YouSaid · the spoken record

Halldór Ásgrímsson

lines on the record: 60
first: 1996-09-24
most recent: 2001-09-24
sittings or episodes: 4
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 22 must concentrate on the available instruments of each organization and find ways to adjust them as necessary. Furthermore, we need to ensure consistency and complementarity of international efforts. The malicious acts of 11 September and the latest shocking news of the suspicion of biological terrorism demonstrate that all of our concerted efforts are not only necessary but also crucial to fulfilling our duty to protect the lives of our citizens. The United Nations was founded to preserve peace and to work for a better world. Terrorists are fighting against everything the United Nations stands for. Fighting against them means fighting for the United Nations, for the future of our civilization and for all humankind.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“That is why the International Conference on Financing for Development, to be held in Mexico next year, offers an unprecedented opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of millions of people throughout the developing world. The outcome of the Conference should focus on the great challenge of poverty eradication, as well as on how responsibilities between the developed and developing countries should be shared. We should, however, never lose sight of each State’s primary responsibility for its own development. The importance of responsible national governance and respect for human rights cannot be overstated. My focus, like that of many speakers before me, has been on the fight against international terrorism. Fighting international terrorism involves all States and international as well as regional organizations.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“In a document adopted by the Conference, States declared that they would incorporate ecosystem considerations into fisheries management with the aim of reinforcing responsible and sustainable fisheries in the marine ecosystem. This Reykjavik Declaration is a landmark contribution of the fisheries nations to the World Summit on Sustainable Development. We trust that we will see the spirit of the Declaration reflected in the results of the World Summit in Johannesburg. The time has come for a unified effort by political leaders, as well as by civil society and the private sector, to reverse the trend of marginalization and underdevelopment.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“But more needs to be done to include other key emitters of greenhouse gases in the battle against climate change. In the area of oceans — the foundation of human life — we have made some progress. We have adopted significant agreements, and we are looking at ways to improve the assessment of the state of the oceans in order to further enhance marine protection and management. New knowledge and new approaches are also evolving, thus providing the world community with opportunities to improve protection of the oceans and the sustainable use of their living resources. Last October, Iceland, in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and Norway, hosted the Reykjavik Conference on Responsible Fisheries in the Marine Ecosystem.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“In that context, I would like to quote Secretary- General Kofi Annan, who in his opening remarks at the 44th meeting, last Saturday, said “We must put the issue of sustainability where it belongs, in the centre of the policy-making process.” It is therefore imperative that we renew our strong commitment to sustainable development at the Johannesburg Summit. We are faced with new challenges, but also with new opportunities, namely, to build a global partnership to harness the forces of globalization in favour of sustainable development. The world community has just achieved, in Marrakech, a milestone agreement on the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto negotiations have been especially difficult. Now we have reached the moment when we can bring the Protocol into force.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Iceland stands ready to contribute civilian experts should the United Nations become involved in a post-conflict operation. Next year, 10 years will have passed since world leaders met at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. We are asked, what has been accomplished in this past decade to secure the prosperity of future generations in harmony with nature? The truth is that there has been rather little progress and that we face enormous tasks. The world community will look towards the World Summit on Sustainable Development, in Johannesburg, for further commitments by all nations.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Our aim is to provide more personnel to the United Nations, as well as to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union. By adopting resolution 1325 (2000) last year, on women, peace and security, the Security Council recognized the importance of incorporating a gender perspective into peacekeeping operations. When the United Nations becomes involved in peace-building and reconstruction in Afghanistan we have to make sure that resolution 1325 (2000) is honoured in the process, for the benefit of Afghan women and, as a result, for the Afghan population as a whole. The United Nations must play a key role in the nation- building process in Afghanistan.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“I said earlier that the events of 11 September have made United Nations reforms even more urgent. The same is true for the ongoing work to strengthen the peacekeeping capabilities of the United Nations. Until now, Iceland’s participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations has been modest. My country 21 has participated in peacekeeping by providing civilian personnel such as gender experts and police and health professionals. With the changing and more complex nature of peacekeeping, the need for civilian personnel has been increased. The Icelandic Government decided last year systematically to increase its contribution to peacekeeping.