YouSaid · the spoken record

Kinga Göncz,

lines on the record: 55
first: 2006-09-24
most recent: 2008-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
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 welcome the recent decision of the General Assembly to start the intergovernmental negotiations on the reform of the Security Council during the sixty-third session. In conclusion, Hungary is strongly committed to work with you, Mr. President, during the sixty-third session of the General Assembly in attaining the objectives of the United Nations.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“It is essential that the mission be fully deployed by the end of the year. The establishment of criminal courts in the region paves the way towards a solution of the crisis in Darfur. Nevertheless, we should continue to follow the fragile peace process closely. We are convinced that, in order to address the various challenges of the twenty-first century, the international community needs a strong, reformed and well-functioning United Nations. Progress has been made in all areas of United Nations reform in the past two years, with some new bodies becoming operational. In other areas we need further consultations and negotiations with Member States in order to achieve a lasting solution. Hungary is ready to contribute to those negotiations.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“After five years of conflict, Iraq is showing clear signs of recovery for the first time. With the help of the international community, Iraq is achieving major milestones in the reconciliation and reconstruction process. Hungary welcomes the fact that the improved security situation allows for the establishment of a withdrawal schedule, assuming that a fundamental change in the capability of the Iraqi Government to take control provides grounds for a long-term settlement of the crisis. Due to the conflict raging in Darfur, which is one of the most worrisome on the African continent, the situation in the Sudan and neighbouring countries is 08-53129 10 still unpredictable and explosive. Hungary welcomes the extension of the mandate of African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur until 31 July 2009.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The Iranian nuclear programme continues to be a matter of serious concern for my Government. Iran has failed to provide the international community with credible assurances as to whether its nuclear projects are in line with its international obligations. We deeply regret that the leadership of Iran has refused to abide with the relevant Security Council resolutions. Only full and unconditional compliance with the demand to suspend its enrichment-related and reprocessing activities can pave the way for the re-establishment of confidence in the peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear programme and open up prospects for intensified economic and political cooperation. We hope that Iran will change its present course of confrontation and opt for constructive dialogue with its partners.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We fully support, and we are ready to participate in, the planned missions of the different international institutions, such as those of the EU and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, in resolving the conflict and monitoring the implementation of the peace agreement. Hungary has offered humanitarian assistance, and we are studying further possibilities to assist Georgia. Hungary attaches great importance to the comprehensive process initiated at the Annapolis Conference, convened by the President of the United States of America, in order to settle the Middle East conflict. Since Annapolis, there have been regular meetings between Israel and the Palestinian National Authority. We hope that the peace process will lead to the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the normalization of Israeli-Arab relations.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Hungary fully supports the efforts of the international community and various institutions to implement the peace agreement in Georgia. Hungary strongly believes in the peaceful settlement of conflicts. The use of military force to settle territorial disputes represents a dangerous precedent that can have further implications in the whole region and beyond. Any further steps and negotiations must be based on full respect for Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, internationally recognized borders and democratically elected leadership. It is of crucial importance that all parties agree on a unified interpretation of the agreement.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We deem it of crucial importance that a resolution of the Kosovo Assembly and its new constitution fully committed Kosovo to democracy, the rule of law, the protection of Serb communities and other minorities, the protection of cultural and religious heritage and the international presence. Without a stable Kosovo there can be no stability in the Balkans. In that context, we welcome and support the continued presence of the international community on the basis of Security Council resolution 1244 (1999). We also remain committed to contributing to the stability of Kosovo through the European Union Rule of Law Mission, the International Security Force in Kosovo and an international civilian office as part of the international presence.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Hungary remains committed to helping Afghanistan to rebuild following many years of war and to create a State that is safe, stable and democratic. We are committed to continuing our military assistance as a leading nation in the Provincial Reconstruction Team in the northern part of the country, as well as to expand our development activities in Afghanistan. Contributing to peace and stability and achieving prosperity have constituted a cornerstone of Hungarian foreign policy in the Western Balkans for many years. We continue to believe that that goal is best served by actively supporting the integration of the region into Euro-Atlantic structures. As we all know, on 17 February, Kosovo declared its independence. A number of United Nations Member States recognized that independence, including Hungary.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Concluding a comprehensive convention on international terrorism also remains a high priority for the Republic of Hungary, and we fully support the work of the Ad Hoc Committee in that regard. We hope that we will be able to finalize the drafting of a comprehensive convention on international terrorism during the sixty-third session. 