YouSaid · the spoken record

Mariano Rajoy Brey

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46
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2012-09-24
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2013-09-24
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2
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un-general-debate

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  1. “Spain knows that its efforts to uphold human dignity will bear greater fruit through the United Nations, just as the General Assembly may be sure that, in this endeavour, it can count on Spain.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  2. “At the same time, the universal character of the United Nations means that we must preserve its multilingualism. In 2005, Spain announced its candidacy to become a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the 2015-2016 biennium. My speech today has underlined the main reasons why I believe that Spain has shown, not with mere words but with concrete actions, its readiness to serve the United Nations in the Security Council, with the same commitment to dialogue and solidarity that we have shown since joining the Organization. We have but a single objective: to uphold human dignity. All our efforts in favour of peace, freedom, democracy, justice, human rights and sustainable development are directed towards that goal.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  3. “Our commitment to multilateralism is inseparable from our desire for a decisive and efficient United Nations. That is why this session of the General Assembly must tackle the issue of Security Council reform, which can be achieved only through the broadest possible consensus founded on the principles of accountability, transparency and cooperation, with a view to enhancing the legitimacy of and support for the Council’s actions. It is also necessary to bring the Organization into line with its means and to rationalize resources so that, together, we may achieve more with less. We therefore give our unconditional support to the progress being made towards system-wide consistency and the “Delivering as one” initiative, to which Spain is the leading contributor.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  4. “That is why we joined the Philippines in co-facilitating the outcome document of the High-level Meeting on the Realization of the Millenium Development Goals for Persons with Disabilities (resolution 68/3), which took place just a few days ago. I am proud to say that in recognition of that commitment, Spain has been awarded the Franklin D. Roosevelt International Disability Rights Award, which Her Majesty Queen Sofia accepted a few days ago in this very city. We will also continue to support the work of UN-Women, as we have since its inception. Equality between women and men, the full participation of women in all areas, and efforts to end violence against women and girls are indispensable for true development and constitute a priority for Spain, both nationally and internationally.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  5. “The United Nations is able to respond to humanitarian crises in West Africa and the Sahel faster and more effectively, thanks to the World Food Programme humanitarian aid storage and distribution centre that we built in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Spain has always been a crossroads of cultures, religions and traditions. Ours is an open, pluralistic and tolerant country that respects and integrates the diversity that comes with globalization. The protection and promotion of human rights is a responsibility of the institutions to which all citizens must contribute. Spain was the third country in the world to ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and I urge other States to do likewise. We also take a special interest in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  6. “For Spain, the post-2015 agenda should be focused on truly sustainable development, should be universal and should acknowledge the importance of transparent institutions in achieving inclusive growth. We must therefore clearly define the sustainable development goals in order to complete the process that began in Rio de Janeiro last year. However, it must not be forgotten that only a little more than two years remain to achieve the MDGs. While we can be pleased with the progress made in many areas, there is still a long way to go. As the Spanish economy starts to grow again, we will significantly support these efforts with generous, intelligent and effective investment in development cooperation. My country’s solidarity can also be seen in terms of humanitarian aid, for which Spain is the world’s eighth largest donor.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  7. “It has channelled its solidarity through the multilateral system of the United Nations in the belief that that system guarantees the principle of neutrality in the allocation of funds to effectively achieve the ultimate goal, namely, the eradication of poverty. In 2007, Spain, together with the United Nations Development Programme, established the MDG Achievement Fund, which has had a real impact on the lives of 20 million people through more than 130 programmes in 50 countries, disbursing almost $1 billion. The evaluation of the Fund, which concludes its activities this year, will be a key reference both for analysing compliance with the MDGs and for developing the post-2015 development agenda. The preparation of that agenda is the central theme of this session of the General Assembly.