YouSaid · the spoken record

Michael Spindelegger

lines on the record: 41
first: 2009-09-24
most recent: 2012-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
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

“This year’s United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development marked the beginning of a new era, renewing the prospects for future generations via the sustainable development goals, as tailored to the needs of different countries or groups of States and regions. While implementing those new global goals, we should not cease our efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by the target date of 2015. Austria remains fully committed to an effective multilateral system. Therefore we will support the efforts of the President of the Assembly and of the Secretary-General to further increase the effectiveness of our Organization in order to better enable us to face the challenges of our time.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Vienna and its United Nations headquarters also serve as a platform for the discussion on sustainable development. We welcome the decision of the Secretary- General to establish an implementation office for his Sustainable Energy for All initiative. That will help to advance this important agenda. Universal access to energy and the improvement of energy efficiency, along with a higher share of renewable energy, are goals that will help bring electricity to the billion and a half people worldwide lacking access. Equally, it will help control greenhouse gas emissions and global warming, which threaten the very existence of many Member States.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Any use of nuclear weapons would be devastating for the whole world in its humanitarian and environmental effects. In the twenty-first century, such an existential threat to humankind can no longer be handled exclusively by a few States as a national security matter. Austria is committed to strengthening and further developing international law and a humanitarian approach to advance the global disarmament and non-proliferation agenda. A lot has been achieved in the past two decades, as evidenced by the successful conclusions of the conventions to ban anti-personnel mines and cluster munitions. We hope that similar progress can be achieved on the arms trade treaty in the coming months. Other Member States should join the emerging consensus on regulating the trade in arms in a comprehensive manner.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“The creation of a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East is more urgent than ever. In that respect, let me underline that Iran must finally give credible evidence for the peaceful nature of its nuclear programmeme and engage in earnest in the talks with the European Union three plus one group. The continued inability to even initiate substantive multilateral disarmament negotiations is unacceptable. Austria is committed to working with other interested States to move forward on that crucial issue. I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his continued support in that matter. We need to move beyond a strictly military security approach that originates from the Cold War period. It is time to change the discourse on nuclear weapons.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“The High-level Meeting of 24 September was an important opportunity to renew our commitment to the rule of law at the national and international levels. It now needs an adequate follow-up. As chair of the Group of Friends of the Rule of Law, Austria will provide concrete proposals for the upcoming report of the Secretary-General. The various United Nations headquarters in Vienna are a hub for promoting peace and security. The work of the International Atomic Energy Agency is more relevant than ever. I am pleased that we can now also draw on additional services from the new office of the Office for Disarmament Affairs established in Vienna. Austria is deeply concerned about programmes for weapons of mass destruction and proliferation activities in several regions of the world.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Its special sessions on Syria and Libya illustrated that the international community will not turn a blind eye on gross human rights violations and indiscriminate attacks against the civilian population. Human rights abuses must not go unpunished. Violations must be thoroughly investigated and perpetrators must be held accountable before credible judicial institutions, including the International Criminal Court. Our membership of the Human Rights Council is an opportunity to continue working on the key priorities that Austria pursued during its Security Council membership in 2009 and 2010: the protection of civilians, the safety of journalists, the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security, the freedom of religion and belief, and the protection of children from violence and abuse.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“The Centre, a joint initiative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Spain and the Republic of Austria, will certainly offer a significant contribution to the promotion of dialogue. We need to be clear that sustainable peace and development go hand in hand with respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law. These are universal values that no human being should be denied. We must not falter until this goal is achieved. In 2011, Austria was elected to the Human Rights Council. We fully support the Council and its mechanisms, especially the universal periodic review. The Council is best placed to react swiftly in case of human rights emergencies.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“The peaceful settlement of disputes can be achieved only through open dialogue, based on mutual respect. Austria has a long-standing tradition of promoting intercultural and interreligious dialogue. We are proud to host the fifth Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations in Vienna. It will take place on 27 and 28 February 2013, under the title “Responsible Leadership in Diversity and Dialogue”. Austria highly values the contribution of youth as a transformative force. Therefore, the day before the Global Forum will be dedicated to the Alliance of Civilizations youth event in order to benefit from their views. In that context, I am also pleased to inform that the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for lnterreligious and Intercultural Dialogue will be inaugurated on 26 November in Vienna.