YouSaid · the spoken record

Ahmed ABOUL GHEIT

lines on the record: 168
first: 2001-09-24
most recent: 2010-09-24
sittings or episodes: 8
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 will do its utmost for the well-being of its people, nation and region. We will continue the struggle for balanced and sustainable development. We will also 10-55103 40 pursue our serious work for the benefit of the countries of the South. Our delegation looks forward to working with Members in a spirit of openness to ensure the successful outcome of this session. We extend our hand to all countries, with an open mind and a sincere desire to achieve the international agenda before us.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Such a settlement will be conditional on the existence of the political will of the Somali parties to achieve peace and on the commitment of external parties to refrain from interfering in Somali affairs while seriously participating in efforts to achieve a political settlement. In conclusion, Egypt is a country of many civilizations, features and characteristic, from its Arab nationalist to its deep-rooted Islamic and Coptic identities, and from the genuine African to the historical Mediterranean. All have intermingled over the years and left their mark on Egypt’s foreign policy. All these influences define our overlapping interests and guide our thinking and action in addressing problems and crises. Egypt will continue to work for the achievement of peace and stability in the Middle East and the world.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Egypt has also provided support to some countries of the region in areas such as the development of coast guard capacity, raising awareness about the prevention of piracy, and the implementation of a media and communications strategy to combat piracy. In the same vein, continued fratricidal fighting in Somalia has consequences for stability in the Horn of Africa and, as such, remains a source of concern to us. Egypt is pursuing its efforts, including in outreach, to further raise international interest in Somalia with a view to achieving a ceasefire and proceeding to a comprehensive and peaceful political settlement.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Such a settlement would guarantee Iran’s legitimate right to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and enable the international community to verify that Iran is in compliance with its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. No evidence has yet been seen to suggest otherwise. The southern strait of the Red Sea is an area of strategic importance for Egypt. It leads to the Suez Canal, a vital waterway at the centre of the world. Securing this critically important area is at the heart of Egyptian interests. On that basis, Egypt has participated extensively in all international efforts to combat piracy off the Somali coast and in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Egypt affirms the urgent need to reach a political settlement on the Iranian nuclear issue, especially since its dangerous escalation would threaten an eruption of the situation that could endanger peace and stability in that vital region of the world. While it is true that threats against a State member of the Organization of the Islamic Conference are not acceptable, we nevertheless ask Iran to refrain from any measure that could exacerbate the situation in the region, and specifically in the Gulf area, and lead to a confrontation with different forces in the international community. All parties must adhere to negotiations as a way to a peaceful, political settlement of this issue.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Egypt will pursue its efforts to preserve the unity of the Sudan as long as that is the choice of the majority in that country. But if the wish of the Southern Sudanese, who are also our brothers, were any different, Egypt would respect the outcome and work with all parties in the interests of development and stability. The security of the Arab Gulf is one of Egypt’s major concerns and foreign policy priorities. Apart from our age-old relations, Egypt understands that it is of strategic importance for its Arab brethren in the Gulf. Egypt will therefore continue to work with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries for the maintenance of Arab national security in the region and to ensure that any security arrangements reached are in consonance with the requirements and concerns of Arab countries.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Egypt also supports any serious effort to resume direct negotiations on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks in a way that would allow both countries to regain their occupied territories and consequently reach a comprehensive peace, implement the Arab Peace Initiative and end the Arab-Israeli conflict once and for all. Brotherly Sudan is currently facing the most difficult juncture since its independence. In addition to developments in Darfur, the referendum on self- determination for Southern Sudan is drawing near. Egypt follows this situation with the greatest interest, given our common border with that country. Our interest is based not only on the close brotherly relations between our two peoples, but also on our anticipation of any possible consequences of the referendum.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Should Israel fail in its commitment to prolong the moratorium on its settlement activities, it would expose the negotiation process to collapse and bear full responsibility before regional and world public opinion, as well as the sponsor, for wasting a valuable opportunity afforded by a major United States effort. Israel would also bear responsibility for any negative consequences. Were Israel to pass this test, we would look forward to a quick resolution by both parties of 39 10-55103 the question of borders between them. The solutions in this respect are known to all. Settling the matter of borders would enable us to take important steps towards settling the conflict as a whole.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“During the first round of negotiations in Washington, D.C., and later in Sharm el-Sheikh, we heard Israel’s assurances of its commitment to the required seriousness. Therefore, we call on the Israeli side to take the difficult and necessary decisions, as President Mubarak said two days ago, to achieve a just political settlement that would allow the peoples and countries of the region to transcend decades of conflict, victimization and wasted resources. There is no doubt that a freeze in Israeli settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territories has become a major factor in determining the intentions of the Israeli side and its level of commitment to the success of the negotiations.