YouSaid · the spoken record

Joseph Deiss

lines on the record

23

first

2002-09-24

most recent

2004-09-24

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

1. “The increasing scarcity of resources is sowing the seeds of conflict over appropriation and distribution. Sustainable development must not be allowed to become an empty concept. Our actions to date within the context of the United Nations have not been sufficient to enable us to fulfil our responsibilities towards future generations. Devoting more time to seeking agreement on the Kyoto Protocol than the founding fathers took to draft the Charter of the United Nations is beneath our dignity. The United Nations will be judged by its success in meeting the challenges of the twenty-first century. The institutional reforms now under way are a step in the right direction. It is up to us, the Member States, resolutely to commit ourselves to promote peace and to make the United Nations the instrument for carrying out that essential task.”

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

2. “Switzerland intends to play a constructive role, and I call on all our partners to 18 commit themselves to ensure the early success of the development round. Prevention will require us to both detect and defuse today the problems of tomorrow. I believe that our efforts to promote peace must be rapidly fleshed out in two areas. The first of these is conflict that is borne of religion. Killing is unacceptable, and it is especially so if it is carried out for religious reasons. Yet increasingly frequently, religion is becoming the only frame of reference for analysing political and social problems. Such an extreme simplification of reality runs the risk of heightening tension. The international community must find a solution, and the United Nations is the ideal forum in which to do so. The second area is environmental preservation.”

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

3. “In autumn next year, we plan to gather together to undertake the first assessment of the state of progress on the Millennium Development Goals. We must already admit that our efforts have been inadequate. Of course, every country has its budgetary constraints. But we also have a duty to keep the promises we made at the dawn of the millennium. President Lula da Silva made this point earlier, forcefully and with commitment. He recalled our responsibility to history — which we endorse — to eliminate poverty while we have the means to do so. In that context, I welcome the fact that trade liberalization within the framework of the Doha Round regained some momentum this summer in Geneva. Difficult negotiations still lie ahead of us — negotiations that must seek to meet expectations that are sometimes contradictory.”

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

4. “If it is to be strong, the United Nations must be able to rely on those States with the necessary resources to help it carry out its tasks. All of those countries, including my own, are called upon to provide the personnel and materials needed by peacekeeping missions. The appalling attack on the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad underscores the need to give special consideration to the security of the United Nations and its staff. Fortunately, additional security measures are now in place. Other measures must follow. It is our shared duty to ensure that the Secretary-General has the necessary financial resources at his disposal. As I said earlier, prevention will depend on the fight against poverty.”

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

5. “In the absence of a political solution to the conflict in Darfur, for example, civilians have become the victims of attacks that constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian law — a violation which must be punished by the appropriate national and, if necessary, international, bodies. For that reason, too, following the adoption of resolution ES-10/15 on the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice — which found that the construction of the separation barrier in the occupied Palestinian territory by Israel is contrary to international law — Switzerland accepts, in its capacity as depositary of the Geneva Conventions, the mandate to conduct consultations on ways and means for the parties concerned to achieve greater respect for international humanitarian law.”

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

6. “Over and above institutional aspects, the commitment of Member States is critical if the United Nations is to be effective. First of all, if it is to remain credible, the United Nations and its Member States must be the unassailable guarantors of international law and, in particular, international humanitarian law. I would like to thank the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, for having emphasized today the absolute primacy of the rule of law — a source a strength for the weak. Switzerland will continue to insist that respect for the rule of law is the only practical way forward.”

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

7. “On the other hand, Switzerland is opposed to the creation of new seats with the right of veto, because the right of veto in its current form is undemocratic and hampers the capacity of the Security Council to act. In the interests of greater legitimacy, those countries that are not members of the Security Council should have more opportunity to participate in the decision-making process. In particular, it is important to strengthen mechanisms for consultation with countries directly involved in situations of tension. Reforming institutions may be an arduous and unrewarding task, but it is indispensable for increasing the efficiency of the United Nations and for promoting peace. I would like to thank the Secretary-General for the work that he has already done and encourage him to continue along the same path.”

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

8. “A more rapid response also means that the Security Council must fully exercise its primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, which is conferred upon it by the Charter. This raises the issue of the legitimacy of action of the Security Council and, in particular, the question of its composition. After more than 10 years of deliberation on that issue, it is time we found a solution. The composition of the Security Council must better reflect the changes that have taken place in the international context since its creation, and developing countries must have a greater role to play. Greater account must be taken of the financial and material contributions of specific Member States.”

