YouSaid · the spoken record

Wolfgang Schüssel

lines on the record: 100
first: 1996-09-24
most recent: 1998-09-24
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

“The second millennium project, which has far-reaching consequences, is the enlargement of the European Union. We are convinced that the integration of our neighbours is the best way to safeguard lasting political stability and economic progress in Europe. Successful enlargement will bring a new dynamic to the Union and strengthen its role to the benefit of all the citizens of both Europe and the world. The process of enlarging the Union does not mean that the Union will become more inward-oriented or Eurocentric. On the contrary, we are convinced that the Union must continue to be outward- and forward-looking. Enlarging the European Union will go hand-in-hand with developing our traditional relations with countries and exporting stability around the world.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“The single currency will improve the functioning of the internal market, help to secure employment and provide incentives for the market-oriented structural reforms needed to safeguard Europeâs competitiveness. The creation of the euro has the potential to stabilize the international economic environment and to promote international trade. From the perspective of the world economy, this will be the most important effect of the single currency. Markets have already anticipated the introduction of the euro, as borne out by the monetary stability of the participating currencies, at a time when other countries and regions are experiencing severe financial crises. Consequently, the euro is creating a zone of stability and prosperity which will benefit the entire world economy.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“The European model of social market economy has served well to harness the forces of globalization. Respecting the interests and wishes of the people, showing solidarity for the poor and disadvantaged, promoting social partnership between employers and employees and combating unemployment by creating jobs and so on are intrinsic elements of a social market economy. We believe that this European model of a social market economy deserves serious consideration in our turbulent and complex age. To be honest, this is a kind of third way some are looking for. Europeâs answer to the challenges of globalization is two millennium projects which will shape the face of our continent: the introduction of the euro and the enlargement of the Union.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“7 Todayâs turmoil in the financial markets can be dealt with only at a global level, addressing the political causes as well as the financial and economic aspects. It is imperative that industrial and developing countries elaborate a common strategy in a framework of international financial cooperation, including the G-22, and formulate standards and rules for financial transactions. What is needed now is leadership. Short-term remedies are not enough; long-term forward looking policies are required. We must invest in both sustainable growth and solidarity. As serious as the crisis is, there is every reason not to panic. The world economy is basically sound, with two thirds â€” 70 per cent â€” of the worldâs population living in growth zones. We sometimes forget that.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Financial and economic crises of unprecedented dimensions do not spare any region â€” Asia and Russia being the most recent examples. The impact of these phenomena is felt directly and immediately by every citizen in the world. Economies are more intertwined than ever, and information travels around the globe within seconds. No one can escape the forces of globalization, but all of us can join not only in confronting transnational threats but also in collecting the fruits of globalization. The United Nations has a key part to play in this collective effort. Only our universal organization has the scope and legitimacy to generate the principles, norms and rules that are essential to harness the potential of globalization while managing its negative effects.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“We are looking forward to working with him to prepare the Millennium Assembly in the year 2000 in order to meet the challenges of human solidarity. At the turn of the century, we live in a fascinating and challenging, but also difficult and complex, period of time, characterized by uncertainty and unpredictability. Local wars and ethnic conflicts have continued and new ones have broken out. â€œPeace processesâ€ have had rather mixed success, and some show a distressing tendency to unravel. The threat from weapons of mass destruction is as alarming as ever. A majority of the Earthâs population still lives in poverty. Enormous environmental disasters hit our planet all too often, and organized crime, illicit drug trafficking and terrorism are the plague of our time.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“I have the honour and privilege to speak on behalf of the European Union. In this capacity I would like to extend my warm and sincere congratulations to you, Sir, on your election as President of the General Assembly at its fifty-third session. We are pleased that a distinguished Latin American statesman chairs our deliberations. I am confident that your experience, talent and energy will ensure a successful outcome for the work of our session. I wish to express the high appreciation of the European Union for the outstanding leadership of the Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, and for his excellent work at the helm of the United Nations. His â€œquiet revolutionâ€ of institutional reforms has our full support.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“The United Nations — our Organization — is the only global instrument that can provide the necessary response to existing global challenges: eradicating poverty; protecting our planet's environment; combating drugs, organized crime and terrorism; and promoting human rights, including the rights of children. To this end we have to strengthen the United Nations.