YouSaid · the spoken record

Sergei Aleinik

lines on the record: 29
first: 2010-09-24
most recent: 2023-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-general-debate

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

“Ukraine and its people have become a bargaining chip in the West’s great game aimed at preserving its global hegemony. It is clear that by increasing its supply of arms to Ukraine, the West is determined to continue fighting the war to the last Ukrainian. But does Ukraine want that? Do Ukrainians need a war of attrition? We do not believe that. For its part. Belarus has always supported peace in our neighbour Ukraine and has taken every possible step in that regard. As the President of our country. Alexander Lukashenko, has said, we are still ready to do everything in our power to achieve that end.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“The Head of State of Belarus has consistently stressed the importance of organizing such a dialogue in the spirit of the San Francisco Conference. That Conference truly gave life to our Organization and brought hope for a better future for the entire world. We need that same hope today, and we believe that the United Nations is the platform where that initiative can become a reality. We believe that the international conference on the topic “Eurasian security: reality and prospects” that Belarus will hold in Minsk on 26 and 27 October is one such contribution to the global dialogue process. I should not fail to mention the subject of the conflict in our neighbouring country of Ukraine. It has been very painful for us to watch how people close to us have been suffering for a year and a half. Unfortunately.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“We are pleased that China and Russia support such a reform of the Council, as they have repeatedly said. We call on the other three permanent members of the Security Council to acknowledge the new realities and to agree to enshrine them in a reformed body. As long ago as 2017. President Alexander Lukashenko of the Republic of Belarus proposed an initiative to launch a global security dialogue, in an attempt to prevent a negative spiral in global politics. Unfortunately, some key players did not want to listen to that reasonable call. As a result, the security architecture in Europe has suffered a serious setback. But it is never too late to do the right thing. If we all want to make life on the planet safer and better, as we constantly hear about from this rostrum, we have no choice but to engage in dialogue and negotiations.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“In that area, we are witnessing a power shift from the West towards the rest of the world. Such shifts in history have often been accompanied by wars. However, it is in our power to channel that process onto a peaceful track. The best way to do that is to expand the permanent membership of the Security Council. The Council does not reflect today’s geopolitical realities. Three of its five permanent members are from the West. They have no interest in changing the global status quo. As a result, the Council is not fulfilling its function of maintaining international peace and security. Only a more representative and democratic body can carry out that task. Expanding the category of permanent membership in the Council to include major developing countries from Asia. Africa and Latin America is therefore an imperative of our times.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Consequently, the global food crisis is human-made, not systemic. As such, it is easy to resolve. All that is needed is to remove those illegal barriers. The countries that have set up the barriers should remove them. And that applies not only to global food security but to all other areas of international life. The unilateral coercive measures imposed by the West, directly or indirectly, against virtually every other State in the world must be immediately removed. Both common sense and the common interests of all people on the planet demand that. We believe that achieving progress in resolving global second-tier issues within the framework of the United Nations can help us to build a foundation of mutual trust for collective and effective work on security issues.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“In particular, we are hoping to see the same constructive efforts during this session of the Assembly on Belarus’s biennial draft resolution entitled “Improving the coordination of efforts against trafficking in persons”. However, where common sense is most needed for us is in finding a solution to the global food crisis. Let us assume that there is enough food in the world for everyone. At the same time, however, millions around the world are going hungry. That contradiction is a result of the unilateral illegal sanctions that Western nations have imposed in violation of the Charter against countries they do not like or in order to gain a competitive economic advantage. In turn, sanctions limit the ability to export food and fertilizers to the developing nations that need them the most.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Let us therefore intensify our work in those areas. Ordinary people around the world are expecting results. Let me give a very clear example of how we can work together successfully even in the midst of sharp political disagreements. At the thirty-second session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, held in Vienna in May. Belarus submitted a draft resolution on combating trafficking in persons in supply chains. Initially, our initiative was perceived negatively by Western countries, for political reasons. However, once engaged in the negotiation process, they realized the importance of the initiative and began to work for a positive result. The resolution was adopted by consensus and all the parties involved have begun to implement it. Let us apply that same approach to all other second-tier issues of concern.