WITH NUMBERS STILL RISING, UN AND PARTNERS SEEK $488 MILLION TO AID SYRIAN REFUGEES
New York, Sep 27 2012 11:10AM
The United Nations and its humanitarian partners today issued a revised appeal for nearly $488 million to assist the rapidly increasing numbers of Syrian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey.
The Regional Response Plan for Syrian Refugees outlines the plans of 52 humanitarian organizations, led by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), to assist those fleeing the ongoing crisis.
While an earlier appeal launched in March projected an estimated 100,000 Syrians becoming refugees by the end of 2012, today's appeal estimates that there may be up to 700,000 Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries by the end of the year, UNHCR said in a news release.
There are currently 294,000 Syrian refugees registered or awaiting registration in neighbouring countries, compared to 41,500 Syrians in March.
"This seven fold increase has brought about a surge in the humanitarian response and a vastly expanded plan of action to respond to the needs of Syrian refugees as well as future arrivals," <"http://www.unhcr.org/50641d1b6.html">stated UNHCR, adding that 2,000-3,000 refugees are crossing daily into neighbouring countries.
"Many refugees are arriving with only the clothes on their backs," said Panos Moumtzis, UNHCR's Regional Coordinator for Syrian Refugees. "Some have been displaced many times before leaving Syria. They need humanitarian assistance from day one."
Mr. Moumtzis said that Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey have set the example, keeping their borders open for Syrians fleeing violence. "The neighbouring countries cannot do this alone. The international community must continue to demonstrate solidarity."
Humanitarian agencies have scaled-up assistance in response to the increase in numbers and needs of refugees, with an increasing sense of urgency to prepare for the winter months, with half the Syrian refugee population living in refugee camps, the majority in tents.
More than 18,000 people, mostly civilians, have died since the uprising against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad began 18 months ago. A further 2.5 million Syrians urgently need humanitarian aid, according to UN estimates.
In addition to the efforts of UNHCR, the World Food Programme (WFP) is supporting the distribution of food to Syrians in camps and among hosting communities in all four neighbouring countries.
"Humanitarian needs, especially food, are growing, as thousands more Syrians pour into neighbouring countries," said Edward Kallon, WFP Regional Refugee Emergency Coordinator.
WFP is responding to cover the food needs of refugees in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey with food distributions, hot meals and innovative food vouchers."
The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) is working to ensure that all Syrian refugee children are in school, fully immunized and properly clothed for the cold weather that is fast approaching. "UNICEF is ready to provide this support, but what is missing is the funding," said Maria Cavilis, the agency's Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.
The Regional Response Plan for Syrian Refugees is currently 29 per cent funded, with $141.5 million received to date.
Sep 27 2012 11:10AM
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Thursday, September 27, 2012
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Wednesday, September 26, 2012
UN CHIEF DISCUSSES RANGE OF INTERNATIONAL ISSUES IN MEETINGS WITH WORLD LEADERS AT UN
UN CHIEF DISCUSSES RANGE OF INTERNATIONAL ISSUES IN MEETINGS WITH WORLD LEADERS AT UN
New York, Sep 27 2012 1:10AM
>From the Middle East peace process and the crisis in Syria, to regional cooperation and global education, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today discussed a host of international issues with a range of world leaders and senior government officials, on the margins of the second day of the United Nations General Assembly's high-level debate.
In the UN chief's meeting with the President of the Palestinian National Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, the two men discussed the deadlock in the Middle East peace process and the urgent need for re-engagement and tangible political progress towards the realization of the two-State solution.
They also discussed the situation on the ground in the occupied Palestinian territory, including the continuing settlement activity and the vital need for the international community to provide additional support to the Palestinian Authority (PA).
The PA's financial crisis also featured in the meeting involving the Secretary-General and the Presidents of the European Council and European Commission, Herman Van Rompuy and José Manuel Barroso, respectively.
They exchanged views on the improved economic signals from the eurozone, and the positive implications for the world economy. In addition, they spoke about cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union in a number of areas, including the follow-up to the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), which took place in Brazil in June; the Secretary-General's global initiative on 'Education First,' launched today on the margins of the General Assembly; and the importance of mitigating the harmful impact of climate change.
