YouSaid · the spoken record

Abdel Fattah Al Sisi

lines on the record: 150
first: 2014-09-24
most recent: 2020-09-24
sittings or episodes: 7
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

“Based on that experience and on Egypt’s overall experience in supporting counter- terrorism efforts in the Middle East and North Africa, I can assure the Assembly that the level of financing, the sophisticated arms and training, as well as the means of communication obtained by those extremist groups, as well as the ease of movement and travel of foreign terrorist fighters, point to the inevitable need to develop a global system to combat terrorism wherever it exists and to cut its sources of support in every possible way. Thirdly, we must address the shortcomings in the international community’s handling of human rights issues. The credibility of the United Nations cannot be restored as long as millions continue to suffer from extreme poverty, live under foreign occupation or fall victim to terrorism and armed conflict.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Secondly, we must continue our efforts to implement the initiative launched by Egypt during its membership of the Security Council to put in place a comprehensive international framework to develop policies and bolster cooperation in countering terrorism. In that context, we welcomed the Secretary-General’s initiative to convene the High-level Conference of Heads of Counter-Terrorism Agencies of Member States in June, following the periodic review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. As the Assembly is well aware, early this year Egypt launched its comprehensive Sinai 2018 operation to combat and decisively eradicate terrorism through a strategy that addresses its security, ideological and development aspects.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“That would help to share the burdens and enable us to benefit from the comparative advantages of both parties in order to address the complex challenges in our region. The main aim of the international efforts is to maintain and build peace and provide humanitarian and developmental assistance. Egypt is poised to assume the presidency of the African Union in 2019 and looks forward to strengthening the strategic partnership between the African Union and the United Nations through programmes that have a real impact on the continent and by building on gains made in order to consolidate the African Union post-conflict reconstruction and development policy. Egypt is alo host to the AU Center for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development and the counter-terrorism centre for the regional community of Sahel-Saharan States.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The international commitment to the preservation of the nation State, the peaceful settlement of disputes, strengthening cooperation to achieve comprehensive development and address imbalances in the global economic system are all necessary conditions for any serious consideration of the revitalization of the United Nations system and the restoration of its credibility. In order to implement these three principles, three priority causes must also be addressed in order to ensure the credibility and the future of the United Nations Organization and the international order as a whole. First, we need to strengthen partnerships between the United Nations and regional organizations. Here I would like to point to the successful experience of cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union (AU) as a model to be followed.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“While we welcome the consensus reached on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we note that the implementation of the Goals in that ambitious plan require us to address the problem of financing for development. That can be achieved by creating an international environment that enables the free flow of resources necessary for development without imposing any conditions, while supporting national efforts to mobilize financing for development. The reform of the global economic and financial architecture cannot be delayed. We look forward to seeing the United Nations serve as a platform for developing ideas to achieve this reform, particularly with regard to the creation of mechanisms that would help to prevent illicit financial flows out of developing countries and facilitate the return of such vital assets to their rightful owners.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The terms of reference of a just solution and the parameters of a final settlement are well known. There is no time to waste on that debate. What is required is the political will to resume negotiations and achieve a settlement in accordance with those premises. Let me repeat what I have said in previous years at this rostrum — Arabs continue to extend a hand for peace. Our peoples deserve to turn this tragic page in history. The third principle is a commitment to achieving comprehensive and sustainable development as a necessary precondition for a stable world order and the best way for preventing armed conflict and humanitarian crises.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The fundamental issue here is translating that principle into tangible support for national efforts to overcome conflicts and build States in accordance with their priorities, while avoiding the imposition of alien models of governance and development or interfering in the internal affairs of States and violating their sovereignty. We cannot talk about the settlement of disputes as a founding principle of the United Nations and an indicator of its credibility without addressing the Palestinian question, which is a perfect example of the failure of the international system to find a just solution based on international legitimacy and the United Nations resolutions that guarantee the establishment of a Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The second principle is a commitment to peaceful and sustainable solutions to international conflicts. That is the raison d’être of the United Nations. Yet despite the efforts of the United Nations in numerous conflicts, such as those in South Sudan, the Central African Republic and Mali, so far it has undoubtedly fallen short of finding permanent settlements for them. There is also an urgent need to mobilize resources to help countries in post-conflict situations rehabilitate their institutions and begin reconstruction and development.