YouSaid · the spoken record

Xavier Bettel

lines on the record: 186
first: 2014-09-24
most recent: 2023-09-24
sittings or episodes: 8
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“The reports prepared by the United Nations are appalling. Although the Organization does not remain passive in such situations, Member States do not always understand the full consequences of their actions. Initiatives to reduce funding for human rights protection or children in armed conflict when deciding on funding for United Nations peacekeeping operations are hard hearted and difficult to justify. Those responsible for human rights violations in such situations must know that they too will one day be held accountable. Impunity cannot become the norm.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Luxembourg maintains particularly close links with the francophone West African countries. I would now like to say a few words about human rights worldwide. The situation on the ground is not good, and I am not referring only to conflict situations. It is also deteriorating with respect to gains that we thought had been consolidated and that are now systematically being called into question. In conflict situations, the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war is a scourge that continues to strike throughout the world. We have seen this in equatorial Africa, in the Great Lakes region, in Iraq with Da’esh and in the Balkans. This year, we organized a conference under the auspices of the Foundation of the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess to address this issue. The situation of children in armed conflict also remains a source of great concern.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“We know, too, that today it is impossible to tackle the situation in Libya without addressing the plight of the thousands of migrants from Africa, who must traverse the war-torn country in the hope of reaching Europe. I believe it is important to note that the ties between the African continent and mine are not limited to migration issues. Too often, there is a tendency to limit them to that issue. They never have been and never will be. Our ties are ancestral, forged by geographical and cultural proximity and by a common history, which has been painful at times and marked by the slave trade and colonialism, among other things. Today, my country’s ties with the countries and peoples of the African continent are ties of friendship, solidarity and mutual respect.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“The very volatile situation in the Middle East reminds us that contemporary crises are complex and have enormous explosive potential. Today, the mobile and instantaneous nature of communications have brought us closer to the misfortunes of all in a much more direct way. We must never forget that, beyond trade relations, direct investments and alliances, it is the destinies of individuals — men, women and children — that connect us all. That is particularly true with regard to the situation in Libya, which is not improving. We see the ongoing difficulties that the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Ghassan Salame, continues to experience in bringing the parties to the table. It is crucial to reflect on how to resolve that situation.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“We cannot never forget the suffering of civilians, the denial of humanitarian assistance and the flagrant, repeated and systematic violations of human rights in the region, which are our primary concern. But there are also other recent events, such as the attacks on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia. Let us therefore learn from our mistakes. All actors in the region must help calm the situation and avoid escalation. That, of course, also applies to Iran, as well as to all other actors in the region. Tehran must also comply anew with all the provisions of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. My country, like the whole of the European Union, wants to believe that it is possible — even if it means broadening the scope — to make the 2015 agreement work. But if that is to happen, the United States and Iran must resume their dialogue.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Nevertheless, it is important to be able to share and seek solutions together. Turning to the Middle East, the peace process is not improving, but rather is deteriorating year upon year. The prospects for a just and balanced peace are diminishing, along with the concept of a two-State solution. Recent developments in the context of the election campaign in Israel bear that out. At the same time, recent initiatives of an essentially bilateral nature, if they ever come to fruition, cannot replace the multilateral actors that confer international legitimacy on any negotiated solution. The Middle East remains a source of serious concern. The wars in Syria and Yemen continue.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“In that connection, to name but two examples, I note our participation in the High Ambition Coalition to fight climate change and our contribution to the Alliance for Multilateralism. The European Union is one such push for multilateralism, which has enabled our continent to live in peace since 1957. Despite the limited conflict we have seen on the European continent, the members of the European Union have lived in peace since then. In that connection, the rise of populists in Europe is not helping. Conflicts, frozen or not, disputes between States and internal tensions among ethnic or religious groups persist in Europe. We cannot claim that Ukraine is now living in peace. The Caucuses and the Balkans are also rather tense. In other words, Europe is not in a position to lecture others on their actions.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“With regard to trade, for instance, the use of unilateral measures and countermeasures — often based on real concerns, but also often based on false pretexts — helps no one and drags us into a cycle that is dangerous to the entire international community. It is our people who, ultimately, end up losing out. It is our duty, for the sake of our future, to relaunch multilateral formats. For our part, we have always been in favour of active, dynamic and rule-of-law multilateralism. This is natural for a small country with an open economy, but it is also an informed choice beyond the considerations of sovereignty alone. To the extent that we are able, we try to participate actively in the most committed forums in the pursuit of greater international cooperation.