Thursday, September 27, 2012

NEW PUSH NEEDED TO ENHANCE SAFETY OF PASSENGER SHIPPING, SAYS UN MARITIME OFFICIAL

NEW PUSH NEEDED TO ENHANCE SAFETY OF PASSENGER SHIPPING, SAYS UN MARITIME OFFICIAL
New York, Sep 27 2012 1:10PM
As he marked <"http://www.imo.org/About/Events/WorldMaritimeDay/wmd2012/Pages/default.aspx">World Maritime Day, the head of the United Nations agency mandated to ensure safety for shipping called today for enhanced safety measures that take account of changes in the industry.

"Each new generation of vessels brings fresh challenges and, regrettably, accidents still occur, reinforcing the need for continual improvement," Koji Sekimizu, the Secretary-General of the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO), said in his <"http://www.imo.org/About/Events/WorldMaritimeDay/wmd2012/Pages/WMD2012message.aspx">message for the Day.

"Our efforts to promote maritime safety, not least of passenger ships, will never stop. We should respond quickly to accidents and we must be proactive."

Passenger-ship safety is embedded in the theme of this, the 35th World Maritime Day. "IMO: One hundred years after the Titanic" marks the ocean liner's sinking on 14 April 1912.

"As we look back on that pivotal disaster 100 years ago, I urge IMO member governments and the shipping industry as a whole to refresh their determination to improve and enhance the safety of passenger shipping today, and into the future," Mr. Sekimizu said.

"The lives of thousands of people are in the hands of the ship's management, the captain and crew and the operating staff. I therefore hope that this sector, in particular, will take the opportunity to lead the way, because 'safety' is the main product – not comfort, entertainment or leisure."

Mr. Sekimizu also warned that, without safety, the industry "will not survive, let along sustain its growth."

"Real safety," he added, "does not result simply as a consequence of regulation-compliance."

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also referred to the Titanic tragedy in his World Maritime Day remarks, in which he saluted the achievements of the IMO, which emerged after the adoption of the first-ever International Convention on Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) – two years after the Titanic's sinking.

"Thanks largely to the IMO regulatory regime, shipping today is safer and more environmentally friendly than it has ever been," Mr. Ban <"http://www.imo.org/About/Events/WorldMaritimeDay/wmd2012/Pages/WMD2012UNSG.aspx">said, noting that regulations to ensure that all new passenger vessels are constructed to the highest possible standards were adopted by the IMO in 2006, and entered into force in 2010.

"A century after the Titanic was lost in the icy waters of the North Atlantic, the IMO is striving to ensure continual improvement in safety at sea."

The UN marked last year's World Maritime Day by warning of the high costs piracy was imposing on the shipping industry. This year, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) stressed the importance of tackling the piracy problem off the Horn of Africa at its source: on dry land.

"Piracy is also an issue of social and economic development as well as the rule of law and security," said Yury Fedotov, UNODC Executive Director. "This means adding UNODC's expertise on drugs and crime and terrorism to the overall promotion of democratic development of countries in the region."
Sep 27 2012 1:10PM
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AT GENERAL DEBATE, MONGOLIA'S PRESIDENT CALLS FOR MORE WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
New York, Sep 27 2012 1:10PM
The vital role of women in society was a key feature in the speech of Mongolia's President Tsakhia Elbegdorj to the United Nations General Assembly today, with a particular call for more women in leadership positions.

"We need more women leaders. Women tend to see the whole picture. For society to advance, we need more women in public service at all levels – local to global. They bring a unique perspective often missing in global challenges," President Elbegdorj <"http://gadebate.un.org/sites/default/files/gastatements/67/MN_en_0.pdf">told the 67th Assembly's General Debate, taking place at UN Headquarters in New York.

"Have you ever heard of a woman bloody dictator or tyrant? I think not. If there were more women in power, I think we would have more harmony, more engagement and less suffering and less conflict," he added, noting that at his country last elections, it tripled the number of women in its parliament.

With mothers wanting a better life for their children, the Mongolian leader said too many of them suffer when their children struggle – whether it is for lack of human rights or economic opportunity – and highlighted their valuable role in society.

"My 92-year-old-mother reminds me daily to serve all people with respect – especially women, children and the elderly. Women are the backbone of the family and the bedrock of a nation," he said. "They bring life into the world. They sense the cries of an infant. Their instincts are to care for the old, the sick and those in need. Our mothers, sisters and daughters share a core value of caring for others."

Noting that education is the "most basic" human right and the fundamental building block for human development and free societies, President Elbegdorj said that the way to empower women is to ensure that girls share the same education opportunities as boys.

"The return on investment will be higher – for both the young men and women of tomorrow and for the world. Educated nations are more secure economically, respect human rights and have greater political freedom," he said, adding that instead of weapons, the world should invest more in education. "We owe our children – all of them – the doors that a strong education can open."