The efforts being made by Guatemala to fight impunity and insecurity came up for discussion in the Secretary-General's meeting with that country's President Otto Fernando Pérez Molina.
The Central American leader reiterated his Government's request for an extension of the mandate of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala, often known by the Spanish-language acronym CICIG.
President Pérez also invited Mr. Ban to attend the next General Assembly of the Organization of American States, which will be held in Guatemala, and the UN chief noted the importance of Guatemala's engagement in the establishment and implementation of Sustainable Development Goals.
Sustainability also figured in the Secretary-General's meeting with the President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, with the two men discussing the work of the High Level Panel on the post-2015 global development agenda, disaster risk reduction – and the President's leadership role in this field – as well as UN reform efforts.
They also exchanged views on the partnership between the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nation, Myanmar, Timor-Leste and Syria. In addition, they discussed Indonesia's moderating role in regard to acts of intolerance and the reactions they generate.
The situation in the Great Lakes region of Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, featured in the Secretary-General's meeting with the Prime Minister of Belgium, Elio Di Rupo.
Mr. Ban raised concerns over support to rebel movements in the region, which has experienced a renewed bout of conflict over recent months, displacing hundreds of thousands of people in the process.
The two men also exchanged views on the situation in Syria, and agreed on the importance of the international community doing more to provide additional resources to meet the pressing humanitarian needs resulting from the crisis. In closing, the UN chief and the Prime Minister addressed issues related to the follow-up process to Rio+20.
The participation of Pacific countries in Rio+20 and its follow-up was discussed at the Secretary-General's meeting with the leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum. Mr. Ban and the leaders exchanged views on regional and global initiatives in which the latter have played a key role, including climate change and sustainable development.
They also discussed the need to work toward developing a more effective coordination and support framework for regional development, and addressed peace and security issues, including regional efforts in the Solomon Islands, Fiji and Papua New Guinea, in addition to reaffirming their commitment to continue working together on areas of common interest, particularly in the lead-up to the Small Islands Developing States Conference in 2014.
In the Secretary-General's meeting with the Speaker of Kyrgyzstan's Parliament, Asylbek Jeenbekov, the pair discussed the situation in the country, covering issues of governance, judicial reform, human rights, the on-going peacebuilding process and inter-ethnic reconciliation.
The Secretary-General expressed his hope that the Central Asian nation's so-called Concept of Ethnic Policy would soon be approved and implemented, and the two men also addressed Kyrgyzstan's active engagement in the region and issues related to water and energy.
In addition to the situation in Syria, the Secretary-General and the Prime Minister of Denmark, Helle Thorning-Schmidt, discussed the importance of education for all in today's world, and exchanged ideas on how the international community could best support the Secretary-General's 'Education First' initiative.
The meeting between the Secretary-General and the President of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Gjorge Ivanov, saw the two men discuss a range of issues, including the status of the negotiations between Athens and Skopje on the "name" issue.
Mr. Ban reiterated the importance of moving towards decisions that will resolve the matter expeditiously and in a mutually acceptable manner.
In a meeting on Tuesday, the Secretary-General met the President of the Republic of Cape Verde, Jorge Carlos De Almeida Fonseca. They discussed the African nation's achievements towards meeting the anti-poverty targets known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the United Nations' performance in 'Delivering as One' in the Atlantic Ocean archipelago, the importance of combating drug-trafficking and broader challenges pertaining to Africa's Sahel region, including the situation in Mali.
They also discussed the security situation in the sub-region, in particular, the crisis in Guinea-Bissau, and the impact of climate change in landlocked countries such as Cape Verde.
In another meeting on Tuesday, the Secretary-General met the new Prime Minister of Somalia, Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, whom he congratulated on the political progress which has taken place in the Horn of Africa country with the completion of its transitional governing period.
Mr. Ban and the Prime Minister discussed political and security developments in the East African nation and the need for support to stabilization and institution-building in the coming months.
They also discussed the continued support of the United Nations to Somalia, including through the Peacebuilding Fund and in the area of human rights, and exchanged views on issues related to piracy.
Sep 27 2012 1:10AM
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New York, Sep 27 2012 1:10AM
>From the Middle East peace process and the crisis in Syria, to regional cooperation and global education, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today discussed a host of international issues with a range of world leaders and senior government officials, on the margins of the second day of the United Nations General Assembly's high-level debate.
