YouSaid · the spoken record

Evangelos Venizelos

lines on the record: 26
first: 2013-09-24
most recent: 2014-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
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 United Nations is in a position to tackle the new challenges, as it has so often done in the past, provided we all share the same vision and, most importantly, the necessary political will.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“We also attach great importance to maintaining the mandate, level and concept of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus and to the Secretary-General’s good offices mission. We welcome the appointment of Mr. Eide as his new Special Adviser on Cyprus. A just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue and respect for international law, especially the international law of the sea, are two critical factors on which the full development of Greek-Turkish relations depends. These relations have great potential, and are critical to the stability of the wider region as they are relations between two NATO member States, while Greece also supports Turkey’s European perspective. Challenging times require demanding choices.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“This past summer marked the fortieth anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, and the international community continues to confront the ongoing illegal military occupation of the territory of a United Nations and European Union member State. Greece fully supports the dialogue between the leaders of the two communities within the framework of the February 2014 joint communiqué and the initiatives of President Anastasiades for confidence-building measures that can create new momentum on the island. A just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem must be in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions, the high-level agreements, the February 2014 joint communiqué and the European acquis. The Cypriot people must express their agreement to such a solution through a referendum.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“We propose a mutually acceptable compound name, with a geographical qualifier before the word “Macedonia”, for all uses and purposes, internally and internationally, erga omnes. Greece supports the European and Euro-Atlantic perspective of that neighbouring country and has long been among the top foreign direct investors there. Its European and Euro-Atlantic perspective hinges not on the name or on Greece, but on respect for the general criteria in place for all accession-candidate countries. It hinges on issues of democracy, rule of law, respect for human rights, harmonious inter-ethnic relations and freedom of the press. As the relevant European Council conclusions say, tangible steps need to be taken on those issues.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“That objective requires implementation of internal reforms in accordance with EU standards and the promotion of good-neighbourly relations through regional cooperation, reconciliation and effective confrontation of the sources of nationalism. We welcome the significant progress so far in the EU- facilitated Belgrade-Pristina talks. We hope that the two sides will continue their constructive discussions in a spirit of compromise. With respect to the issue of the name of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Greece fully respects the process directed by the Secretary-General through his Personal Envoy, Mr. Matthew Nimetz, and always participates constructively and with goodwill. Greece has already taken considerable steps. We are awaiting corresponding steps from the other side.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“The region’s stability is also under threat from the ongoing violence in Libya. We strongly support the United Nations coordination of relevant international efforts. We therefore welcome the appointment of the Secretary-General’s new Special Representative. Deeply concerned at the life-threatening conditions journalists are increasingly confronting and the censorship and persecution the media are facing, Greece co-sponsored last year’s resolution 68/163, on the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity. We are now co-sponsoring this year’s draft resolution on the protection of journalists. During its European presidency in the first half of 2014, Greece emphasized Western Balkan integration into the European Union.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“As a member of the international alliance against ISIS and extreme jihadists, Greece fully supports the new Security Council resolution 2178 (2014), on how the international community must act against ISIS and potential foreign fighters. In that regard, I wish to make special reference to the grave humanitarian situation and increasing refugee pressure on countries of the region, including Greece. Military means alone cannot eliminate the jihadist threat. We must also promote an inclusive process of reconciliation and national dialogue in Iraq to counter that threat to the country’s national unity and territorial integrity. We remain seriously concerned at the displacement of civilians, and we strongly condemn the systematic persecution of Christians and other religious communities.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Regarding security concerns in our neighbourhood, we welcome the adoption in Egypt of the 26 August Israeli-Palestinian ceasefire agreement, which we hope will pave the way to relaunching the political process aimed at establishing a durable peace, which is obviously a prerequisite for a comprehensive solution allowing two States, Israel and Palestine, to coexist in security. The Secretary-General’s newly appointed Special Envoy for Syria must continue efforts to ensure the effective relaunching of the Geneva II political process. That is all the more imperative given the barbaric actions of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham (ISIS) and other jihadist groups in Syria and the Iraqi- Syrian border regions. Foreign fighters joining jihadist terrorist organizations are a serious threat to regional and global security.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“But if there is to be democracy, there must be a State that is functioning and does not dissolve, as well as minimal security conditions. The Ukrainian crisis seriously affects security and stability in Europe. We are concerned by the deteriorating humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine, and we support the territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of Ukraine. (spoke in English) We support the 5 September Minsk agreement, the full implementation of which can contribute to the resolution of the crisis through diplomatic and political means. The key is the achievement of an inclusive solution.