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Uprooting terrorism in the world must go hand in hand with solving regional conflicts that threaten international peace and security. This is particularly true for the Middle East. By prolonging the violence and refusing to negotiate, both sides play into the hands of extremist elements that want neither a continuation of the peace process nor a political solution to the Middle East conflict. Both parties have to resume negotiations unconditionally. That is the only way to secure lasting peace in the region, which should be based upon the establishment of a viable and democratic Palestinian State and on the right of the Israelis to live in peace and security within internationally recognized borders. A continuation of the present dire conditions cannot be tolerated any longer.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Most importantly, we must at all times adhere to the basic values of human rights, freedom and democracy. Turning to the actions at the national level, Iceland is taking the necessary steps to ratify all relevant United Nations conventions against terrorism that we have not already ratified. Furthermore, Iceland has implemented all relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolution 1373 (2001). But in fighting the menace of international terrorism — a fight that we all agree needs to be both wide-ranging and forceful — we must, at the end of the day, not in any way undermine the basic values of our societies — those of human rights, the rule of law, and democracy. We need to strike a balance between freedom and the security measures we opt for.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“It is essential and timely that the membership of the Council becomes more representative, and thus more likely to sustain the present international coalition in the fight against terrorism. It goes without saying that the efficiency of the Council must be secured. Enhancing transparency in the decision-making process is also of importance, especially for non-member States. One of the main purposes of the United Nations is to promote and encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion. This continues to be of the utmost importance. Let me therefore make it absolutely clear that the fight against terrorism is not, and must not become, a fight against any religious or ethnic group. We must avoid all forms of discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“This means developing new methods and, at the same time, making full use of all the means at the disposal of the United Nations system, the truly global character of the Organization and the numerous international legal instruments available to us. Iceland strongly supports the creation of a comprehensive convention on international terrorism and hopes that an agreement can be reached on such an instrument during the fifty-sixth session. Otherwise, we will lose the opportunity to develop the coherent strategy lacking today. We cannot fail to react. The key role the United Nations should play in fighting international terrorism must be an impetus to us to intensify our efforts to achieve a comprehensive reform of the Security Council in all its aspects. Iceland is seriously concerned about the slow progress made towards reaching this goal.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Let me congratulate the Secretary-General and the United Nations on being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize — in my view, a well-deserved recognition of Kofi Annan’s leadership and of the dedication he and his staff have put into upholding the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. Hopefully, the award will serve as an inspiration as well as strengthen worldwide support for the United Nations and what it stands for. The tragic events of 11 September have radically challenged and changed our security environment. Fighting terrorism should therefore become a priority of the United Nations. We recognize that the United Nations has long been active in the fight against international terrorism, but we now need to go beyond political statements and become truly operational.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Once again, we have witnessed a terrible incident in the neighbourhood of the United Nations here in New York. Although we do not know the circumstances, we are shocked, and it is clear that many have lost their lives. I express my sincere condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones in this tragic incident. 20 Allow me to congratulate Mr. Han Seung-soo on his election to the presidency of the General Assembly. I am confident that he will guide us wisely through the complex tasks ahead of us in this session. The ability of the United Nations to act swiftly in response to acute crisis was seriously tested following the terrorist attacks on the United States. During these trying times, it has been valuable to have at the helm a Secretary-General who enjoys such wide support.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“It is my belief that, in charting a course for the future, we should be looking at success stories and learning from them, rather than concentrating on the obstacles we face. Let us be guided by the doers, but not the doom-sayers.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“It is indeed true that we have not been able to live up to all the expectations raised in Rio, but we should not fail to acknowledge the progress that we have made. The concept of sustainable development has truly become accepted as a fundamental guiding strategy in environmental and socio-economic affairs. In my own country, which is dependent on fisheries, we believe that we are reaping the benefits of the sustainable-use regime for our fish stocks in the form of a healthy ecosystem and a robust economy. Regional and international efforts to prevent the pollution of the oceans have continued to gather strength and we can expect further efforts, in particular to control pollution from land-based sources.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Today, about one third of the world's population does not have such access, and this situation is obviously a serious obstacle to the development of these communities. In my country, we have been able to bring sustainable energy to all households in the country. We are sharing our experience and knowledge with the developing countries through the United Nations University Geothermal Training Programme, which is located in Iceland and funded by my Government. The 1992 Earth Summit in Rio created a momentum for building a secure future for humankind and life on Earth under the banner of sustainable development. Soon, world leaders will meet again at a global conference to take stock of the progress made in meeting these challenges, laid down in Agenda 21 and the other Rio agreements.