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“That same principle applies to our policy on Libya, where Egypt is playing a pivotal role in support of rebuilding the State, especially with respect to the unification of the Libyan armed forces so that they can be capable of defending Libya and countering the dangers of terrorism. We must not forget that a year has already passed since the adoption of the United Nations initiative on Libya, which seeks to comprehensively address the Libyan crisis. To date, no progress has been made in its implementation, which means we must renew our commitment to reaching a political solution, as per all the elements of the initiative. There is no room for partial solutions in Libya, Syria or Yemen. Major crises require comprehensive approaches, not partial solutions, if we are to halt the loss of life and resources and begin the construction phase.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Preserving and reforming the foundation of the State is therefore a fundamental priority of Egypt’s foreign policy in the Arab region. There can be no way out of the crisis in Syria or the plight of Yemen except by restoring the nation State and preserving its sovereignty and institutions, as well as realizing the legitimate aspirations of its people. Egypt fully supports a United Nations-led political solution in those two brother countries and rejects any exploitation as a means to achieve regional intervention or foster an environment for terrorism, extremism and sectarianism.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The Egyptian people have made tremendous efforts to restore their State and save their identity. They chose the capable and just nation State as the pathway to reform in order to achieve their aspirations for freedom, development and dignity. The disintegration of nations as a result of civil strife and regression to sectarian loyalty rather national identity is responsible for the most dangerous phenomena in our contemporary world, such as armed conflicts, human trafficking, illegal migration, organized crime and the illicit trade in arms and drugs. There is no doubt that the Arab region is one of the most vulnerable in the world to the dangers of the disintegration of nation States and the ensuing creation of a fertile environment for terrorism and worsening sectarian conflict.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Developing countries cannot afford to exist in an international order that is not governed by laws and the lofty principles on which the United Nations was founded, or in one that can be polarized and subjected to attempts by some to dominate it and impose their will on the rest of the international community. Let me sum up Egypt’s vision in three key principles to which we ought to renew our commitment, and three causes to which we must accord priority if the United Nations is to regain its effectiveness and role. The first principle is that there is no way to achieve an effective international order if its main constituent unit, the nation State, which is premised on the notions of citizenship, democracy and equality, is threatened with disintegration. I speak based on Egypt’s unique experience.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Can we say that Africans are exaggerating when they complain about the ineffectiveness of the world order and about the fact that their continent is suffering from an economic order that perpetuates poverty and inequality, continually creates social and political crises and provides no prospects for progress and development? I raise those questions at a time when Egypt is chairing the Group of 77 and China, whose member States make up a majority of the population of this planet and therefore have an enormous interest in enhancing the role of the United Nations.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“How can we blame Arabs who question the credibility of the United Nations and the values it represents at a time when their region is threatened by the disintegration and collapse of nation States, giving way to a wave of terrorism as well as to religious and sectarian conflicts that deplete the Arab peoples’ resources? How can we blame Arabs who wonder why the Palestinian people have been denied their legitimate rights to live in dignity and peace in an independent State that reflects their national identity, hopes and aspirations?”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Those are the values that have shaped Egypt’s vision in relation to the United Nations since we co-founded it seven decades ago, and throughout the six terms that Egypt has served on the Security Council, the latest of which was in 2016 and 2017. Those values are also the driving force behind Egypt’s active contribution to United Nations peacekeeping operations, which makes us the world’s seventh-largest troop-contributing country. Despite that strong belief in the values and role of the United Nations, we have to admit in all frankness that there is a flaw in the international system that has a negative effect on its performance and casts a shadow over its credibility for many peoples, particularly in the Arab and African regions, at the heart of which Egypt is situated.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“I would like to congratulate Ms. María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés on assuming the presidency of the General Assembly at its seventy-third session, and to express my appreciation for the efforts of Mr. Miroslav Lajčák, the President of the previous session. I also commend the President on her choice of theme for this year’s session, for as Member States we desperately need to renew our commitment and contributions to reinforcing the role and status of the United Nations as the basic foundation of a just and effective international order, based on a balance of interests and responsibilities, respect for State sovereignty and the dissemination of a culture of peace, as well as in enabling us to rise above racism, extremism and violence while achieving sustainable development.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Let us be true to ourselves and dispel the mentality of polarizing policies. The world today is in dire need of the upholding of common human interests. It is incumbent upon all States to strive to further relations among all partners with malice towards none. I have conveyed Egypt’s message to the General Assembly today explicitly and clearly. I am full of hope that our joint efforts during the upcoming period will lead to a better world that is more secure, stable and prosperous. Long live Egypt!”