YouSaid · the spoken record

Karel de Gucht,

lines on the record: 75
first: 2004-09-24
most recent: 2008-09-24
sittings or episodes: 5
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

“That will be the time for us to remember the values that it represents and that we all share, and to which we all subscribed and which we should implement for the benefit of our citizens and for greater well-being throughout the world. It is a responsibility that we must remember, particularly since it seems to be called into question at a time when we are faced with the major challenges that I have just described. Together and on the basis of our shared values, we should assume those responsibilities. That is the real challenge. It is not through less, but more international cooperation and multilateralism that we will achieve solutions.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“I am thinking, for instance, of the European Union alongside the United Nations in Chad and the Central African Republic. We need to make further progress with regard to an integrated and comprehensive approach to conflict resolution. The establishment of the Peacebuilding Commission is a real step forward in that area. That is why Belgium has assumed the chair of the country- specific configuration on the Central African Republic. Major progress has been made, but much remains to be done, in particular in order to better help countries during that delicate phase when they are emerging from crisis. We will soon celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Peace and security are the responsibility of the international community as a whole, and it is in that spirit that Belgium approached its mandate in the Security Council, nearly two years ago: seek constantly, in a constructive and non-dogmatic manner, A/63/PV.13 17 08-53122 the best way to move things forward. It is particularly pleased with the progress in crisis management and the extraordinary expansion of peacekeeping operations. From that perspective Belgium calls for a renewal of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with a strengthened mandate, which is a key factor in maintaining in the eastern Congo the prospects for settling the crisis and avoiding a Somalian scenario. Belgium also welcomes efforts of regional organizations and their collaboration with the United Nations.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“That can be undertaken through humanitarian instruments, the civil administration of crises, peacekeeping or peace- restoration missions, or, earlier on, crisis prevention. In that context, I wish to speak of combating impunity. Belgium is convinced that there cannot be lasting peace without justice. That principle guides our foreign policy. It is achieved in the first place by bolstering the rule of law and justice at the national level before, during and after a conflict. For the gravest crimes, we actively support the development of international criminal law. This is not the time to let any doubts persist with regard to our active support for the International Criminal Court by putting forward, as some do, other, more regional solutions. That is particularly true now when the Court is preparing its first trial.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Otherwise, it becomes what I would call souverainism: an abuse of sovereignty behind which to hide and escape its duties. Too often the argument of respect for sovereignty prevents the international community from acting when the situation in a country is deteriorating before our eyes, resulting in the population suffering and an increase in serious human rights violations. The examples are well known and strike us all. Myanmar, Darfur, Zimbabwe and the eastern Congo all confront us with a responsibility to protect, a responsibility that the international community is called upon to exercise when a sovereign State cannot or, worse, refuses to assume that responsibility.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“I want to be clear: I have great respect for the sovereignty of States. That goes without saying. That is one of the fundamental principles upon which our international system is founded. However, being a sovereign State also means that a State must shoulder its responsibilities in the international community, even more so with regard to its own population. Being a sovereign State does not mean that it can neglect the needs of its citizens in terms of development, security, the rule of law and human rights. Sovereignty does not give carte blanche for conduct that is incompatible with the values and commitments to which we have subscribed within the United Nations. Sovereignty must be a force for good, and not an excuse for a State not to meet its responsibilities and to avoid its international and humanitarian obligations.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“That is why Belgium organized last year a debate on that subject in the Security Council (see S/PV.5705), and why it would like extensive debate on natural resources during the current session of the General Assembly. As a member of the Security Council, Belgium has had the opportunity to be at the heart of the international system. That has bolstered our conviction that we can meet those great challenges only through increased international cooperation and has further strengthened our determination to work for effective multilateralism. The key to that effectiveness is not to be sought only in structures and mechanisms. It lies also and above all in our political will to make them work and together to find solutions to our common problems. Here, I note with regret a certain turning inwards, even a return to sovereignty-based concerns.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“In that regard, the issue of natural resources is particularly important to me. It is not a matter of calling into question the sovereignty of any country. But sovereignty also carries with it responsibilities — indeed, responsibilities first and foremost. Natural resources may be a driving force of development to draw populations out of poverty if their exploitation is undertaken in a transparent way to benefit the economy of the country. Unfortunately, experience shows that frequently that is not the case and that illegal exploitation often fuels conflict. Therefore, we must work towards achieving greater transparency and fighting illegal exploitation.