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“For years, we have remained convinced — and I know that the politics of cooperation just before elections, for some, is not very popular — that no matter what Administration is in power in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, investing in cooperation is the best preventive measure and the best investment that can be made. And we will continue to do so. The five summit meetings being held this week on the margins of the general debate illustrate that the major challenges facing humankind can be addressed only within a universal and comprehensive framework. Nevertheless, there is a sense that multilateralism has, in other periods, been more successful than it is today. We see that, for example, in the fields of human rights, migration, security and trade.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Another summit is being held on this subject in a room a few steps from here, where my country will present innovative initiatives, particularly in the field of investment vehicles with a social and environmental impact. The mobilization of private resources is a reality in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. However, the most innovative mechanisms cannot compensate for the relative decline in public funding. For its part, Luxembourg will continue to devote 1 per cent of its gross national income to official development assistance, with a focus on the least developed countries. The funds allocated to international climate financing and to hosting refugees are additional to that, in accordance with the principle of additionality.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“In partnership with the European Investment Bank, also based in Luxembourg — which I sincerely thank for its collaboration — we created the Climate Finance Platform to increase our ability to leverage private investments in climate projects while mitigating their financial risk. We hope that, in the long-term, that this project will extend to the financing of the Sustainable Development Goals of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. At the Summit held here yesterday and the day before, we discussed how critical financing is to meet those important Goals. That said, the contribution of States remains essential, especially in the area of financing for development.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Of course, we need an attractive, reliable and comfortable public transportation system. These are all challenges that we must overcome, and we are working on them. With regard to international solidarity, for 2021-2025, Luxembourg will allocate €200 million for financial and technical assistance to combat climate change in developing countries, with priority given to the least developed countries and small island developing States. On an annual basis, that is twice the sum allocated in 2014-2020. A significant portion of those funds will go to the Green Climate Fund. Luxembourg will continue its efforts to create a favourable environment for green finance. In 2016, the Luxembourg Stock Exchange launched the Luxembourg Green Exchange, the first global listing platform dedicated exclusively to green bonds.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“The hope and optimism of emerging generations also feed on their trust in their parents’ actions. However, in the fight against climate change over the decades to come, young people are our allies, because they are never, on principle, opposed to change. Never. Youth brings change. It embodies change. For young people, change is a virtue; it is fundamentally positive. It is the way life is. We understand that life is also about movement. When one is young and more so when one is no longer young, it is easy to note the importance of mobility. In Luxembourg, we decided to show that the fight against climate change can bring positive change and an improvement in the quality of life for all. We undertook an unprecedented landmark measure — free public transport at the national level for all buses, trams and trains, starting next year.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“I was able to take the opportunity, for which I am grateful, on Monday during the Climate Summit to give an account of my country’s contributions to collective efforts: first, we will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 to 55 per cent by 2030 compared to 2005 levels; secondly, we will increase the share of renewable energy in the mix we consume by 23 to 25 per cent by 2030; we will increase energy efficiency by 40 to 44 per cent by 2030; and thirdly, we will soon adopt a framework climate law aiming to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest. Those figures notwithstanding, most young people are frustrated because they believe such numbers are empty promises and will remain nothing more than numbers we proclaim. It is up to us to reassure our children that their future is secure.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“The recent report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change details the scale of the challenge and the urgent need for action. Only by cutting present global greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 followed by climate neutrality by 2050 will allow us to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“I am referring, first and foremost, to the climate emergency, as reflected by the great many demonstrations in cities and towns in countries around the world. The activism of young people, together with the proliferation of initiatives by civil society, the private sector and intentional entities, is truly remarkable. We have all seen that over the past few days. However, it is through the actions of the men and women in Government that the momentum must find its expression in order to prevent an environmental, economic and ultimately geopolitical catastrophe. International security, growth, migration and human rights — not one of those areas is today unaffected by climate change, which becomes ever more alarming each year.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“I would like to begin on a personal note by thanking the previous speaker, Charles Michel, who will be stepping down from the Belgian Government in a few months to take over the reins of the presidency of the European Council. I take this opportunity to wish him the best of luck as his neighbour in that endeavour that will occupy him for some years to come. At the outset, I think we are all aware that the week under way here is remarkable in several respects — not only in the number of Member States participating, which continues to grow, but also the number of topics addressed during this week, whether in plenary, major meetings or in side events in parallel to the series of summits or high-level events. This week is further notable for the unprecedented momentum to tackle specific challenges.