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The humanitarian tragedy of the Rohingya minority in Myanmar is yet another reason to remind the international community of its moral obligations, not to mention its legal responsibilities, as reflected in the Charter of the United Nations. We must promptly work towards a lasting solution that ends the plight of civilians and addresses the root causes of the crisis, which has become a threat to regional security and the stability of neighbouring countries. Let us move together to empower the people of the world to regain control of their destinies and to explore new horizons of cooperation between members of the international community. Let us transcend the vicious cycle of narrow interests and the futile logic of power politics to the broader horizons of common human interests and cooperation among all.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“It is of paramount importance to implement the agreement, in the light of the limited amount of time available, to avoid squandering the opportunity of presenting a successful model to manage relations between three sisterly countries in the Nile basin. Our meeting here today is an opportunity for truthful self-reflection, in which we should acknowledge the various deficiencies that are hindering the international system from delivering on the noble objectives and aspirations it was set up to realize. It is also an opportunity to renew our commitment to establish a more equitable international order, given that the attainment of justice globally remains a necessary condition to confront the immense challenges impacting our world today and endangering the credibility of the international system.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Egypt also pursued the conclusion of a trilateral agreement between Egypt, the Sudan and Ethiopia to address the issue of the Renaissance Dam from a cooperative perspective, in a manner that establishes a clear legal framework to manage the issue in accordance with international law, established principles and the well-established rules that govern relations between States sharing basins of transboundary rivers throughout the world. That agreement remains as a legal framework that can be used as an example to reflect the logic of cooperation and sharing among the three parties, as long as good faith continues.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Fifthly, settling disputes in our world today can be achieved only through respect for the principles of international law and negotiation on the basis of legal, historic and moral principles, as well respect for the sovereignty of States and the principle of non-intervention in individual States’ internal affairs. More than seven decades after the establishment of the United Nations, force and zero-sum games cannot remain as a means to realize interests — especially in today’s world, which is based on interdependence among nations and where there are significant opportunities for cooperation and understanding to achieve the common interests of all. Based on the principles I have mentioned, Egypt was at the forefront of countries eager to initiate the Nile Basin initiative in 1999.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“How can the United Nations, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals have any credibility when the international economic order is itself responsible for augmenting disparities, in a manner inconsistent with the values of justice and equality? How can there be any opportunity for less developed countries, no matter how determined they are, to implement fundamental economic reforms to address the mismanagement of their resources without addressing imbalances in the international economic order? Such endeavours require greater involvement by developing countries in international economic governance structures and facilitating their access to easier financing, markets and technology transfer.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“It is evident that confronting terrorism has been at the forefront of Egypt’s priorities during its 2016-2017 membership in the Security Council and during our chairmanship of the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee. We do not wish to defend only Egypt’s future, but also the future of the international community as a whole. Our fourth priority is to eliminate the root causes of international crises and the sources of threat to international stability, That requires the operationalization of the principle of a common but differentiated responsibility among the members of the international community, in order to narrow the economic and social gaps between developed and developing countries.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We in the Muslim world need to face up to our reality and work together to rectify the misconstrued notions that have become an ideological pretext for terrorism and its destructive discourse. As members may recall, Egypt launched an initiative to rectify religious discourse in order to revive the true and tolerant values of Islam. Egypt’s religious institutions are currently engaged in that process, in coordination with the relevant international entities. Egypt, which is currently engaged in an unrelenting battle to eradicate terrorism from its territory, is committed to tracking, confronting and eliminating terrorism decisively, wherever it exists.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Frankly, there is no room for any serious discussion on the credibility of a system that applies double standards — a system that fights terrorism while tolerating its supporters and engaging them in discussions on how to eliminate a threat that they created in the first place. To be truthful and faithful to our peoples, members of various international alliances should answer the pertinent questions that we are raising out of devotion to our people. Answers are usually avoided by those who prefer duplicity to attain narrow political interests in the demise of States and at the expense of blood shed by their people. We will not allow our peoples’ sacrifices to be made in vain, under any circumstances.