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“We must be mindful that the Convention provides the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. The United Nations specialized agencies have an important role to play in promoting the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans. A key area in this respect is marine scientific research. We need more accurate and policy-oriented information on the state of the oceans. Coordination towards that end would be a worthy task for the new Informal Consultative Process on Ocean Affairs. At the onset of a new millennium, it is more pressing than ever before to ensure the access of people in the developing countries, especially in rural areas, to readily available and sustainable energy.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Towards that end, we established an Informal Consultative Process to discuss the Secretary-General's report on the oceans and the law of the sea. I was pleased with the implementation of this decision of the first Meeting of this Process last spring. However, we must act carefully when seeking to improve our coordination and cooperation in this area. Ocean issues must be addressed at the appropriate level and be consistent with the rights and obligations laid down in the Convention on the Law of the Sea. We must fully respect the sovereign right of States over their natural resources and the competence of existing international organizations. Above all, the integrity of the Convention must be preserved.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“It is very important to keep this in mind, not only when we discuss substance, but also when the time comes for us to pay our dues, both to the regular budget and to the peacekeeping budget. It is crucial for the good functioning of this Organization that all Members pay their contributions fully, on time and without any conditions. In recent years, the oceans of the world have received increased attention in the General Assembly. We welcome this development. Iceland's economy is based on the sustainable harvest of living marine resources. The health and responsible stewardship of the oceans are therefore of critical importance to us. Last year, we resolved to improve United Nations coordination in the area of ocean affairs.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Globalization and new technologies offer many opportunities to reduce poverty at a faster rate than in the past. We have been strengthening our development cooperation, both bilaterally and multilaterally. At the bilateral level, we have concentrated on a group of African countries with a focus on strengthening their fishing industry and education and health areas, with the potential to positively alter the lives of people in need. On the multilateral level, we will be contributing to the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Debt Initiative 15 through the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Most of our decisions are based on compromises, in which each and every one of us has to give a little in order to reach an agreement.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“It is worrying to note the trend towards increasing racism and xenophobia in certain parts of the world, including Europe. This needs to be fought at all levels. The World Conference to be held in South Africa next year will without doubt play an important role. Iceland welcomes this Conference and feels that, in the light of history, South Africa is a very appropriate venue for it. As reflected in the report of the Secretary- General, “We the peoples”, fighting poverty remains one of the main challenges to the United Nations. People living in poverty do not have the opportunity to exercise many of their fundamental rights and freedoms. They cannot benefit from the possibilities of globalization. We need to reverse the current trend, as decided at the Millennium Summit. But more needs to be done.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The rights of women were significantly enhanced with the adoption last year of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Iceland has signed the Protocol and is preparing its ratification. I cannot fail to condemn the terrible plight of those women around the world who are still enduring major human rights abuses, including female genital mutilation and trafficking, as well as severe restrictions on their freedom of movement and the right to work. During the Millennium Summit, the Prime Minister of Iceland signed the two Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Iceland welcomes their adoption and hopes that they will further secure the human rights of children. We have to put extra effort into working towards the elimination of racial discrimination.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The Security Council should be commended for discussing the grave humanitarian crisis and security threat posed by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, and also for discussing the issue of children and armed conflict. The discussion in the Council has served to concentrate the attention of the international community on these issues and led the way for others to take the measures required. Both issues affect children in a very serious manner. I expect them to feature prominently on the agenda of next year's special session to follow up the World Summit for Children. I also welcome the decision to hold a special session of the General Assembly on the enormous problem of HIV/AIDS and international efforts to combat it.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The elections to take place in October are also going to be challenging. Hopefully, they can be carried out in an orderly and peaceful manner. It is very important to include women in the political process. In this respect, I would like to commend the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) for the good work carried out in Kosovo, not only in the political field but also in fighting violence against women and in promoting women's participation in economic activities. The importance of human rights in securing long- term stability and security, both within and between countries, cannot be overestimated. It is therefore essential that no compromises be accepted in this field, and our aims should remain high.