YouSaid · the spoken record

Petros Molyviatis

lines on the record: 26
first: 2004-09-24
most recent: 2005-09-24
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

“We are following developments in all cases and are trying to make positive contributions, whether in the Sudan, in the Democratic Republic of Congo or other countries of West Africa, in the settlement of the dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea, and elsewhere. The emerging pivotal role of the African Union in dealing with African crises has our full support and deep appreciation. Last Friday, we adopted a historic declaration, which constitutes a new and important step in the direction of enforcing collective security and strengthening the United Nations capacity to deal with the new challenges and threats that our societies are facing today. Our efforts should now focus on the implementation of the commitments made, so that generations to come can live in a better and more secure world.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“With regard to Iraq, Greece underlines the importance of its territorial integrity and unity in the framework of a federal system. We remain particularly concerned, however, about the ongoing violence, which makes it imperative to follow the timetable of the political process that will lead the country to normalcy, which is of vital importance for peace and stability in the entire region. We fully support Iraq in this difficult mission. 23 My country has a long, historic relationship with the African continent and its peoples. We have witnessed with great concern the series of conflict situations that have been plaguing Africa for many years.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“The Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and parts of the northern West Bank does, indeed, constitute an important milestone. This is a momentous opportunity to revitalize the road map and to move the process a step closer to achieving a fair, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. The road map remains the framework for the achievement of a just and lasting peace. Both parties should concentrate on fulfilling their respective obligations and commitments and refrain from any and all unilateral actions which threaten to prejudge the outcome of final status negotiations and undermine efforts at building confidence on the ground. Our shared goal remains the realization of a two- State solution: Israel and a democratic, viable and territorially contiguous State of Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“We remain steadfastly committed to reaching a just and viable solution for the reunification of the island following negotiations on the basis of the Secretary-General’s plan and the relevant Security Council resolutions, and in conformity with European Union principles and acquis. In this endeavour, Greece will spare no effort. The climate of our bilateral relations with Turkey over recent years has been constantly improving. We have made vigorous efforts to put our relations on a new, solid track. Significant progress has been achieved in several areas of our bilateral cooperation, and Turkey’s European Union perspective will further broaden the scope of our relations. The latest developments in the Middle East allow us to maintain a certain level of reserved optimism.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“I deeply regret that the Cyprus problem remains unresolved. In the 31 years of military occupation of more than one third of the territory of Cyprus, Greece has strongly supported every attempt and initiative by the United Nations to achieve a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem. In the light of the outcome of last year’s referendums, which should be fully respected, any new initiative will have to be carefully prepared so as to ensure real chances for success. For our part, we are ready to work towards building the necessary common ground, which will render possible the re-launching of meaningful negotiations. Our ultimate goal remains an agreed solution between the two parties.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“In Kosovo, the trauma created by the repression of the past and the inter-ethnic violence that plagued the region for so long has yet to be healed. There is a need for a settlement that is in conformity with international legality, as expressed by the United Nations, and with European standards and values — a settlement which will enhance regional stability. We remain convinced that European integration is the only way to find permanent solutions to existing problems and challenges in the area. At the same time, regional cooperation must be strengthened so as to effectively address the problems of the neighbourhood. Greece, which holds the chairmanship-in-office of the South-East European Cooperation Process, is determined to strengthen the institutional aspects of that process and to develop it into the real voice of the region.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Greece fully participates in the policies formulated by the European Union and the various international organizations that contribute to the economic development of all areas of the world in order to redress existing imbalances. We appreciate the value of cultural diversity in a world unfortunately so often divided by discrimination. We believe in dialogue among cultures, among people and among societies. We fully support the peaceful resolution of all our disputes on the basis of international law and the United Nations Charter. We are deeply committed to the United Nations and what it represents and to effective multilateralism and the pre- eminence of international law. Looking at Greece’s immediate neighbourhood, the Balkans, we realize that it has not yet been fully transformed into a region of peace, stability and prosperity.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Our collective commitment and efforts are needed to correct the imbalances and disparities in the world. It is only a matter of time before extreme poverty, hunger and the catastrophic impact of widespread diseases will lead to strife, internal or external. The foremost example of that is in Africa, where the vicious cycle of poverty, conflict and HIV/AIDS produces an explosive combination ripping apart the fabric of their societies and threatening them with unprecedented and dire consequences. 22 Multilateral cooperation is the only way to a better world. The international multilateral system must be enhanced and strengthened.