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Austria actively supports the standby arrangement system, created in 1994, and in this connection took part in establishing the United Nations Stand-by Forces High- Readiness Brigade in December 1996, which was created to build a capacity for quick preventive action and crisis response. I am deeply convinced that, especially in times of scarce financial resources, the international community should make a greater investment in the field of conflict prevention and preventive diplomacy. The United Nations has the mandate to take a leading role in further developing instruments for preventive diplomacy. Austria is, and will continue to be, a loyal Member and a strong supporter of the world Organization.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“There will be no lasting peace without a credible response to the economic needs of the people in the region. Since 1960, Austria has participated very actively in United Nations peacekeeping operations. Considering the growing importance in contemporary peacekeeping of regional arrangements under Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, my country has started to cooperate closely with those States and organizations that have taken leading roles in this field. In 1997 Austria provided about 1,200 troops, military observers and civilian police to 11 different peacekeeping operations throughout the world, including the Stabilization Force (SFOR) and the operation in Albania.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Austria has followed the situation in the Middle East with great concern. We regret the fact that the peace process has come to a near-standstill. The confidence built up by the Oslo process has been largely destroyed. Our main task must be to re-establish and to strengthen this confidence step by step and to bring the parties back to the negotiating table. The present situation increases the risk of extremist activity. A precondition for progress in the peace process will certainly be respect by all parties for the agreements concluded and the engagements undertaken. Austria is seriously preoccupied by the precarious economic and social situation in the Palestinian territories, where the unemployment rate is 70 per cent. It is of paramount importance to create the necessary economic conditions as a basis for political stability.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“If we want to safeguard the Dayton process, the international community must remain firmly committed to taking the necessary political, economic and military measures even beyond July 1998. International support must remain conditional on full compliance with all international obligations. I should like to pay a special tribute to the United Nations Transitional Administration for Eastern 10 Slavonia, Baranja and Western Sirmium, which has made an invaluable contribution to fostering peace in that region. Austria is in favour of integrating the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia fully into the United Nations family as soon as the necessary preconditions, including the application for membership, are fulfilled. In this respect, I stress our expectation that Belgrade will grant a large degree of autonomy to Kosovo and the Albanian minority.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“We welcome the holding of the third United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, which will be convened as a special session of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, open to all Member States, in Vienna in July 1999. My country is deeply committed to the peace process in the former Yugoslavia, in particular in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Dayton accords provide the framework for the return of Bosnia to normalcy and stability, for its economic recovery and for reconciliation among its ethnic groups. Full and comprehensive implementation of the Dayton Agreement is therefore imperative. This includes bringing to justice all indicted war criminals, wherever they may be.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen provided a set of principles and goals in this respect. In order to confirm these commitments and to identify good practices, I should like to recall that Austria, as a follow-up to Copenhagen, will host an international expert meeting on employment in early February 1998. In our joint efforts to promote sustainable development, the peaceful use of outer space for the benefit of all countries has become an issue of rapidly growing importance to the United Nations in the last few years. I should like to reaffirm the full support of my country for the United Nations aim to expand activities in this field.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“This autonomy has generated considerable interest in other parts of the world. With regard to the human rights year, the implementation of the Beijing Platform continues to be a priority. In particular, Austria supports efforts to strengthen the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. We also are contributing to the enhanced practical implementation of other international human rights treaties, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child, in particular with regard to juvenile justice. Employment, as a matter of growing global concern, rightly ranks high on the political agenda. Governments are urged to develop further instruments to fight unemployment through the effective monitoring of labour policies.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“We see this year of human rights as an occasion for reaching out to human rights defenders in all corners of the world. As host country of the World Conference and as the country assuming the presidency of the European Union in the second half of 1998, Austria offers its cooperation to ensure a successful human rights year 1998 in all parts of the world. Austria places great emphasis on the promotion and protection of minorities. We do so on the basis of our historical experience and owing to our conviction that ethnic minorities do not threaten but rather enrich our societies. In this context, I am pleased to refer to the successful solution of an important minority issue. The Austrian minority in South Tyrol today enjoys a well- balanced autonomy on the basis of the Paris Treaty of 1946 between Austria and Italy.