YouSaid · the spoken record

Petersen

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS PETERSEN

lines on the record: 54
first: 1993-09-24
most recent: 1995-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-general-debate

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

“It is a paradox that those criticizing the United Nations for a lack of efficiency are often those who do not honour their financial obligations. They are in this way holding the Organization hostage. They continue to criticize the United Nations as if the Organization were not their organization. Denmark sees no alternative to international cooperation to solve global problems. The will of Member States determines the strength of our cooperation. Much more can be done, provided Governments are willing. The United Nations has experienced much turbulence. The United Nations needs renewal. The United Nations needs resources. The United Nations needs commitment. Denmark remains as dedicated to the United Nations today as we were 50 years ago.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“The establishment of a permanent forum within the United Nations is a major political aspiration of indigenous peoples around the world. Denmark shares that aspiration. The General Assembly should decide to call a diplomatic conference on the establishment of a permanent International criminal court to try cases of serious international crime. With my final point I wish to draw attention to the statement issued today by the Nordic Foreign Ministers on the financial situation of the United Nations. In that statement the Nordic countries call on all Member States to fulfil their financial obligations towards the United Nations by immediately paying all outstanding contributions. Imagine how much more could be done if the United Nations had its present outstanding contributions — $3.5 billion — at its disposal.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“Denmark also supports an enlargement of the Security Council with Germany and representatives of the Asian, African and Latin American regions as permanent members. My seventh point relates to human rights. The international protection of human rights must be improved. International cooperation on monitoring respect for human rights must be strengthened. Additional resources to carry out this work must be found. In particular, we must strengthen the Centre for Human Rights and the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Denmark will serve as a member of the Commission on Human Rights as from 1 January 1996. Our key priorities as a member of that Commission will include the fight against torture, the furthering of the right to development and the rights of indigenous peoples.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“In particular we support the efforts made to negotiate a true zero-yield test ban. At the same time, we deeply deplore the nuclear tests carried out by China and France. We urge all nuclear-weapon States to refrain from further testing. The Conference to review the 1980 Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects is now taking place at Vienna. We need progress at the Conference towards the ultimate goal of the abolition of anti-personnel land mines. The sixth point is that the Security Council needs to be enlarged to reflect the world of today. There must be additional seats for non-permanent members on the principle of equitable geographical representation.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“But we welcome the clear political will to engage in efforts that may bring progress. All parties stand to gain if they realize that there is no real alternative to negotiations and to a just and lasting peace for everybody. My fifth point is that there is now hope in the field of disarmament, arms control and confidence-building measures. We see positive trends, in particular the agreement reached on indefinitely extending the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The implementation of this Treaty has also become more effective. The end of East-West confrontation has led to dramatic reductions in nuclear stockpiles. But as long as these weapons exist, the risk of their use remains. Denmark supports the conclusion of a comprehensive test-ban treaty no later than 1996.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“The international community must be prepared for action to be taken when peace is finally achieved. Denmark stands ready to contribute. The present situation presents a window of opportunity; we must seize the moment. 20 I would like to express my congratulations on the interim agreement between the Greek and the Macedonian Governments and to pay tribute to the untiring efforts of Mr. Cyrus Vance. My fourth point relates to the Middle Fast peace process. The strong determination to reach results manifested itself in the peace treaty signed last autumn between Israel and Jordan and in the latest agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority on the second stage of Palestinian autonomy. Unfortunately, we see less progress in relations between Syria and Israel and between Lebanon and Israel.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“The basic principles for a settlement in Bosnia agreed upon in Geneva early this month form a good basis for further negotiations. Pressure on all parties for a negotiated settlement must be upheld. Lasting peace can be achieved only through negotiations. Denmark continues to give full support to the international negotiating efforts, including the efforts of the Contact Group. Denmark has provided a substantial number of peace-keepers and given sizeable contributions to alleviate humanitarian suffering. This commitment stands. But it is absolutely unacceptable when United Nations peace-keepers are used as pawns in military confrontations. It is intolerable to see them exposed to surprise actions and direct attacks with loss of life and casualties as the tragic consequence.