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“The high-level meeting held on Wednesday was an important signal that we are moving in that direction. We fully support the efforts by the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union to try to find, together with the United Nations, a lasting political solution to the crisis in Mali and the Sahel region as a whole. Austria will advocate for increased support from the European Union to contribute to that end. In the light of the crises and challenges the international community is facing, Austria welcomes President Jeremić’s timely choice of theme to highlight the peaceful settlement of disputes in this year’s general debate. Prevention is always better — and cheaper — than a cure. The progress made in Sierra Leone, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal and Myanmar testifies how successful sustainable mediation efforts can be.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“The terms of a negotiated and sustainable solution — two States with secure and mutually recognized borders — have been discussed over and over again and are broadly supported by the people and the international community, and yet we experienced a complete lack of progress in the last year. We therefore call on the leadership on both sides to finally assume their responsibilities and enable a lasting peace and security to be established for their children and future generations. The situation in Mali also continues to be a matter of grave concern. Austria has been dismayed by the political turmoil, with its disastrous effects on the Malian population. Growing insecurity and the continued deterioration of the humanitarian and human rights situation call for concerted action.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“In that context, let me reiterate my strongest condemnation of the recent attacks on diplomatic missions and personnel, especially the murder of Ambassador Chris Stevens and three of his colleagues in Benghazi. Violence is never an acceptable response to the exercise of the fundamental right of freedom of speech. To attack an Embassy and its personnel is not only contrary to international law but an attack on the very ideals that the United Nations stands for, namely, the peaceful cooperation of Member States to build a better future together. The still unresolved Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to gravely destabilize the Middle East.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“The Security Council, in particular, must assume its responsibilities in relation to the ever-worsening situation in the country. Violence has to stop immediately, and both sides have to engage in a meaningful dialogue facilitated by Joint Special Representative Lakhdar Brahimi. There will be no solution unless President Al-Assad steps aside and gives way to the forces of reason and reconciliation. Austria continues to fully support the ongoing transition processes in the Arab world. We welcome the efforts undertaken so far to lay the foundations for more open, inclusive and prosperous societies. We encourage the newly empowered authorities to fulfil their mandate for democratic change responsibly. The aspirations of the people for dignity and freedom must be satisfied, thereby contributing to peace and stability in the region.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“The events of recent months have illustrated once again the importanceof the United Nations as a multilateral forum for addressing today’s crises and challenges. The conflicts in Syria and Mali and the ongoing reform processes in many parts of the Arab world demonstrate that we can face such challenges only through concerted action. In Syria, thousands have lost their lives in their struggle for freedom and reform owing to crimes committed by a regime that denies them every basic human right in order to stay in power. Austria condemns the systematic human rights violations and bloodshed in Syria in the strongest possible terms. The more than 27,000 victims and some 2.5 million people in dire need of humanitarian assistance are a stark reminder for each and every one of us that it is high time for the United Nations to finally act.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Austria will therefore encourage the adoption of a draft resolution, at the next session of the First Committee, on how to move multilateral disarmament negotiations forward. Austria remains committed to multilateralism and to the United Nations as the noblest form of international cooperation. We will therefore support the efforts of the President and the Secretary-General to further strengthen the Organization in order to better enable us to face the challenges of our time.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“We look forward to continuing our work in this positive spirit at the first meeting of the Preparatory Committee for the Review Conference on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, to be held in Vienna in May of next year. We, and hope for progress with regard to the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East. Nevertheless, despite our collective efforts, we have not been able to move forward on new disarmament and arms control issues. The multilateral machinery, and in particular the Conference on Disarmament, remains deadlocked. Unfortunately, the momentum that we had hoped to generate over the past year has not materialized. Therefore, in Austria’s view, the Conference on Disarmament has not only lost its credibility, it is also risking its legitimacy.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“And we will continue our engagement. We recently decided to deploy 160 Austrian troops to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), in addition to our continued presence in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force and the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization. Through its participation in UNIFIL, Austria wishes to make an active contribution to the maintenance of peace and security not only in Lebanon but in the region as a whole. Austria welcomes the positive momentum in international security policy over the past couple of years. We salute the Secretary-General’s determined leadership, including his five-point plan on disarmament.