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Her outstanding personality will undoubtedly contribute to further strengthening the United Nations role in human rights. The review of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action and the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights make 1998 the year of human rights. This will provide us with a unique opportunity to shape the international human rights programme for the new millennium. Its central objective must remain that international human rights standards be respected at the level of each nation. For this, the role of Governments is crucial; so is that of civil society. The international community, therefore, not only has to ensure compliance with these commitments and provide the necessary assistance, but it must also promote the role of civil society.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“9 The dignity and worth of the human person are universal. Consequently, it is the duty of our universal Organization to help implement governmental commitments in this field. Since the Vienna World Conference on Human Rights, human rights have moved into the centre of United Nations programmes and activities. Austria welcomes this trend. There is an intrinsic relationship between respect for human rights, democracy and sustainable development. Guaranteeing human rights is an essential precondition for lasting security and stability. This link has been highlighted by the Secretary-General in his commendable report on the work of the Organization. I take this opportunity to warmly welcome the appointment of President Mary Robinson as High Commissioner for Human Rights and to pledge Austria's full support for her work.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Austria was one of the first countries to ban anti- personnel landmines at the national level. We strongly advocated a total ban, and we prepared the draft for such a convention. Non-governmental organizations have played a prominent role in creating the necessary momentum, and I would like to thank them respectfully for that on behalf of the Austrian Government. The Oslo Diplomatic Conference negotiated a treaty on this basis, and I look forward to signing the Convention in Ottawa, together with so many of my colleagues who share this goal. I urge the countries that were not able to join the consensus in Oslo to become part of the process as soon as possible. Ted Turner has generously earmarked a part of his unprecedented $1 billion donation to support intensified demining efforts. I wish to thank him for this unique gesture.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“In this respect, the special session of the General Assembly devoted to international drug control, which is to be held in June 1998, will provide us with an excellent opportunity to renew our political commitment by closing our ranks against illegal drug trafficking and striving jointly for progress in preventive efforts. Anti-personnel landmines constitute a particularly malicious threat to the security of individuals and countries. Even decades after the end of a conflict, such as the Second World War, these hidden killers take a terrible toll among civilian populations, killing or maiming more than 20,000 people each and every year. Every year 20 times more mines are laid than cleared. Estimates speak of 110 million mines laid in more than 60 countries. I think that this spiral of death must be stopped.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“We propose that the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice consider this draft as a matter of priority at its next session. I am confident that our initiative will help in closing a dangerous legal lacuna, thereby strengthening international judicial cooperation in this field. Substance abuse and drug-related crimes continue to take a high toll in both the developing and the industrialized worlds. Human and social development is threatened on a global scale. Strengthening and updating existing international anti-drug capacities will require innovation and new methods.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The reckless exploitation of humans in distress is a particularly reprehensible form of international crime. An increasing number of people smuggled illegally across borders find themselves helpless victims deprived of all financial means and with an illegal status in a foreign country. The perpetrators, at the same time, earn the profits and escape justice by cynically making use of a loophole in the international criminal law regime. There is an urgent need for an international legal instrument making the smuggling of illegal migrants punishable as a transnational crime, thus ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice. I have asked legal experts to prepare a draft international convention against the smuggling of illegal migrants. This draft is being circulated as an official document under the appropriate agenda item.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“While I hope that regional cooperation will soon contribute effectively to the fight against illegal trafficking and drug abuse, the Secretary-General's intention to strengthen the United Nations capacities in this field deserves the support of all Member States. Austria will cooperate closely with the newly appointed Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Mr. Pino Arlacchi. We are convinced that his profound knowledge and experience in fighting organized crime will be a strong asset in pooling the resources of the United Nations system, the Member States and relevant institutions. To demonstrate its support, Austria will make a significant financial contribution to the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Trust Fund. Illegal migration is increasingly linked to transnational crime.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Settling the arrears is therefore an imperative. Austria is proud of its traditional record of paying its contributions to the United Nations in full and on time. The serious political will and sincere commitment of every Government will be required. Needless to say, unilateral decisions are unacceptable in the framework of multilateral cooperation. The fight against drugs, crime and terrorism has rightly become a first priority for the international community. Nearly 1 per cent of the world's population above the age of 15 today has abused stimulants. An estimated 300 tons of heroin a year have been produced during this decade to supply about 8 million addicts.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Austria welcomes this major effort to redirect the Organization towards the needs of the future, and we fully endorse the Secretary-General's proposals. In particular I should like to emphasize the following points: first, the streamlining of leadership and management structure; secondly, the consolidation of the United Nations presence in the field; thirdly, the return of development to the centre of United Nations activities and the better combining of the potential of United Nations funds and programmes; and, fourthly, the strengthening of human rights in all aspects of the work of the United Nations. 