YouSaid · the spoken record

Carsten Staur,

lines on the record: 101
first: 2007-09-24
most recent: 2012-09-24
sittings or episodes: 6
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 United Nations can make a real difference for the 7 billion people living on this planet. It is up to all of us to ensure that it does”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“As things develop on the ground, the prospects for a two-State solution, providing for two independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign and viable States living side by side in peace and security, are diminishing, not increasing. As we approach the twentieth anniversary of the Oslo Agreement, it is indeed time to reach a final agreement. The world is undergoing profound changes. Current and new challenges call for international resolve and multilateral solutions. They call for strategic approaches, focusing on prevention and early action to dismantle problems, rather than on belated responses and interventions to deal with them when it is too late, too inefficient and much more costly. And they call for the United Nations, the strength of which lies in its unique legitimacy, to stand up and take the lead in addressing global challenges.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“It was a sobering reminder of the serious challenges that still persist in countries in transition toward democracy. Democracy does not happen overnight. It takes years to develop, and attacks by extremists should not be allowed to derail a process that the majority of the people have fought so hard for. We stand firm by our commitments to Libya, and we stand firm in there being no justification for such attacks — none whatsoever. It has been clear since the beginning of the Arab Spring that developments in the region make the Middle East peace process and a negotiated solution even more urgent and important. A year ago, the Quartet in its 23 September 2011 statement (SG/2178) called for a peace agreement to be signed no later than the end of 2012. Regrettably, we face a reality which does not augur well for that to happen.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Calls for reforms, economic justice, democracy and respect for human rights have been heard, and in countries like Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt and Libya things are moving, and generally in the right direction. But there are also signs that progress is not universal, for example, the recent decision by the Bahraini Court of Cassation to uphold the convictions of 20 human rights activists, including a Danish national. Calling for reforms is not a crime, as was rightly pointed out by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Last month’s election of the new Prime Minister in Libya by a democratically elected parliament is a concrete example of progress, which makes it all the more difficult to comprehend the terrible and tragic attack on the United States Consulate in Benghazi, which we have strongly condemned.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“At the same time, we strongly encourage the Syrian opposition groups to agree on a set of shared principles for working towards an inclusive, orderly and peaceful transition in Syria to a future free of Al-Assad and his brutal regime. While thanking former Secretary-General Kofi Annan for his valuable contribution to finding a lasting solution to the conflict, we now put our trust in the new Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States, Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, and in his efforts at reaching a political solution. The negative developments in Syria stand in sharp contrast to the situation in other countries that have been affected by the Arab winds of change.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“We commend the very valuable work done by the Human Rights Council’s Commission of Inquiry on Syria. We note in particular that the Commission has stated that it is likely that crimes against humanity have been committed by the Syrian regime. The international community must act on that information. Denmark calls on the Security Council to refer the case of Syria and the serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in the country to the International Criminal Court. We urge the Security Council to unite and agree on strong measures, including comprehensive sanctions, to enforce the six-point plan endorsed by the Council. We cannot afford to continue waiting for a change of policy on the part of the regime, which it shows no sign of ever making. The Syrian people need action.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Now, more than 20,000 people have suffered that fate. The Syrian people are f leeing from the shooting spree, and a quarter of a million of them are now refugees in neighbouring countries. More than a million people inside Syria are in need of humanitarian assistance. We condemn the brutal violence and massacres of civilians in the strongest terms. The time has come to stop the bloodshed and the suffering of the Syrian people. We cannot look away while the increasing sectarian violence spirals out of control, the humanitarian emergency escalates and the crisis spills over borders. President Al-Assad has lost all legitimacy and must step aside to allow for a peaceful and democratic transition. At the same time, those responsible for gross human rights violations must be brought to justice.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“We call on all States to appoint national focal points and to join the network, thereby demonstrating their commitment to decisive and timely prevention and response. Even as I speak, we are witnessing in Syria a Government that is not living up to its moral and political obligations. Instead, it pursues a violent path of trying to quell the cry for freedom, for democratic reforms and for human rights. Despite several promises made to the international community during the last year, the Al-Assad regime has not stopped the violence. Instead we have only heard the sound of machine guns, heavy weapons and airplanes firing away at civilians. Since I stood here at this rostrum a year ago (see A/66/PV.29), the situation has only deteriorated. Last year about 2,600 people in Syria had died in the conflict.