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“As regards reimbursement for equipment put at the disposal of the Organization, agreement on a new system must be reached during this session of the General Assembly. The third point concerns the former Yugoslavia. More than two thirds of the total number of troops under the United Nations serve in the former Yugoslavia. The international community has made a substantial contribution towards settling the conflict. We have kept negotiations going, sometimes against all odds. We have sustained what may be the most difficult peace-keeping operation the United Nations has ever mounted. We have rendered extensive humanitarian aid. We hope that we are now closer to peace. Still, many obstacles will have to be overcome. The conflict remains a huge challenge to the international community.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“Denmark attaches great importance to the United Nations stand-by forces arrangement. We were among the first to assign troops. We are currently, together with like- minded countries, exploring practical ways to a further shortening of United Nations reaction time. There is also a clear need for minimum standards as regards troops and equipment. Denmark supports action taken by the United Nations in the field of training. The United Nations must be given the right to set quality standards for troops made available to the Organization. The insufficiency of funds is putting the United Nations into an almost untenable operational situation. We must soon reach consensus on reforming and stabilizing the financial foundation of the Organization.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“Successful operations such as those in Namibia, Cambodia and, most recently, Mozambique and El Salvador should not be forgotten. As noted by the Secretary-General, the problems posed by several of today’s conflicts are unprecedented. We must learn to tackle these new problems. United Nations peace-keeping forces have proved to be an invaluable tool. We all have an interest in improving peace-keeping as a unique instrument in international crisis management. We must react strongly against deliberate attacks against United Nations personnel. Such attacks are absolutely unacceptable. I appeal to all Member States to adhere to the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel so that persons committing attacks against United Nations personnel are brought to justice.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“Improving the condition of women throughout the world is of vital importance. We, the Member States of the United Nations, have the responsibility to implement the Platform for Action adopted at Beijing. This platform must be pursued at all levels. Let us start right now. The second point is the “Agenda for Peace”. The ideas expressed therein on preventive diplomacy and a rapid reaction force must be implemented, followed — after a conflict has ended — by confidence-building and humanitarian measures. Many of these tasks can be carried out by regional organizations. Giving more responsibility to regional organizations would in Europe mean strengthening the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). We have seen an increase in the number and complexity of peace-keeping operations.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“Sustainable economic and social development requires a collective effort. It requires a substantial transfer of resources, concessional as well as unconcessional, private as well as public, from the developed world to the developing world. The total volume of assistance to developing countries has declined over the past few years. We must change this sad pattern. A first, necessary step would be for all industrialized countries to live up to the United Nations target of 0.7 per cent of gross national product (GNP). Three years ago, Denmark reached 1 per cent of GNP. We intend to continue that policy. 19 The need for emergency relief is greater than ever. It is a short-sighted solution to finance emergency relief out of funds set aside for development. We must find additional financing.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“In this endeavour, we need the full support of the international community, the United Nations, the multilateral financial institutions, regional organizations, local authorities and the civil society. All partners must participate fully and must increase their efforts. We also need specific efforts to keep the Summit issues on the agenda. To stimulate the implementation of the Summit results, Denmark would like to see established an independent forum on social development issues. This forum should supplement the work of international organizations and of intergovernmental cooperation. In particular, it should compile and analyze data on social development issues, thus providing the basis for dialogue. I hope that agreement on the creation of the forum can be reached at this session of the General Assembly.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“It is a sad irony that while we are celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations, the Organization finds itself in serious financial crisis. If not redressed, this crisis will threaten the very goals of our Organization. Denmark gives top priority to a strengthening of the United Nations. Hopefully, we can make headway during this session of the General Assembly as regards the financial situation of the United Nations and the “Agenda for Development”. We hope that the High-level Working Group under the chairmanship of the President of the General Assembly will keep up the momentum of the reform process. I wish to concentrate on eight points. The first is social development. The World Summit in Copenhagen identified new approaches for action. States have the primary responsibility to attain the goals of the Summit.