In the UN chief's meeting with the President of the Palestinian National Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, the two men discussed the deadlock in the Middle East peace process and the urgent need for re-engagement and tangible political progress towards the realization of the two-State solution.
They also discussed the situation on the ground in the occupied Palestinian territory, including the continuing settlement activity and the vital need for the international community to provide additional support to the Palestinian Authority (PA).
The PA's financial crisis also featured in the meeting involving the Secretary-General and the Presidents of the European Council and European Commission, Herman Van Rompuy and José Manuel Barroso, respectively.
They exchanged views on the improved economic signals from the eurozone, and the positive implications for the world economy. In addition, they spoke about cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union in a number of areas, including the follow-up to the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), which took place in Brazil in June; the Secretary-General's global initiative on 'Education First,' launched today on the margins of the General Assembly; and the importance of mitigating the harmful impact of climate change.
The efforts being made by Guatemala to fight impunity and insecurity came up for discussion in the Secretary-General's meeting with that country's President Otto Fernando Pérez Molina.
The Central American leader reiterated his Government's request for an extension of the mandate of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala, often known by the Spanish-language acronym CICIG.
President Pérez also invited Mr. Ban to attend the next General Assembly of the Organization of American States, which will be held in Guatemala, and the UN chief noted the importance of Guatemala's engagement in the establishment and implementation of Sustainable Development Goals.
Sustainability also figured in the Secretary-General's meeting with the President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, with the two men discussing the work of the High Level Panel on the post-2015 global development agenda, disaster risk reduction – and the President's leadership role in this field – as well as UN reform efforts.
They also exchanged views on the partnership between the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nation, Myanmar, Timor-Leste and Syria. In addition, they discussed Indonesia's moderating role in regard to acts of intolerance and the reactions they generate.
The situation in the Great Lakes region of Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, featured in the Secretary-General's meeting with the Prime Minister of Belgium, Elio Di Rupo.
Mr. Ban raised concerns over support to rebel movements in the region, which has experienced a renewed bout of conflict over recent months, displacing hundreds of thousands of people in the process.
The two men also exchanged views on the situation in Syria, and agreed on the importance of the international community doing more to provide additional resources to meet the pressing humanitarian needs resulting from the crisis. In closing, the UN chief and the Prime Minister addressed issues related to the follow-up process to Rio+20.
The participation of Pacific countries in Rio+20 and its follow-up was discussed at the Secretary-General's meeting with the leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum. Mr. Ban and the leaders exchanged views on regional and global initiatives in which the latter have played a key role, including climate change and sustainable development.
They also discussed the need to work toward developing a more effective coordination and support framework for regional development, and addressed peace and security issues, including regional efforts in the Solomon Islands, Fiji and Papua New Guinea, in addition to reaffirming their commitment to continue working together on areas of common interest, particularly in the lead-up to the Small Islands Developing States Conference in 2014.
In the Secretary-General's meeting with the Speaker of Kyrgyzstan's Parliament, Asylbek Jeenbekov, the pair discussed the situation in the country, covering issues of governance, judicial reform, human rights, the on-going peacebuilding process and inter-ethnic reconciliation.
The Secretary-General expressed his hope that the Central Asian nation's so-called Concept of Ethnic Policy would soon be approved and implemented, and the two men also addressed Kyrgyzstan's active engagement in the region and issues related to water and energy.
In addition to the situation in Syria, the Secretary-General and the Prime Minister of Denmark, Helle Thorning-Schmidt, discussed the importance of education for all in today's world, and exchanged ideas on how the international community could best support the Secretary-General's 'Education First' initiative.
The meeting between the Secretary-General and the President of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Gjorge Ivanov, saw the two men discuss a range of issues, including the status of the negotiations between Athens and Skopje on the "name" issue.
Mr. Ban reiterated the importance of moving towards decisions that will resolve the matter expeditiously and in a mutually acceptable manner.
In a meeting on Tuesday, the Secretary-General met the President of the Republic of Cape Verde, Jorge Carlos De Almeida Fonseca. They discussed the African nation's achievements towards meeting the anti-poverty targets known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the United Nations' performance in 'Delivering as One' in the Atlantic Ocean archipelago, the importance of combating drug-trafficking and broader challenges pertaining to Africa's Sahel region, including the situation in Mali.