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“We believe that bilateral issues should not be brought into international organizations to serve as an apple of discord. Thirdly, we can — and should — work productively in the United Nations on our common challenges. We should therefore work to resolve them using an approach that starts with the simplest and moves on the most complex. The most difficult problems — let us call them first-tier issues — are undoubtedly those related to security. They are the most dangerous, even explosive, apple of discord in global politics. Then there are other, second-tier issues, such as combating climate change, transnational crime, pandemics and diseases, which can be solved. Every country in the world suffers equally from their effects, and they all are equally interested in responding effectively to such challenges.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Similarly, certain countries should refrain from trying to restrict the participation of any other States Members in the work of our Organization. Such actions are a direct violation of the Charter. Moreover, the entire history of multilateral diplomacy has taught us that we can achieve positive results only through inclusiveness and cooperation. Secondly, certain Member States must cease their attempts to turn the United Nations and its system into instruments to serve their foreign policies. Politicizing our Organization only discredits it in the eyes of ordinary people around the world. After all. the United Nations was created for cooperation in the interests of people, not to settle scores between one State and another.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“if political societies are to live together on the same planet”. Let us be guided by that wise advice, and despite the high degree of antagonism in today’s international system, let us seek compromise and harmony everywhere. And let us act within the framework of the United Nations. We see a number of key steps that should be taken in that regard. First, the policy of ostracism at the United Nations must be stopped. It is a practice that runs counter to the very essence of our Organization. After all. according to the Charter of the United Nations, all members are equal. Let us treat each other with respect and equality. No one should stoop to insults and disrespectful rhetoric, such as the use of the word “regime” to describe the legitimate Governments of Member States.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“We are convinced that the overwhelming majority of Member States do not wish to see such an outcome. If that is so. then the United Nations must not wait, but act. The Organization must work to produce positive changes in external circumstances and ensure peace, stability and sustainable development on our planet. That is an immense task given the current toxic global politics. However, if we. as Member States and the reasonable global majority, help our Organization, then it can rise to that task. In the context of assessing Soviet Russia’s relations with the West a century ago. the famous American diplomat George Kennan said that: “some degree of conflict and antagonism is present in every international relationship; [therefore] some measure of compromise is necessary everywhere.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“The Organization can do only as much as its Member States allow it to do. On the one hand, that is perfectly logical. On the other, it is fraught with determinism. It implies that the United Nations is hostage to external forces and will be able to effectively fulfil its mandate only when there are positive changes in its environment. Does that not sound familiar? That was the same prevailing attitude towards the League of Nations before the Second World War. Just a century ago. on the shores of Lake Geneva, many, like us. discussed the threats of their time. However, those discussions had little effect, and the world inexorably slipped into the abyss. The League of Nations was consigned to oblivion because of its uselessness. The United Nations could suffer the same fate if it remains a passive observer.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“For decades, this lofty stage served an important purpose — to hold discussions on how to make life on the planet safer and better. Regrettably, over the past decade, that discussion has not been translated into concrete positive action. As a result, global politics have deteriorated. That trend has had a negative impact on all other spheres of international relations. What is the role of the United Nations in these processes? To serve merely as a stage for discussion? That is the role that many ascribe to it. It is therefore no surprise that the Organization is often reproached for its inaction and inability to stop the growing global chaos and to stop the triple crisis — of security, food and energy — that has engulfed the entire world. Of course, such reproaches are not entirely fair. The United Nations is all of us.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“In conclusion, allow me to assure the Assembly that our country will continue to play its part in enhancing the authority and increasing the institutional capacity of the United Nations. Given its universal nature, the United Nations should guard and enhance its paramount role in the global management of peace processes, improve people’s lives and protect them from the threats and challenges of our unstable times.