YouSaid · the spoken record

Raimonds Vējonis

lines on the record: 41
first: 2015-09-24
most recent: 2017-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-general-debate

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

“Both nationally and internationally, we are committed to supporting the development of independent, professional, transparent and objective media and journalism, and to increasing the resilience of our societies by investing in stronger critical thinking skills, as well as media and information literacy. In conclusion, let me reiterate that Latvia remains a strong advocate of the multilateral system and believes in an effective and efficient United Nations, guided by the values on which it was founded. It is time for the United Nations to adapt to a changing global environment, focus on priorities and deliver results. The Secretary-General cannot do that alone. We all must work together to ensure that our Organization functions better and is fit for its purpose.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Latvia is ready to share its experience with implementing the 2030 Agenda through development cooperation. To enjoy peace and development, our societies need space and institutions for free, open and enlightened public debate where truth can be sought, knowledge shared and lies exposed. Such belief is also at the heart of our approach to countering purposeful and malicious propaganda and disinformation emanating from both State and non-State actors. Our answer to that challenge is to reassert the fundamental principles of freedom of speech and press and the independence of the media.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We must carry on with our joint commitment to tackle climate change so that coming generations can live sustainably on this planet in a sustainable way. Latvia is fully committed to the implementation of the Paris Agreement. Now is the time to put in place the mechanisms of implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. That needs to be done at all levels — national, regional and global — in true partnership with all stakeholders. We welcome the current review of the United Nations development system to fulfil the ambitious goals of the 2030 Agenda. Next year Latvia will present a voluntary national review of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda to the United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. Our national focus is to put people first, as that will lead to long-lasting development gains.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The United Nations, along with the relevant regional actors, should remain involved in, and committed to, facilitating the resolution of the protracted conflicts in Nagorno Karabakh, Transnistria, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Last year I stressed that the strengthening of the development and security nexus must become our mission. Our priority must be to achieve peace and a decent life for everyone, including the most vulnerable among us. We must tackle the root causes preventing us from attaining sustainable development. If conflicts, hardship and poverty continue, migration and the flow of refugees will further increase. The far- reaching impact of climate change on global security cannot simply be disregarded.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“A peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine and respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are priorities for Latvia. Russia’s continued aggression in eastern Ukraine and the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol cannot become business as usual. We support diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis under the Normandy format and within the framework of the Trilateral Contact Group so as to achieve the full implementation of the Minsk agreements by all the parties involved. International monitors must be granted access to Crimea, and human rights violations against residents of Crimea, including Crimean Tatars, must stop.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“International support will be required to help stabilize liberated areas in Syria and Iraq in order to allow refugees and internally displaced persons to return and start rebuilding their lives. Latvia provides training to Iraqi security forces and financial support for stabilization efforts. Solving existing conflicts is essential for preventing new ones. We must stand firm in upholding the rules-based security order in Europe. The territorial integrity of independent States must be respected by all, including by the Russian Federation. Russia’s unprovoked aggression against its neighbours is a serious breach of international security rules. There must be accountability for violations of international law for any aggressor that initiates or sustains such conflicts.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“However, our fight is far from over, and we have to think about new strategies and secure new domains as the threat of terrorism becomes more asymmetric and globally dispersed. Besides military efforts, we must continue to disrupt the flow of foreign terrorist fighters, dismantle financing networks and counter online and offline propaganda that sets youth on a path towards radicalization. We are pleased to see that the Riga Protocol on foreign terrorist fighters — the Additional Protocol to the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism — entered into force in July. We encourage more States to accede to that instrument in order to address the threat at hand, which affects countries of origin and of destination.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“For that reason, Latvia has supported the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for the Syrian Arab Republic to assist the investigation and prosecution of serious crimes committed in Syria. We will continue to support the Syrian people and the United Nations-led political process towards a political resolution of that bloody conflict, which has lasted far too long. Global terrorism is one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. The unwavering efforts of the Global Coalition against Da’esh have degraded the capabilities of Da’esh across all fronts. Latvia welcomes the important victories achieved, including the liberation of Mosul in Iraq.