Citing the historic Mongolian leader Genghis Khan, President Elbegdorj reaffirmed his country's commitment to being part of the international community and its efforts to create a better world, despite the challenges involved in those efforts.

"Eight hundred and fifty years ago, our great King [Genghis] Khan was born. He built the largest land empire in the history of the world. This great King did not erect a single statute to himself. [Genghis] Khan famously noted, 'It was easier to conquer the world on horseback than to dismount and try to govern,'" the President said.

"Let's be frank. It's not easy to be a diplomat in a troubled world. It's not easy to fight for equal opportunities for all. It's not easy to shine a light on corruption. It's not easy to govern by the rule of law. It's not easy to build real democracy," he continued. "It is easier to build statues. It is easier to destroy. It is hard to govern well. But we all must dismount and govern and govern well."

Other topics covered in his statement to the General Debate included the crisis in Syria, the need to protect the environment and expanding human rights.

President Elbegdorj is one of scores of world leaders and other high-level officials presenting their views and comments on issues of individual national and international relevance at the Assembly's General Debate, which ends on 1 October.
Sep 27 2012 1:10PM
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AT UN, COMOROS SPEAKS UP FOR SMALL ISLAND STATES THREATENED BY CLIMATE CHANGE

AT UN, COMOROS SPEAKS UP FOR SMALL ISLAND STATES THREATENED BY CLIMATE CHANGE
New York, Sep 27 2012 1:10PM
The leader of the Indian Ocean archipelago of Comoros, President Ikililou Dhoinine, took the podium at the United Nations General Assembly today to appeal for international help to help small countries like his confront the potentially devastating impact of climate change.

"The time has come to re-launch with greater resolve several international projects that have been suspended, notably those that favour mitigation and adaptation measure in the face of climate change," President Dhoinine told the 67th Assembly on the third day of its annual General Debate, at UN Headquarters in New York.

"We must react effectively to this phenomenon that affects the whole planet, but especially small island states like Comoros," he said, noting that two weeks of unusually torrential rains in April had delivered a disastrous blow to his country's economy.

Turning to the general world situation, President Dhoinine called for rapid action to put an end to the "terrible suffering" of the people of Syria, where over 18,000 people have been killed and hundreds of thousands of others driven from their homes since an uprising against President Bashar al-Assad erupted 18 months ago.

He called for full UN membership for a Palestinian state based on a two-state solution with Israel and Palestine living side by side within secure and recognized borders, and condemned attacks against civilians and the destruction of sacred sites in northern Mali, where Islamic militants seized control earlier this year.

As other African leaders have done at the General Debate, he also called for reform and expansion of the 15-member Security Council to give Africa the representation it deserves.

President Dhoinine is one of scores of world leaders and other high-level officials presenting their views and comments on issues of individual national and international relevance at the Assembly's General Debate, which ends on 1 October.
Sep 27 2012 1:10PM
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LAUDING YEMEN'S PROGRESS, BAN CALLS FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT TO PROTECT 'FRAGILE GAINS'
New York, Sep 27 2012 12:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today congratulated Yemen for the progress it has made in its democratic transition and called on the international community to support the Middle Eastern nation so it can 'protect its fragile gains' and address its humanitarian needs.

"The people of Yemen have embarked on a path of change for their country. Today, the international community has an important opportunity to discuss how it can best help Yemen and its people to move forward towards a better future," Mr. Ban <"http://www.un.org/sg/statements/index.asp?nid=6324">said at the Friends of Yemen Ministerial Meeting, which took place on the margins of the 67th session of the General Assembly in New York.


Yemen has been undergoing a democratic transition, under the leadership of President Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi Mansour, who came to power in an election in February. This followed the agreement signed by warring factions in November 2011 on a transitional settlement in the wake of widespread protests similar to those seen across the Middle East and North Africa and the resignation of former president Ali Abdullah Saleh.

"One year ago, Yemen was on the brink of civil war. Now, despite the many challenges ahead, Yemen has a new, elected President, a Government of national unity and a framework for economic recovery. Yemenis from all walks of life are gearing up for a vibrant national debate to help shape the future of their country," Mr. Ban said.

In particular, he praised the President for his work since his election, and reiterated the UN's readiness to support Yemen in its new phase.

"I would like to commend you, President Hadi, for your efforts to reach out to all Yemenis to restore peace, stability and security, restructure the Yemeni armed forces, and free Yemen from terrorism," he said. "I expect all Yemenis to work constructively towards achieving these and all other transition goals in full and on time."

Mr. Ban stressed that to sustain the current pace of progress, it will be necessary to translate the $6.4 billion recently pledged by international donors into tangible results on the ground, especially to address Yemen's humanitarian needs.

More than 10 million people – almost half the country's population – are estimated to need food assistance, according to the World Food Programme (WFP). Child malnutrition rates are also among the highest in the world with close to half of its children under five years – two million children – stunted and one million acutely malnourished.