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Rogue elements cannot be allowed to destroy possibilities created by the international community. One ethnic group must not be allowed to win at the expense of another. The Kosovars have been provided with a unique opportunity to build a just community in the region — a community where the fundamental freedoms and rights of every individual and minority group are respected. Only by utilizing this opportunity are Kosovars going to be able to build a stable foundation for lasting peace and stability for future generations. The same can be said about similar situations elsewhere in the Balkans, such as in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The international community has taken on an enormous task in building a whole new civic structure within Kosovo. The development of a legal system and free media have been two challenging tasks.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“I welcome the proposal to include cooperation between the United Nations and the Council of Europe in the agenda of this session of the General Assembly. I had the honour of chairing the Council of Ministers of the Council of Europe last year. I am therefore well aware of the important contribution made by the Council to peace and stability in Europe, especially in the field of human rights. The United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Council of Europe and other organizations 14 responded to the serious situation in the Balkans by joining forces and working together to make reconstruction achievable. In Kosovo, the politically motivated and inter- ethnic violence must be stopped.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“There are mechanisms to ensure respect and compliance with these rules, such as the General Assembly, the Security Council and peacekeeping missions. As a complement to these mechanisms, an effective international court system should be available to bring those who breach these rules to justice, at the same time serving to deter potential perpetrators. With this in mind, I believe that the greatest achievements towards strengthening the international legal system in recent years have been the establishment of the International Criminal Tribunals for the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and for Rwanda and the adoption of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Iceland has ratified the Rome Statute and encourages all other States to do so.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“One to which Iceland has decided to accede is the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel. The Security Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Unfortunately, it has not succeeded in reflecting the tremendous changes in the international arena which have taken place since its establishment. In order to ensure its credibility in years to come, the reform process has to be accelerated. The rules of international law governing the relations between States are now well established; this also applies in the fields of human rights and humanitarian law. These rules set out the rights and obligations of States and individuals. But ground rules do not suffice if it is not possible to enforce them.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“It has done so in the Balkans by providing medical staff, policemen and experts in the fields of law, the media and women's rights. We have noted with interest the recommendations made in the Brahimi report concerning the non-military aspects of peace operations. We will be studying them carefully now that we are in the process of looking into how we can strengthen our contribution to peacekeeping in the future. The report states that expressions of general support in the form of statements and resolutions must be followed up with tangible actions. We will be taking these words of wisdom seriously in our policy-making. In the preparations for the Millennium Assembly, the Secretary-General encouraged Member States to engage more effectively in the international legal framework by acceding to a number of legal instruments.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“It is appalling to note the enormous sums being spent on weapons, while the money could be used to significantly improve the lives of millions. Today, when there is an obvious need to assess the United Nations ability to conduct peacekeeping operations, it has proved extremely important to have a Secretary-General who has such a deep knowledge of the matter through his own experience. I would like to commend the Secretary-General for taking the initiative to ask a panel of prominent experts in the field to assess the situation. I welcome the Brahimi report. Its recommendations should be implemented as soon as possible. Even though my country does not have a military, it has been able to participate in peacekeeping operations.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Allow me, Sir, at the outset to congratulate you heartily on your election to the Presidency of this General Assembly. Finland is a close friend and partner within the Nordic community. We wish you success with this challenging task and pledge to you the full support of the Icelandic delegation. The Millennium Declaration provides the commitments of the world community in the new century. To prevent conflicts, maintain international peace and security and make peace an achievable goal at the end of armed conflicts, we need to continue strengthening the United Nations and the international legal system as a whole. Iceland has always supported verifiable arms control and arms reduction measures and will continue to support realistic disarmament proposals aiming at maximum security with a minimum of weapons.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Now we have an opportunity we may not have again any time soon.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“As the chairman of the Nordic and the Baltic constituency of the World Bank’s Development Committee, I emphasize the important role of the World Bank Group in development cooperation. I would like to reiterate what I stated in Hong Kong earlier this week: that the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Debt Initiative must result in a permanent solution to the unsustainable debt burden of the countries in question. 