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We call on North Korea to return to a credible and meaningful dialogue with the international community and to refrain from any further action that would increase regional tensions. It is a priority to find a peaceful and diplomatic solution to that situation. In the meantime, all States must fully implement the relevant Security Council resolutions. The use of chemical weapons in Syria, which blatantly disregards Syria’s obligations as a party to the Chemical Weapons Convention, is a deplorable crime that must be fully investigated. The perpetrators must be held accountable. Latvia has constantly called for accountability regarding those attacks, an accountability that is closely linked to the credibility of the whole international system.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Tools for prevention have long been available, including in the Charter of the United Nations, but we need to move from mere commitments to preserve a rules-based global order to actions to restore that order where it has been broken. Latvia will continue to promote democracy, good governance, human rights and the rule of law as key factors for global stability. Security is truly a global issue today. In particular, Latvia is deeply worried about the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the threat of the use of nuclear weapons. North Korea’s actions have increased global insecurity. Latvia strongly condemns all nuclear tests and launches of ballistic missiles conducted by North Korea, as well as its continuous provocative rhetoric.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“People see the failures of the Security Council as failures of the Organization. We cannot expect trust in the United Nations if the Security Council does not deliver. Latvia also reiterates its call for reform of the Security Council, which is long overdue. From his first day on the job, the Secretary-General has made a strong appeal for peace and the prevention of conflicts. We fully support him in that endeavour. Conflict prevention must be at the core of actions of the United Nations in order to keep situations of concern from spiralling out of control. Saving human lives and upholding human dignity must be our common priority.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The Secretary-General has our full support for his endeavours. All people on the planet need peace. For people to fully realize their potential, a stable and secure environment is essential. In too many places, conflicts seem to have no end. The very basic principles of international law are violated, borders are changed by force and human lives suffer. Far too often, the United Nations has been unable to prevent conflicts, stop atrocities or build peace. Too often, resources are spent managing and responding to crises instead of preventing them. The Security Council bears a particular responsibility for ensuring peace. Its members, especially the veto-wielding members, should move beyond their domestic interests in the name of genuinely addressing global challenges.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“While the most recent global agreements have shown that effective multilateralism is possible, we must bring the values and goals of the United Nations closer to the people. The United Nations must preserve and, in some instances, regain, the trust of citizens and Member States in its ability to prevent and respond to crises and to promote a rules-based global order. The new Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, was appointed on a platform of change. Latvia welcomes his appointment and fully supports his vision of a more effective United Nations. The Secretary- General’s actions and ideas related to qualitative change and reforms in the United Nations are very encouraging signs. Reform is never an easy task, but with patience, clear goals and the cooperation of the United Nations system and Member States, reform is possible.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“As the truly global Organization, the United Nations must be able to effectively respond to the serious global issues that we face: regional conflicts and humanitarian crises, the threat of terrorism, insecurity related to migration, climate change and poverty. Individuals and their need for peace and a decent life are at the centre of all those challenges. We must be able to deliver on those needs as individual nations and as the United Nations. It is no secret that the Organization has grown too complex and bureaucratic to be able to respond swiftly to today’s challenges. Some even question its credibility and relevance. Latvia also wishes to see the United Nations become more effective, more transparent and more flexible so that it can can make a positive, real influence for people on the ground.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“First of all, I would like to express my solidarity to the Mexican people, who are dealing with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake. At the outset, I wish to congratulate you, Mr. Lajčák, on assuming the post of President of the General Assembly at its current session. I am sure you will make our region proud. The United Nations is, and will be, the central forum for multilateralism and a rules-based global order. This is the place where all nations come together to carry out our shared responsibility to deliver peace and security, advance human rights and sustainable development and cooperate for a better future.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Latvia will continue to play its part in shaping a better future for us all.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“While we are looking for the best-qualified candidate, we also recall that Eastern Europe is the only region that has never held the post of Secretary-General. I am equally convinced that after 70 years, it is time to choose a woman for the Organization’s top job. There are many challenges that shape the evolving global landscape, but we now see the clear outlines of the new and better world that can be reached through diligent implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Implementation of the new Agenda will not be easy. Only through an informed and active society, in true partnership with all stakeholders, and through review of the progress made, will we be able to achieve the necessary transformative change by 2030. This is the time for us to act together responsibly.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“We are determined to maintain the political momentum for climate action. In April of this year, Latvia signed the historic Paris Agreement. We will strive to ratify the Agreement as soon as possible and encourage others to do the same. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has been driving the push for worldwide action on climate change and gender equality. Latvia is grateful to him for his leadership and dedication over the past decade. The scope of challenges that the world faces is daunting. The bold global agenda requires leadership. The expectations placed on the next Secretary-General of the United Nations are therefore as high as ever. This important job requires courage and readiness to effectively tackle the issues that we face.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“All parties must fulfil their commitments under the Minsk agreements and make the Minsk process work. Latvia continues to support Ukraine in its reforms and with its humanitarian needs. The United Nations capacity to address current challenges also depends on the political will to make progress on the necessary reform of the Security Council, which is long overdue. We should all be aiming to strengthen the legitimacy of this important body. Accordingly, the permanent members of the Security Council should refrain from using their veto power in situations involving atrocity crimes. Latvia supports not only this important initiative, but also the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group’s code of conduct on Security Council action against genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“The resolution of protracted conflicts in Transnistria, Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Nagorno Karabakh should have priority on the international agenda. We must remain vigilant and insist that all States, including Russia, abide by their obligations under international law with regard to respecting the borders of sovereign States. Together with the international community, Latvia will continue to stand for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. We refuse to recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation; it must end. Any discrimination against the Crimean Tatars and ethnic Ukrainians in Crimea requires a firm reaction from the United Nations. The international community must work to facilitate the peaceful resolution of the conflict in eastern Ukraine.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“We support the United Nations in its aim to make peacekeeping more effective through updating available tools for meeting new challenges. Better planning, equipment and training will improve the effectiveness of peacekeeping and the protection of civilians. There should be greater focus on strengthened collaboration with regional organizations. Building upon experience from other international operations, Latvia is now involved for the first time in a United Nations peacekeeping operation, in Mali. This is still a very turbulent time for European security. For Latvia, the stability and security of Europe’s neighbours in the East is a strategic priority and remains high on our political agenda.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Ensuring long-term stability in Afghanistan is of vital importance for global and regional security. Adverse developments in that country can have spillover effects on the neighbouring countries of Central Asia, which undermines their potential to develop economic connectivity at the macroregional level. Latvia provides Afghanistan with political and financial support for reform in the country. We call on more active regional cooperation, together with continued international support, to sustain the growth and prosperity of Afghanistan and its people. In many other countries, the political situation is highly volatile, and some are engulfed in conflict. The United Nations and its peace efforts can help to stabilize these countries and gradually bring them back to normalcy.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“The unification and cohesion of rival parties in Libya is a key element for the country’s long-term stability and its success in the fight against terrorists. Iran’s diligent implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency will contribute to greater stability in the Middle East. In contrast, North Korea’s irresponsible actions, including its repeated nuclear tests, undermine the security of all countries in the region and beyond. We support all recent international efforts aimed at making progress towards the resumption of the Middle East peace process and find common ground that will bring the two parties back to meaningful dialogue. There is no alternative to a two-State solution reached through peace negotiations.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“After five years of civil war, Syria has been destroyed. Attacks against civilians, medical facilities and schools continue. This is unacceptable. The perpetrators of international crimes must be brought to justice. A real nationwide ceasefire and improved humanitarian access are the prerequisite for the resumption of talks. Latvia has provided its contribution to mitigating the consequences of the conflict. However, only credible and inclusive political solutions will return Syria to stability. All members of the International Syria Support Group must put their political weight behind the United Nations-led process. In Libya, the institutional vacuum has created a breeding ground for terrorist groups such as Da’esh.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“The international community needs a plan for building resilience in the communities that for years have suffered under the barbaric rule of Da’esh. The willingness of local populations will also be required if their future is to be shaped by the primacy of the rule of law and human rights, thus countering the factors conducive to radicalization, extremism and terrorism. We will not be able to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals without sustaining peace and preventing conflict. The need for decisive political action to address and prevent the conflict that causes massive displacement and suffering is more urgent than ever. The international community must find political solutions. The security challenges in the Middle East are marked by a high degree of complexity, spillover and refugee flows.