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  8. “Moreover, conscious of the strategic value of water in ensuring peace and security, Spain and Algeria have planned to launch a water strategy for the Western Mediterranean. Thanks to the work of the United Nations, there is broad awareness of the crucial importance of the fight against climate change, which is a direct and immediate priority. Next year will be the year of the small island developing States and will provide an excellent opportunity to jointly address the problems they face. Their efforts to adapt to climate change and to mitigate its harmful effects must be supported, as they produce the least pollution yet suffer the most from its consequences. As a nation, Spain acts in solidarity and has made every effort to promote the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  9. “I would like to highlight the contribution of Latin America and its regional organizations to multilateralism. Their constructive input on global issues, such as the environment and development, is of fundamental importance. During the forthcoming Ibero-American Summit in Panama, we will address global challenges in the political, economic and social contexts and offer some joint responses. The General Assembly has declared 2013 the International Year of Water Cooperation. The human right to water and sanitation is essential for sustainable development and the fight against poverty. That is why, in 2008, Spain set up the Cooperation Fund for Water and Sanitation, endowed with $1 billion for projects in Latin America.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  10. “That anachronism continues to inconvenience the citizens of Gibraltar and the surrounding area. Resting its case on the legitimacy granted by the universal doctrine of the General Assembly, Spain once again reiterates its call to the United Kingdom to resume bilateral dialogue and regional cooperation. Western Sahara remains one of the unresolved issues at the United Nations. Spain supports the search for a fair, lasting and mutually acceptable solution, one that provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara within the framework of the United Nations and in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter. Accordingly, Spain fully endorses the work carried out in that respect by the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  11. “That is why we are a member of the United Nations Group of Friends of Mediation. Within the Group, together with Morocco, we have launched the initiative on mediation in the Mediterranean region, which has recently started producing results. The General Assembly has developed a consolidated, universal legal doctrine on decolonization, which Spain has endorsed wholeheartedly. Once again, I must submit to the Assembly the question of Gibraltar, which the Organization included in 1963 in the list of Non-Self- Governing Territories awaiting decolonization. The only such territory remaining in Europe, it affects our territorial integrity. Since that date, the United Kingdom has ignored the mandate of the General Assembly and the commitment made to Spain in the 1984 Brussels Declaration.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  12. “At this crucial time for the region, the political leaders concerned, with the support of the international community, must take the bold decisions necessary to achieve the historic goal of peace, and thereby promote stability in the entire region and the world. My country is a staunch advocate of dialogue and the use of peaceful means for the settlement of disputes. We believe that conflict prevention is one of the main instruments for ensuring peace and security. Therefore, we have participated in the Peacebuilding Commission, the establishment of the Alliance of Civilizations and the establishment, with Austria and Saudi Arabia, of the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue. We believe in mediation for the peaceful settlement of disputes.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  13. “In that respect, I reiterate before the Assembly my call to the parties to demonstrate a constructive attitude. Spain will continue to bolster the opposition forces in order to ensure an orderly and inclusive transition to democracy. Finally, it is essential to maintain the humanitarian effort to help reduce the suffering of Syria’s internally displaced population and that of the refugees in neighbouring countries. In a related context, I wish to emphasize that the Middle East peace process is taking on a new perspective. Last year, in this very forum, it was decided by a significant majority to recognize Palestine as a United Nations Observer State. The current negotiations are perhaps the last chance to reach a just, comprehensive and lasting peace for the two States, Israel and Palestine, to live in peace, security and prosperity.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  14. “It is now necessary for the Security Council to adopt a resolution to establish a legally binding prohibition on the use of chemical weapons in Syria and to ensure their mandatory destruction. Much rests on that question. As the Secretary-General remarked, it constitutes a challenge to international security, one that if not resolved will represent a collective failure. Spain firmly believes that only political dialogue between the parties will put an end to the increasingly violent conflict, as was highlighted by the report (A/HRC/24/46) presented to the Human Rights Council. Therefore, we support the efforts of Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States for Syria, to promote a political transition in Syria. Spain is confident of the success of the “Geneva II” conference.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  15. “The Assembly is aware that the situation in Syria has become an intolerable, heartbreaking human tragedy, as well as a growing threat to regional and international peace and security. The brutal attack with sarin gas against civilians in Damascus — confirmed by the report of the United Nations Mission to Investigate Allegations of the Use of Chemical Weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic (see A/67/997) — has been widely condemned in the international community, which firmly believes that that act must not be repeated or go unpunished. The proposal by Russia and the United States that will allow international control and the subsequent destruction of all stocks of chemical weapons in Syria has been applauded by all.