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“We therefore welcome the outcome of last week’s High-level Meeting on the Rule of Law at the National and International Levels (resolution 67/1) and the commitments made by Member States. Denmark also looks forward to an effective follow-up to the High-level Meeting. International agreement on the responsibility to protect at the 2005 World Summit was a clear statement by the international community that the atrocities and large-scale tragedies of the last century must not be repeated in the twenty-first century. The global network of national focal points on the responsibility to protect — an initiative launched by the Governments of Denmark and Ghana, Costa Rica and Australia — is an approach to encourage and assist States in developing their national capacities and mechanisms for the prevention of mass atrocity crimes.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“It is in Iran’s own interest to take concrete steps to build international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons is a cornerstone of international cooperation on disarmament and non-proliferation. In this context, Denmark actively supports the work of the Finnish facilitator to organize a conference on the Middle East as a zone free of weapons and materials of mass destruction. For Denmark and the European Union, the rule of law is critical to international peace and security, human rights and development. It is a fundamental principle of good governance, whereby the State is accountable to its citizens and ensures their human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as their participatory rights.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Unregulated and irresponsible trade of conventional weapons is often the direct cause of unbearable human suffering. It further destabilizes weak and fragile States and is a hindrance to development. There is an urgent need for a universal and legally binding arms trade treaty, and, together with Germany, Denmark has encouraged the Secretary- General to continue his strong personal engagement with respect to the convening of a second arms trade treaty conference early next year. Now is the time to act, and we call upon the members of the Assembly to successfully conclude negotiations on a treaty and to do so without delay. Let me use this occasion to once again call on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and more particularly on Iran, to comply with international law and relevant Security Council resolutions.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“In conflict-affected and fragile countries, there is a need to understand that without security there can be no development and that without development there can be no security. Denmark actively participates in promoting the New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States, and we are currently co-chairing the International Dialogue on Peacebuilding and State-building. A peaceful and prosperous development in fragile States stands at the heart of Danish development policy, most recently exemplified in the Sahel region. Denmark shares the ambition of the International Dialogue to have peacebuilding and statebuilding goals firmly reflected in the post-2015 international development framework. We must also use international cooperation to reduce the level of conflicts and to set clear rules for all to abide by.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“We call on other donors and potential donors, including emerging economies, to increase their assistance as well. We see a great need for support to fragile States like Somalia, South Sudan, Yemen, Afghanistan and Mali, where fragility and conflict hamper development and poverty reduction and may provide a breeding ground for all kinds of instability. We see positive signs in those countries, but there are still many challenges, and we therefore require strong and continuous political commitment, both within the countries themselves and on the part of the international community, in order to succeed. We in the international community need to take a closer look inside our toolbox and find the right mix of development assistance and security policy response, including ways of addressing terrorism and in some cases piracy.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Such a rights-based approach is about placing people — men and women — at the centre and in charge of their own development. And let me add, in the case of a woman, this also means the right to decide over her own body. That is why Denmark welcomes today’s launch of the high-level task force for the International Conference on Population and Development. Important parts of the rights-based approach are access to information, involvement in decision-making and strengthening the voice of civil society. Four decades ago, the United Nations set a target for developed countries to increase their official development assistance to 0.7 per cent of their gross national income. Every year since 1978 Denmark has surpassed the target, and our development assistance will continue to increase over the years to come.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“At the second Forum meeting a week from now, in Copenhagen, the focus will be on resource efficiency and growth, reinforcing the need to decouple economic growth from unsustainable environmental pressures and to refocus efforts on the creation of decent jobs. While making the last push for achieving the Millennium Development Goals in 2015, we will start preparing the post-2015 international development framework and embark on the discussion on how to best formulate new and more ambitious goals beyond 2015. As stated, the sustainable development goals should be an integrated part of this exercise. Denmark strongly supports the promotion of human rights as a means to development, rights being understood as indivisible and interdependent.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Access to sustainable energy, improved energy efficiency and increased use of renewable energy are all necessary conditions for achieving long-term sustainable development. At Rio+20, a green economy was finally recognized as one of the important tools available for achieving sustainable development. We need to work in close partnership with both the private sector and civil society, if we are to succeed in transforming the global economy. The Danish Government, in partnership with the Governments of Mexico and Republic of Korea, last year created a public-private partnership among progressive Governments, global corporations, financial institutions and international organizations, including the United Nations, called the Global Green Growth Forum.