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“South Africa has proved to the world that a peaceful transition from repression to democracy is possible. It has set an example. This also confirms that the United Nations has a role to play in bringing about fundamental reforms in a repressive society. Denmark has been a staunch supporter of the forces of democratic change in South Africa. We will continue our considerable financial support to the consolidation of democracy. The best contribution of Member States to the United Nations is to reconfirm their will to implement the Charter, to accelerate the reform process and, indeed, to pay their dues. The United Nations is, and must continue to be, a vital instrument in the service of the peoples of the world.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“They all stand to gain significantly from peace, and the United Nations continues to have an important role to play. The tragic events in Rwanda revealed the weakness of the United Nations and of the international community. It was demonstrated that we were not able to provide an effective and timely response. The challenge remains to create stability and ensure Rwanda the proper conditions for development. This will require an international effort on a considerable scale, which can be successful only if it is firmly rooted in Rwanda and the countries of the region. On the African scene it is heartening to see the Republic of South Africa reinstated in its seat in the Assembly. It is now fully participating in the work of the United Nations.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Denmark warmly welcomes the signing of the Declaration of Principles between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1993 and the Declaration signed between Israel and Jordan in 1994. The Gaza-Jericho Agreement was the next important step. International support is now needed to keep up the momentum. The holding of fair and free elections in Gaza and the West Bank will represent significant progress. We encourage the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli Government to ensure speedy implementation of the election process. Progress should also be achieved in the negotiations between Syria and Israel and between Lebanon and Israel. We welcome the clear political will of all parties to continue their efforts to bring about such progress.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“At short notice Denmark sent observers for the Mission of the International Conference on the Former Yugoslavia (ICFY) to monitor that border. 18 Denmark continues to make substantial contributions to the humanitarian relief work in the former Yugoslavia. Coordination by the United Nations and the European Union is progressing favourably. Denmark is placing both personnel and financial means at the disposal of that enterprise. We strongly condemn the renewed "ethnic cleansings" which the Serbs have systematically carried out. The persons responsible for these atrocities must be brought before the international tribunal set up for the punishment of crimes committed in the former Yugoslavia. In the Middle East political will and hard negotiations have created a historic breakthrough.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“It would disrupt the peace negotiations, which combine the efforts of the United Nations, the European Union, the United States and Russia, and it would make the continued presence of the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) impossible. UNPROFOR is playing an indispensable role in attempting to keep the peace and at the same time alleviate the plight of the people. With 1,400 troops, civilian police and monitors in the former Yugoslavia, Denmark is one of the largest troop contributors to UNPROFOR. We remain committed to our participation in this operation. We believe that a strict and effective sealing off of the border between Serbia and Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina will be a new and decisive element.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The decision by the authorities of the former Republic of Yugoslavia to close the Serbian-Bosnian border and to accept international surveillance is a direct consequence of pressure by the international community. The continued negative reaction to the peace plan of the Bosnian Serbs must lead to their further isolation. Sanctions remain one of the most efficient instruments in our policy of isolation. We therefore welcome the adoption of resolution 942 (1994) by the Security Council last week. Against that background, we welcome the deferral of the question of lifting the arms embargo. Denmark firmly believes that the arms embargo should not be lifted, as this would entail risks of the conflict’s spreading.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“It is not tenable, for instance, that troop-contributing nations cannot be reimbursed, and I simply fail to understand how some Member States can advocate United Nations actions, including peace-keeping operations, and then refuse to pay the bill. Denmark welcomes the withdrawal of the last troops of the former Soviet Union from Estonia and Latvia on 31 August, in accordance with concluded agreements. This is truly a historic event. It is of significance to future relations between the Baltic States and Russia, to stability in the Baltic area and for European security. The agreements must now be fully implemented by all parties in order to keep up the momentum. As for the former Yugoslavia, important results have been reached since the establishment of the Contact Group.