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Better distribution of the fruits of economic growth is a world responsibility that concerns us all. The Millennium Development Goals must remain our main guiding principle. The Follow- up International Conference on Financing for Development to Review the Implementation of the Monterrey Consensus, which will take place in Doha at the end of this year, will be an important moment. The developed countries must do more, and I reiterate Belgium’s determination to achieve the objective of devoting 0.7 per cent of its gross domestic product to official development assistance by 2010. However, this is a shared responsibility, which first and foremost falls to the Governments of the countries involved. That is why Belgium will continue to work actively in promoting the concept of good governance.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We all must also show ourselves to be responsible players, in order to try and find solutions to the challenges posed by the food crisis and the huge increase in energy prices and to combat the causes and effects of climate change. Those challenges we face, issues that are extremely complex and closely interlinked, are different facets of one and the same question, a question that is at the heart of the concerns of my country: that of sustainable development. None of us can resolve these problems alone. They call for solutions at the world level. It is thus crucial that we successfully conclude in December 2009 the negotiations for a global agreement on climate, as we pledged in Bali. Nor is it by closing in upon ourselves that we shall reduce the huge inequalities that still characterize A/63/PV.13 08-53122 16 global development.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“They must take their due place, as the French President emphasized last Monday on behalf of the European Union (see A/63/PV.5). It is also in everyone’s interest to demonstrate responsibility. I would like to stress today that the emerging economic Powers, from Brazil to India and from China to South Africa, have, more than we do and more than ever, a need for trade that is both open and fair to continue to develop their economies at the pace they deserve, without however causing imbalance in the pillars of international trade. Here too, we must again find the constructive political will necessary to restart the Doha trade negotiations that unfortunately failed in Geneva last July.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We must not forget that thanks to that globalization of trade, in recent decades the world has seen remarkable development and that hundreds of millions of men and women have escaped extreme poverty and today have a better daily life, even if the sharing of wealth still remains too unequal. The developed countries have the duty to spearhead a better organization of the financial world. The European Union has already taken steps in that direction, and we welcome that. However, there remains much to do. Here, I make an appeal that we embark on that task together, with energy and dedication. The emergence of new economies is an asset for the world. Ever more countries are determined to become players in the international system.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Stabilizing the markets is certainly necessary, but it must not make us lose sight of the lessons to be learned from the crisis and the corresponding medium- and long-term measures to be taken to ensure that the world does not again become victim to financial management that at times is risky and immense speculation with borrowed money. We are well aware that the crisis goes far beyond the capacity of a single country, however powerful it may be. Better regulation of financial markets and the drawing up of control regulations are essential, in particular with regard to short selling, hedge funds and structured products. That is a task that can be undertaken only at the international level, in close cooperation among the world’s economies. Understand what I am saying: Belgium is convinced of the advantages of globalization and free trade.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“More than ever, whether we like it or not, we are in a situation of mutual dependence. Crises affect all of us, and the actions taken by some have an impact on everybody else. That is particularly true for the current serious financial crisis. If we can stabilize the financial markets in the coming few days through proactive measures, that will benefit not only the major banks and their employees, but also the entrepreneurs, consumers and citizens of the whole world, including those in the least developed countries. Those countries have already been heavily affected by the sharp increase in the prices of agricultural and energy products and are the least equipped to deal with a tightening of credit conditions.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“In that regard, 8 August 2008 will remain symbolic: the very day on which China offered us the unique spectacle of the opening of the Olympic Games, Russia and Georgia were colliding in a conflict with harmful repercussions for peace on the European continent. The very foundations of the balance that had existed since the 1990s seemed to be called into question. This uncertain situation has far- reaching consequences for international organizations. We could imagine that, in the face of these enormous challenges, all the world’s countries would come together to combat them jointly. Unfortunately, that is hardly what is happening. Belgium believes that only through close cooperation and enhanced multilateralism will we be able to respond to these challenges.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Belgium echoes the congratulations that have been extended to Mr. Miguel d’Escoto Brockmann on his election as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-third session, and wishes him every success. During the past year, the international community has faced unprecedented challenges. As we gather here in New York, a major crisis of confidence is shaking the financial markets. This has an impact, of course, on the world economy. The spectre of a global recession has been added to the already onerous challenges that have arisen in recent times, such as the food crisis, the A/63/PV.13 15 08-53122 spike in energy prices, global warming, terrorism and the danger of nuclear proliferation. In addition, our world is changing and becoming increasingly multipolar.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“It is the shared responsibility of each of us to display the necessary vision in order to put our Organization in the service of the common good.