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“The United Nations gives legitimacy to multilateralism and all other organizations and institutions that call for it. That is why we must tirelessly take up that principle. Only then can we undertake the important work that lies ahead and face the challenges of globalization. A return to the private preserve of nationalism has never been an option for Luxembourg, and neither is it today for anybody — above all, the countries in this Hall.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Human rights cover many facets, such as civil and political rights and economic and social rights, to mention only the most traditional ones, but there is also a new category of rights, including sexual rights and reproductive health rights. We regret that the latter are too often undermined not only in their principles but also in their exercise, including through United Nations programmes and projects aimed at giving women and girls control over their lives and access to family planning. In that context, my country provides financial support to the programmes of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and UN-Women, as well as the Girls Not Brides initiative, in the amount of €600,000 and €400,000, respectively, for 2019. We also support a UNICEF-UNFPA project to eliminate genital mutilation, which stands at €400,000.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“In accordance with the principle of complementarity, the ICC intervenes only in the event of the failure of States to act. Our support to the Human Rights Council and its work remains as strong as ever. We see the institution as a fundamental pillar of the United Nations system. The Council can be reformed without challenging its mandate and modus operandi. We have supported efforts in that regard. However, we regret the decision of the United States to withdraw its participation from the Human Rights Council, even though it was an ally in the defence of human rights at the global level. We hope that reform efforts will continue, and we will also contribute to them from within, if Luxembourg is elected to the Council for the term 2022-2024.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The situation of the Rohingya in Myanmar is emblematic of such a development. There is a tangle of ethnic cleansing, massacres, intimidation and rape, with an entire population forced to flee without much that the international community can do, except to organize reception in a neighbouring territory and to simply note the scale of the disaster. In that regard, one of the positive developments is the fact that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has been seized of the situation because more than 700,000 refugees have been driven into Bangladesh, which is a State party to the Rome Statute. We fully support the work of the ICC on that issue, as well as in the other investigations that it conducts. We do not accept that the legitimacy and the very existence of the Court should be questioned on the pretext of State sovereignty.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“With regard to nuclear non-proliferation, we hope that the process initiated between the United States and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, with the support of South Korea, will lead to concrete results in the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. In addition to the trend towards unilateralism and the reconsideration of the rule of law, we must unfortunately note a deterioration in the human rights situation across the globe. That is true in conflict situations, where the use of intimidation policies, ethnic cleansing and widespread sexual violence is increasingly common, particularly among non-State actors. It is also true due to the phenomenon whereby the very existence of certain categories of human rights is denied and the legitimacy of certain human rights institutions is being called into question.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“That is the case for Iran. We share the concerns expressed by the United States and its allies regarding Iran’s influence in the Middle East, which is likely to destabilize the situation in many neighbouring countries. From our point of view, however, that does not mean that we should call into question Iran’s nuclear deal, which we believe, if not perfect, provides tangible guarantees in the field of nuclear non-proliferation. We regret that the United States has denounced that agreement, which was the subject of Security Council resolution 2231 (2015) and continues to bind the international community.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“It will also provide an amount of €200,000 to allow the Mechanism to be operational. The tragedy of the war in Syria has led to a situation that is all the more intractable, especially since it combines the interplay of powers, regional rivalries and religious conflict. The humanitarian tragedy in Yemen has caused destruction, displacement, hunger and cholera. The war raging there has also been extremely cruel. We must expeditiously put in place the means to establish accountability and fight impunity. The role of the United Nations, in particular its Special Envoy and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, is crucial if we are to avoid further aggravating the situation and to pave the way for a political solution. In the two foregoing conflicts, the regional Powers play an important, although not always positive, role.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“We hope that the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of those Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011, established by resolution 71/248, will have access to data collected by the Joint Investigation Mechanism so that it can ensure justice when the time comes. The humanitarian commitment of my country in the Syrian conflict is by far our most significant and stands at €7.5 million per year for the period 2016-2020, as I personally announced at the conference in London. Luxembourg will also participate in the latest appeal for additional contributions from the Department of Political Affairs in support of the United Nations political efforts in Syria.