YouSaid · the spoken record

Valdis Zatlers

lines on the record: 59
first: 2007-09-24
most recent: 2010-09-24
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

“I wish us all the wisdom and courage to maintain the higher interest in the common good. Latvia looks forward to a fruitful sixty-fifth session of the General Assembly.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Latvia has carried out large-scale reforms, and we are ready to share our experience. That is one of the reasons why Latvia has put forward its candidature in this year’s elections to the Economic and Social Council. Prudence will be a key element to prevent future economic crises, but not the only one. Global financial governance will be another such element. Latvia commends the role and leadership shown by the Group of Twenty (G-20) countries. Financial governance should be global, and we highly value the initiatives put forward towards that end by the G-20, international financial institutions and other forums. The world is entering the second decade of the twenty-first century, and there are challenges to security, peace and prosperity. They can be met only by a common effort and the unity of mankind.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“I hope that agreement will soon be reached to ensure the European Union’s effective participation in the work of the General Assembly. Finally, I would like to touch on the economic slowdown in the global economy during the past couple of years. Latvia was one of the countries hit hardest by the crisis. Now Latvia’s economy is showing signs of recovery. We have seen positive trends in macroeconomic indicators since the beginning of the year. We are on the way up. The reason for our recovery is the tough fiscal adjustment that Latvia has demonstrated since 2008. I am certain that other countries will need to go through considerable budgetary consolidation soon. Our experience shows that it is possible, but only with the full understanding and support of the population.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Regional cooperation can be very useful in that effort, especially with regard to energy and transport infrastructure. Latvia envisions multiple transport corridors connecting Afghanistan to the neighbouring region, as well as to Europe. I would like to refer to the European Union as an important partner of the United Nations. The United Nations and the European Union share the same fundamental values — freedom, democracy, rule of law, human rights, equality and tolerance. It is our duty to work together to ensure that those values are not just words but something to be enjoyed daily by everybody. The European Union has been changed through the Lisbon Treaty. We hope that that change will give the European Union a clearer voice in relations with our partners, including the United Nations.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“10-54965 38 We are satisfied to see that the Kabul process is under way and that the Government of Afghanistan is resolved to act in order to regain the trust of the Afghan people and to align the support of the international community behind the goals of national development. A well-coordinated effort is necessary to follow up the Kabul commitments so that in 2014 the Government of Afghanistan will be able to take full responsibility for the governance of the country. Latvia is therefore putting more emphasis on training Afghan security forces, both army and police. In June, Latvia carried out a training project for Afghan police officers in the field of criminal investigation. Another important task is to foster Afghanistan’s economic and social development.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“It is of the highest importance that the Government of Afghanistan corrects the irregularities caused by the harsh environment. The international community plays a substantial role in coordinating civilian efforts in Afghanistan. The work of the Secretary-General’s Special Representative must be commended. The recently released Mid Year Report 2010 Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict is worrisome and shows how much work remains to be done to improve the situation. To be successful in Afghanistan, one should not forget the regional aspect of the issue. Stability in Central Asia is an important factor for success in Afghanistan.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Sustainable and durable solutions for Gaza, Palestinian reconciliation, and extension of the settlement moratorium are crucial for the Palestinian State- building process. We sincerely hope that the talks will continue in a constructive manner and be supplemented by negotiations on the Israel-Syria and Israel-Lebanon tracks towards comprehensive peace and stability in the Middle East. A week ago the people of Afghanistan voted for their new parliament. The elections showed that the Afghanis are determined to build a peaceful and prosperous country that is at peace with its neighbours. We commend the work done by the Independent Electoral Commission. The elections were conducted in a difficult security and political environment.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Stability and security in a number of regions remain on the international agenda. In the Middle East, the international community must encourage the parties to move towards real compromises leading to a comprehensive settlement of the conflict. Common efforts of the international community, including the Quartet, and the unity of Arab States are decisive to ensure continuation of the peace process with a very clear final aim of establishing an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian State living side by side in peace with the State of Israel. We welcome the launch of direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority and commend all involved partners for their efforts.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“As a member of the international community, Latvia expresses the hope that every diplomatic opportunity will be used to find a comprehensive long-term solution to the Iranian and North Korean nuclear issues. The New START treaty between the United States and Russian Federation sets a powerful and remarkable example of real steps to reduce the threat of strategic arms and to engage other Powers in fulfilling the goals of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Latvia firmly supports the nuclear security discussion initiated by President Obama. Promising signs on the international agenda have positively influenced European security and fostered the debate on conventional regimes in Europe. An ambitious road map is before us, and together we should all move forward to strengthen security around the world.