8 Without adequate resources, however, the United Nations will not succeed in carrying out its tasks. As long as Member States do not fully honour their obligations, the financial situation of the Organization will remain critical.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“In the short time since he took office he has succeeded in reaching out not only to Governments but also to the people and the media, thus fostering a new awareness about the goals, aspirations and achievements of the United Nations as the indispensable instrument of global cooperation. My colleague from Luxembourg has already expressed the position of the European Union, which we fully endorse. I should like to elaborate on a few points to which Austria attaches particular importance. The United Nations is currently preparing itself for the challenges of the twenty-first century. The Secretary-General and his team, with the encouragement of Member States, have initiated comprehensive reform.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Let me express my pleasure at seeing you, Sir, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine — with which Austria has close historical links and enjoys excellent relations — presiding over the General Assembly. We are confident that your profound professional experience in the United Nations system and your negotiating skills will ensure substantial progress in our ambitious agenda. On behalf of the Federal Government of Austria, I should also like to express our sincere appreciation to Secretary-General Kofi Annan, whose wise leadership of the Organization we fully support.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“We shall support all efforts to fulfil the commitments we all agreed on last year, to make the United Nations fit for the twenty-first century.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“We would like to pay tribute to UNCITRAL for the able manner in which it is carrying out its task. The Austrian Government is looking forward to celebrating the Commission’s thirtieth anniversary on the occasion of its next meeting, in spring 1997 in Vienna. Over the years, the IAEA and the United Nations Office at Vienna have understood the importance of building a solid reputation for good and lean management. UNIDO has undergone drastic reforms, streamlining its secretariat and clearly defining its priorities and areas of concern. As one of the host countries of the United Nations, we are particularly committed to the reform efforts being undertaken by these organizations and by the United Nations system as a whole.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“I am referring to the key role of the International Atomic Energy Agency in preventing nuclear proliferation; that of the United Nations International Drug Control Programme and the United Nations crime Division, which fight against drug abuse, money laundering, organized crime and corruption; of the Office for Outer Space Affairs, the principal United Nations body for international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space; of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the central coordinating agency for information, analysis, advice and assistance in the field of sustainable industrial development; and of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), the international centre for the promotion, harmonization and unification of the law of international trade.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“10 Finally, I would like to mention the United Nations Office at Vienna: our strong commitment to the United Nations also manifests itself in Austria’s role as one of the headquarters of the Organization. United Nations programmes and agencies based in Vienna represent highly important instruments in international efforts to meet new threats to peace, security and development.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“This fight can be won only by pursuing a double- tracked approach: on one track, non-proliferation is a precondition for ridding ourselves of the risk of nuclear destruction. On the other track, the nuclear-weapon States are called upon to honour their obligation under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) to disarm their nuclear arsenals with the ultimate goal of the complete elimination of these weapons. The United Nations should continue to play a leading role in the progressive development of international law. Austria highly esteems the work of the International Law Commission. Currently the elaboration of a statute for an international criminal court is of utmost importance. Austria strongly supports the early establishment of the court, to end the widespread culture of impunity.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“Austria welcomes the test moratoriums announced by all five declared nuclear-weapon States, and we call on all States to work on the rapid ratification of the CTBT in order to foster nuclear non-proliferation and to spare this planet further ecological damage. The organization for the CTBT and, pending entry into force, its preparatory commission, will play a vital role in verifying the implementation of the test ban. Austria considers it an honour to host such an important international organization and will contribute its share to creating favourable working conditions. The position of Vienna, which already hosts the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as the centre of global nuclear non-proliferation is further strengthened by the addition of crucial nuclear verification facilities.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“The Wassenaar Arrangement, recently established in Vienna, will make an important contribution to international peace and security. In response to the human tragedy of civilian landmine victims, Austria has been one of the first countries to establish a total moratorium on anti-personnel landmines, and is aiming for an agreement on a worldwide total ban on this scourge of humanity. The approval of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test- Ban Treaty (CTBT) constitutes a milestone on our path towards a more secure future, leaving behind the nuclear weapons competition that defined the cold war.