YouSaid · the spoken record

Bamir Topi

lines on the record: 34
first: 2008-09-24
most recent: 2010-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Today, we have a responsibility towards a country and a people that rightly wish to be among us and have given ample evidence that they truly deserve it. I take this opportunity to appeal to my colleagues, whose countries have not yet recognized the independence of Kosovo, to recognize it now, by assuring them that this is the only way to contribute to long-term stability and peace, not just in the region but also globally. In conclusion, I would like to confirm once again that Albania is determined to continue to support the United Nations agenda and the stronger functioning of the Organization at all levels.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Albania appreciates the work of the Security Council in its engagement towards the implementation of the United Nations Charter and international law, which are essential to peaceful coexistence and cooperation among Member States in addressing common challenges and contributing to international peace and security. The advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice legally confirmed that the independence of Kosovo remains a sui generis case that does not set a precedent for situations in other countries. Now is the time to prove with concrete facts that we respect the United Nations and the values that have united us here today. Today is the day to testify that we support its authority and its independent institutions. Today is a golden opportunity to accept the truth and to declare it loudly.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“We support sincere and constructive dialogue to resolve practical issues of interest to the daily concerns of their citizens, to help them and to facilitate and even calm the situation of the respective Albanian and Serbian minorities. It is time to resolve the problems and issues concerning representation, language and education, among others, in the spirit and vision of a common European future. Albania considers the consensus adoption of resolution 64/298 to be an important step not only in respect of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice and the authority of the United Nations, but also for the consolidation of the State of Kosovo and its democratic and European institutions, its independence and integrity, and its future as a Member of the United Nations.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“I would like to express my gratitude for the commitment and engagement of all international actors, especially the European Union, which imbued the resolution with the contemporary philosophy and openness of Europe. The European Union showed its cohesiveness and proved that the integration policies of our region are unstoppable and full of hope, and that the only way to unite with Europe is through dialogue and cooperation among neighbouring countries. Now that the matter of the status of Kosovo and its borders has been settled definitively, it is time to begin a dialogue on practical issues. We hope that the message enshrined in the resolution will immediately be put into practice by the two independent countries. We support the immediate launch of dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“These are hopeful and promising times, now that the bitter past of that part of Europe has been consigned to history. Albania and Albanians will continue to contribute to stability, security, long-term peace and economic growth by encouraging integration policies related not just to security and economic development, but also to coexistence among countries, peoples and nations, cultures, traditions and history. A few days ago, a rare occurrence took place in this very Hall with the adoption by consensus of resolution 64/298 on the international legitimacy of the declaration of Kosovo’s independence. That was a very important event for Kosovo, Serbia, the Western Balkans, a united Europe and the United Nations.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“10-54833 30 We guarantee that the seriousness with which we completed the EU questionnaire and our responsible approach to our relations with all European Union institutions and member countries will remain the hallmarks of our efforts to earn the status of candidate country at the earliest possible date. Albania’s membership in NATO and its integration into the European Union are important regional processes inseparable from the full integration of the region. We believe that every Western Balkan country is entitled to play a role in contributing to and assuming responsibility for the integration and emancipation of the region. I am happy to acknowledge that the high level of regional cooperation and political awareness show that the only way forward is through Euro-Atlantic integration.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“The important steps taken by Albania towards EU membership and the phases of cooperation under the framework of the integration process have shown a great deal of potential. The end of this year promises to be decisive as we approach two decisions of great importance: the completion of the visa liberalization process with the EU and the achievement of candidate status for EU membership. Albanians will finally be able to enjoy the real freedom for which they fought and sacrificed longer and more deeply than any other European nation. The near-unanimous decision of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs to remove the requirement that Albanians obtain visas to enter the EU not only gives us great joy, but also confers greater responsibility on us to fulfil our commitments as we prepare for EU membership.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“As a member of the Group of Friends, we shall take active part because we believe in dialogue and contacts among different cultures, in the need to know and respect each other, and in the necessity of defending the unique as part of the richness of the whole. Our approved national strategy for intercultural dialogue and the holding of the Inter-Religious Forum in Tirana in January have served to enrich our experience. However, our participation in the Third Global Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations led us to believe that a better job of fighting stereotypes and prejudice is still needed, as are greater efforts to make modern multicultural societies more cohesive. Albania’s integration into and membership of the European Union is a key priority of our foreign policy, where there has rarely been a broader political and social consensus.