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

9. “Their conclusion was that it is neither necessary nor desirable to extend or reinterpret the right of individual self-defence set out in the Charter. What we must do is strengthen joint action; that is the issue on which we must focus. In this context, prevention is essential. On the one hand, we must ensure improved living conditions throughout the world; on the other, multilateral institutions must respond more rapidly to nascent crises. 17 A more rapid response does not necessarily mean military intervention. Switzerland has always held the view that force must remain an instrument of last resort. Apart from situations of self-defence, force may be used only with the approval of the Security Council and when other methods of persuasion or pressure have been exhausted.”

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

10. “When all is said and done, however, the Iraq crisis has made clear that the international community remains committed to a multilateral system for maintaining international peace and security, but that the structures currently in place are no longer appropriate. There is now, therefore, a clear need for reform and for strengthening the means of joint action. The High-Level Panel appointed by the Secretary-General to make recommendations for ensuring effective joint action is a first step on the road to reform. Switzerland actively supports that initiative. Thus, this past spring, we invited a group of experts to discuss the subject of the right of self- defence, and in that context, the role of the Security Council.”

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

11. “Two years ago I had the great satisfaction of personally witnessing, in this very Hall, Switzerland’s entry into the United Nations. I will never forget the whole- hearted welcome that Switzerland received on that occasion. Switzerland’s accession to the United Nations took place at a time when the fight against terrorism dominated international debate and divergences in opinion on how to proceed with respect to Iraq were widening. Dissension arose once again within the Security Council. That experience showed that any action taken in the absence of a mandate that is clearly defined in a Security Council resolution is doomed to failure. Such actions can only result in differences of opinion that reduce the effectiveness of the international community’s efforts and jeopardize international security.”

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

12. “However, that also involves the special responsibility of offering international organizations optimum working and living conditions. You can also count on Switzerland in that area. Before Switzerland became a Member, the United Nations was already a universal Organization, but with Switzerland and soon Timor-Leste the United Nations will be even more universal. The United Nations is the greatest world forum. Switzerland will provide it its full support in the interests of humanity and the interests of we, the peoples of the United Nations.”

    2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)

13. “The main challenge of that Summit is the very gap between North and South in terms of access to new information technologies. Therefore, I call on all to contribute actively to the success of that conference. These thoughts lead me to refer to Geneva, the international city that is a close and longstanding link between my country and the United Nations. Switzerland is proud and grateful to be able to host the European Headquarters of the United Nations and many specialized agencies. Geneva is the main international hub of disarmament, humanitarian aid, social development, the promotion of human rights and environmental protection. That gives me great pleasure, because Swiss citizens are particularly concerned about these issues.”

    2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)

14. “They are global challenges that require a global strategy and global solidarity. In other words, they require coordinated action by the United Nations institutions, as well as greater cooperation between the United Nations, the development banks, civil society and the private sector. Development cooperation must be coordinated. Switzerland will contribute to strengthening the coordination efforts vital to ensuring that our activities enjoy the success they merit. The struggle against poverty also requires greater exchange of expertise and better transfer of technology. Switzerland is closely involved in the preparation of the World Summit on the Information Society, the first 28 phase of which will take place in Geneva in 2003.”

    2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)

15. “This new Court is an essential tool for dealing with serious violations of the fundamental human freedoms. We will therefore remain on our guard to ensure that it can function efficiently and we will pursue our efforts to convince those States that have not yet signed the Rome Statute of the need for such a Court. Two days ago, we commemorated the tragic events that shook the United States and the world one year ago. The causes of terrorism must be eradicated. I am thinking, inter alia, of injustice, disregard for the rights of minorities, and poverty. That is one of the objectives of our development cooperation and of our human rights policy. Sustainable development and the elimination of poverty remain mankind's main challenges today. We saw that again at Johannesburg.”

    2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)

16. “In its capacity as the Depositary State, Switzerland feels a special responsibility to promote awareness of and respect for the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols. At the United Nations, we will continue tirelessly to defend these instruments. In this area, Switzerland has submitted to a number of countries involved in the Middle East conflict a proposal which aims to ensure the better implementation of international humanitarian law. We advocate two mechanisms: one for promoting dialogue to allow the parties to settle problems concerning the application of international humanitarian law; the second, a mechanism to monitor respect for humanitarian law. We are also convinced that the International Criminal Court will ensure the better application of international humanitarian law.”

