YouSaid · the spoken record

John DAUTH

lines on the record

27

first

2001-09-24

most recent

2004-09-24

sittings or episodes

2

sources

un-general-debate

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1. “Back in 2000 in this forum, the Prime Minister warned that, “In the absence of change and adaptation, the Organization will wither as the nations of the world bypass it in favour of ... mechanisms that are more relevant to their needs” (A/55/PV.20, p. 25). Of course, this warning was before 11 September 2001, before coalition action in Afghanistan and Iraq and before the terrorist bombings in Bali, Jakarta, Madrid, Istanbul and many other locations. If the need for reform was pressing then, it is critical now. The High- level Panel provides the best prospect for repositioning the United Nations system to meet contemporary challenges. This is an opportunity we cannot waste if the United Nations — our Organization — is to retain a substantial role in maintaining international peace and security in the twenty-first century.”

   2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)

2. “Whatever the final shape of the Panel’s report, one thing is clear: high-level political commitment will be crucial to bringing bold reform recommendations to fruition. We would encourage all Member States to give the Secretary-General their full support in considering the Panel’s recommendations. One opportunity to do this will be the 2005 United Nations summit of heads of State or Government. The summit provides an excellent forum, not only to review implementation of the Millennium Development Goals, but also to endorse a reformed United Nations that is better equipped to deal with the challenges it faces. Australia has long advocated the need for United Nations reform.”

   2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)

3. “During this address, I have referred several times to it. Australia welcomes the direction of panel discussions — as far as we understand them — with respect to both doctrinal and institutional reform. We have contributed actively to the Panel’s work and we encourage the Panel, in its remaining deliberations, to work towards ambitious recommendations on its entire programme of work, including Security Council reform, addressing threats from WMDs and terrorism, humanitarian intervention and effective collective action. On the issue of structural reform, we note here that Australia has advocated expanding the permanent membership of the Security Council to make it more compatible with geographical realities, through the addition of Japan, India, Brazil, an African country and Indonesia.”

   2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)

4. “We hope that with the adoption of this resolution, the Council will take a firmer and more active stance on WMD issues. As part of our commitment to combating the risk of nuclear terrorism, Australia will host an Asia-Pacific ministerial conference in November on nuclear safeguards and security. In addition, in the First Committee this year, we, along with Turkey and Argentina, will introduce a draft resolution on the prevention of the illicit transfer and unauthorized access to, and use of, man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS). We hope for a consensus adoption of this draft resolution, which encourages States to take concrete steps to prevent MANPADS from falling into the hands of non-State end-users. 22 Allow me to return to the subject of the High- level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change.”

   2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)

5. “The situation in Darfur highlights the need for the international community to develop a better framework for responding to humanitarian crises, and we hope the High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change will come up with clear and workable recommendations on humanitarian intervention. The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) is another urgent concern. Unless we act firmly and with unity, terrorist groups could one day acquire WMDs with disastrous consequences. As a threat to international security, the issue of WMD proliferation falls squarely within the Security Council’s mandate. We welcome the adoption of resolution 1540 (2004) as a demonstration of the Council’s willingness to tackle WMD proliferation, including the risk of WMD terrorism.”

   2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)

6. “For its part, Australia remains committed to assisting Iraq transform itself. To this end, we have committed more than $125 million, much of it directed through United Nations agencies. The situation in Darfur is a humanitarian disaster. Australia is committed to supporting urgent international efforts to end this horrific crisis. We have already committed $20 million in emergency assistance for the people of Darfur. We welcome the adoption of Security Council resolution 1564 (2004) and applaud the African Union for agreeing to lead a mission to Darfur. Let me make this very clear: we stand ready to offer assistance to this mission.”