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“After the tragedy of eastern Ghouta at the beginning of the year, more than 3 million people are now threatened in the Idlib region. The means used in the war by the warring parties have been extreme in terms of their violence and cruelty, including the use of chemical weapons, which is both beyond understanding and unacceptable. It is simply incomprehensible and shameful that the international community has been unable, by means of veto, to renew an instrument designed to establish the facts and responsibilities for the use of chemical weapons.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The explosive situation in Libya is the result of tensions that are specific to Libya’s tribal structure. It is also due to the fact that the country serves as a sounding board for tensions in the Sahel and Arab- Muslim worlds. The interest of the international community, primarily the United Nations and its Special Envoy, is therefore multifaceted. The political solution reached among the Libyan parties will also determine the control of migration flows to Europe. It is obviously not a question of locking up the migrants in camps, in intolerable and disgraceful conditions of slavery, in the twenty-first century. The war in Syria has led to a huge humanitarian crisis. It has claimed the lives of countless people. Half of the population is displaced, either internally or abroad.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“I would simply like to show what a small country like Luxembourg can contribute when international and regional coordination structures are put in place. The situation in the Near and Middle East, as well as in the southern Mediterranean region of Libya, inspires less optimism. It must be highlighted that the stalemate in the peace process between Israel and Palestine remains completely unresolved, and the situation, it must be said, has deteriorated since the last session of the General Assembly. We will never tire of recalling the principles of international law that must form the basis for peace. There can be no doubt about Israel’s right to exist or about the right of Palestinians to their own State. The two-State solution is the only fair and lasting solution.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“My country also contributes to the development of a compliance framework for respect for human rights and international humanitarian law to be used in operations of the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel). We allocate approximately €1.15 million to security and defence. Starting this year, my country has also been participating in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali and deploys army officers to provide air support. In line with commitments made during the Brussels conference in February, Luxembourg will contribute approximately €500,000 in medical support to the G-5 Sahel Joint Force and €600,000 to build a field hospital in Sévaré. Luxembourg’s contribution clearly remains modest.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Only through coordinated and concerted action with regional and national stakeholders and international institutions can the burgeoning number of threats in the region be contained. For its part, my country focuses a considerable percentage of its development assistance on countries in that particular region. By way of example, let me outline our efforts in Mali. Our programme for that country has a budget of €61 million for the period 2015-2019. Luxembourg is one of the main donors to the Office of the Independent Observer, responsible for evaluating the implementation of the ceasefire agreement between the Government and armed groups in the north of the country. Since 2012, it has funded the establishment of the International Commission of Inquiry for Mali to investigate violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“However, reforms in the area of peace and security and within the management pillar of the Secretariat are important and should receive the same strong support. Such efforts must succeed because they also contribute to ensuring lasting support for multilateral institutions. Reform in the area of peace and security should enable the deployment of United Nations peacekeeping operations to be more effective and flexible, while bearing in mind that deployment modalities do not always meet needs. Africa is one of the regions where the United Nations is most present through peacekeeping operations, development assistance and humanitarian programmes and projects. West Africa and the Sahel are now a hotbed of instability, terrorism, organized crime and trafficking of all kinds.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The effectiveness of development aid is of course not only dependent on financial resources. In that regard, the Secretary-General’s reform of the development sector has our full support. In particular, the policy and practice of United Nations development agencies should be aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Coordination among agencies, the development of joint projects and the establishment of a new resident coordinator system could give us the flexibility and adaptability necessary for the effective implementation of development projects on the ground. I highlighted the Secretary-General’s reforms because we believe that our country plays a special role in the area of development.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“For its part, my country will continue to devote 1 per cent of its gross national income to official development assistance. Like the majority of countries, we experienced a rather challenging period in terms of budgetary matters. Reducing the budget allocated to cooperation would have been welcomed by some. I mention that simply because, in developed countries with considerable income, we wonder if we should have a hot meal or a cold meal but, in some countries, mothers wonder if they will be able to feed their children at all for the next few days. We forget how lucky we are. I believe it is important to share what we have. I know that there is consensus on that issue in my country. Even after legislative elections in two weeks, I believe the consensus will remain and that the next Government will follow suit.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Mechanisms exist but resources remain insufficient. Luxembourg now has a green stock exchange with a capitalization of $50 billion — the largest of its kind. We also have a goal to create similar mechanisms for other Sustainable Development Goals. However, the response of the financial sector remains lukewarm. That is because, first, traditional operators are unaware of the potential of new markets and, secondly, compliance obligations are imposed on supervisory authorities in developed countries. As we know, the share of official development assistance is decreasing, and other mechanisms must be found to shore up the lack of resources, in particular for the least developed countries. The need to diversify the sources of development assistance cannot relieve us of our official development assistance obligations.