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“I am confident that with goodwill, and with participation and input from all of us, the review process will lead to a strengthened institution with increased credibility and greater impact on the improvement of human rights. Latvia has always placed the promotion of human rights among its top priorities. We have therefore put forward our candidacy for the Human Rights Council for the year 2014. The role of the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security is irreplaceable. We must continue to work with all the means at our disposal to create a more stable world. Latvia appreciates the positive momentum that was created at the Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference earlier this year. Stabilizing and strengthening a nuclear non-proliferation regime is a shared responsibility of all United Nations Members.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“We see it as an opportunity to review implementation of the resolution with a view to identifying best practices and challenges, particularly regarding equal participation of women in decision- making and the eradication of all types of gender-based violence, especially in conflict situations. At this session we have a very important task ahead of us: reviewing the work of the Human Rights Council. The Council has already shown itself capable of addressing many human rights situations and of advancing human rights. I particularly wish to highlight the independent work of the special procedures and the establishment of the universal periodic review mechanism. However, improvements are still necessary.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“We sincerely hope for a faster pace for the reform process. We commend the work of the United Nations in the promotion of gender equality and welcome the creation of a unified gender entity. I would like to congratulate the new head of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, the former Chilean President Mrs. Michelle Bachelet, on her appointment and to wish her every success in that highly important post. 37 10-54965 This fall we also mark the tenth anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Latvia, despite its economic challenges, was able to respond to those international emergency humanitarian needs, both through the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund and through additional pledges of €150,000 for Haiti’s recovery. We will continue to help countries affected by such tragic disasters. Latvia has always supported the strengthening of the United Nations as the only truly global international organization. However, in a time of globalization and rapid development, the need for reform is an inevitable reality. We must therefore continuously seek maximum effectiveness and efficiency in the work of the United Nations in order to deliver results worthy of this Organization. A Security Council that reflects the realities of the twenty-first century would be a significant step towards a more effective United Nations.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Within the framework of the Copenhagen Accord, Latvia, among other European Union member States, is providing assistance that, along with financial contributions from other key players, helps developing countries fight climate change. We must make the next step in Cancún. We have to agree on global action to address climate change. The future of the next generation is at stake. While we are working for long-term goals, we also have to address immediate crises wherever they occur. The international community, with the United Nations in the leading role, has been addressing humanitarian needs following the devastating flooding in Pakistan, which has affected more than 14 million people. This year we also witnessed a terrible earthquake in Haiti.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“A new consciousness is emerging from the awareness of the negative impact of climate change. Climate change is a fact. We are witnessing a rising number of storms, excessive rainfall and atypical temperatures, which lead to flooding, forest fires and crop failures. All those disasters have an immense material cost and claim people’s lives, and therefore they should be treated as a serious security threat. The response must be twofold. We have to adapt to the changes already in place and to those we will face in the coming decades. And most importantly, we have to work on preventive measures, such as the reduction of emissions. We have a road ahead of us on the issue of climate change, and every country has to contribute if our actions on it are to be successful.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Latvia’s story shows that the values enshrined in the Charter are universal and, with the people’s persistence and common vision, can come alive, even if it takes decades. It also shows that it is possible to overcome even the deepest of divisions. It shows that, while honouring our history, we can extend a hand of cooperation and look into the future with hope. There are many global issues that need our real attention and require urgent action. Just a few days ago we renewed our commitment to development at the High-level Plenary Meeting on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). While important improvements have been made globally, progress towards achieving the MDGs by 2015 has not been sufficient. If we are serious about achieving the Millennium Development Goals, we need to show commitment and action.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Allow me at the outset to congratulate Mr. Deiss on assuming the post of President of the General Assembly at the current session. I pledge him Latvia’s full support. Sixty-five years ago, the United Nations was created on the ashes of the bloodiest war in the history of mankind as an international forum where all nations meet as equals, willing to address international challenges and to prevent the scourge of war. Since then it has become the most broadly representative body of nations focused on promoting security, peace and prosperity all over the world. This year also marks the twentieth anniversary of Latvia’s freedom, regained after 50 years of Soviet occupation, oppression and injustice.