YouSaid · the spoken record

Dermot Ahern,

lines on the record: 35
first: 2005-09-24
most recent: 2006-09-24
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

“When we met here last year we agreed an ambitious agenda for the twenty-first century. We have made progress since then, but there is still so much to do. We must now focus on making our ambitions real.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“It will seek to harness our experience and help to share it. It will work closely with the Peacebuilding Commission. We do not overestimate what we can do, nor do we underestimate the difficulty of peacebuilding, but I genuinely believe that our track record means that we can bring something distinctive to the table. I would encourage all countries represented here to find ways of sharing their own experience and exchanging and enhancing 9 06-53609 our collective knowledge of how to prevent and resolve conflict. Since the establishment of the United Nations the world has been spared a repeat of the catastrophic global conflicts that made the first half of the twentieth century the bloodiest era in human history. But the challenges ahead of us remain grave and pressing.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Peacebuilding and conflict resolution are ultimately about psychology — addressing fears, perceptions and beliefs about the past and about the future. A conflict does not begin when the trigger is pulled; it begins in the heart and mind of the person who pulls that trigger. We have learned this at first hand in Ireland. We know the pain and difficulty of dealing with the legacy of division. But over the years we have learned some things about building peace, encouraging reconciliation, improving human rights and the rule of law and addressing social and economic alienation. Our own national experience reinforces what we have learned at the United Nations and from our development programme. That is why we have just established in Ireland an Irish Conflict Analysis and Resolution Support Unit.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“That deadline is real, reflecting our shared belief that drift and uncertainty on the political front are not in the interests of peace and reconciliation, and cannot be sustained. If the parties fail to agree, both Governments will deepen their cooperation to deliver improvements in peoples’ daily lives. But that is not our preferred option. We want local politicians in Northern Ireland taking responsibility for the issues that concern their people. The conditions for a power-sharing government have never been more favourable. It is what the people want. Inevitably it will happen some time. But if it does not happen in November the opportunity may not come again for a considerable time. The great Irish writer George Bernard Shaw once said that making war was hard, but that making peace was infinitely more arduous.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“He and my Prime Minister, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, have devoted almost 10 years to driving it forward. Credit is also due to the parties in Northern Ireland, who, despite deep and abiding divisions reaching far back into our history, are committed to addressing those divisions purely within the political arena. In Northern Ireland the word has finally replaced the weapon as the way to resolve disputes. The Northern Ireland peace process is now at an important juncture. We have worked hard to implement the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, but its capstone, a sustained power-sharing government, has for far too long proved elusive. The British and Irish Governments are demanding that the political parties there agree by 24 November this year to form such a government.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Ireland, with its European partners, wants to see a diplomatic solution to the issue of Iran’s nuclear programme, and we call on Iran to respond positively and rapidly to the wide-ranging proposals that have been put to it. We equally support efforts to renew the six-party talks on North Korea. The world must also act to reduce the supply of small arms and light weapons, which facilitate the escalation of local tensions into all-out conflicts. Ireland strongly supports the negotiation of an arms trade treaty. The disturbing reports from Lebanon also highlight the need for further restrictions on the use of cluster bombs. On behalf of my Government, I pay particular tribute to Prime Minister Blair for his commitment and dedication to the peace process in Northern Ireland.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“It must cease all activities, in particular the expansion of settlements, which are against international law and which make a lasting peace harder to attain. Ireland shares the Secretary-General’s continuing outrage at the failure of last year’s Summit to make any reference to nuclear disarmament. It is simply folly to let this issue languish. In the next review of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons we must do better. Ireland will work with like-minded partners to keep this issue on the agenda. Dr. Hans Blix has already offered us a range of fresh and practical ideas from which we can draw. The world is right to insist on nuclear non-proliferation, but progress on disarmament would make that insistence still more compelling.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“It is time for a major international effort to launch serious negotiations for a settlement — the establishment of two sovereign democratic States living together in peace and security. 06-53609 8 But to achieve peace there must be partners for peace. Ireland strongly supports the continuing efforts of President Abbas to create a national unity government committed to the peace process and reflecting the Quartet principles. If he succeeds the international community must be generous and creative in response. Israel’s absolute right to exist in peace and security should be unchallenged. But, not least in its own interests, Israel must engage seriously and openly with the Palestinians.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“In Lebanon there are signs of hope, but there is no room for complacency. Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) offers a path to a stable peace, and good progress is being made in its implementation. European countries in particular have responded well to the call for contributions to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) II. Ireland will very shortly be in a position to offer its own contribution to that force. But the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians will continue to generate surges of conflict across the region until it is resolved. Any illusion that there can be a unilateral or a military solution has surely been shattered. This is a conflict about the sharing of space. The only solution lies in a negotiated outcome.