   2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)

7. “Increasingly, Iraqis themselves will be responsible for doing that work, but success will depend on the resolute support of the international community. We cannot allow terrorists to disrupt the democratic process in Iraq. Prime Minister Alawi has emphasized his Government’s determination to hold elections in January 2005 and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Iraq has told the Security Council that maintaining the election schedule is his greatest priority. While the difficult security conditions in Iraq cannot be denied, it is imperative that the United Nations fulfil its role under Security Council resolution 1546 (2004) and work with Iraqis to complete arrangements for the elections on time. The size of the United Nations presence in Iraq must be commensurate with the importance and urgency of its task.”

   2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)

8. “I am delighted to see among us today the Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum and welcome him to this Hall. We would encourage the High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change to outline ambitious proposals for effective collective action to address failed and failing States, including more explicit provision for action by regional and other plurilateral arrangements, as set out in Chapter VIII of the Charter. Iraq is at a critical moment in its political evolution. A small minority is bent on destruction and murder and wants to deny the Iraqi people their opportunity to express their political will through elections. This minority also attacks those who are working to rebuild Iraq’s economy and improve Iraqi lives.”

   2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)

9. “When our Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, addressed this forum last year, he noted Australia was developing regional approaches to confront the dangers of State failure and that with our Pacific Islands Forum partners we were restoring hope to the people of Solomon Islands. In just one year, the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands has made excellent progress in restoring stability and law and consolidating Government finances, and is now moving into long-term governance reform. Australia is also working with other States in our region, notably Papua New Guinea and Nauru, to address economic management and governance issues. Regional cooperation is being strengthened through the Pacific Plan, an initiative of the recent Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Apia, which seeks to enhance collaboration in areas of governance.”

   2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)

10. “While Australia’s embassy in Jakarta may have been the target of the latest attack, it was as much an assault on Indonesia as on Australia, and we are particularly saddened by the loss of innocent Indonesian lives. Indonesia and Australia are determined to catch the perpetrators and see justice done, for the bonds between us cannot be split by terrorists, but only strengthened. Australia’s commitment to a stable and secure region is particularly reflected in our efforts in the Pacific. Since 11 September 2001, we have come to appreciate more acutely the dangers weak and failing States can pose to security. Of course, not all such 21 States are home to terrorists, but where instability and vulnerabilities exist, so, too, do opportunities for crime and the potential for human suffering.”

    2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)

11. “We have committed energy and resources to building counter-terrorism cooperation in our own region, both bilaterally and through organizations such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and the Regional Forum of the Association of South-East Asian Nations. We are also committed to building understanding as part of a comprehensive approach. This is evident in the messages we convey to our regional partners and to Australians — namely, that our efforts to stop a minority of extremist Muslim terrorists is not a war on Islam; that Muslims are as much the victims of terrorist attacks and must defend themselves; and that we must all work to defeat terrorism together. Our cooperation with regional partners has delivered results, but as the recent bombing in Jakarta illustrates, terrorism in our own region is not yet defeated.”

    2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)

12. “As the cowardly attacks in Beslan and at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta illustrate, terrorism will not simply fade away. In response, we, the international community, cannot allow security threats to fester. What is required is new thinking, practical action, and cooperation between Governments. Obviously, the United Nations has a primary role to play. But Governments and regional organizations must also ensure that their resources and infrastructure can respond to the current environment. This is a responsibility Australia has taken very seriously. On terrorism, we have fully supported the work of the United Nations, ensuring Jema’ah Islamiyah was listed as a terrorist organization under the Security Council resolution 1267 (1999) sanctions regime and promoting compliance with the United Nations terrorist asset freezing regime.”

    2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)

13. “The Secretary-General himself recognized this last year when he said that we have come to a fork in the road, a moment no less decisive than in 1945 when the United Nations was founded. And, again this year, he stated that if the leaders of the world could not agree on the way forward, history would take the decisions. The issue he raises for us all is whether we, the United Nations membership, can rise to the challenge and take the steps necessary for the Organization to fulfil its aims in today’s world. Australia strongly supported last year the establishment by the Secretary-General of a High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change, and we stand ready to contribute to ambitious outcomes. I want to return to the work of the Panel later in this address. There would be few nations in the room untouched by terrorism.”