The country is particularly vulnerable to rises in food prices since it imports up to 90 per cent of its main staple foods, including wheat and sugar.

Mr. Ban said he would mobilize the entire UN system to back the President's efforts to ensure a successful political transition as well as prosperity for all Yemeni people.

"Yemen is making steady progress toward greater stability and development. We must do everything possible to protect the fragile gains," Mr. Ban said. "The reverberations of Yemen's transition will be felt beyond the country's borders. Success will also send important signals to other States facing similar challenges. Let us pledge our commitment to supporting the courageous Yemeni people as they build a more promising future."
Sep 27 2012 12:10PM
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UN CHIEF URGES COUNTRIES TO SHOW ‘TRUE LEADERSHIP’ AND JOIN NUCLEAR-TEST-BAN TREATY

UN CHIEF URGES COUNTRIES TO SHOW 'TRUE LEADERSHIP' AND JOIN NUCLEAR-TEST-BAN TREATY
New York, Sep 27 2012 12:10PM
Stressing that the entry into force of the United Nations-backed treaty banning nuclear tests would be a milestone in advancing the cause of nuclear disarmament, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today renewed his call on those States that have not yet signed on to do so without delay.

"To countries that remain outside of this treaty, I say: you are failing to live up to your responsibility as a member of the international community," Mr. Ban <"http://www.un.org/sg/statements/index.asp?nid=6326">told the Sixth Ministerial Meeting of the Parties to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (<"http://www.ctbto.org/">CTBT).

At the same time, he noted that the vast majority of countries have endorsed the treaty. "To them I say: you have wisely chosen security over threats, peace over belligerence, and the global good over a narrow vision of national interests. You are showing true leadership."

The CTBT is the only treaty to ban all nuclear tests, everywhere and by everyone. The treaty also has a unique global alarm system to detect nuclear explosions. Out of a total listed number of 195 States, 183 have so far signed the treaty and 157 have ratified it.

Mr. Ban specifically called on those eight States whose ratification is required for the treaty to enter into force – also known as the Annex 2 States – to ratify the CTBT. They are China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Pakistan and the United States.

"In order to advance the process, I wrote to each of these countries in June. I appealed to them to follow Indonesia's example and accelerate their ratification process. I urged them to consider how adherence to this treaty could enhance security, promote stability and build confidence throughout the world," said the Secretary-General.

He added that leaders have a standing offer from him to personally visit and answer any concerns or doubts they may have about the CTBT.

The norm against testing is strong, the Secretary-General said, noting that countries that have made the decision to test nuclear weapons have provoked "unified and principled" opposition.

"But a non-binding norm is not enough. History teaches us that moratoria can and will be broken. The CTBT must become universal law," he stated. In the meantime, he urged all States to refrain from the use of new nuclear weapon technologies or from any action that would defeat the object and purpose of the CTBT.

Mr. Ban reminded delegates that there is a direct link between ending nuclear testing and eradicating nuclear weapons, stating that "the cessation of nuclear tests will constrain the development of nuclear weapons."
Sep 27 2012 12:10PM
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BAN HAILS AGREEMENTS BETWEEN SUDAN AND SOUTH SUDAN ON POST-SECESSION ISSUES

BAN HAILS AGREEMENTS BETWEEN SUDAN AND SOUTH SUDAN ON POST-SECESSION ISSUES
New York, Sep 27 2012 12:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today congratulated the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan for signing agreements on security, the common border and economic relations during talks in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

"These agreements provide vital elements in building a strong foundation for a stable and prosperous future between the two countries," said a <"http://www.un.org/sg/statements/index.asp?nid=6327">statement issued by Mr. Ban's spokesperson.

The Secretary-General commended Presidents Omar Al-Bashir of Sudan and Salva Kiir of South Sudan "for demonstrating the statesmanship that made a comprehensive agreement possible, and for having once again chosen peace over war."

South Sudan became independent from Sudan in July last year, six years after the signing of the peace agreement that ended decades of warfare between the north and the south. However, the peace between the two countries has been threatened in recent months by armed clashes along their common border and outstanding post-independence issues that have yet to be resolved.

The talks, held under the auspices of the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel, were designed to enable the two nations to fulfil their obligations under a so-called roadmap aimed at easing tensions, facilitating the resumption of negotiations on post-secession relations and normalizing the relations between the two countries.

Mr. Ban praised the "serious and constructive" participation, by both sides, in the talks, as well as the continuing leadership of the Panel led by former South African President Thabo Mbeki in facilitating and mediating the talks.

"The Secretary-General calls on both Governments to find solutions to the future of the disputed and claimed areas and the final status of Abyei," the statement said. "He urges both countries to now embark on the implementation of the agreements they have signed and to finalize the processes they have initiated."

A ministerial level meeting on Sudan and South Sudan will be held later today at UN Headquarters in New York, on the margins of the General Debate of the 67th UN General Assembly.
Sep 27 2012 12:10PM
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