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Throughout history, violence has never proven to be an answer to our problems. Peace, stability and security can only be achieved through tolerance, acceptance and the realization that our common interests far outweigh our differences. There is no justification whatsoever for terrorism. It is high time for an urgent collective effort to put an immediate end to that modern scourge. Natural disasters, like the tsunami in Asia and the recent hurricane in the southern part of the United States — with so many victims and unimaginable destruction — also demonstrate sufficiently the importance of international cooperation and the urgent need for human solidarity. I am fully aware of the importance of economic development for a considerable part of the world. Security and sustainable development go hand in hand.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“I would also like to express our appreciation to the Secretary-General for his relentless efforts to promote peace and security and to safeguard the moral authority and the pre-eminent role of our United Nations. At the beginning of the twenty-first century, we continue to face many threats and challenges that undermine the basic values and principles of our societies and test our will and determination to abide by the obligations and restraints inherent in those values and principles. Only through concerted collective action, dialogue and mutual understanding can we confront them and pave the way for a better and brighter future. Terrorism has emerged as the most important challenge of our times, creating an atmosphere of collective fear, intolerance and a never-ending cycle of violence.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Let me begin, Mr. President, by congratulating you upon your election as President of the General Assembly and assure you of my country’s unwavering support for your endeavours. Your previous experience at the United Nations ensures that under your guidance the Assembly will continue to promote the values and principles of our Organization. I also wish to extend our sincere thanks to the outgoing President, Mr. Ping. His tireless efforts in all fields, particularly in the preparations for the High- level Plenary Meeting, have been exemplary. Greece fully subscribes to the statement delivered earlier by the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom on behalf of the European Union, as well as to the European Union priorities presented to the General Assembly.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“We are determined, should we be elected, to devote all our efforts and all our capacity to fulfilling that responsibility and honouring the trust of this Assembly of all nations.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“(spoke in English) My country has applied for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the period 2005-2006. I wish to express our deep appreciation to the members of the Group of Western European and other States for their endorsement. Elections are taking place in a few weeks’ time. We are asking for the support of the Assembly, which we would greatly appreciate. Let me assure Members that we shall respect its mandate and that we remain strongly committed to contributing constructively to the maintenance of peace and security and to the preservation of the multilateral order. Greece remains completely devoted to the promotion of democratic principles of government, the peaceful resolution of disputes, strict adherence to international law and respect for human rights.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“(spoke in French) In the light of the great challenges on the African continent, we note with great satisfaction the dedication shown and the results achieved by the African Union, an organization that is only 3 years old. Greece and its European partners want to help to improve Africa’s prospects through development assistance, humanitarian assistance and logistical support. Moreover, we support the prospect of strengthened political cooperation with African countries and with the continent’s regional organizations. I take this opportunity to express the congratulations of my Government and of the Greek people on the tenth anniversary of the establishment of democracy in the Republic of South Africa, a historic event of pan-African significance.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Essential progress in the peace process cannot be achieved without a comprehensive cessation of all kinds of violence, especially violence directed against civilians. Terrorism cannot be a weapon to achieve political 26 goals, and terrorist attacks cannot be justified by any means. As to Iraq, we are deeply committed to the territorial integrity and unity of the country in a federal system. We are deeply worried by the ongoing violence, and we hope for progress in the political process, which will lead to a stable and prosperous democratic country, allowing all of its citizens to enjoy the fruits of peace and exploit the country’s enormous potential.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“In the referendum, which followed in April, an overwhelming majority of Greek Cypriots rejected a specific version of the Annan plan, but they still deeply cherish the goal of a reunited island. The international community can contribute decisively in that direction by keeping the window for a solution open and by avoiding any action which could lead to the deepening of the division of the island or could fail to provide incentives for its reunification. The horizon over the Middle East remains dark. The Greek Government is convinced that only the implementation of the road map can lead to the two- State solution: Israel and Palestine coexisting in peace and security. Half measures can only complicate matters and add new sources of tension.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“In Cyprus, reunification remains our unwavering goal through a mutually agreed, lasting, fair and functional settlement, based on the relevant Security Council resolutions and the plan of the Secretary- General and compatible with the European Union Community acquis and European Union principles. During the last 30 years of military occupation of more than one third of the territory of Cyprus, Greece has strongly supported every attempt and initiative by the United Nations, including the most recent one, for the achievement of a just, viable and functional solution of the Cyprus problem. Unfortunately, the last round of talks did not lead to an agreed comprehensive solution.