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“I can only welcome all initiatives to maintain or restore the momentum of the Paris Agreement, including the Secretary-General’s proposal to convene another climate summit next year on the sidelines of the General Assembly. Managing climate change is one of the most important goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The implementation of the 2030 Agenda’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals is progressing well, and the international community is engaged, in particular through national plans, keeping in mind that each Member State is free to focus on its own priorities. It is clear that the issue of financing the Sustainable Development Goals remains a problem. With regard to climate change, specific mechanisms have been developed nationally and internationally and through the private sector.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Of course, a clear distinction must be made between political refugees and economic migrants. Those who want to survive — those who flee rape, violence, persecution, imprisonment and death —must be able to find safe haven on our continent. We have heard warnings from the Secretary- General and from the scientific community: if we continue along the current path, we will not achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement. We do not know exactly how much humankind contributes to global warming or to climate change, but we have the facts, which, month after month, year after year, show with certainty that we must act because we have a responsibility to future generations.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The global compact’s comprehensive framework for migration has made it possible to determine what is expected of countries of origin and destination, but also — and this is very important — what is expected of migrants with regard to their integration. The issue of integration has often been linked to the rise of populism in Europe. Let me inform the Assembly that countries of various sizes within the European Union, including large ones, had populist Governments before the 2015 migration crisis. Moreover, those same countries now challenge the founding principles of the European Union pertaining to respect for the rule of law. I would like to note today — and condemn — the fact that some political parties have become successful by exploiting the weakest.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“We hope that the global compact for safe, orderly and regular migration to be adopted in Marrakech in December this year will provide a framework for understanding the global phenomenon in countries of origin, transit and destination. It should also lead to better management of migration flows at the regional level. In the European Union, we know that it should allow for the establishment of common policies and solidarity mechanisms among Member States with regard to accepting refugees. It is regrettable that some countries have forgotten that their citizens were once refugees from somewhere in the world. My country has made considerable efforts since 2015 to receive asylum seekers, including through resettlement and relocation mechanisms.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“However, we must not forget that there are conflicts just beyond our borders. The same holds true in the area of international trade. In that regard, the increasing number of multilateral measures and counter-measures will eventually undermine our growth. We are strongly in favour of resuming negotiations and constructive engagement through the World Trade Organization. If that does not occur, all parties are at the risk of losing out. That would entail being open to discussions on sensitive and difficult subjects. Some challenges can be solved only at the global level. Migration is the best example of that kind of challenge. Demographic trends suggest that it is likely that the issue will be on the agenda for a few generations.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Yesterday, our Secretary-General provided his view of the international situation and the challenges that we all face (see A/73/PV.6). His view was a mixed one, to say the least. We are experiencing a decline in multilateralism on all fronts and a challenge to the basis of the international system based on respect for the rule of law. However, multilateralism and respect for the rule of law ensure that democracies can play an international role. They are even a prerequisite for the exercise of their sovereignty. Nowhere is the need for and evidence of the merits of multilateralism more present than in common projects to establish and maintain peace. The European Union is an excellent example in that regard. I am part of the generation born in Europe that has never experienced war. It appears that we take that for granted.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Our commitment to strong and effective multilateralism, with the United Nations at its heart, inspired us during our historic first term on the Security Council, in 2013-2014. This same commitment led my Government to propose Luxembourg as a candidate for a seat on the Security Council for a two-year term in 2031 and 2032. Our candidacy illustrates Luxembourg’s resolve to continue to serve the United Nations as a responsible member of the international community, dedicated to the purposes and principles embodied in the Charter of the United Nations. I shall leave New York this week with hope in my heart. The many speeches that we have heard in this Hall show that dialogue is possible. Our credibility is at stake. The world expects action, not words. Let us get to work!”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“The multiple ballistic missiles launched by North Korea and the recent North Korean nuclear test are in flagrant violation of the international obligations imposed on the country by Security Council resolutions. This provocative escalation is unacceptable. Apart from any Security Council measures that will be taken, the Six-Party Talks on North Korea’s nuclear programme need to resume in order to bring about verifiable denuclearization of the Korean peninsula by pacific means. In all the areas I have touched upon, we recognize that the United Nations has a leading role to play. As a founding country of the United Nations, Luxembourg has based its foreign policy on its active participation in multilateral cooperation, a multilateralism that is rooted in respect for international law and cooperation among sovereign and equal States.