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“That is intended to further intensify measures to implement a plan of action and draw the attention of the international community to the memorial events planned for 2011 in the capitals of the States most affected by the Chernobyl disaster. We call for support for that draft resolution on Chernobyl in the General Assembly and for the traditional solidarity with the most affected countries. This year the Republic of Belarus for the first time became a participant in and donor to United Nations peacekeeping operations. That again demonstrates that Belarus not only shares the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter but is making a tangible contribution to strengthening international peace and security.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“In the varied spectrum of contemporary challenges and threats the issue of Chernobyl has unfortunately become a low priority. But the objective situation is that the consequences of that massive man-made disaster are still being felt, which means that implementing the United Nations 10-year plan for recovery and long- term development of the affected regions is still an urgent task. That is not just of concern to Belarus, Russia and Ukraine; the successful mitigation of the consequences of Chernobyl is in the interests of the entire international community. Given that situation, Belarus, Russia and Ukraine intend to prepare a draft resolution on enhancing international cooperation and coordination of efforts in order to study, mitigate and minimize the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Achieving this was the aim of the declaration by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Belarus on establishing a partnership with young people to protect 10-55276 24 them from social decline; the theme of this partnership is helping future generations prosper. The theme of young people is not new in itself, and it has often been discussed in various forums. But implementing this idea would enable us to take a qualitative step forward in establishing a reliable basis for sustainable human development. We are convinced that Member States will support the Belarus initiative to convene a thematic General Assembly debate on supporting talented young people and protecting the coming generation from social decline. In April next year we will mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“This is no less important than addressing the climatic conditions in our countries; it will provide an experimental basis for developing and testing effective uses of green technologies. Without any doubt this will make a significant contribution to developing global renewable energy. We can only imagine how much progress the international community would make if each State in the world would, within its means, contribute resources to the development of renewable energy, aimed not only at its own domestic needs but also at exchanging experiences with foreign colleagues. The MDG Summit confirmed the need for the international community to find longer-term solutions to problems. By following such an approach, States Members of the United Nations will, as the Secretary- General has said, be able to provide a better future for all.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Establishing a promising international mechanism of cooperation in order to enhance access to cutting-edge energy technologies, including technology for new and renewable energy sources, is possible only on the basis of a genuine partnership, with leadership from the United Nations and from States that have been most successful in developing green economies. Belarus has already made a significant contribution to establishing such partnerships. We have established an international laboratory for renewable sources of energy based at the Energy Institute at the National Academy of Sciences. This is first and foremost a platform for exchanging experiences with regard to renewable energy.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Belarus’s amendment to Annex B of the Kyoto Protocol has not yet entered into force. Closely related to protection of the climate is the issue of a reliable system of global energy security and the development of so-called green economies. Many States already have considerable experience in establishing sustainable, low-carbon economies. Many States still do not have clean technology, and this puts a brake on their development. Of course, neither the United Nations system nor any other international organization can immediately resolve this problem on its own.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“If States are ready to demonstrate genuine partnership in order to avoid the worst-case scenario, then the General Assembly must adopt a resolution on the problem of climate change and offer relevant recommendations and proposals before the 29 November opening of the sixteenth Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. It is time to end competing ambitions with regard to climate change. Belarus has direct experience of the low level of cooperation between countries and the level of their respect for each other’s interests. This has meant that our attempts to adopt the most stringent voluntary quantitative limits under the Kyoto Protocol, and thus to make our contribution to the common goal of protecting the climate, have so far been unsuccessful.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“If we are now serious about United Nations management of global processes, then General Assembly resolutions on the role of international trade in stimulating development should be more targeted towards achieving long-term results. What is most important is to make recommendations on urgent collective measures to establish a multilateral trading system that meets the needs of today’s world. The General Assembly must send an unequivocal political signal to parties to the upcoming Cancún talks on developing a new post-Kyoto international agreement on limiting emissions of greenhouse gases. This year we have seen that the measures that have been taken have been inadequate. The virtual absence of targeted collective measures by the international community could lead to irreversible consequences.