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“All Arab States support Israel’s excellent endeavour. Other nations, too, must support its endeavour, which, if successful, will change the face of history. I also address the American leadership and the American President: we have an opportunity to turn over a new page in human history and achieve peace in the region. The third of my main principles and priorities is that it is impossible to envisage a future for the regional or international order in which we have not definitively and comprehensively addressed terrorism. That should be approached in a manner that eradicates terrorism and eliminates its roots and causes, while also openly challenging any party that supports or finances terrorism or that offers it political and media channels or safe havens.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“I say to them that it is extremely important to unite behind a common goal, overcome differences, not to lose opportunities and be ready to accept coexistence with the other — with Israelis — to achieve stability and security for all. I now direct my call to the Israeli people. In Egypt we have an excellent track record of peace with Israelis that spans more than 40 years. It is possible to repeat that experience — an excellent step to achieve peace and security for both Israeli and Palestinian citizens. My call to Israelis is to stand behind their political leadership and support it without hesitation. I urge the Israeli public not to hesitate. We are all with them for the success of that attempt. This opportunity might not repeat itself. My other call is to all nations that love peace and stability.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“That is also necessary to restore the credibility of the United Nations and the international order. Achieving peace will without a doubt eliminate one of the main excuses that terrorism has been using to justify its proliferation in the region. It will guarantee a dignified and peaceful life for the peoples of the region. It is time to permanently overcome the barrier of hatred forever. I would like to underscore here that Arabs still extend their hand in peace. Egypt’s experience proves that peace is possible, and is indeed a realistic objective that we should all continue to pursue seriously. Before I continue my statement, allow me to veer off script for a moment and call directly upon everyone who is concerned by this issue. My first audience is the Palestinian people.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The same logic applies to Egypt’s strategy in Iraq and Yemen: the only way to overcome the crises is with a unified, capable and just modern nation-State that realizes the legitimate aspirations of the Arab people. Secondly, it is time for a comprehensive and final settlement to the longest-standing crisis in the Arab region, namely, the question of Palestine. This is a clear depiction of the international community’s inability to implement a long series of General Assembly and Security Council resolutions. The closure of this chapter — through a fair settlement based on established international norms and by establishing an independent Palestinian State along the 1967 border with East Jerusalem as its capital — is a necessary precondition for the entire region to transition into a phase of stability and development.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Similarly, we believe that a political settlement is the only viable solution to the crisis in Libya. Libya continues to face attempts to dismantle the State and turn it into an open field for tribal conflict, a field of operations for terrorist organizations. I would like clearly to underscore that Egypt will not allow the continuation of attempts to tamper with the unity and integrity of the Libyan State or undermine the capabilities of the Libyan people. We will continue to work diligently with the United Nations to achieve a political settlement based on the Skhirat Agreement and inspired by the recommendations agreed upon by Libyans. The recommendations that emerged from their consecutive meetings in Cairo during the past months aim to end the political stalemate and revive the settlement process in the country.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“At its core is the preservation of the unity of the Syrian State, the maintenance of its institutions and the broadening of its political and social base to include all sectors of Syrian society, as well as the decisive confrontation of terrorism until it is defeated. The way to this solution is through the United Nations-led negotiation process, which enjoys strong support from Egypt. Equally as strong is our objection to any attempt to manipulate the tragedy in Syria to establish international or regional zones of influence or carry out the subversive policies of some regional parties — parties whose practices have caused great suffering to our region over the past few years. It is now high time for a final and decisive confrontation with those practices.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Our vision is based on the following five main principles and priorities. First, the only possible solution to the crises afflicting the Arab region is through persistently upholding the notion of the modern nation-State based on the principles of citizenship, equality, the rule of law and human rights, and thereby defeating any attempts to retreat into doctrinal, sectarian, ethnic or tribal loyalties. The path towards reform inevitably includes embracing the nation-State and cannot be built on its demise. This principle, in summary, lies at the core of Egypt’s foreign policy and is the foundation upon which we base our positions in addressing the crises in our region. With regard to brotherly Syria, we believe there will be no salvation for Syria except through a consensual political solution among all Syrians.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Those reforms aim, above all else, to empower the youth, who represent the majority of the population, not only in Egypt but also in most of the Arab countries and the developing world. In a world that is interconnected, complex and full of challenges that cannot be confronted by one country alone, regardless of its capabilities, it is natural for Egypt’s ambitious development plans to correlate with an active foreign policy. That foreign policy strategy is guided by the long-established moral principles ingrained in our heritage and culture and abides by the legal principles of the international system, which Egypt actively participated in formulating. It is based on a vision to address the shortcomings that have prevented the realization of the objectives of the United Nations.