caribbean, at the second Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), held in Havana in January 2014, proclaimed the Latin American and Caribbean region to be a zone of peace, in order to, among other objectives, foster cooperation and friendly relations among themselves and with other nations, irrespective of differences in their political, economic and social systems or in their levels of development, to practice tolerance and to live together in peace with one another as good neighbours. At the fifth Summit of CELAC, held in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, in January 2016, the importance of information and communications technologies, including the Internet, as tools to foster peace, human well -being, development, knowledge, social inclusion and economic growth was again highlighted. Cuba reiterates that international cooperation is essential to tackle the dangers associated with the misuse of information and communications technologies. Cuba 17-13876 9/25