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“I therefore suggest appointing a high-level special envoy for Security Council reform, who would be responsible for leading these consultations and for presenting us with a proposal. As far as I am concerned, my clear preference goes to a formula that would consist initially of an addition of new, semi-permanent seats, without modifying the current balance between permanent and non-permanent members. Later on, permanent members would accept to give up their right of veto. The United Nations must serve the general interest of the community of Member States, as well as of the populations they represent. The United Nations will succeed only if those States manage to transcend the sum of their particular interests.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We will therefore need to consolidate the bases for a responsible and professional Secretariat. System-wide coherence in the United Nations is also indispensable from this standpoint. In order to foster coherence of development activities by the United Nations in the field, the current reform effort has as its main objective to reinforce its efficiency for the benefit of developing countries. After years of discussion, it is unfortunate that we have not been able to make progress on the indispensable reform of the Security Council. We undoubtedly need a new working method that would allow us to get the technical working group out of New York, where it is bogged down, and to involve the capitals and the political levels more.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“At this stage, however, I regretfully note that the new Human Rights Council does not meet our expectations. An institutional agreement that was reached between the members of the Human Rights Council in Geneva in June came at the expense of difficult concessions. The capacity of the Council to react promptly to human rights violations will thus be compromised. Multilateralism is back. Nevertheless, it is only a method, not an end in itself, and this method can be disappointing if it does not bring results. We therefore need an instrument that will animate multilateralism and adapt the United Nations to the current environment. Achieving our common objectives depends on developing a modern organization that is well adapted, well equipped and well managed.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In July 2007, Belgium organized, in the presence of the Secretary-General, the first Global Forum on Migration and Development. That was a new opportunity to demonstrate our firm multilateral commitment. It emerged that legal migration can be an opportunity for both the countries of origin and the countries of destination. In addition, with good cooperation between the countries involved, development can also foster migration by choice rather than by necessity. Belgium will contribute to the follow-up of this initiative with the Philippines, which will organize the second Global Forum in 2008. Human rights are one of the pillars of our collective security. We must ensure respect for those rights under all circumstances. That is why in 2005 we emphasized the need for in-depth reform of the former Commission on Human Rights.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The alternative is frustration that often leads only to violence. The Millennium Development Goals and the fight against poverty therefore remain a major challenge. In this context, Belgium pays special attention to good governance. Last March, in cooperation with the World Bank and the Organization for Economic Co- operation and Development, we organized in Brussels an international conference on good governance and the fight against corruption. That conference illustrated the potential in this area — triangular partnerships among donor countries, recipient countries and the private sector — which needs to be explored, including within the United Nations. Poverty also forces many migrants to leave their country, having no other choice.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“I welcome the initiatives of the Secretary-General in this area, such as strengthening United Nations mediation capacities and upgrading the mandates concerning prevention of genocide and mass atrocities and concerning responsibility to protect. We also have to make this concept operational. Conflict affects civilian populations long after the end of hostilities. The prevention of conflict should not overlook human security. That is why our country is working to promote an international instrument on cluster bombs; that is why it supports negotiations on a treaty on arms trafficking, and that is also why we are pursuing action against the recruitment and use of child soldiers. Crisis prevention also entails development. Everyone should have the opportunity to choose his or her way in life with dignity.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“For example, we must reinforce the capacity of the Secretariat to deal with such issues; define more precisely, as necessary, the mandates of peacekeeping operations; cause the sanctions committees to operate in a more targeted manner; and consolidate the methods of the work of experts groups. In the coming months, it is our intention to pursue our efforts in these areas, which relate to both security and development. We hope that we can rely on the support of Member States. Our attention to crisis management and peacebuilding must not diminish the importance that we accord to preventive diplomacy.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Every effort must be made in order to bring the Forces nationales de libération (FNL) back to constructive negotiations with the Government as soon as possible. Three of the most recent and expensive peacekeeping operations have been deployed in countries where conflicts were fuelled by the illegal exploitation of natural resources, namely, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia and Sierra Leone. That clearly illustrates the urgent need to develop mechanisms that break the link between the illegal exploitation of natural resources and conflict. This issue was the central theme of our presidency of the Security Council last June. We identified several courses of action.