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“The development of peaceful and inclusive societies, good governance and respect for human rights will also help us to tackle the spread of violent extremism, while military and security measures are necessary to combat Da’esh and similar groups. We need to address the root causes of people’s willingness to choose violent extremism. Latvia is part of the global coalition against Da’esh that has been instrumental in combating the group in Iraq and Syria. We welcome the NATO decision to step up support for the efforts of the coalition to that end. Only unified, coordinated, collective action at the global, regional and national levels will help us succeed in confronting the new, unconventional threats. Terrorist attacks continue almost daily. Fighting terrorism must remain our priority.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Some 125 million people around the world are in desperate need of humanitarian assistance. The current unprecedented migration crisis cannot be addressed by the most affected countries alone; it is a global phenomenon that requires joint efforts and shared responsibility. The global commitment to shared responsibility shown at the United Nations summit held on Monday goes hand in hand with the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Sustainable solutions must be found to ensure opportunities for education, employment and business for persons forcibly displaced during protracted crises and conflicts and to provide support for host communities and countries.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“More than ever, the world has great expectations that the United Nations will meet the rising challenges for peace and development and deliver effective and prompt results. Last year, in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we all pledged to leave no one behind. This promise supports poverty eradication and development efforts in the most challenging contexts. It means addressing persistent vulnerabilities and building resilience in complex, protracted crises and conflict-affected populations. Therefore, strengthening the development and security nexus must become our mission. All people have the right to live in peace and security in their own countries. Conflicts, poverty, disasters and climate change have contributed to the rise of large movements of refugees and migrants.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“This year marks the twenty- fifth anniversary of Latvia’s independence and membership in the United Nations. My country took its rightful place at the United Nations in 1991, with the clear objective of making a contribution to the collective security, stability and prosperity of the world. As a responsible democratic State based on the rule of law and respect for human dignity and freedom, Latvia remains strongly committed to the essential work of the United Nations. The United Nations has been, and will be, our platform for global engagement. The far-reaching agreements on sustainable development and climate change have restored trust in the multilateral system’s ability to deliver solutions on pressing global issues.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Next year, we shall have to choose the next Secretary-General. It is important that the selection process be transparent and inclusive. Furthermore, it is high time for the Eastern European Group of States to provide the best possible candidate for the post of the next Secretary-General. It is the only regional group that has never been represented in this position. The people of our nations want to live in a safe, stable and prosperous world where conflicts, hunger and inequalities do not exist. In order to succeed in the task of implementing the new development Agenda, we all have the obligation to work to make the world a better place. Our responsibility is to ensure that the road ahead is built on the goals that were laid down in the Charter 70 years ago and which remain valid today and in the future.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Nations are facing an increasing challenge in countering cyberthreats. Efforts to prevent the misuse of new technologies, either by State or non-State actors, should be cooperative, international and cross- sectoral and involve all stakeholders. This will not be an easy process. We need to safeguard the right balance between fostering freedom of expression and open innovation on the Internet and ensuring that legitimate national security concerns are taken into account. This year, the General Assembly will review the results of the implementation of the World Summit on the Information Society over the past 10 years. It is important that this review process, in which Latvia is playing a leading role, be successful and contribute to the achievement of the overall United Nations goals set forth in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“It is also important to send a strong signal to investors and business of the plans to move towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient world. The United Nations has played a crucial role in advancing economic and social development and human rights for everyone. These ideals and values have proven to be timeless and universal. The United Nations will continue to be an important forum in the quest for solutions to future challenges through global discussion, raising awareness, creating expertise and building trust. At the forefront of these issues is the speed at which technology is evolving. Technological development is a source of progress and growth. At the same time, the rapid advancement of technology has exposed significant vulnerabilities and a variety of issues of transnational and cross-sectoral nature.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“The Sustainable Development Goals must drive us to make real changes to end poverty and build prosperity and equality for all. With well-thought-out, focused and action-oriented policies we can do it. But most importantly, the involvement and accountability of all stakeholders at all levels will be critical to the success of the Sustainable Development Goals. These Goals will be greatly reinforced by the approval of a new universal agreement to address climate change at the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to be held in Paris. Failure to undertake ambitious mitigation actions cannot be accepted. Any 2/33 15-29568 30/09/2015 A/70/PV.20 further postponement will make adaptation extremely costly or even unfeasible. Latvia supports the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Latvia provides a voluntary contribution to United Nations peacekeeping and intends, for the first time, to participate in a United Nations peacekeeping mission. International commitment to protect populations from atrocity crimes has been greatly strengthened in the past 10 years. Latvia strongly supports the work of the International Criminal Court as the legal arm of the responsibility to protect and hopes for swift activation of the Kampala amendments to the Rome Statute on the crime of aggression. This year the international community will conclude two of the most important international processes of our times. We have just adopted the ambitious 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (resolution 70/1) for the next 15 years.