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The question is not whether the United Nations is relevant, but, rather, whether it can respond effectively to all the situations which clamour for its attention. The Peacebuilding Commission adds an important new dimension. It must be properly resourced, and Ireland is pleased to be contributing €10 million to that fund. The single greatest challenge to international peace and security is the situation in the Middle East. The dreadful events of recent months have again brought before the eyes of the world the continuing suffering being borne by the peoples of the region. Frustration at the long agony of the Palestinian people creates and sharpens wider divisions across the world. A comprehensive settlement of the interrelated problems of the region is more urgently required than at any time in the past 60 years.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“I strongly welcome the recent conclusion of negotiations on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Human Rights Council must, in developing its new ways of working, build on the achievements of its predecessor. It must demonstrate that it can provide strong leadership, particularly in dealing effectively with grave human rights abuses. The human rights situation in Burma/Myanmar remains particularly grave. I again call on the regime to move towards democracy and to release all political prisoners, in particular Aung San Suu Kyi. The centrality of the United Nations to international peace and security is once again underlined by the issues dominating the debate in the Assembly.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Last year the World Summit defined the international community’s responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity should national authorities fail to do so. It would be a disgrace if this major advance became an exercise in empty rhetoric. The Government of Sudan has fundamental responsibility for the safety of its own people. The international community must find ways to persuade it to live up to that responsibility, if need be including further measures against it. We cannot indefinitely stand by and watch with horror from the sidelines. There can be no lasting development or security without full respect for human rights. The human rights of the most vulnerable are especially important.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Secondly, there must be an international peacekeeping force with a robust mandate. As set out by the Security Council, it should be a well-equipped and substantial United Nations force. I again appeal strongly to the Sudanese Government to agree to the deployment of such a force, and to all those with influence on it to persuade it so to do. I cannot emphasize enough the urgency of this. Pending the arrival of a United Nations force, the African Union force — whose continuation I welcome — should have the resources necessary to play a more effective role. Thirdly, long-term security can only be guaranteed by the full implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“We particularly support the efforts of the African Union to bring peace and prosperity to Africa, helping to place Africans firmly in control of their own destiny. However, not all of our collective efforts have met with success. The suffering of the people of Darfur shames the world. There has been human tragedy there on a massive scale, with the intimidation, rape and murder of hundreds of thousands of innocents and the displacement of vast numbers from their homes. Just two months ago I visited a displacement camp myself, in Aboushouk in Darfur. I have seen how precarious the lives of the people are there and also their determination to return home to a better future for themselves and their children. The people of Darfur have three essential needs. First, humanitarian aid must be delivered safely and without restrictions.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Sustainable development must include addressing the immense global threat of climate change. Development is also the key to addressing the enormous challenges posed by migration. Ireland is deeply committed to Africa. Despite its huge problems, there are encouraging signs. We are inspired by the efforts to shape new institutions and more cohesive societies in the aftermath of conflicts and cruelties in Sierra Leone, Burundi, Rwanda, Liberia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Ireland is honoured to assist these and other countries through their difficult transitions, including through aid and the presence of our troops in the United Nations 7 06-53609 Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“As the Secretary-General said last week, three key challenges face the world: first, achieving sustainable development and the elimination of poverty and disease; secondly, the promotion of universal human rights and the rule of law; and, thirdly, ensuring security, the prevention of conflict and the ending of war. In setting our own national aid target of meeting the goal of 0.7 per cent of gross national income by 2012, three years ahead of the European Union schedule, Ireland has put the Millennium Development Goals at the heart of its aid programme, with a special focus on Africa, poverty reduction, tackling hunger, and HIV/AIDS. Last week we published a White Paper which sets out clearly and in detail how we aim to achieve our development objectives.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Management reform is essential to revitalizing the Organization and ensuring that the Secretariat can focus on the priorities we all share. It is in the interest of us all — developed and developing countries alike — for it to succeed. The continuing stalemate over the reform of the Security Council leaves it insufficiently representative of the world as it now is. That serves those who for their own reasons would challenge its legitimacy. This situation cannot be allowed to continue indefinitely, so I welcome recent efforts to restart negotiations on possible options likely to win widespread support. The true test of the United Nations is, however, not the efficiency of its structures, but the effectiveness of its actions.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Let me begin by congratulating you, Madam President, on your appointment and assuring you of Ireland’s full support for the coming year. This session of the General Assembly is the last under the stewardship of Secretary-General Annan. I salute his achievements and pay tribute to his leadership. He has carried out his heavy responsibilities with wisdom and dignity. He can step down from office fully satisfied with the service he has given to the peoples of the United Nations. I was proud last year to act as one of his envoys in the vital reform agenda that he pioneered. Since the 2005 World Summit significant progress has been made. The Peacebuilding Commission and the Human Rights Council have been established. But there is more to be done.