27 Finally, this is a time of extraordinary challenges for the United Nations and its Member States. This is why we need a vigorous, strong and confident Organization, capable of leading the way into the next century. For such an Organization to become a reality we must now focus on effective and meaningful reform. We should use the momentum and not fritter away our time in long-winded and familiar debates.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The key elements for attaining sustainable economic development are a sound policy framework that encourages stable growth, a vigorous private sector, the strengthening of institutional and legal foundations and, last but not least, good-governance and anti-corruption measures. At the same time, we need to focus on human- development strategies. The strengthening of education and school systems and health and social services must be an integral part of any sound strategy for development. We must mobilize the dynamic private sector, together with bilateral and multilateral official development assistance to secure sustainable growth and poverty reduction in developing countries.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Iceland urges Member States to ratify the Agreement. As a new member of the Economic and Social Council, Iceland welcomed the thorough discussion on fostering an enabling environment for development during this year’s substantive session. It is of grave concern that the gap between the rich and the poor has continued to widen. At a time of vastly expanded trade and investment in the world, the least developed countries have seen their share of world trade drop by half in two decades. Many of them are threatened with exclusion from world markets and economic marginalization.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Also, while Governments must work with non-governmental organizations, there is a need to resist the indiscriminate pressure of unaccountable protectionist groups that wish to sever the vital link between environmental protection and economic self- interest. Although not yet in force, the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks, which provides a framework for regional cooperation in the conservation and management of these stocks, has already had a positive impact. In the North Atlantic, for instance, fisheries-management conventions are under review in order, inter alia, to adjust them to the provisions of this Agreement.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The world’s oceans are a crucial part of the earth’s biosphere, in addition to being the single largest source of protein for mankind. This vital resource is now threatened in some regions of the world. Therefore, it is important that the Year of the Ocean be used to raise public awareness and to reinforce efforts to protect the marine ecosystem. A global, legally binding agreement should be concluded to limit the emission of persistent organic pollutants. Problems afflicting the marine ecosystem call for greater coordination at the global level, and also in the sustainable use, conservation and management of living marine resources. At the same time, we must recognize that the primary responsibility for harvesting marine resources in a sustainable manner rests with the States that depend on such resources for survival.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The international community must work harder to correct this situation and to improve the lot of women everywhere, not least through the creation of better education and employment opportunities. Trafficking in drugs is a peril that recognizes no national boundaries. To a greater or lesser degree, we are all affected by it. In addition to the cost in human lives and suffering, we are witness to calamities that follow in the wake of drug abuse, the spread of AIDS, prostitution and crime. Iceland welcomes United Nations efforts in the area of drug prevention and looks forward to the special session of the General Assembly on the problem of drugs next June. Next year has been declared the International Year of the Ocean by the United Nations.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Iceland strongly urges all States to banish this inhumane weapon from their arsenals. Human rights, which are of intrinsic value in themselves, are also a vital part of efforts to secure peace and stability in areas torn by wars and internal conflict. Next year marks the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. My Government applauds the Secretary-General’s proposed 26 streamlining of the work of the United Nations in the field of human rights, bearing witness to a strong emphasis on this crucially important aspect of our work. Unfortunately, the human rights of women continue to be disregarded. As the Secretary-General observed in this forum earlier this week, violence against women has become the most pervasive human rights violation.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The United Nations, in cooperation with regional leaders and organizations, must spare no effort to prevent the peoples of this region from further suffering. By contrast, encouraging developments have taken place in Western Sahara, where direct talks, held under the auspices of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary- General, have greatly improved prospects for a referendum on the future of the region. Arms control and disarmament will continue to occupy an important place in the activities of our Organization. Our most immediate goal should be in the area of conventional arms: to work for a comprehensive ban on that most terrible destroyer of the lives and limbs of innocent people, the anti-personnel landmine. The recently concluded Oslo conference on this menace has provided a welcome impetus to work towards a binding treaty.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“In the Middle East, the situation has rarely been more uncertain since the signing of the Oslo accords. The parties to the accords must not be distracted from pursuing the path of peace. They should refrain from creating unnecessary hurdles in the path of peace by provocative undertakings likely to cause hostility, suspicion and fear. There should be a clear and unambiguous recognition that terrorism against innocent civilians is wholly incompatible with the pursuit of peace. Both parties have to ensure that international norms in the field of human rights and humanitarian law are respected. A troubled African continent remains at the top of the United Nations agenda. In sub-Saharan Africa, particularly the Great Lakes region, the situation is worrying.