9 08-53129 In spite of the many security and political challenges that still persist in Afghanistan, we acknowledge and appreciate the achievements of the international community and the enormous work that has been done so far to bring about tangible improvements in the everyday lives of the Afghan people. In that process, the United Nations Mission in Afghanistan remains instrumental, especially in the preparation and conduct of the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in 2009 and 2010.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“However, the steps taken thus far still fall short of preventing the many dreadful crimes against humanity. As a Member of the United Nations and the European Union, Hungary is fully committed to the idea of preventing genocide and is ready to take specific steps to that end. We have decided to prepare a feasibility study on the establishment in Budapest of an international centre for the prevention of genocide and mass atrocities. In our view, it should be an independent institution with the aim of contributing to international efforts to prevent the occurrence of genocide. The most important outstanding issue in the area of counter-terrorism, is the full and speedy implementation of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy (see resolution 60/288), for which Member States have the main responsibility.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“I hope that, under her guidance, the Forum on Minority Issues will be widely recognized, efficient and results-oriented. We firmly believe that a lasting solution to current challenges cannot be achieved without the effective involvement of women in all aspects of international cooperation. I would like to state that Hungary fully supports the initiative to undertake a comprehensive review of the implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) by 2010, and I am confident that the United Nations should play a leadership role. The United Nations and the European Union — together with Governments, non-governmental organizations and other international organizations around the world — have made tremendous efforts to promote international cooperation in the area of the prevention of genocide and mass atrocities.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Hungary became the second Member State to ratify the Convention and its Optional Protocol. We hope that it will be universally accepted in the near future. We strongly supported the establishment of the Human Rights Council and we are determined to continue to do so. In our view, the time has come for the Council, as well as for all of us, to redouble our dedicated efforts to make the work of the Human Rights Council more efficient. Following the adoption of a consensus resolution by the Council last September, the Forum on Minority Issues will hold its first session at the end of 2008. I am personally very proud that the first Forum session will be chaired by a fellow Hungarian, Ms. Viktória Mohácsi, a member of the European Parliament.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Hungary fully agrees that the matter is urgent and hopes that the ongoing deliberations on the future of the United Nations Framework Climate Change Convention and the Kyoto Protocol will lead to concrete results in the coming year. This year we mark the sixtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as 15 years of the existence of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Over the past 60 years, humankind has made extraordinary progress in the promotion and protection of human rights. Our job is to work hard for the full implementation of human rights treaties. Our expectations were fulfilled on 3 May of this year when the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities entered into force.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We are therefore gradually increasing our official development assistance, concentrating primarily on those activities where Hungary has comparative advantages, especially in the areas of agriculture to combat famine and poverty through the introduction of modern growing facilities, animal husbandry technologies, forestry and fisheries programmes, water management, developing health services and promoting good governance. Every day we are ruining our environment through the intensive pace of development and the emission of greenhouse gases. To address that challenge, we need a more effective institutional framework that includes clear political guidance; adequate, stable and predictable funding; a strong scientific base; and improved assessment of activities and emergency response institutions.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“A coherent and coordinated response is needed to reverse that process. As an emerging donor country, Hungary firmly believes that the international community cannot use the difficulties we all face as an excuse not to do the utmost to achieve the MDGs. 08-53129 8 We are firmly dedicated to broadening the outreach of our foreign policy to the developing countries of Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. International development cooperation and assistance are a growing segment of our foreign policy. We are strongly committed to intensifying our efforts in the years to come.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Our strategy, policies and actions demonstrate our commitment to upholding the rule of international law, to giving priority to effective multilateralism, to spreading the culture of cooperation and the peaceful settlement of international disputes, and to working towards preserving a liveable and sustainable environment for future generations. Hungary’s geographic position and its expertise in democracy building, good governance, promoting the rule of law and human rights, disarmament and non-proliferation will serve as a good basis for our effective contribution to the work of the Organization. Skyrocketing energy prices, food and financial crises and commodity speculation are endangering the results we have attained so far towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“At the outset, allow me to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your election. In fulfilling your challenging tasks during this session, you may rest assured of the support and cooperation of the delegation of the Republic of Hungary. I also wish to salute your predecessor, Mr. Srgjan Kerim, representative of the Eastern European Group, who served us with distinction and dedication. The challenges we have to face daily in an increasingly globalized world require answers based on the principle of universally accepted values and the practice of flexible adaptation to swift changes in our environment. That need is reflected in the new external relations strategy adopted by the Hungarian Government at the beginning of this year.