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Following the summit, we have a collective responsibility to grasp the opportunity to reinvigorate the United Nations. If we fail, our peoples today and in the future will not judge us kindly. Ireland gives its full backing to the Secretary- General’s proposals for change. I personally was honoured to act as one of his envoys, because, like him, we recognized that the United Nations was at a fork in the road. At the summit, we chose to start down the right track, but there is a long way to travel. I pledge again that over the year ahead Ireland will remain at the forefront of the drive for reform and renewal.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“When the IRA’s commitments are fully delivered and verified, then the way will be clear for renewed political discussions by all parties on the reactivation of the Northern Ireland institutions. The Unionist parties say they are prepared to share power, when it is clear that the threat of violence has been removed once and for all. It should soon be time for them to demonstrate that good faith. I also look to the Unionist community to show determination in condemning and doing all it can to discourage the continuation of the appalling lawlessness, which has in recent times so badly affected both loyalist communities and their vulnerable nationalist neighbours. The need for political leadership is so urgent precisely because the prospect of decisive progress is so real and so alluring.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“We now expect early 19 movement to deliver fully, in a verified and convincing way, on its commitment to decommissioning. There is no room for fudge and, equally, no room for any continuation of paramilitarism or criminality. Sinn Fein should also show leadership in moving to support the Police Service of Northern Ireland and to take their place in the governance of policing. The Police Service is showing professionalism, courage and even- handedness. The completion of the policing project would represent a profound move towards peace and political stability, and I call upon Sinn Fein, in particular, to take the hard decisions needed. Equally, leadership is needed from within the Unionist community.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“But I am seriously concerned at the situation in Zimbabwe. The downward spiral, which, above all, hurts the ordinary people of that nation, must be reversed. The Zimbabwean Government should start by accepting the recommendations of the Secretary General’s Special Envoy. Turning to a topic closer to home, in the Northern Ireland peace process it is also time for renewed leadership. There is a real prospect of the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement — which was put together in 1998 and voted by the people of Ireland — and the sustained operation of its institutions. The British and Irish Governments are partners in that endeavour, and we look for others to join us in delivering their promises. The Irish Republican Army took a major and courageous step forward in July.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“However, the situation in Darfur continues to be deeply worrying. My Government fully supports the African Union’s mission to improve security there. We look forward to early progress in the International Criminal Court investigation into human rights violations. The Government of the Sudan and the parties in Darfur must renew their efforts to conclude a comprehensive peace agreement by December, and the international community must continue to support efforts led by the United Nations to provide humanitarian assistance. I welcome recent progress in the Great Lakes region, in particular in Burundi, where the elected representatives have shown generosity of spirit and courage. I look forward to parallel progress in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Ireland will contribute to support for the electoral process there.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“I urge ASEAN, in particular, to demonstrate effective regional leadership and to heighten pressure on the regime to release her and move along the path of reform. As I said earlier, Ireland is particularly committed to Africa. We contribute substantially to development and conflict resolution, and we will continue to increase that contribution. But external help can do only so much. In the resolution of various political crises affecting the continent, the key requirement is, again, political leadership and vision. We welcome the recent signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in the Sudan, which must now be fully implemented. I am encouraged that, despite the tragic and untimely death of Vice-President Garang, both sides have reaffirmed their commitment to the Agreement.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“We have seen elsewhere that, no matter how difficult and imperfect progress may be, with political will and the support of the international community, it is possible to move forward, away from conflict. The elections yesterday in Afghanistan are a further welcome milestone in its transition. I also commend the excellent progress made in Aceh. I am proud that Irish soldiers are among those taking part in the monitoring mission run by the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Sadly, in Burma-Myanmar, human rights and democracy continue to be denied. That is most acutely symbolized by the continued detention of the heroic Aung San Suu Kyi. The cumulative length of her detention now approaches ten years. Her ordeal is not forgotten by the people of Ireland.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“With the support and the assistance of the international community, both sides must press forward and renew momentum towards a permanent peace. It is also vital that, in particular in relation to the West Bank — as my delegation has spelled out in detail on many occasions — Israel desist completely from further steps which could jeopardize the viability of a two-State solution. With respect to Iraq, the people of Iraq face appalling challenges from terrorism. Despite that, they have courageously taken steps towards the restoration of full democracy and the control of their own destiny. The final decision on the adoption of the draft constitution now rests with the people themselves in next month’s referendum. The international community must do whatever it can to ensure that the vote takes place in a democratic and peaceful way.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“The initial difficult phase of Israel’s disengagement from settlements in Gaza has taken place peacefully. The courage and the commitment of Prime Minister Sharon and his Government have been commendable. Much, however, remains to be done. I welcome the determination of President Abbas and his colleagues to take full advantage of the 18 opportunity presented by the withdrawal. They must, with our help, maintain their efforts to ensure peace, security and the rule of law. And disengagement will truly be a success only if Gaza becomes economically viable, with free trade and free movement. This is clearly in Israel’s interests, as well as in those of the Palestinians. Disengagement is an important advance. It cannot be the end, but rather a step towards the full implementation of the Quartet’s road map.