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  16. “For the past two years, we have been witness to the courageous and determined efforts of Arab peoples to assert their dignity, consolidate their democratic systems and exclude those who promote violence and the violation of fundamental human rights. The road to democracy is not easy, but there cannot and must not be any turning back. Democracy has to be an effort undertaken by all of society, working towards coexistence and inclusiveness, an effort which is based on dialogue, tolerance and respect for human rights. That undertaking should be embraced by every country, not just at the political level but also at the social and economic. To support those processes of democratic governance, Spain has launched the Masar programme, aimed at Governments and civil society in North Africa and the Middle East.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  17. “Special recognition is due to the African Union, which celebrates its fiftieth anniversary this year. Spain has very close ties with Africa. That continent’s concerns are ours, too. We participate in the African Union’s summits and in funding the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, and we were the first non-African country to contribute directly to the African Union Commission’s budget. Spain has launched a strategic partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and continues to strengthen its ties with other regional organizations in Africa. We back up those commitments with genuine support. Over the past four years, Spain has contributed €100 million to ECOWAS and the same amount to the African Development Bank.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  18. “Spanish troops in the European Union mission in Mali are training the country’s armed forces, which are responsible for ensuring the country’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity, with full respect for human rights. Mali is defeating terrorism and has regained its territorial integrity, an unquestionable success that we can all be proud of. But it is only the first step. The return to constitutional order, with the holding of presidential elections, marks the start of a second phase of building the open and inclusive institutions that are essential to Mali’s future. In the long term, we must continue to support development throughout the Sahel as the only way to promote security, democracy and prosperity in the region. The entire Assembly should welcome the role played by African organizations in that crisis.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  19. “The people of Spain know from experience that the responsibility for terrorism lies with the terrorists alone; it is exclusive to them and non-transferable, whatever its perpetrators may claim. We should always honour the memory of the victims, which is key to denying social or moral legitimacy to terrorism of any kind. Our commitment to working for peace and security in the world was made evident this year during the crisis in Mali. Spain initially supported the African-led International Support Mission in Mali, and thereafter the deployment of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  20. “Spanish troops are currently serving under the blue flag of the United Nations in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, where since 2006 they have helped to ensure peace and stability in a country that is located in a particularly turbulent region. Spain works to promote disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control, and it took an active part in the Arms Trade Treaty negotiations. We have also participated in various international initiatives to prevent nuclear terrorism. Spain has suffered the violence of terrorism and knows that new threats from non-State factions call for a global response through international cooperation. We must comprehensively implement the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and arrive at a global convention to combat that menace, which transcends borders.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  21. “In the 10 years that have passed since then, my country has continued to demonstrate by its actions its resolve to faithfully serve the goals of the United Nations — the maintenance of international peace and security, the peaceful resolution of conflicts, international cooperation for development and the promotion and observance of human rights. The maintenance of international peace and security is a prerequisite for the progress of humankind. Spain believes firmly in the threefold values of peace, security and development, which is why more than 130,000 Spanish soldiers have served in United Nations peacekeeping operations and humanitarian missions in every region of the world since 1989.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  22. “We are all permanent members here, and it is here that multilateralism takes on its full meaning and effect. Spain has faith in the United Nations and is firmly committed to the Organization, because we subscribe completely to the purposes and principles it embodies. Our commitment to the United Nations is not mere rhetoric. Spain is the sixth largest contributor to the system. That commitment legitimizes our aspiration to serve the goals of the United Nations in the Security Council in the 2015-2016 biennium. We shall do so in the same spirit of dialogue and consensus as on the most recent previous occasion when the Assembly placed its trust in Spain.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  23. “On behalf of Spain, I would like to congratulate Ambassador Ashe on his new responsibility as President of the General Assembly and to convey to him our firm support and best wishes. His abilities are a guarantee of good work for the next 12 months. I would also like to thank his predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Vuk Jeremi., for his effective work during the past year and to wish him success in his new role. This General Assembly is the hub of the international system. In it, we all have the same rights, regardless of our size, population or economic development. It is the organ of the United Nations that embodies the sovereign equality of States. The decisions we take here present the international community with a body of opinion that is difficult to rebut. This is the debating Hall of global legitimacy.