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The international community must remain vigilant. The cost of leaving a country too quickly is always higher than investing in peacebuilding. The true success of the Peacebuilding Commission will be judged by the long-term stability of the countries currently on its agenda, namely, Burundi and Sierra Leone. The recent adoption of concrete recommendations following the deterioration of the political situation in Burundi illustrates its increasing capacity to react quickly to events that could jeopardize the stabilization of the countries with which it is dealing. In Burundi, the dialogue must definitely be pursued in order to solve the political stalemate, which impedes the normal functioning of the State’s institutions.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“However, the measures prescribed in Security Council resolutions go beyond those regulations and aim at creating the conditions for restoring international confidence in the Iranian nuclear programme. Complete and immediate compliance with these resolutions by Iran is a condition to resume the dialogue that had to be interrupted in 2005. The credibility of the Security Council is also at stake. In Asia, the mission of good offices of the Secretary-General has made it possible for us to follow closely the situation in Myanmar. The latest demonstrations show the determination of the population and should finally incite the Government to initiate an inclusive dialogue with a view to restoring democracy in Myanmar. Use of violence will not be tolerated. Beyond crisis resolution, progress has also been made in the area of peacebuilding.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“But its action will depend on the security conditions and will have to be able to rely truly on the support of the international community, the Iraqi Government and the neighbouring countries, as expressed at the 22 September meeting. In dealing with the nuclear issue in Iran, Belgium has, from the outset, supported a multilateral approach. We have to resolutely use the multilateral mechanisms such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Security Council, in order to obtain tangible results. In the past, Iran has not fulfilled its obligations regarding the transparency of its nuclear activities. In order to restore confidence and to make the best use of the objective verification capacities of the IAEA, Iran will have to fully respect the regulations of the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and the Additional Protocol.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, neither the continuation of firing rockets at the Israeli population, nor the deterioration of the living conditions of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, is acceptable. Regular meetings between the Palestinian and Israeli leaders constitute an encouraging development after so many years of misunderstanding and lack of true dialogue. I hope that these steps will be bear fruit at the international meeting slated for before the end of this year. Belgium actively supports any progress in the peace process. The Security Council has recently reinforced the mandate of the United Nations in Iraq. The United Nations can, in fact, play an important role in humanitarian emergency matters, in regional cooperation and in national reconciliation.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“But the current political stalemate is alarming. All parties should demonstrate a sense of responsibility. The institutions should be allowed to function normally again, beginning with the election of the president in accordance with the constitutional process, in the assigned timetable and without foreign interference. The latest attack that claimed the lives of member of Parliament Antoine Ghanem and nine other people shows how impunity threatens the stability of the country. The establishment of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon is clear evidence of the support that the multilateral system is willing to provide to the fight against this impunity.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Regarding Kosovo, it is, on the other hand, regrettable that the Security Council was unable last June to assume its responsibility on a matter for which the solution is essential for peace and stability in Europe. I urge both parties to seize this present opportunity to come to a compromise. This is a matter of urgency. The status quo is not an option, as we are all aware. Absent an agreement between the parties, Europe will then have to shoulder its responsibilities. In the Middle East, the international community has mobilized in order to contribute to a solution to the crisis in Lebanon. By extending for one year the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), in which Belgium participates with close to 400 troops, it has recognized UNIFIL’s role in the solution of the crisis.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The hybrid force is an example of this new form of cooperation. As for the European Union, it has supported MONUC’s efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It will also contribute to curbing the humanitarian crisis in Chad and in the Central African Republic by sending a military force to support the United Nations missions in the region. Belgium will participate in this effort. The European Union has also developed a close cooperation with the African Union by supporting its efforts in crisis management, while paying close attention to the strengthening of its effectiveness. On the whole, we welcome this regional input and the increasing synergies among the United Nations, the African Union and the European Union.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In Sudan, it is imperative that we make progress in our search for a political solution for Darfur. I encourage all parties to take advantage of the Tripoli conference in order to identify the elements of the conflict, such as the distribution of resources and power-sharing, and to establish the foundation for a lasting settlement. We need to speed up the deployment of the peacekeeping force, with the full cooperation of the Sudanese Government. Moreover, we will have to continue to consolidate reconciliation between north and south of the country. Furthermore, the role of regional organizations in managing crises has significantly increased over the past year. The African Union has invested its efforts, both in Somalia and in Darfur, where new ways of cooperation with the United Nations are developing.