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“We are an active participant in the United Nations Forum on Forests, the Commission on Science and Technology for Development, the Statistical Commission, and the Commission on Sustainable Development. The United Nations is the only truly universal forum for dialogue and action. All States, big and small, have the responsibility to contribute to the fruitful work of the United Nations. Let me assure the President that Latvia is ready to work closely with him and all Member States to make the sixty-fourth session of the General Assembly a successful one.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“It is important to prioritize activities and to continue the reform of the United Nations. We would also like to see more transparency and budgetary discipline in the process of budget planning and implementation. Latvia is a candidate for next year’s elections to the Economic and Social Council. We are willing to share our experience in addressing global challenges, such as sustainable development, poverty eradication, the implementation of good governance and the rule of law, fundamental freedoms and environmental stability. Latvia is already building up its expertise on the functional commissions and activities related to the mandate of the Council.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We are ready to share our experience in that area with the international community. Latvia has therefore put forward its candidacy for the Human Rights Council for the year 2014. Latvia has always supported the strengthening of the United Nations. The reform of the Security Council, aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and legitimacy of its work, is an important part of the overall reform of the United Nations. The composition of the Security Council must reflect the realities and dynamics of today’s world. Latvia welcomes the beginning of intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform. We also emphasize the importance of continued progress in that area. We note with concern that, at a time of global recession, the United Nations budget is increasing considerably.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“It is important to work towards its implementation. It would help us to create a world 09-52425 22 order where inactivity in the face of mass atrocities becomes a thing of the past. Three years ago, the General Assembly decided to establish the Human Rights Council. The Council has already achieved some results. The Universal Periodic Review mechanism is one of its most notable successes. However, we believe that that process can be further improved to avoid abuse of its shortcomings in methodology and practice. The Human Rights Council will undergo a review in 2011. We believe that the Council can become even more credible, as well as an effective body for the promotion and protection of human rights. Latvia has a long-standing commitment and experience with promoting human rights.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The character of armed conflict is constantly changing, and new challenges, such as terrorism, arise. Still, the Geneva Conventions remain the bedrock of international humanitarian law. Unfortunately, the political will to fully implement the Conventions remains insufficient. Violations of the provisions of the Conventions and the norms of human rights law still occur. Latvia therefore strongly supports the International Criminal Court. It is a mechanism designed to fight impunity and to promote compliance with the norms of international law. Latvia commends the work of the Court. We also call on all States to fully cooperate with it. Mr. Gomes (Guinea-Bissau), Vice-President, took the Chair. The concept of the responsibility to protect was agreed upon at the 2005 World Summit. Latvia supports that concept.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“If the Iranian Government seeks the respect of the international community, it should comply with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. By doing so, Iran could become a genuine contributor to peace and stability in the whole region. Latvia has been steadfast in the global efforts to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. We are sure that the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons will be an important milestone in that process. Latvia is convinced that it will promote the aims of non-proliferation, disarmament and the use of nuclear energy for exclusively peaceful purposes. This fall we will celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of the four Geneva Conventions.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Meanwhile, it is ever more important to strengthen the only remaining international mission, namely, the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia, which has convincingly proven its pivotal role in stabilizing the situation on the ground. We would also like to stress the importance of the resolution on the status of internally displaced persons and refugees from the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The resolution is an important show of commitment to fundamental humanitarian principles. Choosing leadership is the right and the responsibility of the people. We recently witnessed the post-electoral crisis in Iran. We are concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation and the violent crackdowns there. If the Iranian Government seeks recognition as the representative of its people, it should respect human rights.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The security situation in and around Georgia is still very fragile. We regret that the Security Council failed to agree on the continuation of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia. Unfortunately, despite all the efforts by the international community, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) was forced to close its Mission in Georgia. As a result, this year we lost two important international instruments for promoting stability and peaceful conflict resolution in Georgia. Latvia strongly believes that the international community should continue to look for a solution. We should work to secure a full and effective United Nations and OSCE presence in Georgia, including in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The two-State idea will become a reality only when the Israeli Government sincerely works to make it one. It will become a sustainable reality only when Palestinian leaders settle their own differences in the interests of their people. This year, Latvia provided a rehabilitation programme for 18 Palestinian boys and girls. They came to Latvia to participate in our rehabilitation programme for traumatized children from the Gaza Strip. Those children came to overcome the psychological impact of the conflict they experienced earlier this year. Latvia would like to reiterate its firm support for the security and stability of Georgia, which must be based on full respect for the principles of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity as recognized by international law.