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“It implies reducing weapons of mass destruction, chemical and biological weapons as well as weapons to be used in outer space. We have reached a time that is conducive to these aims and to allowing the role of the United Nations to be enhanced. Reform of the United Nations is necessary. Denmark supports a strong Security Council. We agree that the Council needs to be adapted to today’s world and that it needs to be enlarged. In enlarging the Council, priority should be given to additional seats for non-permanent members, allocated under the principle of equitable geographical distribution. A small number of new seats could be allocated as permanent seats. We entrust the United Nations with mandates to secure worldwide peace, security and development, but we fail to ensure the Organization the necessary financial means.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“It is of great concern to my Government that many nuclear facilities in Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States are operating at critically low levels of safety. We must improve this situation. The Rio de Janeiro Conference in 1992 put renewed emphasis on environment and development. Denmark’s resolve to abide by the Rio principles is strong. Our international development assistance of 1 per cent of gross national product (GNP) is guided by the principles of sustainable development. This will provide additional financial resources to developing countries and countries in transition in order to assist them in meeting objectives of sustainability. Our common future also calls for taking steps towards disarmament, arms control and confidence-building measures.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Human rights are a vital element in preventing and resolving conflicts. We must therefore develop new approaches to monitoring human rights. One such step 17 could be to set up a team of human rights monitors to assist the High Commissioner. Freedom of expression is a basic human right. The fatwa against Salman Rushdie and others constitutes a flagrant violation of this right. We urge the Iranian Government to dissociate itself from this threat. Increasingly we realize that our actions or our negligence as individual nations affect other nations and their populations. All nations have a common future that we must protect from nuclear disasters, environmental degradation and weapons of mass destruction. Chernobyl taught us how important this aspect of security is.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The Summit represents an opportunity for world leaders to commit themselves and their Governments to a better and more just world. Members may rest assured that, as hosts of the Summit, we will spare no effort to make it a success. We are very much looking forward to welcoming Heads of State or Government in Copenhagen. The World Conference on Human Rights in 1993 was a turning-point in United Nations activities for the promotion and protection of human rights. It is gratifying to see one of its central recommendations implemented in the form of the establishment of the post of High Commissioner for Human Rights. Steps should now be taken to increase substantially the resources for the United Nations human rights programme. We must enable the High Commissioner to discharge his mandate in full.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Discrimination in all its forms must be eliminated and human rights respected, and conditions for children and young people must be improved. As a link to the Beijing Conference on Women, the Summit must make a strong commitment to achieving full equality between men and women and to enhancing the contribution of women to social progress and development. Progress has been achieved in the preparatory process for the Summit, but this process is still marked by difficulties. Time for preparation is running short. The Secretary-General is making untiring efforts to promote the Copenhagen Summit and to secure its success. It is essential that Member States support the Secretary-General in his endeavours in order to keep up the momentum of the process.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“It is to be hoped that the "Agenda for Development" (A/49/935) will inspire an equally important discussion on the role of the United Nations in development. Development policies must correspond to prevailing social, economic, environmental, religious and ethnic problems. We cannot fight tomorrow’s battles with yesterday’s weapons. My Government is proud to host the World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen in March 1995. The challenge of the Summit, the first of its kind, is to create new foundations of peace through development. It presents a unique chance to overcome the North-South divide through new approaches. We must eradicate poverty and enable all people to earn a livelihood. We must promote social integration by fostering just, safe and stable societies with the full participation of all people.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Communication between the Security Council and the troopcontributing countries is imperative. Further progress is needed on this, for instance in the form of regular consultations between the members of the Security Council, the troop-contributing States and the Secretariat. Peace-keeping involves the important question of safety and security for United Nations and associated personnel. Peace-keepers act as a neutral force. They must be ensured the highest possible standard of protection. Attacks cannot be tolerated. We strongly support the efforts of the United Nations to draft a legally binding treaty in this field. The "Agenda for Peace" (A/47/277) led to discussions on a more active role of the United Nations in peacemaking and peace-keeping.