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Now is not the time to scale back our efforts. The tenuous situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the resumption of fighting in North Kivu pose serious risks to the process of stabilizing the country. They also have tragic humanitarian consequences. Moreover, the scourge of the recruitment of child soldiers takes on new proportions. As pointed out by the Secretary-General, we urgently need a global solution, including a regional dimension that will allow us to make better use of MONUC’s input. While the Congolese authorities are preparing for local elections, which will strengthen democratic culture across the country, they need our full support. Belgium will continue to mobilize the attention of the international community on this important matter.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Multilateralism has been reinvigorated, especially in the areas of peacekeeping and security. The current 18 peacekeeping missions and the 100,000 Blue Helmets now in the field clearly attest to that. Belgium has witnessed that evolution up close since becoming a member of the Security Council at the beginning of 2007. We shall continue to strengthen multilateralism in that body. In Africa, working through the United Nations, the international community has been actively engaged in the search for solutions to the issues of Darfur, Chad, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Côte d’Ivoire. The efforts of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) have been crucial to re-establishing peace and setting up democratic institutions in that country.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We live in an increasingly complex world of ever more diverse challenges. Actions taken in isolation are no longer enough. Given such complexity, the United Nations should not only be a bulwark against arbitrary actions in international relations but also, above all, the vehicle for effective responses. I am pleased to note that there is growing consensus on this issue. Climate change was the topic of a recent high- level event. A Security Council summit meeting has just addressed the situation in Africa. In addition to peace and international security, the United Nations must also tackle a wide array of issues. The fight against terrorism, pandemics, human rights, disarmament, migration and the environment are examples of the diverse subjects requiring a multilateral approach.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“On the other hand, poverty is decreasing worldwide, thanks in particular to the dramatic progress made in Asia. While the trend of increasing poverty has not yet been reversed in sub-Saharan Africa, the 2006 report on the Millennium Development Goals stresses that many African countries are now showing long-term growth potential that could improve the standard of living of their peoples. I should like to take this opportunity to pay a very sincere tribute to the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan. He has worked tirelessly, placing his political and negotiating skills in the service of peace, development and human rights. I wish to express my deep gratitude for the dedication he has shown at the helm of our Organization.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“We have tried, where possible, to establish in those areas synergies with the United Nations, on issues such as the problems of landlocked countries, combating organized crime and combating terrorism. During its chairmanship, Belgium has worked actively to contribute to a solution to so-called frozen conflicts. But such solutions will be possible only if can count on the genuine will of all parties concerned to move forward. Some of the criticisms levelled at the United Nations are justified, and we must therefore pursue the reform process, which must above all strengthen the legitimacy, effectiveness and credibility of the United Nations. Those criticisms should not minimize the successes the United Nations has to its credit. Here I am referring to the dramatic increase in the number of peacekeeping operations.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Its fields of action are very similar and complementary; they include promotion of human rights, democratization, protection of minorities, conflict prevention, crisis management and protection of the environment, not to mention dialogue among civilizations, the combat against the proliferation of small arms, and electoral monitoring. The OSCE played a key role in maintaining the relationship between the two parts of Europe divided by the cold war. Since that time, the organization has elaborated a number of norms, principles and commitments that unite all its members, which contributes to reinforcing their collective security. One of the objectives of our chairmanship was to strengthen the balance between the three dimensions of the OSCE: political and military, economic, and humanitarian.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“They must be able to defend their sovereignty and their borders without threatening the stability of their partners; they must have professional and loyal armies at their disposal; and in such States, power must be exercised not to the benefit of the few but to respond to the aspirations of the people. Good governance should be at the centre of the process. Since the beginning of this year Belgium has held the chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), a regional organization under Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. Its principles and values are the same as those of the United Nations.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The new Peacebuilding Commission will provide us with opportunities to hold a frank and open dialogue on all these issues. As all are aware, these days our Organization is devoting greater attention to States emerging from conflict that are in a period of transition. The danger of new tensions in such still-fragile States is very real. Free and democratic elections are important, but they are only one part of the process of rebuilding the rule 06-52885 48 of law. We cannot lose sight of the way in which power is really exercised. We must rebuild States so that they are able to assume their responsibilities towards their neighbours and their own peoples.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The Government’s reactions towards the press and the opposition, as well as its management of public affairs, have cast a shadow over the evolution of the democratic process. The Secretary-General himself expressed his concerns very clearly about the situation in Burundi. The development partners and the regional partners share those concerns. All possible means must be used to consolidate the democratic process in Burundi as well as its development potential. Democracy must be fully exercised, and responsible media, and a responsible civil society, are key elements in that respect. The rule of law must be strengthened, in the interest and with the participation of all. From that perspective, a dialogue with national political partners is indispensable. The new Government has a vital role in this respect.