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Greece supports the strengthening of cooperation between the European Union and the United Nations in crisis management, particularly by implementing the action plan on United Nations peacekeeping operations. The world is facing a series of unprecedented crises in the Middle East and in North Africa, as well as the eastern area of the European Union. Of course, in the face of such multiple crises, a consistent and global comprehensive strategy is required. Certainly, from this standpoint the role of the United Nations, especially the Security Council, is the deciding factor. That is the only way that we will be able to deal with the critical dilemma confronting us now, the dilemma between democracy and security.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“The Ebola virus epidemic has become a genuine threat to global peace and security with its serious social, economic and humanitarian repercussions. An international strategy is necessary to contain the virus and to avoid an unprecedented humanitarian crisis that would precipitate the collapse of the health-care system and, eventually, of the social fabric of the States affected. Therefore we welcome the decision of the Secretary-General to establish the new mission, the United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response, and we pledge that Greece will offer its full support to any initiative taken in order to combat the epidemic. The current complex security challenges require us to unite our forces, both internationally and regionally.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Among the challenges at the global level is obviously that of climate change, which is an absolute priority. A new universal agreement, legally binding on all, is essential. Transition towards a new model of green economy with a low carbon footprint must be accelerated. Greece believes that the Climate Summit held this week offered a unique opportunity to intensify the efforts to achieve such a universal agreement. The Greek presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), during the first half of 2014, sought to stress the importance of sustainable development. A significant joint statement was adopted in the framework of the ministerial meeting of the European Union with African, Caribbean and Pacific countries that was held in Nairobi last June.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“This sixty-ninth session of the General Assembly is taking place in a global context full of challenges, testing the efficiency of the current international system. Greece remains fully engaged with the objectives of the United Nations, whose universal ideals have never failed to inspire us. I should like to take this opportunity to emphasize my country’s alignment with the positions of the European Union presented by the President of the European Council in his statement (see A/69/PV.9). We reiterate our support for efforts to reform the Organization, including the Security Council, so that the United Nations can better adapt to the ongoing changes of our age and strengthen its operational nature and effectiveness in the exercise of preventive diplomacy.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Our Organization has to send a strong and clear message of peace, security and prosperity to the peoples of the world, particularly the younger generation.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“I also wish to say a few words about the priorities of Greece’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2014. Coming at a time of unprecedented economic challenges for the Union, our presidency will carry forward the vital debate on the future of Europe — a debate that will intensify as we approach next year’s European elections. All the issues that humankind is facing and that are being dealt with by General Assembly at this session highlight the need to enhance the role of the United Nations and to further consolidate the institutions of global economic and political governance. The hopes of the international community are oriented towards the United Nations.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Greece has already achieved the highest structural primary surplus in the Eurozone — 5 per cent of gross domestic product. Greece has achieved a peacetime historical first — a fiscal adjustment of 19 per cent of gross domestic product in the four years from 2009 to 2013. We have done so in spite of six years of recession. We have carried out necessary structural reforms in public administration, the investment sector and the labour market, and our privatization programme is already yielding results. But all of that has, of course, come through great sacrifices borne by the Greek people and at a very high social and political cost. Defending democracy and the rule of law against forms of racist, xenophobic conduct and all forms of social violence is a fundamental engagement of the Hellenic Republic.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The new developments in the energy sector regarding the exploitation of hydrocarbons can serve as a factor for development, peace and stability throughout the region. Relations with our neighbour Turkey are set on a positive course. Institutionalized cooperation at the highest governmental level, as well as increasing tourism and economic cooperation, can create further potential for the future. Nevertheless, critical factors needed to promote substantial and promising prospects for our relationship with our eastern neighbour are full respect for international law and international legality and, within this framework, a just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue. The Greek people have succeeded in restoring the country’s credibility.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“In that context, Greece greatly values the Secretary-General’s mission of good offices, in particular his ongoing efforts to successfully relaunch the intercommunal negotiating process. We also fully support President Anastasiadis’ renewed constructive package proposal. We hope that Ankara will decide at long last to pursue a new policy of normalization of its relations with the Republic of Cyprus. Such a Turkish policy would decisively facilitate the relaunching of intercommunal negotiations on a just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue within the framework of the relevant Security Council resolutions, in line with the acquis communautaire and approved by the Cypriot people through a referendum.