YouSaid · the spoken record

Tarja Halonen

lines on the record: 102
first: 1998-09-24
most recent: 2011-09-24
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

“The newly established Human Rights Council has the potential to significantly strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights throughout the world. The European Union wants to ensure that it lives up to that potential and that it soon plays a strong and dynamic role in the United Nations system. The Union has high expectations for the second regular session of the Council, which began yesterday. The EU is also committed to ending impunity for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. We strongly support the International Criminal Court (ICC) and call upon all States that are not yet party to the Rome Statute of the ICC to ratify or accede to it without delay. The EU will continue to promote the rule of law both at the national level and in international relations.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The European Union looks forward to continuing cooperation in the field of migration and development after last week’s High-level Dialogue. Migration is an integral part of the development agenda, and development is an important element in migration policies. The European Union is committed to strengthening and mainstreaming human rights within the United Nations system. One of the major accomplishments of the United Nations has been the comprehensive framework of international human rights law. It sets out clear standards by which all States are measured. With a view to strengthening that framework, we attach great importance to the adoption of new instruments on enforced disappearances, the rights of indigenous peoples and the rights of persons with disabilities during the present session of the General Assembly.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Ensuring sustainable development is an urgent task. Environmental sustainability underpins long-term development and the achievement of all the Millennium Development Goals. Addressing climate change and biodiversity loss are integral parts of achieving sustainable development. For this purpose, the Montreal Action Plan on climate change agreed last year needs to be pushed forward urgently. 17 06-52731 The Secretary-General’s High-level Panel on United Nations System-wide Coherence is about to finalize its work. The European Union looks forward to studying the Panel’s recommendations, which could give an urgently needed global response, especially at the country level. This should be done in close cooperation with other multilateral stakeholders and the developing countries themselves.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Thus trade is a key element to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. The negotiations of the Doha Development Agenda must be resumed, as their successful outcome will deliver substantial development benefits to developing countries. We urge quick implementation of the aid-for-trade commitments of December 2005. The European Union welcomes the outcome of the Midterm Comprehensive Review of the Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries held in New York this week. We are pleased that from 2001 onwards economic growth in the least developed countries (LDCs) as a group has almost reached the 7 per cent target. As the providers of the greatest net official development aid, we note with satisfaction the overall increase in official development assistance from donor countries, especially to LDCs.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“It is also very much a factor that contributes to the social and political stability of countries and regions. We have seen positive development also in Africa. However sub-Saharan Africa as a whole is not on track to reach the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. Therefore, the European Union has decided to give 50 per cent of its increase in aid to Africa. We are willing to strengthen the strategic partnership with Africa by developing a joint strategy. We also need to improve aid effectiveness and donor practices. The European Union is fully committed to implementation of the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness and calls on all other donors to do the same. In addition, the international community must deliver real gains for poor countries on trade. Trade can be a strong catalyst for economic growth and poverty reduction.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Development builds peace. The United Nations and its Member States have created effective common goals for economic, social and environmental development. We must fulfil our common commitment to the global partnership for development with all stakeholders and implement all the Millennium Development Goals and other jointly agreed development targets in the time agreed on by Member States. In our view, every country has control over and primary responsibility for its own development. The social dimension of globalization, including the importance of decent work for all, deserves special attention in the work of the United Nations. Ensuring decent work is not only about economic and social development and individual rights and standards.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The European Union also welcomes the adoption of Security Council resolution 1696 (2006) and calls on Iran to respond positively and swiftly to the demands of the international community in implementing this resolution, in particular by suspending its enrichment activities in accordance with that resolution. This would pave the way for negotiations on a comprehensive agreement aimed at restoring confidence that the Iranian nuclear programme serves exclusively peaceful purposes. We welcome the current exploratory talks aimed to facilitate the opening of the negotiations. An increasingly important element in the promotion of global peace and security is the need to foster tolerance, mutual understanding and respect. In this regard, the European Union has already expressed its strong support for the Alliance of Civilizations initiative.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“We consider it important that this session of the General Assembly should mark progress in the areas of disarmament and non-proliferation. Concrete action is needed on small arms and light weapons at the national, regional and global levels. The European Union will continue to push for a legally binding treaty on trade in all conventional weapons. Effective multilateralism is crucial in facing the growing threat of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The Security Council has a central role in addressing those threats. In this regard, the European Union welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 1695 (2006) on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. We look forward to its effective implementation, and we strongly urge the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to implement fully the requirements of this resolution.