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Its support and collaboration, particularly through MONUC, will remain paramount throughout the establishment of the new institutions. I hope that the international community will be able to continue a constructive dialogue with the new Congolese authorities to the benefit of peace, stability and development of the Congo and of the region. Following the democratic elections that ended the transition period in Burundi took place, the people of Burundi and the international community had high hopes for the prospect of stability and development in that country. That is why we welcomed the recent ceasefire reached with the Forces Nationales de Libération (FNL) movement. I fear, however, that those hopes might be dashed.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The electoral process now has to be completed; there is no other option. Calm must return, and the protagonists must commit themselves, in good faith, to applying the rules of democracy. The international community must continue to support the process. However, the elections are but a first step. Next, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has to establish solid and reliable institutions that are ready to shoulder their responsibilities to the benefit of the people. The potential resources of the Congo are enormous, and so are the challenges ahead in the reconstruction of the country. It is crucial that the new authorities unambiguously demonstrate, their commitment to good governance, both political and economic. The international community has been a loyal partner for the Congo during this transition.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Iran must comply with the provisions of Security Council resolution 1696 (2006). A first round of presidential elections and legislative elections were recently held in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, thanks to the combined efforts of the Congolese authorities, civil society and the international community. It was quite a challenge. The Congolese people voted in an orderly fashion and in great numbers, and thereby demonstrated a sense of public responsibility and a desire to exercise their democratic rights. I pay tribute to the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) for the positive role it played, assisted by the European Union-led peacekeeping force (EUFOR), in controlling the skirmishes that occurred at the end of the first round.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“I share the assessment of the Secretary-General: in the already tense environment of the Middle East, the region can absolutely not afford a new major crisis. Given the widespread and justified suspicion aroused by the Iranian nuclear programme, I appeal to the sense of responsibility of the Tehran authorities to respond positively to the offers for negotiation made to them. Iran is a great country, with an ancient and esteemed civilization. That heritage, as well as its role in the region, must encourage Iran to promote peace and security and to rebuild confidence with its regional partners, rather than isolating itself through useless provocations. Iran must again take its place in the community of nations and follow the rules that govern international relations.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Therefore we must work on all measures which could rapidly open a path towards the resumption of the dialogue, an end to the hostilities, security guarantees for both parties, the liberation of the abducted Israeli soldier, 47 06-52885 the release of the political leaders arrested during the crisis, humanitarian access, the re-establishment of basic services, a start to reconstruction and the transfer of the tax and customs income due to the Palestinian authorities. We support the efforts of the President of the Palestinian Authority to form a government of national unity. Nevertheless, we will be attentive to the content of its platform and to its response to the three conditions set by the Quartet.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Finally, the Lebanese Government must fully exercise its sovereignty and its control throughout its territory. It has our full support in that process. The implementation of Council resolution 1701 (2006) shows, moreover, that the European Union is becoming more involved in the quest for a lasting peace in the Middle East. That is a welcome development. We all agree that lasting peace is predicated on a settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“But above all, Belgium has decided to participate in the reinforcement of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), requested by Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). In the coming weeks, 400 Belgian Blue Helmets will be deployed in southern Lebanon. But the international community’s efforts must not stop there. All elements of the Security Council resolution must be urgently implemented. I salute the efforts of the Secretary-General and of the States involved, which have brought an end to the blockade. The two kidnapped Israeli soldiers must also be immediately released. Likewise, we have to work on a solution for the release of the Lebanese prisoners in Israel. And above all, the arms embargo must effectively be implemented.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“In order to be effective, it must deliver results. Only action can legitimize its raison d’être. Yesterday morning the President of Finland addressed the General Assembly on behalf of the European Union (see ). I entirely endorse her statement. I will now address a few issues which are of particular importance to Belgium. The Middle East has just experienced one of the worst crises in recent years. A military approach has led to unacceptable sacrifices by civilians, both in Lebanon and in Israel. In the face of such a crisis, Belgium and its European partners have clearly demonstrated their willingness to act and have answered the successive appeals of the Secretary- General. Belgium, for its part, has contributed to the emergency fund to support the Lebanese Government’s reconstruction projects.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)