    2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)

17. “It must be defended at all times and in all places. We will champion this conviction at the United Nations to the full and without concessions. For as long as men and women are exploited, children are mistreated and the death penalty is carried out, Switzerland will do everything within its power to defend human dignity. At the General Assembly this year, we will strive in particular to promote the adoption of the draft optional protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. This protocol is needed to give better protection to people in detention against torture and mistreatment. That is why we have been supporting this initiative for years.”

    2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)

18. “In this context, I welcome the Secretary- General's appeal to make full use of multilateral institutions. This is especially valid for the maintenance of international peace and security. There is only one source of legitimacy for the use of force: the United Nations. Iraq has been discussed on several occasions during these past days. There is undeniably a need to act, and to act with determination, in order to ensure the implementation of United Nations resolutions, but action must be taken together, within the United Nations. Only the United Nations can confer international legitimacy to any action against Iraq. Switzerland is convinced that peace and development can be sustained only if they go hand in hand with freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights. Human dignity is our most precious asset.”

    2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)

19. “The logic of armed conflicts today forces us to adopt a multidimensional approach to peace processes. If we are to succeed, we must work in several different areas in parallel: military, diplomatic, humanitarian and economic. We must also involve all interested players in the process. All this demands a major effort of coordination, and Switzerland will contribute to that. Security problems, moreover, must be addressed from a broader angle that of human security. The inhabitants of this world must be able to live without fear of war, starvation and despotism. In particular, we must protect vulnerable individuals and groups. Switzerland will therefore pursue its efforts in favour of human security. This includes stopping the recruitment of child soldiers, eliminating anti- personnel mines and halting the proliferation of small arms.”

    2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)

20. “Switzerland has joined the United Nations as a neutral country and we intend to remain neutral. Our neutral status, however, in no way diminishes our desire for cooperation. On the contrary, it is an advantage for our peace activities. Our membership of the United Nations is not a change in direction, but the logical consequence of our foreign policy. To quote our Constitution, the Swiss Confederation is committed Ö to a just and peaceful international order'. The principal aim of the United Nations is to maintain international peace and security. For us, therefore, the United Nations is the ideal place to carry out this vital mission. As a Member of the United Nations, Switzerland will devote itself resolutely to international peace and security. That commitment will be focused, above all, on armed 27 conflicts.”

    2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)

21. “We see the hideous face of terrorism. Criminal networks exploit human beings and traffic shamefully in drugs and arms. New diseases are emerging and, day after day, we continue to destroy the Earth's ecological balance. There are no simple answers to any of these problems, but there is a place where we can all meet to find solutions: the United Nations. The world needs a strong United Nations, as it is the only universal Organization working at the global level. It alone can analyse problems at the world level. It alone can create a consensus between States on common goals. Finally, as stressed by the Secretary-General, there is no substitute for the unique international legitimacy provided to principles and choices of action by the United Nations.”

    2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)

22. “I would like to congratulate you, Sir, on your election. I already know and value your qualities and talents and I know that you will put them to the best service of the United Nations. Switzerland is pleased to be working with you towards the success of this session of the General Assembly. The Swiss people have decided to join the United Nations. They have said yes' to increased cooperation with the United Nations. They have said yes' to a stronger international commitment. They have said yes' to taking greater responsibility for meeting the challenges that face humankind. The challenges facing the international community at the beginning of the twenty-first century are immense. A number of regions suffer from terrible poverty. Crises and wars are rife on all continents. There are millions of refugees.”

    2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)

23. “It is imperative, now more than ever before, that all the peoples of the world act in a spirit of solidarity. The United Nations embodies this spirit. In joining the United Nations, Switzerland sends you a message of solidarity. This makes me proud and happy. I would like to add my thanks to those expressed last Tuesday by Kaspar Villiger, the President of the Swiss Confederation, on the occasion of Switzerland's formal admission to the United Nations. I would also like to thank all the Members of the United Nations for the warm welcome they have given my country. Switzerland feels welcomed. We feel that we are where we belong. I would also like to give Secretary-General Kofi Annan my profound thanks. His sincerity and wisdom contributed greatly to convincing the people of Switzerland of the need to join the United Nations.”

    2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)