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“A serious approach must be the basis and distinguishing mark of the negotiating process. Without the required seriousness and credibility, the process will soon lose the little support it enjoys from the public on both sides. Egypt believes that these negotiations should seek to end the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and the implementation of the two-State solution through the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, with East Jerusalem as its capital and its borders based on the lines of 1967, as has been confirmed by the United States, the sponsor of the negotiations, and the international Quartet on all occasions and mentioned by President Obama a few days ago.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Every year, our words swing between the hope for a complete but unrealized breakthrough, and the fear of a deterioration and an explosion that would compound the pain and suffering of the Palestinian people and aggravate the dangers of overreaching extremism, militancy and violence faced by our region. This year is no different. It is true that there is hope in the wake of the start of direct negotiations between the Palestinian and Israeli sides; however, chances for success remain slim. Despite the agony of the road to negotiations, Egypt believes that their relaunch may represent an important opportunity that should not be squandered. It is important for the Israeli side to realize that negotiations are not an end in themselves. They are neither a game nor a waste of time.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“In the Middle East particularly, we note increasing efforts to add to the commitments of non-nuclear-weapon States that are signatories to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, while the need for the Treaty to become universal in our region and for all nuclear installations in the Middle East to be subjected to the comprehensive safeguards system of the International Atomic Energy Agency is disregarded. This uncomfortable situation is a source of concern to us. We will work with all like- minded parties to address and redress this situation in relevant international forums. Year after year, we return to the United Nations to debate the question of Palestine and the ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“With regard to matters of international peace and security, disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation are priorities on Egypt’s agenda. Only a few months ago, the Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons successfully concluded its work. It adopted an important document on the Middle East that included an action plan and measures to implement the 1995 resolution on the Middle East. Egypt will closely follow all steps taken to implement that plan, including the serious preparations for the 2012 conference. Once again, let me reiterate Egypt’s position that adopting double standards on the question of non-proliferation will result in a continued threat to world stability.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“We can no 10-55103 38 longer accept pretexts to condone practices against Islam and its followers — such as the right to freedom of expression — which are surprisingly naïve, excessive in essence and offensive in nature. Egypt will continue to do its utmost at the political, cultural and religious levels to address such threats. We call on all countries, in particular Governments, to play their part in highlighting the potential horror of a terrible clash of faiths and civilizations. We call on them to spread a culture of enlightenment based on tolerance, respect for differences and the renunciation of fanaticism, hatred and zealotry. Laws must be enacted to protect minorities and their beliefs from the aggression of extremists and promoters of strife.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“They have ranged from attacks on the symbols and sanctities of the faith to the harassment of Muslims. In general, we find the West being drawn into a clash with the Muslim world. Such a clash would serve no one except extremists and those who hold perverse ideas on both sides. It would not be in the interest of security and stability in the world. It would not be in the interests of moderates. In such a clash, the winner is a loser and the victor is defeated. Need I remind this gathering of the need for coordinated action among the influential advocates of religious, civilizational and cultural moderation in order to eliminate the threat before it becomes more ominous and destroys much of everything?”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“In that context, we welcome the outcome of the recent High-level Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly on the Millennium Development Goals, at which the delegation of Egypt expressed its view on the Goals and the extent to which we will be able to achieve them. We hope that the conclusions of the summit will provide us with the necessary momentum to speed up the achievement of the Goals ahead of the final review in 2015. The fact that Egypt is part of the Islamic world is common knowledge. We feel the pain of Muslims wherever they are. We share their joys and celebrations; we grieve with them and we feel their pain. There is no doubt that regrettable and appalling incidents against Muslims and Islam are increasingly frequent, and systematic in certain cases.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Countries of the South have rights and must have a voice and participate in any forum that deals with the international situation. Egypt will continue its tireless work to achieve the wider and more balanced participation of the developing world in international economic decision- making. Our world has experienced successive years of poor economic performance and stubborn crises. That has aggravated the current inequities and heightened the challenges faced by all countries, developing countries in particular. It requires us all to support coordinated and joint action to address the shortcomings and inequities and to achieve sustainable and balanced global growth.