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“In June, at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), we made some progress, laying down the foundations for the transformative process we need to pursue. But the house still has to be built, and the General Assembly must provide some of the important building blocks to do this. Defining sustainable development goals as part of the overall post-2015 international development framework, establishing the new high-level political forum, and upgrading the United Nations Environment Programme are all key parts of the agenda before us. Denmark strongly supports the Secretary-General’s Sustainable Energy for All initiative, launched in November 2011, and remains committed to its objectives.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“In a complex world, it is smart economics and also smart politics to focus on prevention rather than cure. This holds true whether we address the global economic crisis, sustainable development and poverty reduction, conflicts like the one in Syria, or the arms trade and disarmament. In that context, the inclusion of women in political decision-making processes is not only the right thing to do, it is one of the most powerful drivers for positive change. Our natural resources are increasingly under pressure. By 2030, the world will need 50 per cent more food, 45 per cent more energy and 30 per cent more water. Thus, we must chart a new course for our common future and develop a new paradigm for economic growth and development that will make it possible to deal with those challenges and to create opportunities for future generations.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“It helps us understand each other, including when we disagree, and it informs our work together in the Assembly in the months to come. So we may congratulate each other on a job well done, now at the end of the debate, but it is only the beginning. The true value of this debate will be seen only later, and it will depend on all of us coming together to find common ground and workable solutions.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Let me therefore also take this opportunity on my own behalf — and I am sure also on behalf of speakers before me — to thank the conference service staff and the interpreters for their tireless efforts and long working days, which have facilitated this unique international debate. The exchange of views that we have during the general debate allows each and every one of us a privileged glimpse into the positions, the values and the political priorities of all 193 Member States. The debate provides a strong and clear indication of what issues really engage Governments. It demonstrates what parts of the very broad United Nations agenda each and every Government is most preoccupied with, what their concerns are and which outcomes and solutions they seek. From this debate, we get a unique and straight look into the soul of global politics.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“At a time when the United Nations is ever more relevant, Denmark lends its full support to the Secretary-General and to his stewardship of the Organization. The challenges we face call for international resolve and for joint action. In the Secretary-General’s own words, “We need results that people can see and touch, results that change lives and make a difference” (A/65/PV.101, p. 9). That is why we turn to the United Nations. 11-51687 12 That is the end of my prepared statement, but I am aware that I am the last speaker in the general debate of the sixty-sixth session of the General Assembly.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“We congratulate the people of South Sudan on their historic achievement. The Palestinian cause and quest for statehood are high on the agenda here in New York, and rightly so. The present regional context reminds us all, including the two parties, that direct political peace negotiations must now be resumed. Within a specific time frame, they must produce a lasting peace and an end to conflict based on the two-State solution, with both States living side by side in peace and security. Let me also take this opportunity to congratulate the Secretary-General on his appointment to a second five-year term. We have all been inspired by his tireless efforts in the field of peace and security and human rights and by his strong leadership on climate change and sustainable development.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Poland and Denmark, as part of the EU trio presidency for 2011 and 2012, are working jointly to strengthen the green growth agenda and contribute to the global objective of sustainable development, in accordance with the trio presidency programme. Next month, Denmark will host the first Global Green Growth Forum in Copenhagen. The Forum will lend new momentum to public-private cooperation on concrete initiatives that will inspire regulatory interventions, remove key barriers and identify opportunities and solutions for a renewed push to advance green growth globally. Earlier this year, we witnessed the birth of a new State as we welcomed the 193rd Member of the United Nations. The Republic of South Sudan is the fulfilment of the democratically expressed will to self- determination by the overwhelming majority of the South Sudanese people.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), to be held in Rio de Janeiro in June 2012, presents a unique opportunity to revitalize the discussion and understanding of sustainable development. Rio+20 will be an opportunity to put sustainable development at the top of the global development agenda. Denmark welcomes the focus on green economy and the institutional framework for sustainable development. Transitioning to a green economy is necessary if the world is to cope with the multiple challenges of resource scarcity, poverty eradication and climate change. Economic growth will be crucial in the decades ahead, but it will have to be green. Today, 1.4 billion people are without access to modern sources of energy. Universal access to energy will contribute to lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“We are one of only five countries which at present fulfil the internationally agreed development goal of delivering at least 0.7 per cent of gross national product as development assistance. We would like to welcome others to this “point-seven” club. We shall not succeed, however, without focusing in particular on countries affected by conflict or fragility. We especially look to the United Nations to coordinate efforts in those countries. That is where the United Nations can make a real difference. The advancement of women’s equality and the empowerment of women are important aspects of this process. We welcome the creation of UN-Women and look forward to working closely with that new entity in the area of gender mainstreaming. No less important is the issue of sexual and reproductive health and the rights of women.