They also discussed the security situation in the sub-region, in particular, the crisis in Guinea-Bissau, and the impact of climate change in landlocked countries such as Cape Verde.
In another meeting on Tuesday, the Secretary-General met the new Prime Minister of Somalia, Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, whom he congratulated on the political progress which has taken place in the Horn of Africa country with the completion of its transitional governing period.
Mr. Ban and the Prime Minister discussed political and security developments in the East African nation and the need for support to stabilization and institution-building in the coming months.
They also discussed the continued support of the United Nations to Somalia, including through the Peacebuilding Fund and in the area of human rights, and exchanged views on issues related to piracy.
Sep 27 2012 1:10AM
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=?Windows-1252?Q?AT=20UN=20DEBATE, =20KIRIBATI=92S=20PRESIDENT=20URGES=20INCREASED=20EFFORTS=20TO=20MITIGATE=20IMPACT=20OF=20RISING=20SEAS?=
AT UN DEBATE, KIRIBATI'S PRESIDENT URGES INCREASED EFFORTS TO MITIGATE IMPACT OF RISING SEAS
New York, Sep 27 2012 12:10AM
The President of Kiribati, a mainly low-lying Pacific archipelago that is one of the states most threatened by rising seas, today appealed to the United Nations to step up efforts to curb global greenhouse emissions and help in mitigation measures, including possible migration.
"We are grateful that the General Assembly agrees that climate change is a matter warranting the attention of the Security Council," Kiribati's President Anote Tong <"http://gadebate.un.org/sites/default/files/gastatements/67/KI_en.pdf">told the UN General Assembly on the second day of its annual General Debate, at UN Headquarters in New York.
"I applaud the commitment of our Secretary-General to this particular security threat, but he needs the support of all nations to take the necessary action to address it. We must step up our collective efforts to mitigate global greenhouse gas emissions," he said.
The Kiribati leader called on development partners to provide resources and technology to enable his country to deal with the current impacts of climate change and prepare for an uncertain future.
"While we are taking adaptation measures to ensure that Kiribati remains habitable for as long as possible, we are also preparing for a future where our islands may no longer be able top sustain our population," President Tong stated in his speech.
"We are looking to improve the skills of our people to a level where they are able to compete for jobs in the international labour market. We want our people to have the option to migrate with dignity should the time come that migration is unavoidable. And all the science is telling us that it is just a matter of time," he said.
He added, "I frequently find myself watching my grandchildren and wondering what sort of a future we are leaving them."
President Tong 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 12:10AM
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New York, Sep 27 2012 12:10AM
The President of Kiribati, a mainly low-lying Pacific archipelago that is one of the states most threatened by rising seas, today appealed to the United Nations to step up efforts to curb global greenhouse emissions and help in mitigation measures, including possible migration.
"We are grateful that the General Assembly agrees that climate change is a matter warranting the attention of the Security Council," Kiribati's President Anote Tong <"http://gadebate.un.org/sites/default/files/gastatements/67/KI_en.pdf">told the UN General Assembly on the second day of its annual General Debate, at UN Headquarters in New York.
"I applaud the commitment of our Secretary-General to this particular security threat, but he needs the support of all nations to take the necessary action to address it. We must step up our collective efforts to mitigate global greenhouse gas emissions," he said.
The Kiribati leader called on development partners to provide resources and technology to enable his country to deal with the current impacts of climate change and prepare for an uncertain future.
"While we are taking adaptation measures to ensure that Kiribati remains habitable for as long as possible, we are also preparing for a future where our islands may no longer be able top sustain our population," President Tong stated in his speech.
"We are looking to improve the skills of our people to a level where they are able to compete for jobs in the international labour market. We want our people to have the option to migrate with dignity should the time come that migration is unavoidable. And all the science is telling us that it is just a matter of time," he said.
He added, "I frequently find myself watching my grandchildren and wondering what sort of a future we are leaving them."