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The events of the past year show that terrorism continues to threaten international peace and security. This threat can be effectively addressed through broad- based cooperation within the framework of the United Nations. The European Union welcomes the agreement on a global counter-terrorism strategy as an important instrument and expression of international solidarity in the fight against terrorism. The European Union urges United Nations Member States to build on this achievement and to intensify their efforts to reach a speedy consensus on a United Nations comprehensive counter-terrorism convention. We underline the importance of prevention and of conducting the fight 06-52731 16 against terrorism in accordance with human rights, refugee law and international humanitarian law.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The European Union welcomes the recent Security Council resolution on the United Nations-led peacekeeping operation in the Sudan, and we strongly urge the Sudanese Government to give its consent to the deployment of the United Nations operation. Peacebuilding is an integral part of the broad security concept. The newly established Peacebuilding Commission brings its own and much-needed contribution to United Nations work for peace and security. The European Union will work actively to ensure that this new body will have a strong and dynamic role in the United Nations system. Gender aspect is important in this context. We also welcome the establishment of the Central Emergency Response Fund to enhance the capability of the international community to respond to urgent humanitarian needs.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The European Union will continue active engagement in United Nations peacekeeping operations in the future. We see wide scope for further complementary and combined efforts with the United Nations as well as with other regional entities. In sub-Saharan Africa, many peace agreements have been brokered with the help of the United Nations, the African Union and the European Union. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the European Union remains greatly involved in assisting in the completion of the electoral process through a major financial contribution and the decisive support of the European Union military operation. Unfortunately, in Darfur, the humanitarian and security situation is deteriorating.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“We therefore condemn the deaths of hundreds of civilians in Lebanon and Israel in the recent conflict. We welcome the outcome of the Stockholm International Donor Conferences on the Humanitarian Situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and on Lebanon. The European Union has responded swiftly and generously to both humanitarian appeals. In the Middle East, we have demonstrated our continued, strong commitment to the United Nations. Peacekeepers from European Union countries are already deployed in the area and will form the backbone of the new United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) operation. On this occasion, I want to pay tribute to the memory of the United Nations military observers and other personnel who recently fell victim to the war in southern Lebanon.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The recent tragic events that occurred in Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian territories have again demonstrated the need to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. Sustainable peace in the Middle East and security for the people living there can be achieved only through a commitment to a peace process that leads to a viable independent Palestinian State living in peace with a secure Israel. That remains our goal. The European Union is determined to participate actively in the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) in order to help consolidate the ceasefire and reach a long-term solution based on the terms contained in the resolution. The European Union is strongly committed to respect of international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel during conflict.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“We are confident that under 15 06-52731 your wise leadership, Madam President, this session will turn out to be successful. The European Union is deeply committed to the United Nations and to its comprehensive agenda promoting peace and security, sustainable development, human rights and fundamental freedoms. We want to create a more peaceful, prosperous and democratic world. The European Union continues its close and loyal cooperation with the world Organization. Recent events in different parts of the world have proved once again that, 61 years after its establishment, an effective United Nations is needed more than ever. Contrary to our shared ideals, the realities of war and violence have not passed away into history. Conflicts and terrorism continue to destroy the social and economic progress for which we are all striving.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Madam President, on behalf of the European Union, I have the honour to address the General Assembly at its sixty-first session. The acceding countries Bulgaria and Romania; the candidate countries Turkey, Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; the countries of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia; and also Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, align themselves with this statement. Let me start by congratulating you, Madam President, upon your assumption of the office of President of the General Assembly. I also wish to express our appreciation to your predecessor, Mr. Jan Eliasson, whose input has been crucial to the United Nations reform process.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Poverty eradication is a major challenge for the international community now that the world’s population is reaching six billion, with nearly a quarter of that number still living in poverty. It is one of the greatest challenges left pending at the end of the twentieth century. 24 With the new millennium, we should also recognize the increased importance of civil society in the search for solutions. This is one of the cornerstones of the new era in international cooperation.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“In accordance with the Amsterdam Treaty, we are going to consistently improve our capacity for conflict prevention and crisis management. The EU will increase its ability to contribute to international peace and security, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter. Finally, I should like to say a few words about the next millennium. The Millennium Assembly should give new direction to the renewal of the United Nations. The EU supports the overall theme “The United Nations in the twenty-first century”, proposed by the Secretary-General. In the view of the EU, the focus should be on poverty eradication in the context of globalization.