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Turning to the economic sphere, we note that the United Nations, and even the key Bretton Woods international financial institutions, no longer lead in managing the top international economic issues. Other international bodies are now beginning to assume that role. At its summit last year, the Group of 20 declared itself the forum to coordinate global economic policy. Such a development prompts us to be cautious of its repercussions, since that forum or any other assuming such a responsibility should have the geographical representation necessary to ensure the fair airing of all trends and approaches prevailing in the international community. It must also ensure fair participation in formulating policy and in providing a balanced approach to current challenges. Marginalization is no longer acceptable.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“In the political field, for example, it is no longer acceptable for permanent membership of the Security Council, the main organ entrusted with maintaining international peace and security, to continue to operate under obsolete rules of an era long past. Similarly, it is unacceptable for the work of the Council or its mechanisms to continue to be characterized by a lack of transparency or balance. A serious approach to current historic challenges requires more balanced, conscious and responsible management of this core issue. The Security Council has made numerous grave mistakes, resulting in the loss of innocent lives. Many resolutions that have been blocked by the Council would have corrected the disparities, returned rights to victims and restored the confidence of world public opinion in the Council’s performance and impartiality.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“The meeting will chart a clear and integrated future course, drawing on past achievements as an impetus for future endeavours. It will define the elements of the Movement’s future commitment to greater openness towards and interaction with the international community, in the context of fairness and mutual interest, to ensure that the aspirations and hopes of our countries and peoples are met. Egypt appreciates the main theme that the President proposed for discussion at this session. Global governance touches on many political, economic and social issues. Egypt believes that the elected organs of the United Nations should handle the principal tasks in that area. We must all ensure that the United Nations discharges such roles effectively and wisely.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“The beginning of the sixty-fifth session of the General Assembly coincides with the preparations of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), chaired by my country, to celebrate 50 years of achievements. During those years, the Movement has greatly helped to reinforce international and multilateral action under changing regional and international circumstances. The Movement’s work over those years has demonstrated the ability of developing countries to contribute effectively to the maintenance of international peace and security, make progress in development, and promote human rights, basic freedoms and the furtherance of good governance at the international level. 37 10-55103 This week’s NAM ministerial meeting represents the point of departure for a major celebration, to be hosted by Indonesia in April or May 2011.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“The fourth is a declaration on Palestine. These declarations will be issued as official documents of the United Nations. Last July, following the chairmanship of the friendly country of Cuba, Egypt assumed leadership of the Non-Aligned Movement for the next three years. We are determined to implement the provisions of the Summit’s final document according to the priorities set out in those declarations. We shall put forward at this session the pertinent draft resolutions and decisions to implement those documents. The delegation of Egypt will be pleased to work with all Member States in a spirit of openness and determination to make this session a success. We extend a hand to all States with an open mind and the resolve to achieve success on the international agenda before us.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“These include in particular the issues of disarmament and international security, peacekeeping and peacebuilding, human rights and democracy, the right of peoples to self-determination, the situation in the Middle East and the Palestinian question, the reform of the United Nations, unilateral sanctions, the global financial and economic crisis, internationally agreed development goals, food security, Africa’s special needs, diseases and pandemics, the role of civil society, climate change, energy, human trafficking, international terrorism and dialogue among civilizations and religions. The second declaration is on the necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the 09-52586 44 United States of America against Cuba. The third is on designating 18 July as International Nelson Mandela Day.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“In conclusion, the fifteenth Summit Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries, held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on 15 and 16 July 2009, adopted four main declarations. The first is the Sharm el-Sheikh Declaration, which contains our member States’ clear vision on the most critical current issues that constitute a priority for our work within the United Nations.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“This is an important objective, which Egypt is working diligently to achieve. We cannot conclude our comments on the Middle East without referring to security in the Arab Gulf region, which is among Egypt’s main interests and at the top of its foreign policy priorities. This focus is not only based on the strong bonds that connect us with the member States of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), but also on our firm conviction that Egypt represents a strategic asset for its Arab brothers in the Gulf area. For this reason, Egypt will work with GCC countries to ensure Arab regional security and that any security arrangements that are being contemplated by international or regional parties will correspond fully to the needs and concerns of the Arab Gulf States.