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“The Palestinians have the right to a sovereign, independent, democratic, contiguous and viable State. The two go hand in hand. There is no alternative to coexistence, in peace and security. It is important for them to stop talking about each other and instead to talk to each other. Diplomacy can resolve the thorniest of problems. As proof of this, a comprehensive solution to the issue of Iranian nuclear weapons was reached last year. We must remain vigilant when it comes to the implementation Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Nuclear non-proliferation efforts continue to be undermined by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“The parameters of this solution are well known and include the 1967 borders and Jerusalem as the capital of two States. During my recent visit, I encouraged Israeli and Palestinian leaders to resume direct dialogue. If there is no movement, the international community must play its role. We also support initiatives such as those taken by France to organize an international conference to help the parties to resume negotiations in order to arrive at a two-State solution. We continue to believe that the negotiating format should be broadened, with increased participation of Arab and European countries. In addition, the role of the Security Council should be reactivated and a reasonable deadline for the conclusion of negotiations should be established. Israel has the right to live in peace and security.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“We will adhere to the commitment to provide €37.5 million between 2016 and 2020 to help the victims of the conflict in Syria and in neighbouring countries, with an emphasis on children’s education, in particular by supporting the UNICEF programme “No lost generation”. Last week, I returned from a visit to Israel and Palestine. While the Syrian conflict is hitting the headlines, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains a strong factor for destabilization in the Middle East. It is a catalyst for frustration and hatred that terrorist movements in the region feed on brazenly. We cannot resign ourselves to allowing this conflict to continue. The two-State solution is the only possible way of arriving at a sustainable settlement of the Israeli- Palestinian conflict.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“This fragile agreement was renounced by the Syrian army, then crippled by the unacceptable attack on a humanitarian convoy on 19 September. It must be respected and scrupulously observed. The solution to the conflict in Syria can be achieved through a political transition that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people, in line with the Geneva communiqué of 30 June 2012 (S/2012/523, annex) and Security Council resolution 2254 (2015). The United Nations must play a determining role to facilitate negotiations among Syrians to bring about a political transition that should include all members of Syrian society. On 4 February, I attendeded, with our Minister for Cooperation and Humanitarian Action, the London 2016 donors conference, entitled “Supporting Syria and the region”.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Humanitarian convoys are deliberately targeted. I take this opportunity to renew our appeal to the parties, in particular the Syrian authorities, to afford rapid, safe and unobstructed access by United Nations and humanitarian organizations throughout Syria. Even war has rules. And so long as the war lasts, we must demand and ensure that these rules and international humanitarian law are respected. Those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Syria, whatever they are, must be brought to justice, including before the International Criminal Court. I commend the repeated efforts of the United States of America and Russia. They have led to a new agreement on cessation of hostilities that came into force 10 days ago.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“For more than five years, Syria has been martyred both by the brutal repression and atrocities carried out by the Al-Assad regime and by the abominable terrorist crimes committed by Da’esh and other terrorist groups that are rife in the country, profiting from a war economy and receiving external support. The toll is terrible. The United Nations estimates that there have been more than 300,000 victims, including tens of thousands of children. An entire generation of children has been exposed to violence and death, deprived of fundamental freedoms, protection and education. Random air bombings and airdrops of barrels of explosives, the use of chemical weapons, violence and violations of international law continue without respite. Sieges are ongoing. Assistance is denied and impediments to humanitarian aid continue.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“If there is a conflict that should require us to redouble our efforts, it is the one in Syria. This conflict has given rise to an unprecedented movement of refugees towards neighbouring countries. Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey are on the front line, then Europe and beyond. This situation is untenable. We must do everything possible to address this crisis as best we can, observing international law and welcoming and protecting refugees. We must do everything possible to put an end to this dreadful war that is destroying Syria and destabilizing the entire region.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Luxembourg fully subscribes to the idea of moving from a post-conflict peacebuilding approach to one of sustaining peace. That includes activities aimed at preventing the outbreak, continuation or recurrence of a conflict, addressing the root causes and ensuring national reconciliation with a view to reconstruction and development. Such an approach, resolutely political, integrates the three pillars of action of the United Nations — human rights, peace and security, and development. It is inclusive and is characterized by national ownership of efforts to sustain peace, in conformity with the wishes of all members of society and with the ongoing support of the international community. We must turn these words into deeds. The General Assembly can count on Luxembourg in that regard.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)