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Seventy-three nations today contribute troops, military observers or civilian police to the many ongoing operations. The number of troop-contributing nations is increasing. This has placed emphasis on the need for training. Denmark stands ready to share its vast experience and knowledge in peace-keeping training and requirements. The cooperation between the Baltic States, the Nordic countries and the United Kingdom on a Baltic peace-keeping battalion is a good example of such cooperation. At present, a Lithuanian platoon is serving in the Danish battalion in Croatia. Keeping the peace worldwide is costly. Funds are limited, as is the number of trained and equipped troops. In the future we must utilize preventive diplomacy. In Macedonia, we have seen the positive effects of the first example of preventive deployment.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“A recent example is Denmark’s decision to contribute civilian personnel to engage in a humanitarian effort and to promote human rights in Haiti. We favour a combination of peace-keeping operations with humanitarian relief operations. The 16 establishment of the United Nations stand-by forces will enhance the ability to respond quickly to emerging crises. Denmark is ready to participate with further elements and is establishing an international brigade for that purpose. Peace-keeping has its own special features. They are different from traditional military training. Peace-keepers must consistently act in full accordance with their role and mandate. As has recently been said, patience, persistence and pressure are key elements of peace-keeping missions.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The unique role of the United Nations is to promote the well-being of people, the security and development of nations and the protection of our common world. It was built on a resolve to maintain peace and security and to employ international machinery for the promotion of the economic and social advancement of all peoples. The United Nations peace-keeping activities are a challenge for all nations. For Denmark, it is a matter of the highest priority. The United Nations can rely on Denmark to respond swiftly and efficiently to the needs of the Organization for troops, civilian police, customs officials and personnel for humanitarian relief operations. We have made organizational arrangements to make this possible, even at very short notice.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Only the United Nations has the necessary legitimacy to undertake humanitarian action, peace-keeping operations, the creation of an international tribunal, and assistance to suffering peoples around the world. At the same time, the need for reforms in the United Nations is evident. The job facing all of us as Member States is to agree in concrete terms on such reforms. We must show that behind the words spoken from this rostrum lies a will to enable the United Nations to serve the many functions we the peoples are asking for.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“On 16 September 1993 the Government of Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland hosted the second Ministerial Conference on the Arctic Environment, at Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. In the Nuuk Declaration, adopted and signed at that Conference, the eight Arctic countries recognized the special role of indigenous peoples in environmental management and in development in the Arctic and the significance of their knowledge and traditional practices. The Government of Denmark will establish and fund a secretariat to promote the indigenous peoples’ effective participation in the Arctic Environmental Protection Strategy and in the achievement of sustainable development in the Arctic. In conclusion, let me state that there is no alternative to our United Nations.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The international community must continue its support for the peace process and for the reconstruction of 32 General Assembly - Forty-eighth session Cambodia. I can confirm Denmark’s commitment in that respect. This year, 1993, is the International Year of the World’s Indigenous People. The Government of Denmark wishes to promote indigenous peoples’ own organizations with a view to their full participation in political, economic, social and cultural life. In collaboration with the Home Rule Government of Greenland, we support all efforts to increase awareness of the special situation facing indigenous peoples, including the Inuit of Greenland. A particular concern of Denmark is that the indigenous peoples who have been permanent residents of the Arctic for millenniums are at risk from environmental degradation.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We fully support the work of the Special Envoy as well as other steps to redress the prevailing situation, including the violation of human rights. Denmark congratulates the people of Cambodia on the historic and successful elections for a Constituent Assembly and on that Assembly’s presentation of a new constitution. The impressively high voter participation and the Constituent Assembly’s dedication in fulfilling its task constitute a victory for democracy and for the peace process. I also wish to thank the Secretary-General, the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) and participating international polling-station officers for their enormous effort and hard work.