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“A stable and democratic political environment is indispensable for sustainable development. The EU welcomes the Secretary-General’s report on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa, and we look forward to its effective follow-up. The first EU-Africa summit is scheduled to take place in April 2000. This summit is a clear signal of the close cooperation between the EU and the African countries aimed at addressing various, even delicate, political and socio-economic issues. One of the principal objectives of the Amsterdam Treaty is to strengthen the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. To achieve this we have created new units and instruments to deal with the increasing challenges in the field of foreign policy.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The Secretary-General has said that the United Nations cannot rest until all of Africa is at peace. One third of sub-Saharan Africa is presently involved in armed conflicts. The victims of these conflicts are overwhelmingly civilians. The European Union strongly appeals to the parties in these and other ongoing conflicts to respect human rights and to cooperate with the humanitarian organizations. We will continue to make all efforts to provide assistance to the victims. Concrete measures have been taken to strengthen African ownership and capacity to focus on conflict prevention and resolution. The European Union is supporting, in close cooperation with the United Nations, the capacity of African organizations in the field of conflict resolution and peacekeeping.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We will provide further humanitarian assistance to those in need. We also support the call of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to convene a special session of the Commission on Human Rights. We call for an investigative mission by the Commission. East Timor’s independence must proceed without delay, as provided for in the 5 May Agreements. The Member States of the European Union look forward to recognizing East Timor once the process towards independence is completed. We also emphasize our desire to see a strong, democratic and united Indonesia. The European Union continues to fully support the efforts of the Secretary-General towards a negotiated political settlement of the question of Cyprus. We urge the two leaders concerned to accept the invitation to negotiations under the auspices of the Secretary-General.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We fully support Security Council resolution 1264 (1999) and welcome the early deployment of the multinational force. We also welcome the participation of Asian States in this force. Order, security and the rule of law must be restored immediately. The attitude of the European Union towards Indonesia will depend on the implementation of the undertakings given by the President of Indonesia. They should be implemented without delay and without conditions. We have agreed, for a period of four months, on an embargo on the export of military equipment and other equipment which might be used for internal repression or 23 terrorism. The European Union has also suspended its bilateral military cooperation with Indonesia. The European Union stresses the urgent priority to remedy the grave humanitarian situation.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Peace can, and must be, rooted in close regional cooperation. The multilateral track and the Barcelona process provide good opportunities in this regard. The European Union warmly welcomes the result of the popular consultation of the East Timorese people on 30 August 1999. Indonesia’s commitment to the full implementation of the relevant Agreements is imperative. We are committed to seeing the people of East Timor enjoy the independence which they have freely chosen. The European Union pays tribute to the United Nations for the organization of the popular consultation and lauds the courage and extraordinary work of the personnel of the United Nations Mission in East Timor. We condemn in the strongest terms the atrocities in East Timor. The Government of Indonesia retains a responsibility for security in the Territory.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The Middle East remains a top priority for the common foreign and security policy of the European Union. We find it encouraging that the Middle East peace process has regained momentum and that the negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians have started again. Negotiations are the only way to find a just and lasting solution to this conflict. We welcome the signing of the memorandum on the implementation of the Wye River Agreement. The European Union has consistently assured the parties of its readiness to assist them in their search for peace. All tracks of the peace process should now be activated. We urge the Syrian, Lebanese and Israeli Governments to engage in direct talks. The relevant Security Council resolutions form an internationally accepted basis for peace. It is also important to make progress on the multilateral track.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Its aim is to address the questions of democracy, human rights, economic reconstruction and security in a comprehensive and durable manner. We would welcome the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia joining the Stability Pact as a full and equal participant and beneficiary. The current regime of Mr. Milosevic is responsible for its present isolation, and we look forward to welcoming democratic change inside Serbia. Meanwhile, we are searching for ways in which Kosovo and the Republic of Montenegro could be made beneficiaries of the Pact. In Kosovo there is an urgent need to put an end to human suffering. We are concerned about the violence towards minorities, which has resulted in a large number of Serbs and Roma people leaving Kosovo. Urgent restoration of the rule of law is extremely important.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The European Union thanks the Secretary-General for his efforts to strengthen this cooperation and urges him to continue this work. The crisis in Kosovo requires concerted efforts. The European Union supports the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1244 (1999). With the adoption of this resolution, the United Nations regained its relevance as far as Kosovo is concerned. We also support the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and KFOR in their efforts to ensure peace, democracy and security in Kosovo. The United Nations needs the means and cooperation of all to fulfil its mandate. At the height of the Kosovo crisis the European Union launched the Stability Pact for South-Eastern Europe.