    2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)

14. “to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained … and to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom”. Today, the menace of terrorism and the dangers of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) cast their shadow across the globe, threatening not only our security, but also the development gains and future prosperity of all nations. It is this new international environment, this new reality, to which we must all adjust. The United Nations is no exception. The United Nations is a vital institution that does great humanitarian work, but it must strengthen its capacity to deal effectively with the problems we now face or risk sliding into irrelevance.”

    2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)

15. “Sir, let me begin by congratulating you on your election as President of the General Assembly at its fifty-ninth session, and let me 20 say how honoured I am to be one of your Vice- Presidents. I want to say also how delighted Australia is to welcome Iraq back to the General Assembly. We, the nations of the world, gathered here at the fifty-ninth session of the General Assembly, face challenges to international security and prosperity that are very different from those which existed at the birth of the United Nations. However, the aims of the United Nations as set out in the Preamble to the Charter remain as relevant and vital today as they did then: “to save successive generations from the scourge of war … to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights ...”

    2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)

16. “Finally, I want to say that Australia stands ready to support international efforts to combat international terrorism and the spread of weapons of mass destruction. Australia stands ready to ensure that recent United Nations successes — such as in East Timor — help create vibrant and sustainable democracies in which people can be assured of their future and that of their children. Australia stands ready to contribute to sustained international action against people-smuggling at source, in transit and at destination. Australia urges that this fifty-sixth session of the General Assembly makes substantial progress towards those same goals.”

    2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)

17. “We have 5 advocated, consistently and strongly, a comprehensive response to the Afghan situation and substantially increased our assistance to displaced and vulnerable Afghans in South-West Asia. The international community faces grave new challenges that threaten global peace and prosperity. At the same time, as the Secretary-General said in his statement, the challenges that faced us before 11 September — poverty, disease, development — have not diminished. The need for international cooperation has never been greater. It is therefore tremendously important that agreement was reached in Doha to launch the development round of world trade liberalization. Free trade, including in agriculture, offers benefits for all countries and is crucial for developing countries to overcome poverty.”

    2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)

18. “We will also continue to contribute to broader international efforts to deal with the causes of irregular migration. These efforts, which have the protection needs of refugees at their core, will continue while we work with others in our region and internationally to combat illegal migration and people- smuggling. Afghans fleeing the devastation of their homeland pose a particular challenge to the international community. A renewed focus and a more coordinated response are needed. Australia supports the efforts of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and those of the countries of first asylum to protect refugees in South-West Asia.”

    2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)

19. “A year ago, at the Millennium Summit, leaders committed us to fight people-smuggling and other transnational crimes. We should redouble our efforts to do so. We need coordinated, comprehensive approaches and concerted international action to address all its aspects. Root causes in source countries need to be addressed. The humanitarian and other needs of displaced persons in countries of first asylum need to be addressed. Transit countries and countries of destination need to cooperate more effectively. Australia is working closely with its neighbours in the Asia-Pacific region to strengthen our capacity to prevent and deter people-smuggling and to bring perpetrators to justice. This will continue to be a high priority for my Government.”

    2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)

20. “People-smugglers are primarily organized crime syndicates. They exploit their victims. They find their clients among people who have experienced conflict or persecution, economic downturn or extreme environmental breakdown. They target those desperate for a better life. The loss recently of more than 350 lives, when a people-smuggling boat headed for Australia sank, is a tragic reminder of the human costs involved and of the callousness of people-smugglers. Irregular migration, facilitated by people- smuggling, undermines the integrity of the international protection system. All countries share an interest in protecting and strengthening the international protection system. To do so, we must tackle the problem of people-smuggling.”

    2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)

21. “Let me talk about what we in Australia call “people-smuggling”. Australia has a proud history as a major country of migration. We are, as a result of over a century of planned and managed legal migration, a tolerant multicultural society. We will continue as a country of migration and we will continue to take more than our fair share of refugees. Regrettably, Australia is also increasingly a favoured target for illegal migration, assisted by individuals and criminal syndicates engaged in the pernicious crime of people-smuggling. Many other countries — as either transit or destination countries — are also affected by this problem. As with other transnational crimes, combating the phenomenon of people-smuggling requires not just national, but also concerted regional and multilateral action.”