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The continent has also become subject to the same security threats facing the Arab region and constitutes a major example of the crisis in the current international economic order that perpetuates poverty and economic disparity. This global order bears a major responsibility in the economic, political and social crises that threaten international peace and stability, rendering any discussion on the Sustainable Development Goals just words without evidence based on reality. Egypt is therefore encircled by the most dangerous crises in the world. It is our destiny to navigate confidently through those unprecedented dangers, while relying on an ambitious development strategy based on radical, bold economic reforms.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“One out of every three refugees in the world today is an Arab, and the Mediterranean Sea has become a conduit for irregular migrants from Asian and African States fleeing the scourge of civil strife, as well as the despair of economic and social hardships. That is reflected in the Arab regional report on multidimensional poverty in Arab countries published by the League of Arab States in collaboration with the United Nations. The report will be issued tomorrow. As Egypt’s geographical home, Africa lies at the heart of Egypt’s foreign policy. It is Africa where our historic roots lie, and it is from Africa that we derive pride in our identity and our deep sense of belonging.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We are still unable to prevent armed conflict, confront terrorism, eliminate nuclear weapons or address the structural imbalances in the international economic order that have widened the gap between the developed and developing worlds. Based on the experiences of the African and Arab regions, I can state with a clear conscience that those experiences summarize the current crisis of the international order and its inability to deliver on the goals of the United Nations. The Arab region, Egypt’s civilizational and cultural milieu, has today become an epicentre for some of the most vicious civil conflicts in recent human history. It is the region most vulnerable to the dangers posed by terrorism.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“In Egypt, we adamantly believe in the values of the United Nations and the purposes of its Charter. We have great confidence that realizing those values is not only possible, but rather an obligation and a necessity. Egypt’s long-standing involvement with the United Nations — both as a founding Member of the Organization that has been elected to the Security Council six times and as the seventh-largest contributor to peacekeeping operations worldwide — bears witness to our constant striving to build a world that is worthy of the aspirations of our children and grandchildren to live in freedom, dignity, security and prosperity. However, the responsibility that we bear requires that we be frank in saying that the world we seek, albeit possible, unfortunately still remains far from reality.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“It is a global order that can face challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, diseases and epidemics, as well as other man-made crises — war, terrorism and huge discrepancies in the distribution of resources and development opportunities. It is evident that the purposes and principles of the United Nations are still valid as a basis for a world that offers everyone an opportunity to benefit from the great strides being made in scientific advancement and economic development, as well as from the information revolution, which has brought societies unprecedentedly closer. Those developments offer great potential for establishing a fair and secure international order — one that is based on the right to development, freedom and progress and open interactions between people.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“At the outset, I would like to congratulate Mr. Miroslav Lajčák on his assumption of the presidency of the General Assembly at its seventy-second session and to wish him every success in carrying out his duties. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation to Mr. Peter Thomson, the outgoing President, who so ably oversaw the Assembly’s work at its seventy- first session. Each time we meet in this Hall, we rekindle the hopes and aspirations of the peoples whom we are honoured to represent and serve. We hope to provide them with peace and development. New generations look up to us to realize their dreams for a decent life within a just international order.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“It high time for humankind to reclaim the essence of its humanity, while sharing knowledge and technology without monopolizing them and uniting in the face of challenges. Just as it has always been an eternal accumulation of civilizations, Egypt reaffirms before the General Assembly today its commitment to continuing to contribute to coexistence within the international family and striving for a more secure and prosperous world for our future generations.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“If culture is the reflection of the principles by which humankind lives, then we must employ culture, technology and knowledge for the benefit of the development of peace. The United Nations has to give greater attention to addressing the cultural aspects of development and peacemaking and to eliminating destructive ideologies, including through access to knowledge, transfer of technology and confronting extremist ideologies. That must be undertaken in partnership with UNESCO, an organization whose role has grown vastly in importance in today’s world. Egypt recognizes the ever-increasing importance of that role and the importance of taking the utmost advantage of the organization with a view to achieving a better, safer and more understanding world in which there is room for all.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Threats to international peace and security are no longer conventional but have rather evolved to constitute a threat to the very tenets of human civilization. In the same vein, the challenges that we face — be they humanitarian, environmental, economic, developmental or health-related — are no longer confined by international borders but have become global. In that regard, I would like to point out that the first preambular paragraph to the Constitution of UNESCO states that “since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed”. I assert before the Assembly that terrorism is the cancer of our age, spreading with it the call for extremism and violence in the minds of people. Accordingly, it is our duty to instil in those very same minds the principles of tolerance and coexistence.