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Reconstruction of societies requires the presence of civilian police and other administrators from all fields of civil activity. In most cases it is difficult to find the right tools to cope with conflicts. The European Union strongly emphasizes civilian crisis management. We hope that it will be more often resorted to as the principal means to manage and solve crises. We will work actively to develop further this concept. The European Union is in the process of improving its crisis management capabilities, keeping in mind that the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security lies with the United Nations and the Security Council. Regional organizations have a key role in international security. For their success, cooperation with the United Nations is essential.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“As the Secretary-General has said, it would be the ultimate crime to miss the chance for peace and condemn people to the misery of war. Even the best plans for prevention can fail, and the international community has to address armed conflicts. These conflicts have human, social and environmental consequences which cannot be repaired. The international community has a long tradition of solving crises by peacekeeping operations. Now that the nature of crises has changed, additional means are needed. Peacekeeping operations cannot meet all the requirements without increased efforts for civilian crisis management. In most crises, societies and their structures are completely destroyed. 22 The international community has called for repair and rehabilitation. Humanitarian assistance alone is not enough.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The United Nations conference on the illicit arms trade in all its aspects should establish a strong programme of action for international cooperation. Terrorism constitutes a threat to internal and international security. Therefore, the European Union reaffirms its unreserved condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and continues to support initiatives to suppress it. We call upon all countries to sign and to ratify the international anti-terrorism conventions. We hope that the conventions on the suppression of terrorist financing and on the acts of nuclear terrorism can be adopted by the General Assembly by the end of this year. The European Union will look carefully into the proposal of Egypt and others to develop further the idea of a United Nations conference on terrorism.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The European Union welcomes the entry into force of the Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-personnel Mines and on Their Destruction. As the international community moves towards the total elimination of anti- personnel landmines worldwide, the recent use of these weapons is highly deplorable. We must voice concern about the misery that anti-personnel mines continue to cause to the civilian population. The European Union continues to be the main contributor to demining programmes worldwide. We are deeply concerned about the impact, accumulation and spread of small arms and light weapons, and we have intensified our efforts to address this problem.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Relieving the unsustainable debt burden of the poorest countries requires faster relief through the programme for the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries. The European Union confirms its full commitment to the high-level discussion on financing for development. We expect this process to increase the political will to implement internationally agreed strategies for sustainable development. The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) remains a cornerstone of global security. It is imperative that the four States that have not yet done so join the NPT. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is a key instrument in the field of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. As we are approaching the Conference on the CTBT to be held in October, the European Union calls upon all States to sign and ratify the Treaty.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The Buenos Aires Plan of Action sets out an ambitious and precise timetable to follow in future negotiations on the threat of climate change. However, there are still important outstanding questions, such as the Kyoto mechanisms and capacity-building of developing countries, as well as the transfer of technology. In the Intergovernmental Forum on Forests, our common goal is to promote sustainable forest management worldwide. The European Union also notes the need for international coordination on oceans and seas. The European Union is fully committed to reducing extreme poverty in developing countries. We support them in their efforts to implement the international commitments for sustainable development. International cooperation, as well as ownership by partner countries, is needed to achieve the common goals.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“21 Racism is a universal problem. Thus, the elimination of all forms of racial intolerance should be the responsibility of every State. We also want to underline the input by civil society and non-governmental organizations in this field. The European Union is committed to opposing the death penalty. We call on all States that still impose the death penalty to progressively restrict the offences for which it may be used, and we insist that it be carried out according to minimum standards. As a first step, a moratorium on executions should be established. The final aim must remain the complete abolition of the death penalty. The European Union will actively pursue this matter in this session. No doubt, sustainable development in all areas enhances crisis prevention. People are at the centre of our concerns in sustainable development.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We underline the importance of the international human rights instruments designed to protect and promote the human rights and fundamental freedoms of women. The adoption of the optional protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women will be a historic event in this session. The European Union calls on all States to give serious consideration to ratifying it. Trafficking in human beings violates many of the most basic human rights. Most victims of this practice are women and children. Concerted international action is required in the fight against trafficking. The European Union supports the work done to develop international standards to prevent these crimes and to punish the perpetrators. Measures must also be taken to help the victims of this type of exploitation.