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The deplorable actions in the form of continued attacks directed against the United Nations Operation in Somalia forces and relief and aid personnel cannot be condemned strongly enough. All parties in the civil strife must understand that violence does not pay in the long run. We support the efforts by the United Nations to bring about a negotiated settlement in Somalia as well as the efforts to relieve the suffering of the people. Civil strife and violations of the most basic human rights have characterized the Sudan for far too long. The Secretary-General has appointed a Special Envoy Humanitarian Affairs for the Sudan. Denmark urges all parties to seek political solutions to the problems of the country.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Mandela’s call last week to the Security Council to consider how the United Nations can best support South Africa in this endeavour. It must be ensured that this last mile on the road to democracy is successful. Denmark intends to make a substantial contribution. We will also - once the Transitional Executive Council has been established - initiate a programme of transitional assistance to South Africa amounting to approximately 600 million Danish kroner, or about $100 million. The level of violence in South Africa remains unacceptably high; it is the single most serious threat to the process. We appeal to all parties to make every effort to stop the violence. The international community should continue to support such efforts. In Somalia the situation is still very grave.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“I welcome his call to lift the economic and diplomatic sanctions vis-à-vis his country. I also share his view that this will give added impetus to the process, and strengthen the forces, of democratic change. I wish to recall the decision of the European Community and its member States on 8 June 1993 to adjust their policy towards South Africa concurrently with developments towards majority rule and democracy. Denmark stands ready to support South African efforts to normalize relations with the United Nations. The United Nations, for its part, should support South Africa during its difficult transitional period. An urgent priority should be to support the first democratic elections. It is essential that they be free and fair. I can only echo Mr.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Responding to the calls for swift and effective implementation of Security Council resolution 836 (1993) on safe areas, the Nordic countries have decided to field a joint Nordic United Nations battalion group of about 1,300 men to protect the safe areas around Tuzla in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The force is expected to be ready for deployment in October. That decision is evidence of the willingness of the Nordic countries to make their contribution to resolving the tragic conflict and protect the civilian population from the horrors of war. In the African continent, we see both hope and continued distress, regional conflicts and violations of basic human rights. As Mr. Nelson Mandela eloquently told the Special Committee against Apartheid last Friday, historic advances towards democracy in South Africa have been achieved.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Denmark strongly supports this decision. The conflict in the former Yugoslavia is probably the most difficult task taken on by the United Nations in its history. Denmark participates in the United Nations Protection Force with almost 1,300 peace-keepers and has made substantive contributions to the European Community Monitoring Mission. Large numbers of Danes are also involved in the humanitarian work carried out under the auspices of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. In addition, Denmark has made large financial contributions to the various international relief programmes and through Danish non-governmental organizations.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Such an arrangement must ensure the protection of human rights and the rights of minorities. Sanctions will remain in place until conditions for their lifting have been met. They should not be eased before a peace agreement in Bosnia and Herzegovina is under faithful implementation by the Serbian side. Future attempts to hinder humanitarian aid and the guaranteed free passage of convoys are unacceptable and will have serious consequences for relations between the party responsible and the European Community. Forty-eighth session - 28 September l993 31 By its resolution 827 (1993), the Security Council decided to establish the International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We have also demonstrated our commitment to the developments in the Middle East region through the European Community, the major donor in this context. In contrast, it is with dismay we see the developments in the former Yugoslavia. The international community should accept only a solution reached by peaceful means and negotiations. In this connection, I pay tribute to the tireless efforts of Lord Owen and Mr. Thorvald Stoltenberg. The solution to the crises must respect the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We cannot accept a territorial solution dictated by Serbs and Croats at the expense of the Bosnian Muslims. It is extremely important now that all parties show the necessary flexibility in order to arrive at a solution they all can freely agree to.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“In the Middle East we are witnessing a historic breakthrough. I pay tribute to the Israelis and the Palestinians for having taken this step towards a comprehensive, just and lasting solution. I commend Norway for its role in bringing about this agreement. I also welcome the fact that Israel and Jordan have signed an agenda for further negotiations. I hope that progress will soon be made in the Israeli-Syrian and Israeli-Lebanese tracks of the peace process. Ample support, both economic and political, is essential to keep momentum, and must be provided by the international community. Denmark, at an early stage, together with the other Nordic countries, decided to pledge a substantial amount.