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Egypt has always stressed that the effort to defeat terrorism will never achieve its end unless we address the root causes of the phenomenon, confront terrorist groups with decisiveness and refute the extremist ideologies that give birth to terrorism and its proponents. I call upon the international community to take all possible measures to prevent terrorism from exploiting advances in information technology, which have contributed to endowing the phenomena of terrorism and ideological extremism with dangerous new dimensions that have given them a global reach. It is essential to end the broadcasting of channels and the hosting of websites that incite violence and extremism. The world is at a crossroads.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Regarding the Republic of the Sudan. Egypt commends the efforts carried out by the Sudanese Government, which have resulted in the signing of the road map proposed by the African Union High-level Implementation Panel last April. The phenomenon of terrorism and the animus towards the right to life it represents have become an urgent threat to international peace and security. Terrorism constitutes a threat to the entity of the State in favour of extremist ideologies that utilize religion as a veil from behind which to conduct monstrous acts and menace the destinies of peoples. Fighting it requires intensive regional and international cooperation.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“We are working to address the crisis in the appropriate manner so as to defuse the political situation and allow all the Burundian parties to intensify peaceful political dialogue, thereby averting the use of violence. Egypt has sought to participate in the regional framework to address the crisis in South Sudan ever since its inception, engaging with the parties to the conflict, as well as regional and international parties, to achieve peace. Through its current chairmanship of the African Peace and Security Council, Egypt is seeking to increase the role of the Council in that regard, as well as to enhance cooperation with the joint monitoring and evaluation mechanism. Egypt calls for all parties to work within the Transitional Government of National Unity of South Sudan, with the aim of restoring peace to Juba.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Egypt will host the counter- terrorism centre for the Community of Sahelo-Saharan States. Egypt would also like to highlight the importance of assessing any rising sources of tension, taking into consideration the phenomena of desertification and water scarcity, and the developmental needs related to managing transnational boundaries in connection with water resources. With regard to situations in the African continent, Egypt stresses the need to provide the Somali Government with support in order to conclude elections. In Burundi, Egypt seeks to find solutions to the political crisis through the African Union Peace and Security Council and through the United Nations Security Council.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Through its memberships in both the African Union Peace and Security Council and the United Nations Security Council, Egypt has been keen to enhance coordination between the two bodies — something Egypt placed at the forefront of its priorities during its chairmanship of the Council. Egypt has sought to support the Peace and Security Architecture in Africa, in particular by way of efforts to operationalize the African Standby Force. Egypt has also increased its participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions in the region, having regained its place as one of the ten largest contributors. Egypt calls for the adoption of a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy through an approach that is not limited to security aspects but includes ideological considerations as well.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“I would like to affirm our commitment to the principle of good neighbourliness and to stress Egypt’s solidarity with Arab States in facing foreign interventions, in the light of the link between Arab security, including the security of the Arab Gulf. By the same token, Egypt shoulders its responsibility towards the security and stability of Africa. Egypt currently chairs the Peace and Security Council of the African Union. In that capacity, Egypt is focusing on enhancing cooperation between the African Union and the United Nations in terms of growing transnational threats, including terrorism and organized crime. We aim to bring about a shift in addressing conflicts, on the basis of the principle of national leadership and ownership, to ensure the success of peacebuilding efforts.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“We support the efforts of the United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh, and his plan to resolve the crisis, which has been approved by the legitimate Government. We stress the importance of resuming negotiations and for all parties to declare their commitment to the Special Envoy’s plan to reach a comprehensive settlement in Yemen in accordance with Security Council resolutions, in particular resolution 2216 (2015). Egypt will continue to support efforts towards a solution and to provide humanitarian assistance to our Yemeni brothers and sisters, in addition to our fundamental role in securing maritime navigation in Bab Al-Mandab and the Red Sea. The majority of these Arab crises are a reflection of a global state of conflict, and I must reiterate Egypt’s rejection of any foreign interference in Arab affairs.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Egypt is also hosting meetings of our Libyan brothers to facilitate the implementation of the Skhirat Agreement, as well as the establishment of a national unity Government that represent all Libyans and its ratification by the House of Representatives, so that the country can focus on its reconstruction. That in turn would allow the Libyan army to focus on combating terrorism. In that regard, it is necessary to lift the arms embargo imposed on the army. There is no place for terrorism and militias in Libya. The time has come to restore the institutions of the Libyan State. In Yemen, Egypt is exerting every effort to support Yemeni territorial integrity and security and the return of the legitimate Government.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)