President Tong 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 12:10AM
________________
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AT UN, AFRICAN LEADERS VOICE RANGE OF CONCERNS, FROM DEVELOPMENT ISSUES TO COUNCIL REFORM
AT UN, AFRICAN LEADERS VOICE RANGE OF CONCERNS, FROM DEVELOPMENT ISSUES TO COUNCIL REFORM
New York, Sep 26 2012 11:10PM
Malawi's President Joyce Banda today called on the United Nations General Assembly to ensure that an ambitious programme adopted last year to spur development and economic growth in the world's Least Developed Countries (LDCs) be fully and speedily implemented.
"In particular, duty-free quota-free market access and supply side capacity must be ensured to the least developed countries," President Banda <"http://gadebate.un.org/sites/default/files/gastatements/67/MW_en.pdf">told the Assembly on the second day of its annual General Debate, adding that implementation must be "in its entirety and in an effective and timely manner."
The Istanbul Programme of Action, adopted at a UN summit in the Turkish city in May 2011, outlines a 10-year plan to support the most vulnerable countries in efforts to overcome poverty, calling on the private sector to play a greater role in the fight, urging wealthy nations to step up aid commitments and demanding the elimination of many trade barriers.
The summit focused on ways to harness the potential of the 48 countries – many of them in sub-Saharan Africa – classified as LDCs so that they can lift themselves out of poverty and develop economically. Under the programme, affluent countries have committed to realize the target of spending 0.15 per cent to 0.20 per cent of their national incomes on official development assistance.
The plan also calls for the abolition or reduction of arbitrary or unjustified trade barriers, and the opening up of markets in wealthier countries to products from poorer nations.
President Banda also welcomed the outcome of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), held in Brazil in June, when countries renewed their political commitment to sustainable development, including the development of a strategy for sustainable development financing.
"Most least developed countries are facing the adverse effects of climate change, which is causing flooding, land degradation as well as drought," she said. "Implementation of these agreements is very crucial for our future."
The Malawian leader joined other African countries in demanding an expansion of the 15-member Security Council to include at least two permanent and five non-permanent seats for the continent.
"Africa makes the single largest region within the United Nations and a very significant proportion of issues discussed in the Security Council concern the African continent," she noted.
In his <"http://gadebate.un.org/sites/default/files/gastatements/67/SZ_en.pdf">remarks to the General Debate, King Mswati III of Swaziland said full representation of all regions in the Council will ensure that "we all own the decisions of this important security organ."
"We wish to reiterate the African position on the Security Council, that of having two seats in the permanent category and five seats in the non-permanent category," he added. "We should all be given equal treatment. No region or country should impose its influence over others. We wish to see finality to this urgent matter since it has dragged on for a very long time now."
Making a similar argument in his remarks to the gathering, Mali's Prime Minister Mohamed Abdoulaye Dit Modibo Diarra noted the current "imbalance" affecting Africa on the issue.
He also said that only the deployment of forces from the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS), under UN authorization, would succeed in recovering northern Mali from Islamic militants who seized control there earlier this year, imposing strict Sharia law, including amputation of limbs as punishment, and leading to the flight of 350,000 people, both internally and as refugees to neighbouring countries.
In his <"http://gadebate.un.org/sites/default/files/gastatements/67/GM_en.pdf">statement to the Assembly, Gambia's President Yahya Jammeh, calling for Africa's full representation on the Council, criticized the current structure as a stumbling block to urgent action in crisis flashpoints such as northern Mali, Syria and Guinea-Bissau.
"The paralysis displayed by our common security mechanisms is astounding," he said. "Geopolitical interests have trampled the goodwill and humanitarian concerns that should compel us all to address these raging infernos, be it in the Middle East, Asia or Africa."
"Our collective security will continue to be undermined by geo-political considerations unless and until we find the courage to reform the Security Council," President Jammeh continued. "Ongoing conflicts in Mali, Guinea-Bissau and Syria are recent cases in point. The Security Council should not be the stumbling block in the settlement of disputes by peaceful or other means."
The Gambian leader also called for full implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action, warning that it "must not be written in the language of broken promises, unfulfilled commitments and weak resource mobilization."
Addressing the General Debate, Foreign Minister Mohamed Bazoum of Niger joined Mali in calling for a Security Council resolution authorizing ECOWAS military action in northern Mali. Action "must be immediate without any delay because it is well known that battle is deferred to one's own detriment," he said.