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  24. “The United Nations will continue to be a guarantor of international peace and security, and a driving force for the protection of human rights and the promotion of sustainable development for our future and that of our children. The General Assembly can count on Spain to participate in that endeavour with the same determination as always.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  25. “In the coming months, we will continue to be open to dialogue on this issue, and we hope that, under the leadership of President Jeremić, we will be able to find common ground among the different positions on the issue on which we can build a new Security Council that is more effective, inclusive, representative and responsible to the General Assembly. We are facing many challenges. Spain is strongly determined to contribute to those efforts so that in 12 months, when we meet here again, the list of problems before us is shorter and we can have a United Nations that is more effective and efficient than it was a year previously.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  26. “In that regard, I should like to reiterate our support for the reforms of the Secretary-General in the area of peacekeeping operations. Likewise, Spain is a strong driving force behind the Delivering as One initiative, which is an essential undertaking aimed at modernizing the United Nations system, improving its effectiveness and efficiency in the fight against poverty and inequality, and thereby making it possible to do more with less. Proof of Spain’s commitment to that initiative is the fact that my country has been the largest donor thereto, providing more than half of the total funding. Lastly, the Security Council must also adapt, as quickly as possible, to the realities of the twenty- first century, which are very different from those that existed when it was created.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  27. “Therefore, I would like to call upon the United Kingdom to renew the bilateral dialogue on the decolonization of Gibraltar in accordance with the parameters indicated by the United Nations and enshrined in the Brussels Declaration of 1984. We have already lost too many years. The efforts of the Member States of the United Nations will not be sufficient if they are not accompanied by the necessary adaptation of the United Nations to the current world. The Secretary-General has launched a process aimed at reforming the Organization, which my country is following closely. I would like to reiterate that Spain supports his efforts, and we call upon the rest of the Member States to continue their open dialogue on his proposals, analysing them without any prejudices and showing sufficient courage to break with the status quo when necessary.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  28. “The initiative will be the first embodiment in that region of resolution 65/283 and of the work of the Secretary-General and the Group of Friends of Mediation. Spain maintains its active commitment to a just, enduring and mutually acceptable political solution to the dispute in Western Sahara, a solution that provides for the self-determination of the Saharan people in accordance with the principles and objectives of the Charter of the United Nations. As a member of the Group of Friends, Spain firmly supports the work of the Secretary-General, his Personal Envoy and the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara. Between countries that are friends and allies, as is the case between Spain and the United Kingdom, a direct and sincere dialogue should make it possible to overcome any differences.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  29. “I wish to acknowledge the support of the Secretary-General and of the President of the General Assembly in this task. We will continue to promote the goals of UN-Women, after a first year full of work and results. In that regard, Spain, which has been the biggest donor to this entity during its first year, maintains its commitment to equality between men and women and to the efforts to put an end to violence against women and girls. My country is a firm defender of dialogue and the use of peaceful means to resolve controversies. For that reason, next Friday, together with Morocco, we will present an initiative to promote mediation and to develop national and local capacities in the Mediterranean basin.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  30. “As a member of the Human Rights Council, we will continue to defend the undeniable link between respect for human rights and peace and security in the world. We will also continue to work towards a universal moratorium on the death penalty. My country will continue to support negotiations within the United Nations of a comprehensive convention on international terrorism. Terrorism is a vicious trait that unfortunately Spain knows very well. I would like to take a moment today to remember and pay tribute to all the victims of terrorism. In July, a High-Level Conference on Victims of Terrorism was held in Madrid in the framework of the Global Counterterrorism Forum. There we reiterated that victims can plan an important role in the complete delegitimization, in both social and moral terms, of terrorism.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  31. “Our commitment to the United Nations will remain firm, as we actively participate in those initiatives that we have been supporting in the past few years because we believe that they are key to achieving the future we desire. Disarmament and non-proliferation must be shared objectives for the entire international community. We believe that it is necessary to reactivate the Conference on Disarmament with an ambitious programme of work. Spain also supports renewing the General Assembly mandate to proceed with the negotiations of an arms trade treaty. We will continue to work for a solid, effective and legally binding document that reflects the defence of human rights and international humanitarian rights.