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“I avail myself of this opportunity to recall the Austrian invitation to hold a regional follow-up conference to the social Summit in Vienna at the end of 1997 or the beginning of 1998. My next point is disarmament. A more cooperative approach to security is to provide a setting conducive to giving new impetus to international disarmament and arms control. Serious efforts must be undertaken to eliminate weapons of mass destruction and to strengthen the various arms control and non-proliferation regimes. At the same time, more attention should be devoted to areas of conventional disarmament, such as the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, small arms and arms transfers, as well as to the further development of universal regimes of transparency in armaments.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“The special session should not only assess the implementation of the Rio commitments, but should also elaborate a global consensus on new important areas such as sustainable consumption, production patterns, energy and transport. The process of globalization also profoundly changes the parameters of social development in all countries. The World Summit for Social Development took up this challenge and agreed on a set of principles, goals and commitments to enhance the benefits and mitigate the negative effects of this process. We welcome the determination of the United Nations system to translate the outcome of the Copenhagen Summit into its operational work for the benefit of all people. We are striving nationally to meet our commitments even in times of budgetary cuts.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“We will have to continue to assist the people and authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina in their efforts to rebuild a civil society and to strengthen reconciliation among ethnic groups. Sustainable management of environmental resources to ensure both human progress and human survival poses a major challenge at the outset of the twenty-first century. At present, we are compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The United Nations has a crucial role to play in achieving a common understanding of sustainability and in promoting its implementation. We therefore attach great importance to next year’s special session of the General Assembly on the overall review and appraisal of Agenda 21.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“However, we must not overlook the foremost achievement of this Agreement: the fact that a very brutal and bloody war was stopped and that the road for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s return to normalcy was paved. It is an encouraging sign that ballots, and no longer bullets, are in place. 9 The elections held on 14 September represent a vital step forward and indicate the Bosnian people’s determination to continue with the peace process. The setting up of common institutions, as foreseen by the Dayton Agreement, is now the number-one task. Notwithstanding the primary responsibility of the parties themselves to fully implement the Dayton peace accords, it is indispensable that the international community not abandon the country after the expiration of the IFOR mandate by the end of this year.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“As regards regional conflicts, time constraints prevent me from addressing in detail the many situations in all parts of the world where the international community, often under the leadership of the United Nations, has attempted to bring conflicts and human suffering to an end — as in the Great Lakes region of Africa, Liberia and Afghanistan. I will limit myself to a conflict in our immediate neighbourhood, namely the situation in the Balkans: in the former Yugoslavia. My country follows developments there with both great hope and great concern. The implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement lags behind our expectations, especially in the civilian field.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“The broad variety of available instruments is amply demonstrated by a recent survey of the United Nations system’s capabilities in post-conflict reconstruction compiled by the Vienna-based Reconstruction and Development Support Unit of the Secretariat. The ability of the United Nations system to act in an integrated manner in peace-building represents a test for its overall ability to reform and to modernize. We call upon the Secretary-General to develop comprehensive criteria and operational guidelines, including on the question of leadership for peace-building activities. We also encourage the Secretary-General to intensify his cooperation with international financial institutions and other relevant actors in this field.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“Austria encourages the Secretary- General to make more use of this cost-effective instrument. We therefore support his proposal to establish clear budgetary procedures ensuring a sound and predictable financial basis for such missions. The United Nations took the lead in developing the concept of post-conflict peace-building. Today, not only the United Nations but also the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) are elaborating concepts of how to assist in the consolidation of peace and the prevention of the recurrence of conflicts. The objective of peace-building is political, but it often requires action in the economic, social, humanitarian or human rights fields.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“We will also continue to assist the United Nations in its efforts to improve the quality of peace-keeping personnel through our participation in the United Nations training assistance team programme. International training centres in Austria offer training programmes for military as well as civilian personnel. We have joined forces with the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in the strengthening of conflict prevention and peace-keeping capacities in Africa. As regards preventive diplomacy, over the last few years, we have witnessed an increase in the deployment of small political field missions. They play an important role in the preventive diplomacy efforts of the Secretary-General and his Special Representatives, and in the coordination of peace-building initiatives.