    2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)

22. “Australia welcomes steps by President Megawati Soekarnoputri to expand the jurisdiction of the ad hoc human rights court and her Government’s commitment to bring to justice those who have perpetrated human rights crimes in East Timor. That commitment was reconfirmed in a most welcome way in the Assembly yesterday by the Foreign Minister of Indonesia, Mr. Hassan Wirajuda. Australia will continue to support East Timor generously. We have an agreement to share resources from the Timor Sea. We are helping to reduce poverty in East Timor and we are building East Timorese capacity to govern peacefully and democratically. We urge others to support East Timor. This is our chance, collectively in the international community, to ensure that the United Nations historic mission in East Timor is remembered as a success.”

    2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)

23. “Australia therefore welcomes the Security Council President’s statement of 31 October endorsing the Secretary-General’s recommendations for a United Nations successor mission in East Timor. We look forward to working with others over the coming months to set a solid and sensible mandate for a successor mission. Cooperative relations between East Timor and Indonesia are key to East Timor’s longer-term security and to that of the region as a whole. We very much welcome steps by both sides to resolve outstanding issues. We welcome progress by the Indonesian Government to resolve the situation in refugee camps in West Timor, and we urge continued efforts to ensure security and to facilitate the safe return of refugees. Justice and reconciliation are important to East Timor’s longer-term stability and prosperity.”

    2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)

24. “If we want to prevent the spread of ballistic missiles and associated technology — and if we want to strengthen mechanisms relating to conventional weapons — then we also need a stronger commitment to other arms control and disarmament instruments as well. Let me turn now to East Timor. We all have a deep interest in a stable, secure, viable and democratic East Timor. East Timor is no longer an emergency, but, instead, an emerging nation. However, much more needs to be done. East Timor remains vulnerable, and the role of the United Nations is not complete. We need, after independence, an integrated United Nations mission of civilians, police and peacekeepers, under a single Security 4 Council mandate funded from United Nations assessed contributions.”

    2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)

25. “Australia has introduced new measures to prevent and suppress the financing of terrorism and is already party to all but one of the 12 international counter- terrorism instruments. A comprehensive convention against terrorism is potentially a very important symbol of global commitment on this issue. As the Assembly is aware, Australia has taken a leading role in the negotiations, reflecting our strong commitment to strengthening the international legal framework. While we are encouraged by the progress this past month, we join the Secretary-General in urging the parties to conclude the convention without delay. The events of 11 September underline how important it is that we maintain and strengthen international non-proliferation regimes governing nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.”

    2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)

26. “Australia condemns these attacks and reaffirms unequivocally that terrorism is never justified and must never be tolerated. Australia has joined the international coalition against terrorism. We have invoked our mutual security pact for the first time with the United States, and we are contributing military forces to the campaign against those responsible for the 11 September attacks. The international community is obliged to close ranks against terrorism. We must starve terrorists of their support — financial, political and moral. We must deny terrorists safe haven. We must bring terrorists to account. Australia commends Security Council resolution 1373 (2001) of 28 September, which targets comprehensively the terrorist menace. We will work closely with the Committee on Counter-Terrorism of the Security Council.”

    2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)

27. “Sir, let me begin, like others, by congratulating you on having been elected President of the fifty-sixth session of the General Assembly. Let me also very warmly commend you on your commitment to making the most efficient use of the Assembly’s time, including — if I may say — by beginning meetings punctually. I also want to join other speakers in congratulating the Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, and the United Nations more generally on their heartily deserved receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize. The terrorist attacks of 11 September in Washington, D.C., and here in New York City were not just attacks on the United States. Australia, along with more than 80 other nations, lost innocent civilians. We are united in our grief for the victims and their families.”

    2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)