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Egypt is working earnestly with all Sudanese parties, foremost among which is the Sudanese Government, and in coordination with influential regional and international stakeholders to resolve existing problems. Our sons take part in the United Nations forces in South Sudan and in Darfur, and we contribute — out of our limited resources — to efforts to support development and provide health care to our brothers and sisters in the south and west of the Sudan. We hope that the Sudanese people, in their wisdom and with the support they receive from their neighbours and international partners, will be able to weather the upcoming critical phase, so that the Sudan’s unity can withstand all future tests and so that unity becomes the first and the most attractive option for all Sudanese.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“As one of the issues to be included in final status negotiations, it should under no circumstances be excluded from any future negotiations. Sixthly, Israel’s engagement in a serious, credible, clear and time-bound negotiating process would restore the situation on other issues to that which prevailed in the 1990s in terms of Arab interaction with Israel, with a view to enhancing mutual trust and thus boosting negotiating efforts as a whole. Egypt is closely following the situation in sisterly Sudan with the same high level of interest, not only because of the historical bonds between our two peoples and nations but also out of concern for the Sudan’s future, stability and territorial integrity and our awareness of the numerous threats facing it.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“On the other hand, any retreat from that commitment would inflict severe harm on the prospects for peace in the coming period. Thirdly, the freeze of Israeli settlement activity should occur simultaneously and in parallel with the negotiations, in order to bolster Palestinian trust in Israeli intentions. Fourthly, if an agreement is reached on the final borders of the State to be established on the Palestinian national soil occupied in 1967, on the understanding that the State’s borders are essentially those of 1967, as had been agreed by both parties during the 2008 negotiations with the participation of the United States, that agreement could be gradually implemented at a pace to be agreed upon by both parties and within a time-bound framework. Fifthly, East Jerusalem is an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territories.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The international community should put forward a formula for a final settlement to the conflict — the so-called end game — cognizant of the need to waste no more time in studying details that 43 09-52586 everyone knows will not help to realize the desired settlement. Secondly, Israel’s commitment to completely freeze settlement activity in all occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, must be secured, not only because such activity is contrary to international law and should be halted, but also in order to build a climate of trust between the two parties, thus allowing final-status negotiations to bear fruit. Such Israeli commitment would pave the way to restoring lost credibility in efforts to achieve peace.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Throughout this year, Israel has shown a lack of the political will necessary to engage in serious and credible negotiations that aim at reaching a final settlement to the conflict, a settlement which encompasses all the elements, tracks and topics and which leads to the establishment of an independent Palestinian State on the complete Palestinian national territory, occupied since 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. In this respect, I would like to sum up the Egyptian view of the situation with the following elements, including what we hope to achieve. First, intensive work during the coming period is necessary in order to resume the negotiating process as soon as possible.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Egypt will continue its diligent work to address this situation in all relevant international forums and to highlight the risks, with the aim of effecting changes in the situation. The situation in the Middle East region is still dominated by considerable tension, a tendency towards confrontation and lack of stability. Notwithstanding the tireless efforts exerted to stabilize the situation, many parties still consider it beneficial to exacerbate that tension. The question of Palestine clearly remains far from being resolved, despite international concern and all the serious efforts, pressure, contacts, visits and meetings. Since I questioned in this Assembly last year (see A/63/PV.13) the existence of genuine Israeli determination to achieve a just peace with the Palestinians, events have thus far justified our scepticism.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“In the same context, it is necessary to effectively deal with the issues of regional stability and security, mainly through eliminating the incomprehensible and unjustified lassitude in dealing with the issue of Israeli nuclear capabilities and the persistent threat they pose to security and stability in the Middle East. This is especially true in the context of intensified efforts to expand the commitments of the non-nuclear States parties to the NPT, without due regard for the need to achieve the Treaty’s universality — and if there is no commitment, there should be no universality — and to subject all nuclear facilities in the Middle East to the comprehensive safeguards regime of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“This will depend on dealing effectively with the decisions and the resolutions of the 1995 and 2000 Review Conferences, in particular the resolution on the Middle East. It is crucial that the international community as a whole support the current active momentum in the international arena with regard to disarmament issues, especially in the light of developments in the positions of the main nuclear-weapon States, in particular the United States. We have listened to their statements, in particular the address by President Obama to the Assembly on 23 September (see ), and we hope that these evolving positions will provide an opportunity for making historic progress in this regard.