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“We highly appreciate the work of the Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Children and Armed Conflict, Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy, and we strongly support the renewal of her mandate. Racism, xenophobia and discrimination on the grounds of ethnic origin, gender, age, sexual orientation and religious belief are ongoing challenges and of concern to all of us. Austria is committed to the fight against those abuses, including anti-Semitism. Therefore, we will continue to press for action, including in the framework of the United Nations. We will also take initiatives during our membership in the Human Rights Council to strengthen the protection of journalists against all forms of threat and intimidation. 27 11-51372 Austria has a 50-year-long track record of contributing to United Nations peacekeeping operations.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“For our membership in this body, Austria has identified the following priorities, on which we will take action. Austria is firmly committed to respect for freedom of religion and belief. We are deeply troubled by recurring attacks against religious minorities in all parts of the world and among all religions. To foster tolerance, Austria has hosted a number of high-level dialogues between religious and secular leaders over the past decade. We think that that has become a new and promising field of modern diplomacy, putting the emphasis on conflict prevention. Various forms of child trafficking and exploitation constitute gross violations of children’s rights. As a member of the Human Rights Council, Austria will work to address that issue and to help develop counter-strategies.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“That was an important step in the preparation of the high-level meeting on the rule of law that will take place in September 2012. Next year’s meeting will provide an important opportunity to renew the efforts of both the United Nations and Member States to promote the rule of law. As a medium-sized country and as a strong supporter of multilateralism, Austria attaches particular importance to the rule of law, including at the international level. The international system can only properly function if it based on clear and predictable rules that apply equally to all Member States. The promotion and protection of human rights is a core priority of Austria’s foreign policy. We are proud to serve on the Human Rights Council for the period 2011-2014.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Austria provides substantial support to the energy and environment efforts undertaken by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. Last June, we hosted the Vienna Energy Forum, where about 1,400 participants discussed alternative energy concepts to reach the energy goals of the United Nations. The Fukushima nuclear catastrophe should become a turning point in our approach to nuclear safety. We owe it to future generations to make safety concerns come first when using nuclear power. Austria decided, in 1978, to forgo the use of nuclear energy. Some countries have recently adopted a similar course, which we welcome. The last time I spoke at the United Nations, it was during the thematic debate held in April on the rule of law and global challenges.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The United Nations headquarters in Vienna serves as a dynamic hub for the promotion of peace, security and sustainable development. I am proud to announce that a liaison office of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs will open in Vienna soon. Over the past year, the International Anti-Corruption Academy set up its headquarters near Vienna, and the Vienna Centre for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation and an office of the International Peace Institute were established. Austria fully stands behind the campaign launched by the Secretary-General on Monday to achieve universal access to modern energy services. We support doubling the rate of improvement in energy efficiency and the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix by 2030.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Last year’s tenth anniversary of the adoption of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security reminded us that the promise of women’s full and equal participation in all efforts of maintaining peace and security, including in mediation processes, has not yet come true and that we all need to intensify our efforts. In that context, let me also mention an Austrian contribution to international mediation efforts. By inviting political decision-makers from both Khartoum and Juba to Vienna in recent years, Austria has managed to offer the two sides a platform for discussion. We are ready to continue to do so. The Sudan and South Sudan have a shared past and must resolve their remaining problems peacefully.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The Middle East took centre stage this week here at the General Assembly — and rightly so. We must build trust and we have to foster the belief among Israelis and Palestinians that a negotiated settlement can be achieved — a sustainable solution based on two States living side by side in a secure and peaceful neighbourhood within mutually recognized borders. We have no choice but to return to direct negotiations between the two parties. The Quartet, in its statement yesterday, has shown a way to do that and has also proposed concrete timelines. Austria fully supports the Quartet statement. There is no time to lose. 11-51372 26 Austria welcomes President Al-Nasser’s choice of theme for this year’s general debate. We appreciate Qatar’s strong track record in that regard.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Both the Austrian Government and private sector have provided medicine, relief supplies and desperately needed fuel to Libya. The international community and the United Nations have to support and assist the transition process in the Arab world as the United Nations does now in Libya. This period of change may last for some time and will be full of challenges. Austria welcomes all efforts undertaken by Governments in the region for peaceful and credible change. We encourage the newly empowered authorities to create a constitutional framework based on democracy and human rights, in order to fulfil their mandate for democratic change responsibly and peacefully. The events in the Arab world notwithstanding, we must continue to focus on the Middle East peace process.