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The Millennium Development Goals have succeeded in galvanizing action, not least in health and education, and all countries have a joint obligation to ensure that the goals we agreed in 2000 will actually be fulfilled by 2015. The development challenge is pressing in sub-Saharan Africa, a region long marked by poverty and conflict, but in recent years also characterized in many countries by strong economic growth and optimism. National ownership and clear political commitments remain the keys to success. But for many of the poorest countries, development cooperation continues to be an important tool and a catalyst in their efforts to ensure that the poorest people will also be able to enjoy the full potential of globalization. Denmark is doing its part to assist, based on a sound track record in international development cooperation.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Moving towards 2014, the United Nations system, in close cooperation with the Afghan authorities, will also have to undertake a thorough review of its activities in Afghanistan in order to continuously maximize its contribution to good governance, anti-corruption and sustainable socio-economic development. What we see around the world is not only a call for political reforms; it is also a call for inclusive economic development, for jobs pure and simple, and for improved standards of living. And not least, it is a call from and about youth. Governments will need to strengthen economic and social reforms, ensuring that 11 11-51687 they generate inclusive growth and shared prosperity for all and not just for the few and already privileged.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“To increase the pressure on the Syrian regime, we have adopted sanctions and hope others will join us. Some of the prerequisites for a sustainable transition to a flourishing democracy are free, fair and transparent elections, free media, the protection of minorities, a functioning government and an independent judiciary that upholds the rule of law. Democratic change must come from within. It has to be home-grown and based on local leadership, ownership and participation. Surely, this does not exclude international assistance, including from the United Nations. Afghanistan has come a long way since the fall of the Taliban regime. We hope that Afghanistan will take yet another step in its transition process at the upcoming Conference in Bonn in December.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Developments across the Middle East and North Africa make it clear that in the twenty-first century, Governments must be politically accountable, respect people’s rights and dignity, and deliver economic opportunities. The only credible response to those legitimate popular demands is sustainable political and economic reforms. Unfortunately, we sometimes witness countries fail to live up to their responsibility and obligations as members of the international community. As we speak, events continue to unfold across the region, including in Syria. More than 2,600 people in Syria have died during the popular uprising. We strongly condemn the violence and the killings of peaceful demonstrators. It is high time to respect the right of peaceful protesters and their legitimate demands.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Denmark is proud to have supported the legitimate aspirations of the Libyan people and to have contributed to the protection of the lives of Libyan civilians. A few days ago, the Assembly welcomed the National Transitional Council (NTC) as the representative of Libya. Being here today with the NTC in the seat of Libya is tangible evidence of the progress achieved by the Libyan people in determining their own destiny. Along with the international community, Denmark continues to support the aspirations of the Libyan people. It is encouraging that the Security Council has now authorized a new United Nations Mission to support Libyan national efforts.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Theirs is a call for political participation, for freedom of speech and for the right of peaceful assembly; a call for dignity, for accountability, for justice and for jobs. It has sparked hope for a better life for the people of the region. The international community, with the United Nations in the lead, has a strong responsibility to support these historic aspirations. The winds of change currently sweeping across the Middle East and North Africa have confirmed once again that the desire for freedom, democratic reforms and respect for human rights is universal. A few days ago, countries met under the auspices of the Secretary- General to express their admiration for the courage of the Libyan people in their struggle to take control of their own future.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“These include a violent conflict in Côte d’Ivoire before a democratically elected president could finally take his rightful place; devastating earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan, followed by nuclear contamination; the current and still more severe humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa; and Pakistan being struck by overwhelming floods. There have also been events of historic proportions that are still unfolding in North Africa and the Middle East. From Tunisia to Egypt, from Libya to Syria, from Bahrain to Yemen and beyond, people are demanding their rights and their freedom. They are standing up for core human aspirations and values. They want to shape their own lives, economically and politically.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“First of all, I would like to align myself with the statement made by the President of the European Council, Mr. Herman van Rompuy, on behalf of the European Union (see ). Denmark appreciates the adoption earlier this year of 11-51687 10 resolution 65/276, giving the European Union (EU) the opportunity to address the General Assembly at this juncture of its deliberations. The Lisbon Treaty marks a new phase of European cooperation that will benefit the United Nations as well. The past year has once again demonstrated how quickly events can unfold and how unexpected crises can break out in different parts of the world.