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We look forward to, and in fact have already begun to seek, commonly agreed language for a draft resolution on freedom of expression, to underscore the importance of this freedom as an indispensable cornerstone of any democratic society, while avoiding the depiction of acts of incitement to religious, racial and other forms of hatred as legitimate acts of freedom of expression. We categorically reject such a depiction. Turning to issues of international peace and security, I will begin with disarmament. Egypt attaches great importance to a successful conclusion of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), in the hope that nuclear disarmament and the nuclear non-proliferation regime will be put back on the right track.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“This politicization weakens the potential to reach consensus on a variety of issues that should not be subject to differences as they are of concern to us all and affect the credibility of the work of the United Nations in this vital field. Hence, Egypt is determined to exert its utmost effort to engage with other States in order to bring divergent views closer together and to establish common ground to restore the international consensus that binds us all, which forms the basis for our actions in this important area in the Human Rights Council and in the General Assembly. In that context, we look forward to a greater role for the Human Rights Council. Every one of us should address the issue of the incitement of religious hatred and racism under the pretext of freedom of expression.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Undoubtedly, all of these challenges oblige the countries of the South to strengthen mutual cooperation. As current Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement, Egypt will work to enhance South-South cooperation in coordination with the Group of 77 and China. We look forward to a successful United Nations conference on South-South cooperation, to be held in Kenya later this year, aimed at further strengthening this cooperation. Having spoken of the interlinked crises facing the world today, I would like to address an important issue related to the human rights architecture of the United Nations system. Despite the radical reform ushered in by the establishment of the Human Rights Council, 09-52586 42 Egypt is still dissatisfied with respect to the politicization of human rights issues.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The situation requires securing increased development assistance and further investments in the markets of energy-producing developing countries, as well as confronting irresponsible speculation on international markets. In this context, Egypt hopes that the 2010 high- level meeting to follow up on the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) will expedite renewal of international commitment and solidarity towards achieving the Goals. A comprehensive assessment of what has been achieved thus far in the implementation of the MDGs must be carried out and a mechanism established to follow up on implementation. This should lead to full implementation by 2015, particularly in Africa, which is witnessing low implementation rates, an issue which needs to be effectively addressed.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Furthermore, there is an urgent need to launch an international dialogue between exporting and importing countries in the developing and developed worlds alike, in order to agree on an international strategy to confront the crisis, and to formulate an international code of conduct to review the policies that govern the use of biofuels. In addition, we must reach an agreement under the umbrella of the World Trade Organization that eliminates agricultural subsidy programmes that are in operation in some developed countries. To confront the energy crisis, it is important to have a genuine, broad dialogue among the relevant parties to identify the best available options.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“However, States of the South remain the most affected, due to the negative repercussions of the recession on public spending in health care, education and sustainable development in general. The parallel economic, financial and food crises that we are still confronting undoubtedly compound the hardships faced by the countries of the South in particular, and place enormous burdens on us in terms of preserving economic and social security in our countries. To confront such challenges, serious and genuine international support and solidarity are required, based on enhancing agricultural development with a view to increasing production and productivity.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“A fair and balanced deal should further ensure the fulfilment of commitments by developed countries, and enable our developing countries to implement their voluntary commitments within the framework of honest application of the principle of common but differentiated responsibility. The world financial crisis did not originate in, nor was it caused by, developing countries. However, they are all suffering from its consequences in different forms and at different levels as a result of the decrease in the volume of international trade, the tightening of international credit terms and the decline in tourist inflows and monetary remittances. The current international economic recession has no doubt negatively affected most States.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“While Egypt is aware of the seriousness of the phenomenon in question and the gravity of the challenges that climate change is imposing on all of us, we believe in the possibility that collective work could provide new opportunities for advancing development in developing societies in a manner that would allow the agreed sustainable development principles to be fulfilled. In this respect, we look forward, as was stated by President Mubarak at the L’Aquila summit in Italy in July 2009, to arriving at a fair and balanced deal at the upcoming Copenhagen conference in December that would take into consideration the aspirations and rights of developing countries and, at the same time, address all crucial issues, including mitigation, adaptation, financing and technology transfer.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The change I refer to here is a gradual and strategic shift, one which would make membership in 41 09-52586 such structures accessible to a larger number of developing countries and would grant them a stronger and more effective voice in determining the course of the world economic order and its future. A few days ago, we all took part in the climate change summit, convened upon the initiative of the Secretary-General, and listened to all the pledges made and the concerns expressed.