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“These are legitimate demands. An overwhelming number of young people were at the forefront of this enormous tide, which started in Tunisia and Egypt. We should pay tribute to their courage. In Libya, thousands lost their lives in the struggle for freedom and democracy. In Syria, and to some extent in Yemen, the suppression is ongoing. Austria strongly condemns the systematic human rights violations and the violence against peaceful demonstrators. We strongly urge those responsible to immediately stop the bloodshed and to engage in meaningful dialogue and reforms. Austria supports the Libyan people in its struggle for freedom. Over €150 million blocked in Austrian bank accounts has been de-frozen for humanitarian use.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“This year has once again confirmed the importance of the United Nations as the truly indispensable multilateral forum for addressing today’s global problems. The humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa, ecological disasters such as Fukushima, political developments like the Arab Spring and terrorist attacks such as the assault on the United Nations building in Abuja last August require concerted action by the United Nations and its Member States. Ten years after 9/11, joint action in the fight against terrorism continues to remain central on the multilateral agenda. In the past nine months, we have witnessed momentous changes in the Arab world that nobody expected when we met one year ago. Pressure for change is driven by the wish of women and men to choose their own fate and to improve their chances for a better life.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“We stand ready to host international negotiations and provide our services, as we did most recently for the informal talks on Western Sahara. Austria can be counted on to be a partner in translating the words, ideas and initiatives of this week into concrete action.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“23 09-52592 International cooperation and dialogue are the basis for sustainable peace and development. Only by closely working together will we be able to successfully address the many challenges of today’s globalized world. We therefore appreciate President Treki’s initiative to make the need for dialogue a main theme of this week’s debate. Situated in the heart of Europe, and for most of its history at the crossroads of different cultures, religions and political systems, Austria has developed a practice of constructive dialogue as the host country of one of the seats of the United Nations for the past three decades. I have made it one of my foreign policy priorities to position Austria even more firmly as a platform for peace and dialogue.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Regarding the Middle East, we saw this week’s summit between President Obama, Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas as a sign of hope. We appeal to the parties to remove any remaining obstacles to the early resumption of negotiations. After decades of hostility and violence, time has come to move decisively forward. Israel’s right to exist in security and peace and the realization of the rights of the Palestinian people to their own State are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, they are both crucial elements of a comprehensive and just solution. Austria will continue to help establish the economic foundation and the institutional infrastructure of a future Palestine State. It will also, within the framework of the European Union, contribute to the efforts to promote a dynamic and results-oriented peace process.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“As an important regional actor, Iran has the responsibility to contribute to peace and security in the area. The time has now come for Iran to finally enter into a constructive dialogue with the international community. Iran should therefore grasp the hand extended by its international partners and engage in genuine and serious negotiations. The debates during this week have clearly shown that the world will not accept an Iran armed with nuclear weapons. Let me also underline that Austria firmly rejects the unacceptable remarks made by President Ahmadinejad during his speech on Wednesday. We reject any abuse of the United Nations General Assembly as a platform for intolerance, anti-Semitism, and racial hatred. Mr. Grauls (Belgium), Vice-President took the Chair.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Secondly, I welcome the growing support for the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which Austria ratified in April. We appeal to all other States to sign and ratify it as soon as possible. Thirdly, we must counter the illegal proliferation of small arms and light weapons. An arms trade treaty would be an important step in that regard. Hoping to contribute to speedy negotiations, Austria will host an international conference in Vienna in February next year. With regard to the Iranian nuclear programme, it is indispensable that Iran fully comply with all relevant Security Council resolutions and closely cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency. The most recent announcement by the Government of Iran concerning an additional enrichment facility is discouraging and further increases our concern.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“As current Chair of the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, Austria is working hard to translate the recent positive momentum into substantial progress, especially on a verifiable fissile material cut- off treaty. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty must be reinforced. The Review Conference of Parties to the Treaty to be held next year will have to agree on a package of measures and procedures that address the key issues, but most of all it will need to build trust and confidence. Let me continue with three short remarks on conventional disarmament. First, I appeal to all States to make a success of the Second Review Conference of the Ottawa Landmines Ban Convention, to be held in Colombia in December, and, in particular, to ensure improved assistance to victims.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Investments in green technologies and sustainable, affordable and stable energy supplies will benefit both the economy and the climate. The Security Council summit on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament held earlier this week issued a strong call for a world free of nuclear weapons. For that vision to become reality, we need progress on several fronts. Austria, as Co-Chair, together with Costa Rica, of the 2007 Conference on Facilitating the Entry into Force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and co-leader of the process for the past two years, is proud to have contributed to bringing the Treaty closer to entering into force.