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“A focused discussion on the Secretary-General’s report should give a boost to the ongoing debate among Member States on an increase in the membership of the Security Council, as well as a more equitable representation on the Council. The Nordic countries have jointly presented their ideas on this issue. Iceland welcomes the paper submitted by the Chairman of the Security Council Working Group, which is largely in line with the suggestions of the Nordic countries, and hopes that efforts to resolve this fundamental aspect of the entire reform process may be brought to a successful conclusion during the current session. Although the reform of our Organization and its long-term credibility must have a high priority, regional conflicts continually demand our attention.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The Secretary-General’s reform initiative is the most comprehensive attempt to date at fashioning the United Nations of tomorrow into an instrument capable of serving the common interests of all peoples, guided by the enduring tenets of peace, human rights, the rule of law and social progress, enshrined in the Charter more than half a century ago. Coming at the end of a thorough and useful debate, the Secretary-General’s report is in large part a distillation of views expressed by individual Governments. Inevitably, the report represents a compromise, unlikely to accommodate all the wishes of a single State or group of States. But, taken as a whole, it represents the best effort to obtain what is realistically feasible under the circumstances. The reform package should, in our opinion, be accepted as an integral whole.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Without a reinvigorated United Nations, the international community will not be in a position to address the foremost challenges confronting the twenty-first century. Sadly, our Organization has not been endowed to meet those challenges. Demands on the United Nations are greater than ever, and the limited resources at the Organization’s disposal are grossly disproportionate to the tasks in hand. The question inevitably arises: Do we wish to give the United Nations a clear and focused mandate and empower it to carry that mandate out? In my opinion our answer should be the same as the one Winston Churchill once gave: “Give us the tools and we will finish the job”. Once more we must urge all Member States to pay their contributions to the Organization fully and on time.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The information revolution is advancing, and a new sense of global neighbourhood and the gradual abolition of trade barriers are raising the level of economic well- being in different parts of the world. At the same time, 25 the world community is faced with challenges of a new order of magnitude, making it necessary for Governments to pool their resources and work together. Global forces are in many ways eroding the traditional boundaries between nation States. The trend calls for the strengthening of international organizations competent to tackle issues that no single State or groups of States can deal with in isolation. Consequently, it is crucial that we strengthen the United Nations.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“May I begin by congratulating the President on his election to preside over the fifty-second session of General Assembly and pledging to him the full support of my delegation. The new Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, has already put his mark on the United Nations, after less than nine months in office. He has led efforts to reform our Organization in an effective, fair and balanced manner. I congratulate him and pledge the unwavering support of my Government for his important mission. Increasingly, as we approach the new millennium, we have come to appreciate the value of international cooperation, as most clearly demonstrated by the historic first meeting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)/Russia Permanent Joint Council in a ministerial session that took place here in this building today.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“As Member States debate reforms, I would like to emphasize the importance of setting priorities and making them well known. The shaping of a new United Nations suited for the twenty-first century must be complemented by vigorous information efforts with the aim of ensuring continued public confidence and support.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“Iceland welcomes the proposal put forward within the United Nations Environment Programme to establish an international committee in 1997 with the aim of reaching a global agreement on this question. This year, Iceland celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of its membership in the United Nations. We have strongly emphasized constructive participation. This reflects our belief in the importance of multilateral cooperation for smaller States and, in particular, in the hopes and aspirations attached to the world Organization. The United Nations is ideally capable of achievements in specific areas which are beyond the reach of national or regional authorities. However, it will never attain the capacity to meet all expectations.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“The Convention has already provided the basis for further agreements, such as the recently concluded Agreement relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks. Iceland has actively participated in the adoption of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities. Pollution of this sort is responsible for over 80 per cent of all marine pollution. In order to facilitate the implementation of the Programme, a draft resolution on institutional arrangements will be addressed by the General Assembly at this session. However, major challenges remain. Controlling the use of persistent organic pollutants needs to be addressed.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)