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The global financial crisis, together with the spread of diseases, such as the H1N1 virus, threatens public health worldwide. Meeting this challenge requires a high degree of conscientious collective work and a shared awareness of the effect that such a crisis could have in many of our countries on stability in the economic, social, even political, and perhaps security spheres. With regard to collective work on the international level, we should not overlook the fact that the current international structures designed to manage the realities of the global economy must reflect a balance between the present and future. Therefore, those structures must be subject to change, so as to become more compatible with current reality.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Mr. President, on behalf of the African continent, allow me at the outset to congratulate our sisterly country, Libya, and you personally, on your assumption of the presidency of the General Assembly, and to express our confidence that your leadership will lead to achieving the success to which we aspire. I would also like to reaffirm the full support of Egypt and the Non-Aligned Movement for you in the fulfilment of your mission. Our session this year convenes against the backdrop of international crises unprecedented in their nature and scope. The list of global challenges we are facing, such as climate change, the food crisis and the crises in international peace, is supplemented by additional emerging global challenges that make it essential for us to redouble our efforts in a coordinated and collective manner.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We affirm that Egypt is working in coordination with members of the GCC with a view to protecting Arab national security and ensuring that any such arrangements — if they come into existence — will represent true security guarantees for all parties. A great deal of work lies ahead of us at this session. This requires open minds and outstretched hands in order to meet the demands and aspirations of our peoples for freedom, justice, dignity, security and peace. Egypt will work throughout this session to advance the components of our vision for the international and regional situation, which I have just elucidated. All of us bear the responsibility for this, just as we shall all bear the consequences and the results. We pledge to work with dedication and sincerity for a successful session under your able presidency, Sir.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Egypt will continue its diligent efforts to achieve the interests of our brothers in the Sudan as well as the country’s and the region’s unity and stability. In our region, the concept of regional security should be construed broadly, and the security of the Arab Gulf — which is currently in the international spotlight — is one of Egypt’s principal concerns, not only because of Egypt’s close relations with the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), but also because of what Egypt represents in terms of strategic depth for its Arab brothers and sisters of the Gulf. Therefore, we follow closely all developments in the region, in particular the recurrent discourse about “new arrangements” there.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“In this context, I would like to affirm that Egypt is working sincerely with all loyal Sudanese parties, at the forefront of them the Sudanese Government, in order to settle existing problems. Allow me to note, in particular, the situation in Darfur, which remains difficult, and the significant Egyptian participation in the United Nations peacekeeping force there, as well as our participation in all dialogue forums that aim to settle the crisis. I should also note our call for an international meeting to address the crisis and to agree on a road map to end it. Stability in the Sudan requires outside parties to refrain from interfering in Sudanese affairs, just as it requires support for the development process in that country.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“This is what leads to the widely condemned and politically loaded settlement activities, which clearly indicate the regression and weakness of the Israeli side’s will for peace. This is also the reason for the prolongation of the conflict, with its consequences that the whole world knows only too well. But we in Egypt will not lose hope; we will continue to work with everyone in order to achieve the objectives of justice, stability and security for the whole region. The situation in the Sudan also remains disconcerting in the light of ongoing developments. We have observed numerous foreign hands interfering with Sudan’s security and stability, as if their objective were to drive that country towards partition.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“However, through diligent monitoring of the situation, we A/63/PV.13 08-53122 10 understand that achieving a just and lasting settlement of the conflict — one that provides an opportunity to end Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and to bring about a Palestinian State — requires serious political will on the part of Israel. This must include the dismantlement of settlements in tandem with withdrawal from the land, and the restoration of Palestinian rights. However, I must admit that we are sceptical about the strength of the will and conviction of Israeli decision makers. Hence the procrastination and setbacks, as well as the hesitation in settling issues.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“This in no way diminishes the significance of crises, problems and difficulties at the regional level. Rather, it reaffirms the importance that Egypt attaches to the international situation and international problems in general. At the regional level, as members know, Egypt is persistently involved in painstaking efforts to keep open a window of hope that would allow the Palestinians to achieve their legitimate ambition to gain an independent State on the Palestinian territories occupied on 5 June 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The current situation, thanks to the efforts of the United States, might suggest to some that there is hope for a real settlement between the Israelis and Palestinians before the end of the year.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)