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Albania remains fully committed to cooperating with the Security Council in this regard. Albania appreciates the Secretary-General’s contributions to addressing the issue of the Middle East, particularly in the discussions aimed at achieving a sustainable solution acceptable to all parties. All peoples share the desire to live in peace, and Governments have an obligation to guarantee it. We support the relaunched dialogue process and hope that, with the commitment of the international community, the Palestinians and Israelis will take the steps necessary to achieving stable peace in that important region. Albania believes that the Alliance of Civilizations is a political means for the United Nations to promote peace and harmony among civilizations and to build an inclusive society through education, understanding and mutual knowledge.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“The fight against terrorism remains a priority that requires great determination resolve. This global threat may be prevented and addressed through collective action, strong responses and the mobilization of all States Members of the United Nations. We must show our nations that, as a part of our responsibility, we shall stand resolute and united against terrorism. Together, we must define a collective platform and strategy for victory in the war against terror by strengthening the international system and order. We praise and appreciate the work of the Security Council and its committees for their engagement with and active support for Member States through their effective implementation of the Council’s counter- terrorism resolutions, in particular resolutions 1269 (1999), 1373 (2001), 1540 (2004) and 1624 (2005).”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Not only does Albania follow a policy of good- neighbourly relations and strive for the preservation and strengthening of stability in its own region, it also has shown its interest in and commitment to stability and peace in other parts of the world by contributing military and civilian personnel to the peacekeeping missions of various international security organizations and of the United Nations, including the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad and missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. We are thus willing to contribute peacekeeping troops anywhere in the world under the auspices of the United Nations and regional security organizations like NATO. Terrorism remains a major threat to peace, international security and world order.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“As a pilot country, Albania is a success story, having committed itself fully from the onset. The One United Nations concept in Albania is being developed in complete harmony with national sovereignty and national ownership of development, while responding to the specific needs of the country. The responsibility of being a pilot country further encourages us to make this initiative a success. It is also an opportunity for us to contribute to the overall reform of the United Nations. Albania has signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations. As a NATO member, Albania is a force for peace and stability in the region.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“We are fully committed to reaching the goals set forth in the acquis communautaire of the European Union (EU), which requires increasing investment in social issues, establishing local and central governance systems, and enhancing development capacity in order to guarantee the ongoing improvement of the well- being of the Albanian people. However, as a full- fledged member of NATO and in the light of its internal democratic stability, Albania is now seeking greater standing in the world as a way to bolster its development in the long term. Delivering as one is a crucial factor in the reform designed to assist in development around the world. United Nations efforts to establish system-wide coherence offer a real possibility to make the United 29 10-54833 Nations more effective.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“The lead role of the Organization and its agencies in administering its budgetary and human resources should be responsive to the requests of Member States. The establishment of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women is the most recent example of tangible success in United Nations reform. Strengthening the role of women in society will not only enhance political life but also help their emancipation and harmonious development. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are a priority in our work. Following the adoption of the Millennium Declaration (resolution 55/2) a decade ago, Albania has advanced towards meeting the MDGs in all areas and with respect to all indicators. It has also made great efforts to incorporate the MDGs into its national development strategy.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“In this path of cooperation around the world, the role of the United Nations is irreplaceable, especially in regard to how we make use of our human and material resources. Rapidly evolving issues throughout the world, each with positive and negative consequences that must inevitably influence the challenges the future will bring, must be given special priority and approached with special care. The United Nations challenging agenda must focus on strengthening peace and security, fighting terrorism, and the issues of stable development, climate change, poverty reduction, the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, natural disasters, human rights, migration, and others. Albania remains committed to contributing to this agenda.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“It must continue to be encouraged and supported in its efforts to overcome the challenges of achieving open international cooperation, sustainable peace and security, ongoing development and greater respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. We live in a global world, interconnected and interdependent, where States and nations must assist and support each other in the search for a comprehensive answer to the common problems and new challenges that we face. Multilateralism remains a priority for the entire international community. In this context, a reformed United Nations — revitalized, dynamic, powerful and effective — is crucial to the complicated process of global governance.