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“On behalf of my country, I would like to reiterate Hungary’s commitment to upholding the rule of international law, to giving priority to effective multilateralism, to spreading the culture of cooperation and the peaceful settlement of international disputes, and to making every effort to preserve a sustainable environment for future generations. In conclusion, Hungary is strongly committed to working with you, Mr. President, during the sixty- second session of the General Assembly to achieve the objectives set out in the 2005 World Summit Outcome.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Fifteen years after the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, the Rio Summit, it is evident that, at the current pace, our efforts will not be sufficient to halt the emerging global threats, in particular that of climate change. The European Union has a clear position in that regard, and it has proposed to speed up the drafting of a new global compact. As a member of the EU, Hungary fully agrees with the urgency of the matter. We hope that the ongoing deliberations on the future of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and of the Kyoto Protocol will lead to concrete results within two years. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the efforts made by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to raise awareness about climate change in the international community.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In that context, one of the most important challenges is to ensure compliance with the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Moreover, Hungary welcomes the entry into force of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, which we ratified in April. An urgent issue in the field of counter-terrorism is the full and earliest possible implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. In that regard, the main responsibility lies with Member States, which should all also actively participate in the upcoming implementation review. The conclusion of a comprehensive convention on international terrorism remains another high priority for Hungary.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We hope that Iran will soon realize that a diplomatic and negotiated solution is possible and that compliance has many benefits. Hungary continues to support the process aimed at achieving the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula in a peaceful manner and welcomes the first promising results of the Six-Party Talks. Developments related to the North Korean nuclear issue have underscored the importance of the early entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Hungary supports all multilateral, regional and bilateral efforts that contribute in an effective manner to our common goal of achieving disarmament and curbing the spread of weapons of mass destruction. Such efforts must also aim at upholding and strengthening key international treaties and export control regimes.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“My recent participation at the fifty-first General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and my talks with Director General Mohamed ElBaradei reaffirmed my conviction that questions relating to nuclear safety and non-proliferation should remain high on our agenda. Hungary shares the concerns of the international community over Iran’s nuclear programme. We deplore Iran’s failure to take the steps required by the IAEA Board of Governors and by Security Council resolutions, steps necessary to re-establish international confidence in the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. We welcomed the adoption of Security Council resolutions 1737 (2006) and 1747 (2007), and we fully comply with the obligations set forth therein.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We are fully aware of the need to strengthen the capacity of the United Nations to mount and sustain complex and multidimensional peacekeeping operations. Hungary commends the efforts made by the Secretary-General to achieve that purpose and welcomes the General Assembly’s decision to establish the Department of Field Support. My country’s track record in the field of peacekeeping demonstrates that we are willing to actively support the Security Council’s decisions. Hungarian military and police personnel are present in many of the peacekeeping missions of the United Nations, namely, in Cyprus, Georgia, Kosovo, Lebanon and Western Sahara.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We consider it essential that the Hybrid Operation be launched, and that troops be fully deployed in the full number authorized, as soon as possible. I would like to commend Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on having made resolving the Darfur conflict a priority, as well as on his visit to the Sudan. It is in that context that I reaffirm our support for the peacebuilding and peacekeeping efforts of the United Nations. Hungary welcomes the fact that the Peacebuilding Commission has started its work and has met in a country-specific format to consider the cases of Burundi and Sierra Leone. We look forward to the first report on its work. We consider the Commission to be an important instrument to enhance the capabilities of the United Nations to support countries emerging from conflict.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We are committed to respecting human rights and democracy, and we therefore strongly condemn the brutal physical attacks against peaceful demonstrators. I reiterate our previous call on the Government of Burma/Myanmar to fully respect human rights and the norms of democracy, in particular the rights to peaceful assembly and to the free expression of opinions. Due to one of the most worrisome conflicts on the African continent the one raging in Darfur the situation in the Sudan and nearby countries is still unpredictable and explosive. Hungary welcomes the renewed momentum in the efforts to resolve the Darfur conflict, in particular the agreement reached on the deployment of the African Union-United Nations hybrid force and the subsequent adoption of Security Council resolution 1769 (2007).”