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Hence they, and we, expect the United Nations to live up to expectations, to perform, to show leadership and to push the envelope. Global challenges call for global answers. The United Nations must live up to this call, fulfilling the aspirations of the Charter. No less will do for the twenty-first century.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“We have high expectations that the new entity will contribute to streamlining in the area of gender, women’s rights and development throughout the United Nations system. In the area of peacekeeping we commend initiatives, such as New Horizon, to readjust United Nations peacekeeping efforts in light of the experiences gathered during the last decade of immense growth in United Nations peacekeeping operations. Let me conclude by emphasizing that today’s world is more complex than ever. But on so many issues, countries want to work together towards long- lasting solutions. More often than not, they turn to the United Nations to find answers. They turn to an international body whose strength has been and still is based on its unique global legitimacy.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“The best way to deal with these global challenges is through an effective and strong multilateral system — through a strong United Nations system. The ability of the United Nations effectively and efficiently to deal with the global challenges of the twenty-first century must be improved. Continuing the paths of system- wide coherence and delivering as one is part of that. Reforms of the intergovernmental machinery and of the workings of the Secretariat must also be pursued. We welcome the ongoing intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform aimed at changing the membership in order to reflect the world of today. Let me take this opportunity to welcome the establishment 33 10-55276 of UN Women and the appointment of Ms. Michelle Bachelet of Chile as the first Under-Secretary-General and head of that agency.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“In this context, the implementation of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement is vital to the future of the Sudan. The international community needs to support the referendum process to secure inclusive, free and transparent elections. Without prejudging the outcome of the referendum, I should like to stress the importance of developing institutional capacity and of creating more self-sustainability in South Sudan. Likewise, we are very concerned about the humanitarian situation in many parts of the country. Focus should be on securing access to all areas for humanitarian workers and international peacekeepers. In Somalia, the focus must be on the need to support the Transitional Federal Government and improve the coordination of assistance, including within the United Nations system.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“We also welcome the Quartet’s statement encouraging these negotiations. They will be difficult, but we believe that an agreement is possible and that it is in the interest not only of Israelis and Palestinians, but also of the peoples in the region and beyond. We strongly support the United States efforts to facilitate the negotiations, and we call on the parties to negotiate in good faith and to live up to their obligations. The direct peace talks actualize the importance of enhanced international political and financial support for Palestinian State-building. Denmark and the European Union stand ready to assist in fulfilling the goals of two States for two peoples living side by side in peace and security. Peace needs to be secured in all parts of the world.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“The international community and the United Nations must continue to play a supporting role in Afghanistan in the years to come. In this context, Denmark believes there needs to be a coordinated civilian and military engagement in Afghanistan as a precondition for success. The regional aspects also need to be addressed. In this context, my thoughts go to the people and the Government of Pakistan, who have not only experienced sacrifices due to terrorism, but also heavy losses and suffering due to the unprecedented flooding of the country. Denmark has committed more than $45 million in assistance to Pakistan so far this year. Denmark welcomes the recent relaunch of direct negotiations between the leaders of Israel and the Palestinian Authority on reaching an agreement on all the core issues within one year.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“With the adoption of Security Council resolution 1929 (2010), the international community has sent a clear signal to the Iranian leadership that we do not tolerate the continuous and increasingly grave flouting of Iran’s international obligations. It is hoped that this resolution will help to convince Iran to change its current path and enter into negotiations. I should like to take this opportunity to welcome the parliamentary elections in Afghanistan earlier this month, which represent yet another step on Afghanistan’s road towards democracy. The elections came after the successful outcome of the Kabul Conference. We look forward to the implementation of the Conference initiatives leading to the transition to full Afghan ownership in all areas.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“We welcome the international momentum in dealing with the issue of nuclear weapons as reflected in the New START agreement between the United States and the Russian Federation, the nuclear summit and, notably, the results of the Review Conference of the States Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) here in New York in May. It is important that all States parties commit to implementing the measures of the NPT action plan. The issue of non-proliferation remains high on the agenda, not least due to our deepening concerns about the allegedly peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“At the national level Denmark, in close cooperation with partner countries, provides hundreds of millions of dollars to strengthen legal systems and judicial capacities throughout the world. Let me stress here that our support for the International Criminal Court in no way springs from a wish for the Court to prosecute all 10-55276 32 international crimes. National jurisdictions are almost always better placed to combat impunity, and through our rule of law programmes we seek to promote true national ownership and complementarity for those able and willing to face the hard choices. The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is the most serious danger emanating from globalization. Following many years of deadlock, however, 2010 has been a year of progress.