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  32. “My country’s wish to serve on the Security Council in 2015 and 2016 responds precisely to the conviction that in the Council Spain can continue playing an active role in the search for joint solutions to common problems. That conviction is supported by Spain’s accomplishments to date, by our demonstrated commitment to multilateralism and by the initiatives led by our country in the search for international understanding and sustainable development. Spain will continue to contribute, to the best of its ability, to peacekeeping operations by providing troops and through the United Nations operational field support base at Quart de Poblet, in Spain.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  33. “I would also like to express our support for the Six- Party Talks as a framework for finding a diplomatic solution to the crisis raised by the nuclear programme of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. We consider that the country must put a stop to its nuclear activities with military aims in a complete and verifiable manner, and it must comply with all Security Council resolutions on the matter and respect its commitments to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. This year we have moved towards a more peaceful, just and sustainable world. However, as reflected in the cases I have just mentioned, much remains to be done. To achieve this, Spain will continue to work with the United Nations, for we believe that only through a concerted effort of the international community can we find solutions.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  34. “On other matters, I would like to highlight the efforts of the international community in general and of the E3+3 Group in particular to relaunch conversations with Iran with the goal of eliminating all doubts raised by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding its nuclear enrichment programme. Those conversations are sustained by the desire to reach a political and diplomatic solution and are an opportunity that we hope all actors involved will take advantage of. We reiterate our appeal to Iran to comply with the relevant resolutions without delay and to ratify and observe the additional protocol of the IAEA’s comprehensive safeguards agreement.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  35. “The humanitarian crisis has been aggravated by political instability and an armed revolt, which has deteriorated into terrorist movements that have caused considerable harm to the population in northern Mali. Spain unreservedly condemns violence and supports the efforts of the United Nations, the African Union, and the Economic Community of West African States to reach a solution to the crisis. Those efforts must count on the decisive support of the countries of the region, whose people also endure insecurity caused by the situation. And above all, the process must be led by the people of Mali themselves, who need to overcome their institutional crisis and re-establish the territorial integrity of their country.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  36. “The international community, and, above all, the actors involved must have the courage to adopt the measures and decisions needed to achieve that comprehensive, just and durable peace that responds to the legitimate yearnings of both peoples. My Government, committed to the goal of peace, is convinced that the creation of a viable Palestinian State is a key element in the solution of the conflict. It will bring beneficial effects for the security and welfare of Israel, for the normalization of regional relations and, finally, for the international community as a whole. Until then, the parties must avoid endangering the viability of a two-State solution. The situation in Mali and the entire Sahel region is particularly serious.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  37. “In this uncertain regional scenario, Lebanon has so far managed to keep itself on the margin of the spiral of violence, an achievement that has been reached in good measure thanks to the contingent of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, in which Spain is an active participant. Another year has passed without progress in the Middle East peace process. We defend the idea that the solution to the conflict in the Middle East lies in the existence of two States, the Israeli State and the Palestinian State, living in peace and security. Any delay in achieving that goal leads to growing frustration that will affect the rest of the world.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  38. “Thousands of innocent victims, the unbearable suffering of the civilian population and the serious risk of the conflict expanding to neighbouring countries compel us to act. Today, I reiterate the call to end all violence in Syria and urge President Al-Assad to accept his responsibility and make way for a political process that will allow a peaceful resolution to the conflict. We support the efforts of the Joint Special Representative, Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, to reach this goal. The international community, the United Nations, the League of Arab States and the European Union continue to be prepared, through different mechanisms, to come to Syria’s aid.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  39. “It is proof that the multilateral system is responding to the present crisis and promoting respect for and the active protection of human rights, as well as the presence and participation of women in all areas regions. But, of course, there are problems on which there has been little or no progress at all or that have emerged throughout the present year. Those problems deserve as much if not more of our attention in the 12 months that lie ahead. First of all, I would like to mention the crisis in Syria. A year ago, in the General Assembly, an urgent appeal was made to the Syrian regime to halt the abuses and crimes against its people. Despite the international community’s efforts, the situation has not ceased to deteriorate.