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The solution of the name issue will enable both Greece and its neighbour to develop multidimensional and productive cooperation at the bilateral and regional levels. It will also contribute to the stability and prosperity of South- East Europe and boost the country’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Thirty-nine years after the Turkish military invasion of the island, the Cyprus problem remains first and foremost an issue of illegal military occupation of well over one third of the territory of a Member State of the United Nations and European Union. A comprehensive agreed settlement of that major international problem is a top priority for the foreign policy of Greece.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Demonstrating political courage, Belgrade and Pristina concluded an historic agreement in April, which is a major development towards consolidating peace and stability in the Western Balkans and advancing the European integration of both sides. We seek to develop our relations with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on the basis of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and within the framework of good neighbourly relations. Greece is committed to the ongoing United Nations- led negotiation process and to finding a solution on the issue of a name. We therefore continue our efforts to reach a mutually acceptable name for all uses, erga omnes, that will leave no grey areas and allow for a clear distinction between our neighbouring country and the region of Macedonia in northern Greece.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Greece and the European Union have unequivocally condemned the use of chemical weapons, and we strongly support the United States-Russian Federation initiative for the collection and destruction of Syria’s chemical arsenal. We welcome the diplomatic breakthrough expected to be achieved by the Security Council on the destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons. It is our fervent hope that it will be a crucial turning point in the Syrian crisis, providing vital momentum towards a “Geneva II”-type process that can take us to a viable and inclusive political resolution of the Syrian crisis. Greece has always been a firm supporter of a European future for the Balkan region. The process of European integration means leaving behind old, divisive mentalities and moving towards an era of close cooperation, on the basis of shared values and principles.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“(spoke in English) The relaunching of peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, facilitated by the United States, provides an important opportunity to reach a final settlement to this long-standing problem, to the benefit and stability in the wider region, based on a two-State solution with a secure Israel and a sovereign, contiguous and viable Palestine living side by side. Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas must be praised for their leadership and courage to engage in the peace talks. Now is the time to take bold and concrete steps towards peace. Greece is very concerned with the ongoing crisis in Syria, which jeopardizes stability in a very fragile region.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Greece will lend its full support to strengthening the Human Rights Council with a solid mandate. Greece is determined to contribute actively to the mission of the Human Rights Council and is presenting its candidature for the 2017–2019 term. Greece is strongly devoted to the decisive role of the United Nations in peace and security. In spite of financial restraints, we remain firmly committed to peacekeeping operations, to which we contribute personnel and resources, including to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. We support efforts to prevent conflicts and promote the peaceful settlement of disputes. Moreover, we attach particular importance to cooperation between the European Union and the United Nations in the field of crisis management, and we welcome the work undertaken to further strengthen that cooperation.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Greece and the other countries of southern Europe are under great pressure with regard to the issue of illegal immigration, which weighs heavily on our financial and administrative capacities. The effective management of migration represents for our country a key political option in that it relates directly to safeguarding and respecting human rights, social cohesion and public security, and to maintaining the economic stability of our countries. On the basis of our experience of recent years, we have reviewed our national action plan to reform the system of asylum and immigration. Furthermore, migration and mobility issues will be among the priorities of the Greek presidency of the European Council in the first term of 2014. The promotion of human rights is a priority interest.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“In that spirit, we lend our full support to the efforts to reform and strengthen the Organization in order to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century. We welcome the special event on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the High-Level Political Forum that took place this week and highlighted the broad themes of international development and cooperation. The effective management of migration can have a positive impact on the countries of origin and of destination. The High-Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development to be held on 3 and 4 October presents an important opportunity to develop a global agenda for the effective and inclusive management of migration and to reaffirm the necessary political will. Greece is committed to participating actively in joint efforts to that end.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“I congratulate Mr. John Ashe on his election as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-eighth session. I convey my deep gratitude and appreciation to the Secretary-General for his work to strengthen the role and effectiveness of the United Nations, fully supporting the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. I take this opportunity to emphasize my country’s alignment with the positions of the European Union, presented by the President of the European Council, Mr. Herman Van Rompuy, in his address (see A/68/PV.8). Greece remains fully committed to the objectives of the United Nations, whose universal ideals have never ceased to inspire us. We are deeply committed to our collective work for sustainable peace, prosperity and safeguarding human dignity.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)