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The tenth anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child reminds us of the need to advance the rights of the most vulnerable: children. The European Union welcomes the recent adoption of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention on the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour. All States should ratify the Convention as soon as possible and implement it effectively. The protection of children affected by armed conflicts also requires constant attention. It is imperative to adopt without delay the optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, on involvement of children in armed conflict. The European Union is concerned about discrimination against women.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The most important factor in conflict prevention is, however, a democratic society which is on a steady foundation and which guarantees human security in its widest possible sense. Democratic societies do not go to war with each other, and they are also internally more stable. Every human being is entitled to enjoy his or her human rights and fundamental freedoms. Human rights are essential in the maintenance of international peace and security, economic development and social equality. The United Nations has a primary role in the promotion of universal respect for human rights. These must be further integrated in all United Nations activities. The promotion of universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is central also to the activities of the European Union.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“At the threshold of a new millennium, we should intensify our efforts to prevent these situations. We should start to consider how to elaborate some criteria and rules aimed at the prevention of humanitarian catastrophes or alleviation of profound human suffering. The international community needs to develop solutions and responses to these new and unexpected challenges. The international community must play a proactive role in conflict prevention. There are several forms of action that have a useful effect in preventing conflicts. These include strengthening democracy and respect for human rights, as well as progress in economic and social development through good governance.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We consider this to be one of the challenges facing the world community on the threshold of the new millennium. The United Nations is uniquely positioned to provide intellectual leadership to ensure that the advantages of economic globalization are equally shared by the world’s population. Increasing interdependence must work for people. The nature of crises has also changed. Most of today’s conflicts take place within and not between States. We face situations where there are serious democracy deficiencies and where human rights are strongly violated, in particular the rights of the minorities. In the worst cases, States with their traditional institutions have ceased to exist, as Secretary-General Kofi Annan described so well in his opening statement.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The United Nations has a primary role in the advancement of human development. Implementation can be carried out only through close cooperation among different actors: the United Nations, its Member States, its specialized agencies, international financial institutions, regional organizations and civil society. We need an efficient and effective United Nations which has a stable financial basis and a full commitment from all its Member States. This also means the full, prompt and unconditional payment of contributions to the United Nations by all. Unilateral decisions and actions to the contrary are not allowed. The globalization of the world economy is an unavoidable process. We see the need to put the globalization process and macroeconomic policies in closer touch with the lives of ordinary people.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. Mr. President, I would like to congratulate you upon your election as President of the General Assembly. The European Union gives you its full support and cooperation throughout this session. Your predecessor, Minister Opertti, also deserves our appreciation. I would also commend the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, for the skill with which he has steered this Organization. The European Union pledges its support also to him, as well as its full commitment to the United Nations. 20 I should like to welcome the three new members of the United Nations, the Republics of Kiribati and Nauru and the Kingdom of Tonga, into our global family. In overall terms substantial progress has been made in human development. However, its speed and extent have been uneven.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We attach high expectations to the Millennium Assembly and to the role and participation of civil society in the Millennium Forum. The Forum can give us guidance from all sectors of our societies on which way to continue.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“We have good examples of integrated approaches in southern Africa, as well as in Guatemala and in El Salvador. Peace agreements and operational agendas include agreements on human rights, identity and the rights of indigenous people, social and economic aspects and strengthening of civilian power, as well as defining the role of the armed forces. Constitutional reforms and electoral regimes are also essential, as is monitoring of the functioning of the courts as a prerequisite for the reform of judicial systems. We also see the importance of good governance. We must secure the future of the United Nations, in terms not only of finance but of political support as well. Here Governments and the Organization can benefit from 26 public interest in the United Nations.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“They must fulfil their financial obligations towards the United Nations, in full, on time and without conditions. Without a sound financial basis even the efforts at reforming the United Nations are bound to fail. Finland also calls for better cooperation and coordination of development activities both within the United Nations system and between the United Nations and the Bretton Woods institutions. An efficient implementation of the global agenda requires more coherent approaches from the different actors in the field of development. Todayâs global, regional and local problems have their economic, environmental and social dimensions. A large-scale problem of a developmental, ecological or humanitarian nature may even turn into an armed conflict. Intertwined problems call for integrated responses.