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  40. “I would like to make special mention of the valuable and increasing role that Latin America has played in the development of the multilateral system. The achievements and progress that the region has attained in the consolidation of democracy, economic growth and regional integration are reflected in its greater international presence. Latin America has shown its potential by strengthening the multilateralism promoted by the Organization. Spain is proud to share in that spirit at the Ibero-American summits and will be hosting this year’s summit in Cádiz, Spain. That forum reflects the Ibero-American community’s wager on the promise of dialogue, equality and mutual respect, with our eyes firmly set on the future. I believe that those steps forward, among others, attest to an encouraging year, despite its difficulties.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  41. “Since their conception, Spain has been committed to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) with the largest cooperation programme in its history, valued at almost $1 billion, implemented through the Spain-United Nations Development Programme MDG Achievement Fund. Negotiations are under way to set new goals for sustainable development and to bring the institutional structure in step with that commitment. Spain will maintain an active and constructive presence in the process. The fight against international impunity has also seen important advances this year. The International Criminal Court initiated its first case against a Head of State, demonstrating that the international community is closer than ever to ending impunity for serious crimes. I would like to reiterate today the call for the universal ratification of the Rome Statute.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  42. “Four months ago, Spain and the World Food Programme (WFP) signed an agreement to locate the largest food storage facility in the world in the Canary Islands. The WFP facility will allow faster and more efficient responses to food emergencies on the African continent. Afghanistan continues moving forward in the direction of stability — a road that Spain has pursued together with the Afghan people for more than a decade. In that effort, we have bequeathed resources, infrastructures and, unfortunately, the life of many of our fellow citizens. My country will continue to contribute to the development of Afghanistan and its search for much-needed stability and security. This year, in Rio de Janeiro, we reaffirmed our common vision in favour of an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable future.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  43. “In those processes, there is no room for movements that promote violence, whatever its justification. Any attack or aggression against people or institutions is unacceptable and deserves our most full-throated condemnation. Last year, we also dedicated our efforts to finding solutions to the crisis in the Horn of Africa, and especially to the situation in Somalia. The difficulties persist, but Somalia is advancing towards normality. Cooperation in the fight against piracy in the Indian Ocean is stronger than ever, and during our recent presidency of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia, we moved forward in the search of an international response to that criminal phenomenon. Similarly, humanitarian efforts in that region have allowed for an improvement of the situation.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  44. “Year after year, we discuss those problems here and their possible solutions. For that reason, I believe that we should ask ourselves today if we have improved since last year. While it might seem otherwise, I believe we have. In one year, we have witnessed the unbreakable will of the Arab citizens to consolidate democratic systems in their countries. In Spain, we went through a difficult but successful transition to democracy. Hence, we know that the road is not and will not be easy. Our experience can be useful for all Arab countries that are going through transition processes. I reaffirm our commitment to building open, inclusive and democratic societies whose institutions satisfy the yearnings for dignity and for the development of its citizens.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  45. “I do so today on behalf of a country that is committed to the international community and to the pursuit of joint solutions to the problems we face. The result of that commitment is our desire to serve once again in the Security Council for the period 2015- 2016. In my statement, I shall refer to the reasons for Spain’s resolve to work in the Council with an open and constructive spirit, committed to peace and international security, the promotion and protection of human rights, and the search for sustainable development for all. In addition to the serious economic and financial situation, the international community is facing today more numerous and more complicated challenges than ever before. The Organization and its General Assembly are key if we are to confront them.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  46. “Allow me to begin by congratulating Mr. Vuk Jeremić on his election as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-seventh session. I am convinced that with his leadership and drive, this lofty institution will be capable of facing the numerous challenges that will arise in the next 12 months. I also wish to express my gratitude to his predecessor, Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser. I join others in congratulating him on his work and wish him all the best in his new endeavours. Spain believes that the United Nations has a fundamental role to play. That is why I wished to participate in this general debate, the first since I took the oath of office as President of the Government of Spain. It is always an honour for a Head of Government to address the General Assembly.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)