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“We believe that genuinely regional initiatives such as the South-East European Cooperation Process constitute the appropriate vehicle to enable participating countries to coordinate their efforts towards reform, progress and good neighbourliness. In recent years, the climate of our bilateral relations with Turkey has been constantly improving. Both the Greek and the Turkish Governments have undertaken sincere efforts to set bilateral relations on a new track. We note with satisfaction the progress achieved so far in certain areas of our bilateral cooperation and express our determination to expand it further. It is in that spirit that we clearly support Turkey’s European perspective.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“We shall continue to work towards a constructive and effective system that will allow smooth cooperation between recipients and donors and between developing and developed countries. A close look at Greece’s immediate neighbourhood reveals that, despite the considerable progress made over the last few years, the situation still remains fragile in parts of the western Balkans. Unemployment and the lack of economic prospects are in some cases a social and political time bomb. The situation in Kosovo remains a source of instability. With the proactive support and involvement of the international community, we are working hard to transform the Balkans into a region of democracy, peace, stability and prosperity, focused on a common European future.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“It would be a disgrace to mankind if we did not succeed in bringing about stable and sustainable development and in eradicating hunger and poverty. However, there are growing indications that, despite some progress, we are lagging in fulfilling agreed targets. Collectively, we have to explore new, innovative ways of financing development. Particular attention should be paid to the development problems of Africa and of small island States. In line with the Millennium Declaration, and despite the enormous outlay of resources necessary to finance the Olympic Games and their security, Greece has made a point of increasing its development assistance. In the context of that effort, Greece welcomes the proposals to combat hunger and poverty made by the President of Brazil and co-sponsored by France, Chile, Argentina and Spain.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The peaceful resolution of all disputes at an early stage, on the basis of the United Nations Charter, is of fundamental importance to my country. We strongly believe that the United Nations system of conflict prevention and its preventive potential should be further enhanced to respond better to future challenges. Peace and development are two mutually reinforcing sides of the same coin. Persistent poverty cheats nations out of progress and provides a breeding ground for both internal and regional crises. Four years ago, with the adoption of the Millennium Declaration, a landmark decision was taken to embark upon long- term global evolution. We committed ourselves to achieve by the year 2015 the Goals that were set.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The ancient ideal of the Olympic Truce embodies modern humanity’s hope for the peaceful settlement of the conflicts ravaging the world. The General Assembly has, on many occasions, unanimously endorsed the Olympic Truce and has appealed to Member States to respect it during the Games. It is now a question of transforming that appeal into a tangible reality. (spoke in English) Multilateral cooperation is the safest way to a better world. We all should contribute to the enhancement and effectiveness of the international multilateral system. In that context, Greece fully shares the view of the Secretary-General that we have to 25 move rapidly from the existing culture of reaction to one of prevention.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“(spoke in French) The major challenges and threats confronting us are a source of profound concern — for us and for the peoples we represent. Nonetheless, it is my conviction that, at any cost, we must avoid being drawn into pessimism and anxiety about the future. I share with millions of people worldwide the hope, optimism and determination that were recently seen during the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Athens. In Athens, athletes of the world devoted their efforts to a noble cause and showed us that competition does not necessarily mean tension, friction, crisis or conflict. To the contrary, they proved that the aspirations of all sides can not only coexist peacefully but can also lead to a strengthening of friendship, solidarity and cooperation among individuals and nations.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, human trafficking, organized crime, failing States, environmental catastrophes, social and economic crises, pandemic diseases, large-scale humanitarian disasters, hunger and poverty constitute the core problems we have to face in solidarity regardless of our geography, culture or religion. Last year, the Secretary-General announced the creation of a High-Level Panel of eminent persons to assess the new threats and challenges and to suggest ways to deal with them, including through reform of the multilateral international system. We fully support those efforts. We are eager to contribute constructively, to the best of our ability, towards making the United Nations as effective as possible for the twenty-first century.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“From the most shocking tragedy of 11 September 2001 to the bombing attacks in Madrid and the recent acts of unspeakable brutality in Beslan, a dark parade of acts of blind violence has caused immense human suffering. This has increased our responsibility and cemented our will to work in solidarity for a safer, fairer world. Fighting international terrorism has become the most pressing task among our priorities. In that fight, we must prevail. Besides the scourge of terrorism, however, there are many other challenges and grave problems that afflict humanity.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Mr. President, I would like to begin by congratulating you upon your election to your challenging office. Under your able guidance, the Assembly will take forward its relentless pursuit of peace, security and prosperity throughout the world. I can assure you of Greece’s unwavering support in your efforts. Our thanks go also to the outgoing president, Mr. Julian Hunte, for his exemplary efforts and achievements in revitalizing the work of the General Assembly, as well as on many other issues. The Greek Government fully subscribes to the statement delivered two days ago by the Foreign Minister of the Netherlands on behalf of the European Union (EU) (see ), as well as to the EU priorities presented to this General Assembly. At the beginning of the twenty-first century, events of great importance changed the world we live in.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)