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“In view of the global financial crisis, increased efforts by the international community are urgently needed. Austria will contribute its share to that global endeavour. All those efforts will be in vain if we are unable to protect our planet. Climate change is a fundamental threat to humankind, aggravating poverty, hunger, 09-52592 22 environmental degradation and insecurity, and thus seriously threatening the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. The United Nations Climate Change Conference to be held in Copenhagen in December must decide on concrete actions to curb climate change on the basis of mutual trust and strong international cooperation. Climate and energy measures can also be an important part of our response to the current economic crisis.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Austria is committed to the work of the Peacebuilding Commission, and has recently joined the country-specific configuration for Sierra Leone, a model case for successful peacebuilding. Sustainable peace can be achieved only when a society also addresses its past. The establishment of effective justice and reconciliation mechanisms at the national level is crucial to end impunity and to ensure the rights of victims. Such efforts can be complemented by international criminal justice mechanisms, such as the ad hoc tribunals and the International Criminal Court. Peace, security and stability are preconditions for sustainable development. Eradicating extreme poverty and hunger continues to be one of the main challenges facing the international community. Achieving the Millennium Development Goals by 2015 is far from assured.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Our aim must be to have more effective and better- resourced peacekeeping missions that are in a position to implement their mandates in a credible and consistent manner. To achieve sustainable peace, security and development, peacekeeping must be complemented by the rebuilding of functioning institutions, particularly in the judiciary and the security sector. In that context, we commend the efforts of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in combating corruption, organized crime and drug trafficking. The Peacebuilding Commission is a new form of partnership between countries emerging from conflict, donors and main providers of personnel to United Nations missions to ensure that support is tailored to specific local needs.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“In recent years, several peacekeeping missions — such as the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo — have been mandated by the Council to ensure the physical protection of the civilian population. Its role of providing protection to refugees and internally displaced persons was a strong factor in Austria’s decision to contribute troops to the European Union and United Nations Missions in Chad and the Central African Republic. Austria has also contributed to the United Nations study analysing experience in the implementation of such protection mandates in peace operations. We thus hope to contribute to the overall efforts to reform United Nations peacekeeping.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“How can we improve the protection of civilians on the ground, in particular in situations in which the Council has provided peacekeeping operations with a clear protection mandate? How can we ensure better compliance by parties to conflict with their obligations under international humanitarian law — for instance, to allow full access for humanitarian assistance? We will therefore use our Security Council presidency in November to identify concrete measures to improve the protection of civilians. In order to do so, I invite all partners to join me in an open debate on 13 November. I am pleased that the Secretary-General has agreed to participate.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Despite significant progress, armed conflicts continue to darken the lives of men, women and children in many parts of the world. Austria has been working actively with others on expanding the monitoring and reporting of serious violations of children’s rights. Austria fully supports Security Council resolution 1820 (2008) and the follow-up resolution to be adopted next week as a decisive response by the international community to sexual violence in conflict situations. At the same time, Austria attaches great importance to the participation of women in the promotion of peace and security. Women must have a voice in every peace process throughout the world. But many challenges remain.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“It will depend on each and every Member of the Organization to make sure that this 21 09-52592 historic opportunity is seized. Cooperation is not a mere option, but an indispensable necessity, if we want to succeed. Together, we must build a world based on predictable and equitable rules applicable to every Member, big or small, strong or weak. Adherence to the rule of law and the principles of the Charter is critical to conflict prevention, stability and sustainable long-term development. A year ago, Member States entrusted my country with a seat on the Security Council for the years 2009- 2010. We take that responsibility very seriously. One important focus of our work in the Council is to improve the protection of civilians in armed conflict.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“This has been a truly remarkable week, remarkable for the leadership shown by the Secretary-General on climate change, the new policies of President Obama, which he so eloquently set out before us, the constructive responses to those initiatives from many parts of the world and the historic meeting of the Security Council, which committed itself to a world without nuclear weapons. We have all witnessed something new and different: a genuine opportunity for a real renaissance of multilateralism. There is a real chance to turn the United Nations once again into what was originally envisaged in the Charter: not just a forum for discussion, but a place for action, the central focal point of the efforts of the international community to find common solutions to common challenges.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)