"Consequently the international community, in particular the Security Council must with out delay take charge of the Mali crisis in order to restore a united, democratic and secular Mali," he said.
Côte d'Ivoire's Foreign Minister Daniel Kablan Duncan, in his remarks to the General Debate, echoed the concerns of his colleagues, calling on the Council to endorse an ECOWAS force in northern Mali. "The presence of movements linked to terrorist groups in northern Mali constitutes a veritable threat that can entail, if nothing is done, the implosion of the whole West African and Sahel region."
In his statement to the Assembly, the Central African Republic's Foreign Minister, Antoine Gambi, stressed that an expansion of the Security Council and a revitalization of the General Assembly would fulfil the legitimate aspirations of developing countries and of Africa in particular.
Such changes would increase the UN's "authority and its effectiveness, reinforce its capacity to confront new threats and new challenges and allow it to better assume the mission entrusted to it by its Charter."
The African leaders and officials are among scores of heads of State and government 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 26 2012 11:10PM
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New York, Sep 26 2012 11:10PM
Malawi's President Joyce Banda today called on the United Nations General Assembly to ensure that an ambitious programme adopted last year to spur development and economic growth in the world's Least Developed Countries (LDCs) be fully and speedily implemented.
"In particular, duty-free quota-free market access and supply side capacity must be ensured to the least developed countries," President Banda <"http://gadebate.un.org/sites/default/files/gastatements/67/MW_en.pdf">told the Assembly on the second day of its annual General Debate, adding that implementation must be "in its entirety and in an effective and timely manner."
The Istanbul Programme of Action, adopted at a UN summit in the Turkish city in May 2011, outlines a 10-year plan to support the most vulnerable countries in efforts to overcome poverty, calling on the private sector to play a greater role in the fight, urging wealthy nations to step up aid commitments and demanding the elimination of many trade barriers.
The summit focused on ways to harness the potential of the 48 countries – many of them in sub-Saharan Africa – classified as LDCs so that they can lift themselves out of poverty and develop economically. Under the programme, affluent countries have committed to realize the target of spending 0.15 per cent to 0.20 per cent of their national incomes on official development assistance.
The plan also calls for the abolition or reduction of arbitrary or unjustified trade barriers, and the opening up of markets in wealthier countries to products from poorer nations.
President Banda also welcomed the outcome of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), held in Brazil in June, when countries renewed their political commitment to sustainable development, including the development of a strategy for sustainable development financing.
"Most least developed countries are facing the adverse effects of climate change, which is causing flooding, land degradation as well as drought," she said. "Implementation of these agreements is very crucial for our future."
The Malawian leader joined other African countries in demanding an expansion of the 15-member Security Council to include at least two permanent and five non-permanent seats for the continent.
"Africa makes the single largest region within the United Nations and a very significant proportion of issues discussed in the Security Council concern the African continent," she noted.
In his <"http://gadebate.un.org/sites/default/files/gastatements/67/SZ_en.pdf">remarks to the General Debate, King Mswati III of Swaziland said full representation of all regions in the Council will ensure that "we all own the decisions of this important security organ."
"We wish to reiterate the African position on the Security Council, that of having two seats in the permanent category and five seats in the non-permanent category," he added. "We should all be given equal treatment. No region or country should impose its influence over others. We wish to see finality to this urgent matter since it has dragged on for a very long time now."
Making a similar argument in his remarks to the gathering, Mali's Prime Minister Mohamed Abdoulaye Dit Modibo Diarra noted the current "imbalance" affecting Africa on the issue.
He also said that only the deployment of forces from the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS), under UN authorization, would succeed in recovering northern Mali from Islamic militants who seized control there earlier this year, imposing strict Sharia law, including amputation of limbs as punishment, and leading to the flight of 350,000 people, both internally and as refugees to neighbouring countries.
In his <"http://gadebate.un.org/sites/default/files/gastatements/67/GM_en.pdf">statement to the Assembly, Gambia's President Yahya Jammeh, calling for Africa's full representation on the Council, criticized the current structure as a stumbling block to urgent action in crisis flashpoints such as northern Mali, Syria and Guinea-Bissau.