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The stabilization of Iraq is one of the major challenges in the Middle East. We appreciate the results that have been achieved so far in the course of the country’s democratic transformation. However, the Iraqi political class needs to overcome the present state of deep division and start to walk down the path of reconciliation and cooperation in order to bring peace and stability to the country. As a precondition for a long-lasting settlement of the conflict, the international community must enable Iraqi leaders to assume ownership and govern their country in an independent way. Hungary is very concerned about the acts of violence perpetrated by the security forces of the Burma/Myanmar Government.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Moreover, I can confirm our future commitment in Afghanistan, which enjoys broad political consensus among all the parties represented in the Hungarian parliament. Nevertheless, we must not forget that the primary responsibility for the stabilization and development of Afghanistan lies with the Afghan people themselves. We are concerned about the security situation and the attacks carried out by Taliban and anti-Government forces, and we firmly condemn all hostage-taking actions. Drug production and trafficking continue to be a major source of instability, and we note the increase in opium production with grave concern. We encourage the Afghan Government, working in close cooperation with the international community and in particular with its regional partners, to take effective measures to stabilize the whole region.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We are following with great attention the work of the teams set up recently by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to negotiate core issues related to a permanent solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We welcome the initiative of the President of the United States to convene an international conference in November. Hungary is firmly committed to the reconstruction of Afghanistan. As a State member of the North Atlantic alliance, we have been involved in the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force since 2003. On 1 October 2006, we took over the leadership of the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Baghlan province. I am proud of the successful work done by Hungary’s military contingent and by Hungarian teams of aid workers.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The European Union has invested much in the region in terms of material, political and military assistance. It has also offered the countries of the region prospects for joining the European Union. With regard to Serbia, we are convinced that reinforcing the prospects for future membership of the EU may facilitate finding a solution to the question of Kosovo. Hungary therefore looks forward to a successful outcome to the new round of negotiations facilitated by the EU-United States-Russia Troika, which the parties should approach in a constructive and frank manner. We hope that the encouraging signs of trust and a constructive approach will prevail in the course of the entire process, and that the parties will be able to come to an agreement endorsed by the Security Council.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Let me now focus on some of the most urgent foreign policy issues of our day. Peace and stability in the Balkan region is of paramount importance to my country, and to Europe as a whole. While the question of the future status of Kosovo has drawn international attention, we are aware that the issue of Kosovo is a challenge that needs to be primarily tackled by Europe. Nevertheless, the United Nations has played a pivotal role in the process to date. Our hope is that that will continue to be the case until a proper solution is found. There is no doubt that there is a significant role to be played by the EU in facilitating a satisfactory solution for Kosovo. One thing is certain among all the uncertainties: the status quo is not a solution. More than ever, the region needs stability, economic development and inter-ethnic reconciliation.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We are resolved to attach special attention to creating more balance in the geographical scope of our cooperation policy in order to include African, Asian and Latin American countries. Stepping up our outreach efforts and developing not only assistance activities but also economic ties with Africa will mark the beginning of a new era in our relationship with that continent. We are also ready to assume more responsibilities in various international forums. Our ambitions are best embodied in our application for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the period 2012-2013. We view our potential membership as an opportunity to engage in constructive cooperation with all our partners in order to achieve our common objectives on the basis of shared interests and values.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We are ready to increase our official development assistance and to carry out our efforts in line with the European Consensus on development and the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness. However, we are convinced that scaling up the volume of aid in itself will not necessarily lead to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. It is also important to emphasize the need for better complementarity, coordination and coherence in development cooperation. Having been fully integrated into the European Union (EU) and NATO structures, we are committed to carrying out qualitative change in the outreach of Hungarian foreign policy. We want to make our policy and our presence more visible in all parts of the world: an active development cooperation and assistance policy coupled with an increased presence in United Nations bodies.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We are particularly pleased that Hungary can share its transitional experiences, both as a member of the Advisory Board of the United Nations Democracy Fund and through the International Centre for Democratic Transition, which is based in Budapest and which has a partnership agreement with the Democracy Fund. The United Nations has a special responsibility to address challenges related to institution-building and to promote democracy. As Amartya Sen, the Nobel Prize winning economist has said, countries need not be fit for democracy; they need to become fit through democracy. Hungary, as an emerging donor, is determined to meet the obligations set out in the Millennium Declaration and the Millennium Development Goals.