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“It is a special honour for me to address the sixty-fifth session of the General Assembly. I would like to congratulate the President on his election to this important position. His experience and continuing commitment strengthen my conviction that he will take the achievements of his predecessor even further. Albania will fully support him as he fulfils his mandate. I take this opportunity to express our special appreciation to the Secretary- General for his continuing efforts to revitalize the global role of the United Nations, as well as to reform the Organization. Albania is of the view that the role of the United Nations remains powerful, coherent and irreplaceable as the centre of effective global action.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“In order to fulfil this mission, we must all together give our support and readiness to this Organization, which embodies not only universal values, but also the aspirations of humanity.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Albania is convinced that the recognition of the new State of Kosovo is in the interests of Kosovo, Albania, Serbia and of all its close and distant neighbours. It is in the interest of the European and Mediterranean region. That is why Kosovo — this new political, economical and social reality — fully deserves to be a Member of our United Nations as soon as possible. I call upon the Assembly to admit with 08-51839 40 realism this irreversible development by recognizing and supporting, without any reserve, the Republic of Kosovo. Albania continues to remain committed to cooperating with and enriching and fulfilling the United Nations ideals by fully believing in the active role of the international community as it faces the present global challenges.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Numerous historical, judicial, constitutional, political and demographic arguments demonstrate that Kosovo is a unique case — a sui generis case — and the solution implemented is unique as well. As such, it does not and cannot serve as a model to solve other conflicts either in the region or beyond it. Any political, economic, military or diplomatic endeavour against the consolidation or soundness of the State of Kosovo would be a hopeless attempt against its process of integration to NATO and the EU, a regressive move against the investments and progress that we so direly need, and it could not be sold as valuable to the European Union. Historical dreams must not darken the vision of the future.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We are convinced that, following the guidelines of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, all necessary actions will be taken as soon as possible: the United Nations presence will be reconfigured and the European Union Rule of Law Mission Kosovo — EULEX — will be spread over the entire territory of Kosovo, thus avoiding any vacuum of power and imposition of competences on top of each other and preventing any possible regressive attempt, regardless of where it may have originated, against this Euro- Atlantic process. Albania deems as unfounded the efforts to draw parallels between Kosovo and the regions of Georgia — Abkhazia and South Ossetia.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Albania encourages the people and the Government of Kosovo in their commitment to build a democratic and multi-ethnic society in which, regardless of ethnic considerations, its every citizen will feel like a free man in his home and on his property. The new constitution of Kosovo and the Ahtisaari package meet the highest standards of human rights and offer widespread protection to all the communities living in Kosovo, especially to the Serbs of Kosovo.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“It is an example of the most successful investment made by the international community towards the implementation of the rule of law, to long- term stability and peace and development in the Balkans and beyond. The independence of Kosovo finally frees that part of Europe from the nightmare of war, of inter-ethnic conflicts and of ethnic cleansing and genocide. It fulfils and respects the free will of the people to break free from political oppression, historical injustices and the inability to develop. Kosovo is no longer being led by the failed Yugoslavia, nor by the new moderate Yugoslavs. It is being led by the principles of a civilized Europe and those of the universalized United Nations.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“That engagement serves to promote good neighbourliness, strengthening security, building trust among the regional countries, stability and full integration of all the countries in the region in the Euro-Atlantic structures. Challenges such as the fight against terrorism, organized crime, arms proliferation and border management have an interlinked character that can be overcome only through joint actions, initiatives and commitment. We will continue to play the same constructive role for our benefit and for that of the whole region. Albania considers the foundation of the independent and sovereign State of Kosovo as the most important historical event and development of our region at the beginning of this century. An independent and democratic Kosovo, oriented towards Euro- Atlantic integration, is the just and most sustainable solution.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“In particular, the invitation to join NATO at the Bucharest Summit, the signing of the alliance and the protocols on 8 July 2008 and the ongoing ratification process all mark historic achievements for Albania and are a positive assessment of the new and tangible Albanian reality. Albania will respond to this assessment with greater responsibility and determination in the face of the obligation that stems from full-fledged membership in the alliance, which will serve peace and security not only in the Balkans, but in the Mediterranean region and beyond. Albania pays particular attention to the strengthening of multilateral regional relations. It seriously encourages the process of regional cooperation by being an active partner in all of the initiatives undertaken in South-East Europe.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Albania enjoys a solid and irreversible relationship with the EU. The Stabilization and Association Agreement serves as our guide, and the primary objective is the conclusion of the ratification agreement by the end of this year. The European countries and the European Commission have invested considerably in Albania. We have responded to this contribution not only with natural gratitude, but also with concrete commitments and with joint and coordinated work programmes in the fields of good governance, institutional functioning and economic growth and in the fight against organized crime and corruption. 