"The paralysis displayed by our common security mechanisms is astounding," he said. "Geopolitical interests have trampled the goodwill and humanitarian concerns that should compel us all to address these raging infernos, be it in the Middle East, Asia or Africa."
"Our collective security will continue to be undermined by geo-political considerations unless and until we find the courage to reform the Security Council," President Jammeh continued. "Ongoing conflicts in Mali, Guinea-Bissau and Syria are recent cases in point. The Security Council should not be the stumbling block in the settlement of disputes by peaceful or other means."
The Gambian leader also called for full implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action, warning that it "must not be written in the language of broken promises, unfulfilled commitments and weak resource mobilization."
Addressing the General Debate, Foreign Minister Mohamed Bazoum of Niger joined Mali in calling for a Security Council resolution authorizing ECOWAS military action in northern Mali. Action "must be immediate without any delay because it is well known that battle is deferred to one's own detriment," he said.
"Consequently the international community, in particular the Security Council must with out delay take charge of the Mali crisis in order to restore a united, democratic and secular Mali," he said.
Côte d'Ivoire's Foreign Minister Daniel Kablan Duncan, in his remarks to the General Debate, echoed the concerns of his colleagues, calling on the Council to endorse an ECOWAS force in northern Mali. "The presence of movements linked to terrorist groups in northern Mali constitutes a veritable threat that can entail, if nothing is done, the implosion of the whole West African and Sahel region."
In his statement to the Assembly, the Central African Republic's Foreign Minister, Antoine Gambi, stressed that an expansion of the Security Council and a revitalization of the General Assembly would fulfil the legitimate aspirations of developing countries and of Africa in particular.
Such changes would increase the UN's "authority and its effectiveness, reinforce its capacity to confront new threats and new challenges and allow it to better assume the mission entrusted to it by its Charter."
The African leaders and officials are among scores of heads of State and government 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 26 2012 11:10PM
________________
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WORLD MUST UNITE TO ELIMINATE PROLIFERATION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS, LATVIAN LEADER TELLS UN
WORLD MUST UNITE TO ELIMINATE PROLIFERATION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS, LATVIAN LEADER TELLS UN
New York, Sep 26 2012 9:10PM
The international community must be united in its commitment to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons, Latvia's President Andris Berzinš told the United Nations General Assembly today.
"The proliferation risk of weapons of mass destruction is one of the most serious global threats," President Berzinš <"http://gadebate.un.org/sites/default/files/gastatements/67/LV_en.pdf">said, adding that Latvia is seriously concerned about potential stockpiles of chemical weapons in Syria and the lack of progress in dialogue with Iran on the nature of its nuclear programme.
More than 18,000 people, mostly civilians, have died in Syria since the uprising against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad began 18 months ago, and there have been concerns over the potential use of chemical weapons in the conflict. Iranian officials have stated that their country's nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, but some other countries contend it is aimed at producing nuclear weapons.
"We call for strengthening efforts to reach the goals of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and its Action Plan," he said. "In this regard, we applaud steps made by the United States and Russia towards global disarmament and transparency. We hope it will trigger further efforts to reduce the reliance on nuclear weapons."
The NPT's objective is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament.
President Berzinš also stated that countries need to implement coordinated policies to overcome the global economic and financial crisis. "The economy still remains fragile even if positive trends can be observed. Latvia welcomes all efforts to stabilize the situation in the Eurozone and supports the recent steps to ensure it," he said.
He noted that despite the global economic crisis, Latvia's gross domestic product grew by more than 5.5 per cent last year and its economy will be more competitive and prepared for the next growth cycle.
"What matters most, is the sustainability of economic health achieved along with the eurozone integration process," the Latvian leader added. "Latvia believes that complications can be overcome and aims to introduce the Euro in 2014."
President Berzinš is one of scores of heads of State and government 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 26 2012 9:10PM
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New York, Sep 26 2012 9:10PM
The international community must be united in its commitment to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons, Latvia's President Andris Berzinš told the United Nations General Assembly today.
"The proliferation risk of weapons of mass destruction is one of the most serious global threats," President Berzinš <"http://gadebate.un.org/sites/default/files/gastatements/67/LV_en.pdf">said, adding that Latvia is seriously concerned about potential stockpiles of chemical weapons in Syria and the lack of progress in dialogue with Iran on the nature of its nuclear programme.