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“At the global level, the United Nations has a comparative advantage in providing technical assistance in the preparation and implementation of national development plans. We fully support the recommendations of the High-level Panel on United Nations System-wide Coherence to improve the operational effectiveness, inter-agency cooperation, predictability and accountability of the United Nations system. The Millennium Development Goals represent the global commitment to fundamental rights, which must be guaranteed if we genuinely seek to strengthen our democracies. Democracy should also mean creating the conditions for sustainable economic development that provides people with access through decent jobs to opportunities to achieve full personal development.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“As the second State party to ratify the Convention and its Optional Protocol, we hope that they will enter into force soon. Seven years ago, our Governments made a remarkable promise to the world in adopting the Millennium Declaration (resolution 55/2). Although there has certainly been some progress in achieving its objectives, there will be regions of the world where the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) will not have been met by 2015 if we do not intensify our efforts. In the meantime, we must also emphasize the central role of national policies and development strategies in achieving the Goals. The sustainability of development depends heavily on national ownership and leadership.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Allow me to place special emphasis on the empowerment of women. We firmly believe in the need for the effective involvement of women in the decision-making processes at both the national and the international levels. In that regard, Hungary supports the ongoing debate on the future of the strengthened gender equality architecture. We welcome the steps taken towards achieving effective gender mainstreaming throughout the entire United Nations system. On 30 March, we witnessed the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. That new international instrument will improve the living conditions of almost 650 million persons with disabilities all over the world, ensuring equal opportunities for them in all aspects of life.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In that regard, we concur with the Secretary-General, who has emphasized the need to consider all situations of possible human rights violations on an equal footing. Not having a special rapporteur assigned to a particular country does not absolve that country from its obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other human rights instruments. I should now like to share some thoughts about an issue dear to my country. We welcomed with great satisfaction the recent decision of the Human Rights Council to establish a forum on minority issues. I am confident that the forum will provide a useful platform for dialogue and exchange of views between minorities, Governments and other stakeholders on issues related to national or ethnic, linguistic and religious minorities.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Special procedures and contributions to the review from treaty bodies and non- governmental organizations will prove to be essential in that regard. In order to better protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, the system of special procedures a unique web of protection has continued to provide effective action for the benefit of victims of human rights abuses. Special rapporteurs and independent experts have continued their work, giving a voice to the voiceless, even at times when the Council was focusing mainly on the task of institution- building. We are thoroughly convinced that both thematic and country-specific mandates remain valid, given the numerous human rights violations still occurring on a daily basis.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We welcome the adoption of the new resolution on the revitalization of the General Assembly. It is up to each Member State to make the work of the Assembly meaningful and to ensure that the Assembly takes up issues of genuine concern and takes decisions that have a real impact on the political process. Let me now turn to Geneva, where important reforms have taken place as well. The Human Rights Council has finally started its work, in an atmosphere of high expectations. The consensus over the universal periodic review mechanism sends a clear message that all countries will have their human rights records examined at regular intervals. Thus, no country will be immune from international scrutiny. However, in order to make it truly meaningful, we have to build a credible and robust mechanism.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“I believe that the world needs, more than ever before, effective multilateralism, which is still a key word for the future. We should make progress on management reform, mandate review and disarmament, and define further concrete steps towards a renewed Security Council. Hungary would have preferred for the issue of Security Council reform to have seen more progress during the sixty-first session of the General Assembly. The impasse was certainly not due to the lack of effort on the part of the President of the General Assembly or to a shortage of creative ideas. We believe that the best solution would still be a balanced increase of seats to better reflect the political realities of today. The enlargement process should be combined with tangible improvement of the Council’s working methods.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Allow me first of all to warmly congratulate you, Sir, on your election as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-second session. I am pleased to see you, a high-ranking official from the rather underrepresented Eastern European Group, assuming that prestigious post of the United Nations. In fulfilling your challenging tasks during this session, you may be assured of the support and cooperation of the delegation of Hungary. I would also like to pay tribute to your predecessor, Sheikha Haya Rashed Al-Khalifa. During the sixty-first session, Member States worked hard to come to agreement on the proposals made at the 2005 Summit meeting, but we still need to do more to ensure that the United Nations system is managed coherently and effectively.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“His devotion, diplomatic skills and vision have earned him profound respect all over the world.