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“The need to align the Security Council with today’s realities is widely acknowledged. This remains an important piece of unfinished business. We must fulfil our commitment to revitalize the Assembly. And we need to take a serious look at how the Economic and Social Council can better fulfil its role. The Secretary-General has made clear his commitment to delivering on management reform within the Organization, as was requested by the summit. Very substantial progress on this question must be made during the present session. I would now like to touch on a number of issues of specific concern to Ireland. In relation to the Middle East and Iraq, the achievement of a lasting peace in the Middle East is of great importance to the entire world. Here, too, political will is the crucial ingredient.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“I welcome what appear to be positive developments with regard to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and salute the leadership of its neighbours and the United States in the negotiating process. Under the NPT, countries have every right to choose the option of civilian nuclear power. But it is essential that they do so in full accordance with the NPT and under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). International confidence in their exclusively peaceful intent is also vital and, where damaged, must be rebuilt in a clear and fully verifiable way. With our other European Union partners, Ireland fully supports the efforts of the European Union three to achieve that outcome with regard to Iran. We must continue to reform the structures of the United Nations.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“But that response must be intelligent, calibrated and proportionate. It must respect human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. And although no cause can ever justify terrorism, the political and social conditions within which it breeds must also be addressed. We cannot ignore the threat posed to our security by weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons. Ireland was deeply disappointed at the failure of the recent Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). We were equally disappointed at the inability of the summit to make any progress on that absolutely vital issue. But we cannot afford to give up hope. The logic in favour of the twin and mutually reinforcing goals of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation remains compelling.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“It must be composed and operate in a way which avoids the failings of the past. But the best features of the Commission on Human Rights, such as its engagement with civil society, must be retained. Ireland particularly values the work of human rights defenders in calling Governments to account, and that must continue. Once more, we meet in the shadow of terrorism. So many recent and terrible acts remind us that no country is immune, as Ireland knows from its own long and bitter experiences. We should agree on the comprehensive convention on combating terrorism without delay during this session of the General Assembly. And all existing specific conventions must be fully implemented, and practical cooperation made more effective. The threat of terrorism requires a robust security response.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“At the summit, there was agreement on the vital principle that the international community should take action to prevent genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity when the responsible Governments fail to do so. I hope and pray that such eventualities will never again come to pass. But if they do, we must act in a way which honours that solemn commitment. We have failed grievously in the past and must never do so again. The summit has committed us to strengthening the United Nations human rights machinery. I strongly welcome the decision to double the budget of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. And the decision to establish a Human Rights Council was very positive. Now the General Assembly must move swiftly to flesh out the modalities and the structure.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Over the past year, we have been tragically reminded of human vulnerability in the face of natural disasters. Their causes may be beyond our control, but how we react is in our own hands. Ireland will place an even stronger emphasis on emergency and humanitarian relief. In particular, we are urgently examining how we ourselves can improve our own capacity to deliver effective civilian protection in such cases. Conflict resolution is a vital part of the United Nations mission. It is not enough to end war. We must win the peace. Without coherent peacebuilding strategies, vulnerable countries may not escape the cycle of 17 violence. From the start, my country has been a leading proponent of the Peacebuilding Commission. Now that it has been agreed, let us work hard to get it up and running by the beginning of 2006.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“But we realize that the United Nations needs to change, just as the world around it has changed. This has to be our focus over the next year. And what we do affects not just us here in this Hall, but billions of our fellow human beings. For the first time in its history, the human race has the capacity to end extreme poverty. The summit has endorsed the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as the benchmark of progress towards that objective. Ireland will play its full part. Last week, my Prime Minister committed Ireland to reaching the 0.7 target by 2012. By that year we will be spending up to 1.5 billion euros annually. Moreover, our aid will remain completely untied and directed towards the very poorest. Africa is, and will continue to be, the primary focus of Ireland’s aid programme.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Sixty years ago, our predecessors, having adopted the United Nations Charter, made sure that the United Nations immediately got down to work. We need to act now with the same urgency. In the face of the profound challenges that confront the world — some of long standing, some new — our heads of State and Government last week agreed on a far-reaching agenda for change. Although the summit did not achieve all that we had hoped for, it is still a major step forward. It is now time for follow-up. On Saturday the Secretary-General proposed an accountability pact. He undertook to deliver on his obligations but said that we, the Member States, must deliver on ours. That requires real political leadership all round. I here commit Ireland to playing its part. The United Nations has no Member more loyal than Ireland.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)