39 08-51839 Albania’s path towards full Euro-Atlantic integration is widely supported by the Albanian public and its political spectrum.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“I have the pleasure to point out that the latest World Bank report listed Albania as second among countries that have implemented successful reforms to facilitate business practices during 2007 and 2008. Albania has gained the status of a medium- income country, and I believe that this progress must be consolidated in compliance with the new challenges of development. The national strategy for development and integration has determined our vision for the next seven years of Albania as a country of high democratic standards, fully guaranteeing the fundamental human rights, with its sustainable economic and social development aimed at integrating into NATO and the European Union, as well as harmonizing with the MDGs — a country providing a better and safer life to future generations.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“It not only affects the health and survival of millions of people all over the world, but directly threatens political and economic stability by seriously putting into question the achievement of the MDGs. The causes of this crisis are numerous and complex. As such, they demand a multilevel, coherent and well- coordinated response. My country hails the Secretary- General’s establishment of the High-Level Task Force on the Global Food Security Crisis. Albania is undertaking a full programme of institutional, economic and legal reforms through which we aim to transform Albania into a country attractive to foreign investments, with a market open to free enterprise.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Following up that commitment, Albania has compiled a national strategy of intercultural dialogue, which reflects the centuries-old tradition of full religious harmony and understanding. Climate change presents a global concern and threat, and as such it affects my country as well. Albania considers it a priority issue and assesses it in the framework of the implementation of the One United Nations initiative. It joins the international community with determination in the challenge of global climate change and modestly contributes to reducing emissions quotas to secure a better and a more developed future. The world food crisis continues to be one of the most complex challenges faced by humanity.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“In my country the MDGs are not viewed simply as development objectives, but also as a means for growth. Albania has nationalized the MDGs by drafting and following step-by-step implementation instructions for the zonal strategies of development. It has also added one more objective: that of good governance. Keeping in mind experiences to date, meeting the MDGs in countries with small and medium incomes demands continuous support from the national leadership, a more efficient use of resources and a closer partnership among all the players — in Governments, the international community and civil society. We are very active in the framework of the Alliance of Civilizations, and we are convinced that this initiative already presents a political instrument of the United Nations to build peace in the broader meaning of the term.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Albania has already become part of the United Nations system-wide coherence effort for reform of the Organization by willingly joining the One United Nations initiative. It fully supports this project and is actively working with United Nations agencies to secure new ways of partnership in the fields of development, humanitarian assistance and the environment. One United Nations is being carried out in full respect for national sovereignty and national ownership of development and in compliance with the needs and priorities of our country, especially of the integration to the European Union (EU) and meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). As a pilot country, we are aware of this responsibility, and we will do everything possible to turn this initiative into a tangible success.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“In compliance with the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which the General Assembly unanimously passed on 8 September 2006, Albania continues to be a stability factor in the region and beyond through its moderating and constructive policy. It contributes with peacekeeping troops in the framework of the United Nations and other security organizations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Georgia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It recently deployed 68 troops to Chad as part of the European Union-led peacekeeping force. Albania is also working to enhance its domestic capacities to enable a greater presence in aiding global 08-51839 38 peace and security by deepening its cooperation with the United Nations in the field of peacekeeping operations.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We fully support the joint initiatives and actions aimed at strengthening collective peace and security in order to achieve sustainable and long-term development to promote human rights and international cooperation. We consider that reform of the Organization in all its aspects is possible only through cooperation, dialogue and consensus. The global fight against terrorism, especially through guaranteeing an effective response to this collective threat, demands that the United Nations continue to play a very important role. My country, Albania, has very actively met its responsibilities in the global fight against terrorism.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“It is a special pleasure for me to address the General Assembly at its sixty-third session. Allow me to congratulate the Assembly President on his election to his high position. Albania welcomes cooperation with him. I would like to take this opportunity to assure the President of the full support of my country. I would also like to express my highest praise to Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon for his vision and continuous efforts to revitalize and to reform our Organization, the United Nations. Allow me also to confirm Albania’s commitment to a strong and coherent United Nations, capable of successfully tackling the challenges we currently face.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)