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Six years ago, the Governments of the world made a solemn pledge to strive to eliminate global poverty by signing the Millennium Declaration (resolution 55/2). A great deal remains to be done to achieve the objectives set out in the Millennium Development Goals, in developing countries, by the donor community and here at the United Nations. We need to make sure that development, in rich and poor countries alike, is sustainable. As a new EU member, Hungary is gradually increasing its official development assistance and recognizes the special development needs of the world’s poorest regions. In conclusion, I would like to thank and commend the outgoing Secretary-General for his tireless efforts during the past 10 years, often under difficult and challenging circumstances, to promote the principles of the Charter.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“We welcome the resolve of the Iraqi Government to engage all communities in order to achieve reconciliation and strengthen national cohesion. I would like to reiterate Hungary’s continued commitment to assisting the people of Iraq in their endeavour to build a free and prosperous country. The deteriorating situation in Darfur is another matter of grave concern. The Government of the Sudan should agree to the swift deployment of a United 29 06-53329 Nations peacekeeping force with a mission to halt the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe. In this regard, Hungary also hopes that at this session the General Assembly will make advances in the elaboration of the important concept of the responsibility to protect.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The international community, along with the parties concerned, must make every effort to ensure the swift and full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). The Republic of Hungary is strongly committed to building a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. Our resolve has been manifested by my Government’s recent decision to take over the leadership of the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Baghlan province. Although major efforts are being undertaken by the international community to assist in the reconstruction process in Afghanistan, the primary responsibility for the stabilization and development of the country lies with the Afghan people themselves. Hungary remains gravely concerned about the prolonged and dramatic security situation in Iraq.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“A functioning multicultural society in Kosovo is inseparable from the sincere implementation of standards, respect for minority rights and effective decentralization, all of which are essential preconditions for the successful outcome of the status talks. Hungary is fully committed to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. It is essential to revitalize the peace process on the basis of the Road Map and other agreements accepted by the parties concerned. Israel has the right to live in peace and security, and the Palestinians have the right to an independent and viable Palestinian State peacefully coexisting with its neighbours. Peace and stability in Lebanon are vitally important for the entire Middle East.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The most important challenge faced by the international community in this context is non-compliance with the Treaty on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). My Government sincerely hopes that the next NPT review cycle will ultimately bring tangible results, and it urges all nations to make genuine contributions to that effect. Working out lasting solutions for unresolved issues relating to the western Balkans is of paramount importance for peace and stability in the European continent. Hungary is convinced that the success of the status talks in Kosovo will depend on the ability of the parties to build mutually acceptable arrangements, which, in turn, will require a proper time frame.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Today, I am proud to confirm that Hungary will show solidarity with every nation that seeks freedom and democracy for its people. It is my moral obligation to express our profound respect for the activities of the dedicated politicians and diplomats who kept the so-called Hungarian question on the agenda of the world Organization for several years. Hungary will never forget the devotion of Povl Bang-Jensen, the Danish United Nations officer who served as Secretary of the United Nations Committee entrusted with the examination of the Hungarian events of 1956. His efforts and sacrifice made for the sake of the Hungarian revolution are etched on our collective memory forever. The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems constitutes a major threat to international peace and security.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Hungary fully supported the Secretary-General’s decision to establish the United Nations Democracy Fund. Being a member of the Advisory Board and a contributor to the Fund, we are pleased to recognize that the projects approved by the Fund properly reflect local, regional and global demands. Fifty years have passed since the citizens of Hungary rose up against a brutal dictatorship, demanding democracy, human rights and dignity. The totalitarian regime crushed the dreams of the Hungarian revolution and took cruel revenge during its return to power on top of foreign tanks. The spirit of 1956, however, was not to be defeated. Fifty years ago, the Hungarian revolution began with a peaceful demonstration to show solidarity with the Polish nation.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The interdependence of democracy and human rights is clearly demonstrated in countries and regions with a deficit of democratic practices. As the late Sergio Vieira de Mello, former High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated so eloquently, “Imperfect as the ship of democracy may be, no other vessel has proved 06-53329 28 as seaworthy in bringing us safely to the shores of human dignity”. Driven by the policy objective of promoting democracy, the Government of Hungary launched the International Centre for Democratic Transition last year in Budapest. The Centre intends to provide guidance regarding transition in a supportive manner by collecting experience from past democratic transitions and sharing it with those determined to follow that path.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)