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Belarus, like many other delegations in this room, is concerned at the status of the Doha multilateral trade talks, particularly given the recent trends towards a tougher position by developed countries. Developing countries in particular suffer from this, as do medium- income countries. For more than 10 years, talks have been under way on membership of the World Trade Organization (WTO) of about 30 States. Is this a normal situation if we are talking about the need to ensure that States move forward on achieving the Millennium Development Goals and a genuinely multilateral trade system? This is genuine discrimination against certain States. Therefore we believe that the rules for WTO membership by these countries should be reviewed and simplified.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Here, we welcome the increased intergovernmental dialogue on enhancing coherence in the operations of United Nations agencies and the measures that have been taken to reform the United Nations gender architecture. Besides enhancing the institutions, the financing of bodies that undertake operational activities needs to be improved. In this Hall, we have heard many addresses with regard to the work of the G-8 and the G-20 and their 23 10-55276 initiative to find innovative approaches to financing. We have heard of the intention of the European Union to monitor the Union’s respect for its commitments with regard to official development assistance. We hope that those measures will indeed be implemented.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Some progress has been achieved here, of course; but it is insufficient if we want to reach by 2015 good indicators with regard to implementing the strategic tasks under the Millennium Development Goals. The Economic and Social Council is still the same: it has not become a full-fledged economic organ of the United Nations. We suggest in the remaining five years that the Council should give special attention to each of the Millennium Development Goals and make appropriate recommendations to the General Assembly and to Member States. Belarus, which has submitted its candidature for membership of the Economic and Social Council in 2011, is ready to work actively in this regard. We cannot attain the Millennium Development Goals unless we establish a genuine, strong structure of United Nations operational activities.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“First of all, we must continue the process of updating the work and enhancing the potential of the Bretton Woods institutions and increase the role of developing countries and countries with transitional economies in decision-making in their governing bodies. The General Assembly, although it might not be able directly to influence this process, must raise its voice on this issue. We refer here to those bodies where all countries, without exception, can put forward their positions and submit appropriate proposals. In 2005 and 2006, significant efforts were made to improve the work of the Economic and Social Council, converting it from a body that coordinates the work of thematic commissions and committees in the economic and social spheres to a body that adopts political decisions and recommendations in those areas.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“There has been price pressure on small and medium countries for many sensitive categories of goods. In such a context, progress towards the Millennium Development Goals cannot be smooth. In general terms, Belarus supports the work of the Group of 20 (G-20) and the Group of Eight (G-8) to overcome the world economic crisis, but we must assume that the major countries in these clubs will first and foremost promote their own interests. The General Assembly must take the necessary measures to improve the economic toolbox of the entire United Nations system. Otherwise our Organization will not be able to play an important role in global economic management and small and medium-sized countries will have no leverage on these processes.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Particular attention should be given to the financial economic sphere, because it is directly linked to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. We can achieve those Goals, even in the current situation, if the necessary financial resources, skills and technologies are used to support development. What has been done so far is insufficient. If we analyse the current situation in an objective way, we see that the largest developed countries have spent trillions of dollars on supporting their economies. This has given some results, but the backdrop of this is that it has become clear that providing resources for official development assistance and international technical assistance continues to be below the real needs of developing countries and countries in transition. Developed countries have adopted protectionist measures.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“The nature of the discussions and decisions taken at the High-level Plenary Meeting has clearly demonstrated that the various problems, challenges and threats we face, however difficult and dangerous they may be, can only be overcome if we work together. The world has changed significantly over the past 10 years, and our capacity to make peoples’ lives in all continents better and safer has been broadened. We have seen the change in international relations. There has been an enhancement of constructive, mutually respectful dialogue between States, and a new global partnership is forming. All the preconditions exist so that at this session we can establish a road map of international cooperation on all strategic issues referred to in the Outcome Document of the Summit.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)