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“But such initiatives cannot of themselves solve the financial crisis of the United Nations. That requires that Member States pay their assessed contributions on time and in full. That is one of the basic requirements for membership of the Organization. I fail to understand how Member States, including some of the permanent members of the Security Council, can call for United Nations assistance, including in peace-keeping operations, and then not pay. This leaves the United Nations unable to perform vital functions. It also leaves troop - contributors such as Denmark with the problem that the United Nations does not honour its financial obligations to us - that is, to repay expenses for Danish United Nations personnel and equipment. Let me now turn to a few current problems facing the world and the United Nations.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Likewise, the outcome of the Copenhagen Summit ought to be a strong message from the world’s leaders signalling their commitment to closing the gap between men’s and women’s social and economic opportunities. My seventh point concerns the Secretariat. Since he took office the Secretary-General has carried out a number of changes in the Secretariat. I commend the Secretary- General for these changes and assure him of our support in his efforts to make the Secretariat more efficient. All efforts should be undertaken to eradicate corruption, waste and mismanagement in the Secretariat. I welcome the establishment of the post of Assistant Secretary-General for Inspections and Investigations. This is the first step towards the creation of the post of Inspector-General.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We sincerely hope that it will be remedied by this session of the General Assembly. Sixthly, it must be recognized that social peace is as important as strategic peace. We see the World Summit for Social Development to be held in Copenhagen in March 1995 as an opportunity to put people at the centre of development. To us, democratic practices and fair distribution of resources are closely related to dynamic economic development. The Copenhagen Summit and the fourth World Conference on Women will both mark the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations in 1995. The preparations for the women’s Conference should lead to a substantial input for the Copenhagen Summit.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Fifthly, as is well known, Denmark contributes substantially to United Nations development activities. Our contributions must be used to the optimum benefit of developing countries and not lost in bureaucracy and inefficiency. We must convince donors that the United 30 General Assembly - Forty-eighth session Nations and its funds and programmes can serve as efficient channels for a large part of their development assistance. If not, other channels will increasingly be used. Member States must demonstrate their commitment to fundamental reform - not just window-dressing. During the past year a compromise solution for restructuring and revitalizing the United Nations in the economic and social fields was carefully negotiated, but finally not agreed upon. The Government of Denmark deeply regrets this situation.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The United Nations must respond effectively to the economic and social needs of the developing countries. There can be no lasting peace and security unless the growing inequalities are addressed. The "agenda for development" to be drafted in the coming year by the Secretary-General will, it is hoped, contribute to setting the priorities for the United Nations for the twenty- first century. By attaining the accepted United Nations targets for official development assistance - 0.7 per cent of gross national product and within that 0.15 per cent to the least developed countries - we would dramatically increase the volume of support for the developing countries. That would also clearly demonstrate the world’s commitment to deal seriously with its economic and social problems.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We should also take steps substantially to increase the resources for the United Nations human rights programme, including the United Nations Centre for Human Rights. There are times when the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of a Member State must yield to a decision by the international community to secure respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms, such as freedom from hunger and protection from genocide. Furthermore, the right of the civilian population to receive humanitarian assistance must also be respected, regardless of national frontiers. Denmark fully supports efforts to secure the safety and protection of United Nations personnel operating in areas of armed conflict. Fourthly, we also need a strong United Nations in the economic and social fields.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The stand-by force arrangement could be vital in improving the planning, reducing the lead-time and increasing the flexibility in the peace-keeping field. Denmark supports a more active role for the United Nations in conflict prevention and crisis management. I welcome the fact that some of the recommendations in "An Agenda for Peace" in this respect have already been implemented. Thirdly, the World Conference on Human Rights in June this year in Vienna reaffirmed the universal character of human rights. The conference also focused on the human rights of women, and rightly so: women’s rights are human rights. The General Assembly should decide to establish the post of high commissioner for human rights, as recommended by that Conference.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)