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Beyond immediate humanitarian responses, the new trends of migration and forced displacement require long-term, comprehensive solutions. The stabilization of political, economic and social situations in the European Union’s neighbourhoods must be the ultimate goal. At the same time, a greater focus should be put on addressing the root causes of increased illegal migration, including by strengthening conflict prevention capabilities. Latvia welcomes the ongoing United Nations review of peacekeeping. Cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations is essential to effectively fulfil peacekeeping mandates. Operational tasks need to be effectively synchronized between all involved parties. The European Union is an important partner of the United Nations, as demonstrated in the Central African Republic, Mali and other places.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Only then can a change in the regional dynamics towards more engagement and cooperation, as well as greater stability in the Middle East region, become a reality. It is commendable that, despite all the existing challenges, the Government of Afghanistan has shown its commitment to the democratic process. Sustainable peace and stability in the country can be achieved only with continued strong commitment from the Afghan side and further international support. The resolution of protracted conflicts in Transnistria, Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Nagorno Karabakh should remain on the international agenda. Increased migration from conflict-torn Middle East and African countries to Europe has become one of the greatest humanitarian challenges of our time. Migration challenges also persist in the Asia-Pacific region and in the Americas.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“The horrific conflict in Syria has entered its fifth year. It has created a humanitarian catastrophe and destabilized the whole region. The international community must not abandon the people of Syria and must push for a political settlement. Those responsible for using internationally prohibited chemical weapons in Syria must be identified and held accountable. The conflict and fragility of Syria and Iraq have contributed to the rise of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant/ Daesh and the violent extremism spreading globally. Concerted international action is vital to defeat this evil and is key to achieving lasting peace and stability in Syria, Iraq and the wider region. Latvia welcomes the recent nuclear agreement with Iran. The full and smooth implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Action Plan is now necessary.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“The conflict in eastern Ukraine has cost thousands of lives and led to the suffering of millions of innocent victims. Russia must stop all forms of support to separatists and use its influence to make them adhere to the Minsk agreements. Full implementation of the Minsk agreements by all parties is essential. The international community, including the General Assembly, supports Ukraine and its territorial integrity. The illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by Russia will not be recognized. We are particularly concerned about the worsening social, economic and human rights situation in Crimea, especially affecting Crimean Tatars and ethnic Ukrainians. Together with the rest of the international community, Latvia will continue to support Ukraine’s reform process in order to strengthen its democracy, economy and good governance.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Latvia supports the proposal to voluntarily restrain the use of the veto in the Security Council in situations involving mass atrocity crimes. It also supports, for all members of the Council, adherence to a code of conduct that would suspend their right to veto any action designed to end and prevent mass atrocity crimes. On several crucial occasions in recent times, the Security Council was not able to take timely and decisive action. That has had dire consequences. The Security Council was blocked from playing a role in stopping Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and in seeking justice for the victims of the Flight MH-17 in an international tribunal that could establish the truth on who shot down that civilian aeroplane.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“However, far too often international order and principles have been violated and the United Nations has been unable to prevent conflicts or build peace or stop atrocities. Past failures must be lessons for the future. The United Nations, and in particular the Security Council, must be able to implement the mission set by the Charter with a renewed sense of responsibility. It is time to move forward with Security Council reform. We applaud efforts to revive negotiations on this important issue. Latvia supports the expansion of the Security Council in both categories of membership. At least one additional non-permanent seat should be ensured for the Eastern European States. Early action of the United Nations in situations of concern is crucial.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“As we celebrate 70 years of the United Nations and 70 years since the end of the Second World War, it is time for us all to take stock. What has been achieved? Where have we failed? What is there yet to do to create a safer and better world? In July, we marked the seventy-fifth anniversary since the Sumner Welles Declaration on the non-recognition policy of the illegal Soviet annexation of the Baltic States. This policy reflected the principle, based on international law, that the change of borders by force is not acceptable. The firm stance of the international community in support of this principle has been of great importance to us. Since its completion in San Francisco in 1945, the Charter of the United Nations has embodied the core principles of the international system.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)