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“Peace-keeping remains the international community's major tool to assist parties to a conflict in the implementation of peace agreements or to provide a rapid response to complex emergencies. In view of lessons learned from previous missions, we actively support the improvement of the rapid deployment capability of the Organization, including the establishment of a rapidly deployable headquarters. Currently, some 1,200 Austrians — troop contingents, military observers, civilian police and civilians — are serving in United Nations missions and in the Implementation Force (IFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We will continue to participate in such operations. In this context, I am pleased to announce that my country will participate in the system of stand-by arrangements.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“A phenomenon closely linked to organized crime is the sexual exploitation of children; this contemporary form of slavery can result in serious, life-long, even life- threatening consequences for the physical, psychological and social development of children. The rights of children and women being at the very heart of our concern, we would like in this respect to reiterate the importance we attach to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action as well as to the recommendations of the recent Stockholm World Congress on Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children. We are convinced that only a global partnership uniting Governments, non-governmental organizations and relevant United Nations agencies can bring an end to the trafficking and exploitation of children and women for sexual purposes.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“Austria will welcome the holding of a special session of the General Assembly in 1998 devoted to this question. In order to make that session a success, we should soon start our preparations at the national, regional and international levels. Trafficking in illicit drugs goes hand in hand with transnational organized crime and money laundering, which can be fought only through intensified international cooperation. In this regard, we encourage closer cooperation between the United Nations International 8 Drug Control Programme and the Secretariat’s crime Division. I turn now to fight against the sexual exploitation of children.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“Half a century after the conclusion of the 1946 Treaty of Paris between Austria and Italy — of fundamental importance for the survival of the Austrian minority — the South Tyroleans enjoy the protection of a carefully regulated autonomy, which increasingly serves as an inspiration in comparable situations elsewhere. Turning next to drug control and organized crime, it is estimated that drug sales generate more than $120 billion annually, thus exceeding the gross domestic product of many United Nations Member States. This economic power of drug traffickers is a serious threat to the stability and the democratic and legal institutions of many countries. Drug abuse also has severe social consequences for societies and individuals. Therefore, drug control must remain a top priority for the United Nations.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“This includes United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) projects on governance; the United Nations Children’s Fund’s efforts in the field of juvenile justice; programmes of the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Branch of the Secretariat for the strengthening of criminal justice systems; and the integration of human rights elements into United Nations field missions. In the run-up to 1998, system-wide cooperation and integration in the field of human rights have to be improved. Austria pays particular attention to the promotion and protection of minorities as a means both to prevent and to resolve conflicts. Respecting the rights of minorities is crucial for peaceful development and good neighbourly relations. The case of South Tyrol is an excellent example.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“We should like to see strong United Nations leadership in the following areas. As regards human rights, the results of the World Conference on Human Rights form an integral part of the coordinated follow-up to recent United Nations conferences. Austria will play an active role in preparations for the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the five-year review of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action in 1998. Today, our main task is not to elaborate new international standards in the field of human rights but to ensure full respect for the broad body of existing norms and rules in all parts of the world. This requires the active involvement of the entire United Nations system.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“While the Secretary-General, to whose spirited leadership of the Organization I should like to pay a warm personal tribute, has undertaken a number of important reform initiatives, the Working Groups of the General Assembly have made only limited progress. Much more needs to be done. And we must always bear in mind that reform is not mere downsizing, but pursuing our goals effectively and efficiently. Four principles should, in our view, guide our reform agenda. As the first priority and as a precondition for reform, we must fulfil our financial obligations in accordance with the United Nations Charter; we must give clear mandates and provide the necessary resources; we must ensure the competitiveness of the United Nations system; and we must eliminate duplication, waste and mismanagement.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“We are glad to see the General Assembly, the key organ in the reform process of the Organization, meet under a President who combines profound knowledge of the United Nations with a reputation for strong leadership. My colleague from Ireland has already outlined the positions of the European Union, which we fully endorse. I will elaborate on a few points to which Austria attaches particular importance. When discussing the need for reform a year ago, Heads of State and Government expressed their political will to give the twenty-first century a United Nations equipped, financed and structured to serve effectively the peoples in whose name it was established. However, insufficient progress has been made so far in implementing this commitment.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)