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“It is closely linked to another key Danish priority — that of strengthening the rule of law. Be it at the global, regional or national level, the rule of law provides transparency and accountability and thereby leads to better governance. The establishment of the office of Ombudsperson in relation to the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) was a successful example of our work at the global level. Piracy off the coast of Somalia presents a regional challenge that Denmark — through its naval efforts off Somalia and its chairmanship of the legal working group of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia — is committed to meeting.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“States must ensure the human rights and fundamental freedoms of their citizens in order for each individual to take an active part in shaping his or her own future to the benefit and prosperity of all. Women’s rights and gender issues are an essential part of human rights. The women’s rights agenda supports and strengthens the overall effort of human rights’ implementation. International peace and security rest upon the ability and willingness of States to ensure the protection of their populations from human rights violations and atrocity crimes. In this context, I welcome the ongoing debate among Member States on the responsibility to protect. Denmark will take an active part in the further development of this concept, which provides the framework for a comprehensive approach.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“During the past month, we have witnessed just how important it is to maintain mutual respect and understanding. As history has taught us, there are always those who are ready to do the unthinkable in order to catch the attention of the international media. The threats to burn the Koran in Florida were a particularly repulsive example of this phenomenon. We strongly condemn such acts, but as we have learned, the more attention we give such individual acts of provocation, the more they will multiply. We must never allow such acts to steer our steps from the path of dialogue. We must stand firmly and jointly against any call to strife and violence.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“We underline the importance of the commitments on fast-start financing, which must be fulfilled. We are looking forward to the sixteenth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Cancún, Mexico, and hoping for a successful outcome that will significantly advance negotiations on climate change. In the ever more interdependent and ever more uncertain world we live in, it is of priority to uphold the principles, objectives, universal rights and fundamental values that are enshrined in the United Nations Charter and that form the very basis for global stability, development and global prosperity. Strengthening the mutual understanding between cultures is an important challenge and a valuable opportunity for all of us.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“We must unite our efforts to take this agenda forward in the immediate future and in preparation for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in May 2012. Climate change continues to be one of the greatest and most pressing challenges of our time, and we are already starting to experience the consequences — from melting icecaps in the Arctic, heatwaves in Russia and floods in Pakistan to droughts in Africa. It concerns all of us, and concerted and urgent action is needed. The Copenhagen Accord contains delicate political compromises, paving the way for eventually reaching a global, legally binding international agreement within the United Nations framework. More than 130 countries, covering more than 80 per cent of global emissions, have now associated themselves with the Accord reached in Copenhagen in December last year.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“We 31 10-55276 welcome the Secretary-General’s steps to strengthen the peacebuilding architecture, but more work is needed in areas such as strengthened integrated missions, improving in-country leadership, and strengthening the Peacebuilding Support Office in order to forward the peacebuilding agenda. Green growth is an important challenge that offers new opportunities for employment, innovation and wealth creation in developed and developing countries alike. Together, we must strive to optimize resource efficiency and apply green technologies. Renewable energy is a good example of how new technologies can contribute to development by providing secure, sustainable and affordable energy to millions of people. Green growth is not an obstacle to development but an opportunity.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Developing countries must focus their political will, administrative capacity and budgetary resources on reaching the MDGs, while we as donors must live up to and fulfil our official development assistance commitments. We have clear evidence that fragile and conflict- affected countries are lagging behind the most with regard to the achievement of the MDGs. The comparative advantage of the United Nations system and its unique possibilities in combining humanitarian, peacekeeping, peacebuilding, recovery and development approaches are especially relevant in relation to these countries. We strongly encourage the ongoing efforts to strengthen the United Nations role in this regard.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“One of the most significant global challenges today is to fulfil the promises of the Millennium Declaration (resolution 55/2) for a better world for everyone. With last week’s Millennium Development Goals summit, a new momentum has been built — a momentum for action, for the implementation of commitments and for focusing our common efforts to reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. Five years is not a long time, especially when we also need to overcome the effects of the financial and economic crisis. But our task is clear. We must make the MDGs a reality for all. We need to accelerate progress and scale up our efforts where approaches have proven to be successful. We have to be innovative.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)