More than 18,000 people, mostly civilians, have died in Syria since the uprising against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad began 18 months ago, and there have been concerns over the potential use of chemical weapons in the conflict. Iranian officials have stated that their country's nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, but some other countries contend it is aimed at producing nuclear weapons.
"We call for strengthening efforts to reach the goals of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and its Action Plan," he said. "In this regard, we applaud steps made by the United States and Russia towards global disarmament and transparency. We hope it will trigger further efforts to reduce the reliance on nuclear weapons."
The NPT's objective is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament.
President Berzinš also stated that countries need to implement coordinated policies to overcome the global economic and financial crisis. "The economy still remains fragile even if positive trends can be observed. Latvia welcomes all efforts to stabilize the situation in the Eurozone and supports the recent steps to ensure it," he said.
He noted that despite the global economic crisis, Latvia's gross domestic product grew by more than 5.5 per cent last year and its economy will be more competitive and prepared for the next growth cycle.
"What matters most, is the sustainability of economic health achieved along with the eurozone integration process," the Latvian leader added. "Latvia believes that complications can be overcome and aims to introduce the Euro in 2014."
President Berzinš is one of scores of heads of State and government 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 26 2012 9:10PM
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AT GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HAITIAN PRESIDENT CALLS FOR KEEPING ALIVE UN'S FLAME OF HOPE ALIVE
New York, Sep 26 2012 9:10PM
Haiti's President Michel Martelly called on the United Nations today to ensure that the flame of hope for a better world ignited by the world body's foundation 67 years ago continues to burn brightly by ensuring the equality of all states, both large and small.
"We have learned from history that there was no justice or equality in international relations when each nation sought its own interests," he told the 67th General Assembly on the second day of its annual General Debate. "The creation of the United Nations lit the hope among the peoples that things could be different. We must not let that flame die."
"In any family in general, and in that of the United Nations in particular, there cannot be big powers and small, giants and dwarfs, but only equal beings who have interests to defend, opinions to advance on the basis of relations turned towards the future, relations bearing the stamp of freedom, equality, fraternity and the pursuit of happiness for all," he added.
President Martelly said his country, one of the world's poorest, which over the past has suffered from political instability, a devastating earthquake, hurricanes and cholera, is making progress as it seeks to emerge from the morass of problems besetting it.
"I can truly claim that the impulse has been launched and I do not doubt that we will be able to see the results in a few months or a few years time," he stated.
"But will these national dreams come to pass if the pledges made to help the development of countries like ours are not effectively realized, if all kinds of prejudices and suspicions are maintained towards those who are less endowed?" he asked.
The Haitian leader is one of scores of national leaders and other high-level officials who are 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 26 2012 9:10PM
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New York, Sep 26 2012 9:10PM
Haiti's President Michel Martelly called on the United Nations today to ensure that the flame of hope for a better world ignited by the world body's foundation 67 years ago continues to burn brightly by ensuring the equality of all states, both large and small.
"We have learned from history that there was no justice or equality in international relations when each nation sought its own interests," he told the 67th General Assembly on the second day of its annual General Debate. "The creation of the United Nations lit the hope among the peoples that things could be different. We must not let that flame die."
"In any family in general, and in that of the United Nations in particular, there cannot be big powers and small, giants and dwarfs, but only equal beings who have interests to defend, opinions to advance on the basis of relations turned towards the future, relations bearing the stamp of freedom, equality, fraternity and the pursuit of happiness for all," he added.
President Martelly said his country, one of the world's poorest, which over the past has suffered from political instability, a devastating earthquake, hurricanes and cholera, is making progress as it seeks to emerge from the morass of problems besetting it.
"I can truly claim that the impulse has been launched and I do not doubt that we will be able to see the results in a few months or a few years time," he stated.
"But will these national dreams come to pass if the pledges made to help the development of countries like ours are not effectively realized, if all kinds of prejudices and suspicions are maintained towards those who are less endowed?" he asked.
The Haitian leader is one of scores of national leaders and other high-level officials who are 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 26 2012 9:10PM
________________
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
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