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Parties to any conflict must respect international humanitarian law. We have the global agenda, and the commitments are there. For implementation we need a strong United Nations. The Secretary-Generalâs reform package must be implemented without delay. The proposals for reform in the economic and social sector need to be realized. It is also high time to enter into real negotiations on the reform of the Security Council. All we need is political will. The reform process must lead to a strengthened and more efficient United Nations. Finland values the reforms undertaken by the Secretary General, Kofi Annan. We highly appreciate his leadership as the head of this Organization, and we continue to support him in his endeavours. Member States must provide the United Nations with sufficient means.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“We look forward to the recommendations next year by the United Nations panel on small arms. On the opening day of this session due tribute was paid to the women and men who have served during the past 50 years in United Nations peacekeeping operations. The Organization has a unique role in peacekeeping. Finland reiterates its firm support and commitment to this essential function of the United Nations in global collective security. The world needs the peacekeeping and peace- building capability of the United Nations. We have to strengthen the capacity of the Organization in these fields. Finland calls upon Member States to secure financing for this purpose. Attacks against unarmed United Nations personnel and humanitarian workers are increasing. This trend has to be reversed.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Finland warmly welcomes this development. In several conflict areas, the accumulation of weapons is threatening the very existence of nations. We welcome the entry into force of the Ottawa Convention on anti-personnel landmines following the fortieth ratification last week. The issue of small arms is acute. Readily available and easy to use, small arms are the main tools of violence in todayâs conflicts. The world community needs to respond to the problem of small arms through both enhanced global and regional cooperation. Member States need to control their exports and other transfers of small arms. But that is not enough. An integrated approach involving measures addressing both security and development of societies is required. Finland supports a lead role for the United Nations on the issue of small arms.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“The ongoing efforts of the international community were challenged by the nuclear test explosions by India and Pakistan. Finland deplored these actions. Now it is important to prevent a nuclear arms race in South Asia. We call on India and Pakistan to confirm their promises not to test again through adherence to the Comprehensive Nuclear- Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). The CTBT remains a strong and dynamic cornerstone of the global security system. It serves the interests of all States. Finland welcomes the agreement to begin negotiations at the Conference on Disarmament on a treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons. A cap on the production of fissile material will serve both nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Conventional weapons are increasingly included in disarmament efforts.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Within the framework of the United Nations, important work has been done in the fight against terrorism. A sustainable response to terrorism can be found only through intensified efforts within the United Nations and improved operational cooperation between States. In this regard, I want to stress that the fight against terrorism should be carried out in accordance with relevant international instruments, including those related to human rights. Finland calls for ratification and full implementation of the international conventions on the suppression of terrorism and an early finalization and acceptance of the convention on the suppression of acts of nuclear terrorism. 25 Another way to secure our global neighbourhood is to continue disarmament and non-proliferation efforts.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“It is important that special provisions for the protection of women and children were included in the definition of war crimes and crimes against humanity as well as elsewhere in the Statute. The Criminal Court should keep this in mind in its everyday work. As the experience of the two ad hoc tribunals shows, special expertise is needed for that purpose. In this connection, let me emphasize that Finland also strongly supports the finalization of an optional protocol on children in armed conflicts based on an age limit of 18 years. The suffering inflicted on children by conflicts is intolerable. It is high time to act. We have once again been reminded that terrorism constitutes a growing threat to human beings, internal and international security and the functioning of democratic institutions.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“All women, men and children who enjoy or are demanding those rights are equal regardless of their nationality or cultural identity. This year, human rights are being made more widely and better known because there are still women, men and children who are not aware of their rights. Yet consciousness of oneâs rights is the basis for the rule of law, democracy, good governance and full enjoyment of human rights. Awareness-raising is the key to concrete results in the field of human rights. The Criminal Court will become an effective mechanism for the trial of war criminals, as well as a real deterrent against genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. It is particularly important that the Court make sure also that those individuals who are responsible for atrocities in connection with internal conflicts will be brought to justice.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Democratic Member States and free, capable citizens and their organizations form a good basis for an international network of safety in the world of globalization. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been and is the basis for developing human rights. We should commemorate the Declaration in the daily activities of our Governments and common international institutions. Secretary-General Kofi Annan has emphasized that human rights are the basis for sustainable human development and for the sustainability of any community. I subscribe to his words and endorse his objective of knitting human rights into all United Nations activities. Adequate resources should be secured for this process. The universal nature of human rights should be beyond question and doubt.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)