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“It is crucial to pursue balanced international involvement in 21 09-52425 Afghanistan, which should include both a civilian surge and military efforts. We must continue our assistance to Afghanistan and other countries in the region in order to prevent the threat of festering terrorism. It is important to understand that the value of local knowledge of the situation and of regional involvement cannot be overestimated. We remain committed to the rebuilding process in Afghanistan while paying special attention to upgrading its infrastructure and strengthening its economy. Latvia has contributed both military and civilian assistance to the development of Afghanistan. Achieving peace in the Middle East is another issue that remains at the top of the international agenda.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The United Nations Summit on Climate Change has demonstrated that it is important to reach a comprehensive and fair agreement on future global climate policy at the Copenhagen Conference, to be held in December of this year. Such an agreement should follow the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. Every country should contribute according to its capabilities, but the political will of every nation is what matters most. The stability and security situation in a number of countries and regions of the world is of particular concern to the global community. Afghanistan is certainly one of them. The holding of presidential elections in a fragile security situation was a significant achievement by the Afghan people.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“It is self-evident that we can tackle the challenges only by joint efforts. We should use the crisis as a catalyst for looking beyond our individual gains. We should therefore use it to look at how we can promote an open international trade system. We hope for the prompt conclusion of the long-overdue round of talks on the Doha Development Agenda. Development is hard in times of crisis. Developing countries are particularly severely affected by its negative effects. We are well aware of the risk of jeopardizing what has been done in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. We must not give up. Latvia is honouring its commitments to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Climate change is a global challenge that needs to be tackled at the global level.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“But no matter what name we use we must remember that those global issues require urgent and concerted action at the global level. Since we met here last year, the financial crisis has turned into a global economic crisis. It has struck the world with its full strength. Consequences are being felt by every State and by every economy. They have an effect on international policy and make us reconsider domestic policies as well. Latvia has undertaken painful but necessary adjustments to the downturn. We have learned our lessons. I am confident that our economy and the entire global economic system will come out of the crisis stronger than before. Current realities are serving to underline the values of inclusiveness, tolerance and compassion, not only domestically but also in the international arena.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The importance of the Baltic Way was so substantial that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization added it to the Memory of the World Register. The message of the Baltic Way is very clear, namely, that if people and countries truly commit to a common goal, and if they join their efforts, even the most difficult challenge can be met successfully. A look at today’s world reveals that never before has international cooperation been so important. Never before have we faced such a multitude of simultaneous critical challenges of global significance. Many phrases have been coined to describe the most severe problems: the “three Es” crisis, for energy, economy and environment, and the “three Fs” crisis, for finance, food and fuel.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“I wish to begin by congratulating the President on his assumption of the presidency at this session of the General Assembly. I pledge Latvia’s full support to him. This year marks the twentieth anniversary of a unique peaceful demonstration, namely, the Baltic Way. On 23 August 1989, more than 1 million people joined hands in a 600-kilometre-long human chain across the three Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. That event was dedicated to the fiftieth anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact between the Stalinist Soviet Union and Nazi Germany. The Pact was another mile marker leading to the Second World War and the occupation of the three Baltic States. The Baltic Way served as a powerful symbol of the drive for democracy and freedom in our three States.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We live in a world with deteriorating security, a growing population, the consequences of climate change and market turbulence aggravated by high energy and food prices. We need deeper engagement with the risks we face globally. That requires a new commitment to our values and a willingness to work for an international system that has a vision of the future at its heart. I would like that to become the driving force for all the work of the General Assembly at this sixty-third session.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We welcome the recent decision by the General Assembly to continue immediately within the Open-ended Working Group on the Question of Equitable Representation on and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council and Other Matters Related to the Security Council to prepare intergovernmental negotiations on the question of the Security Council’s expansion. While recognizing the need for structural reform of the United Nations, we should not lose sight of making more effective use of existing capacity. Management reform is central to all those efforts. We support further measures aimed at ensuring greater transparency, enhanced accountability and strict budget discipline. There has been some progress, but not enough by far.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We are convinced that universality of justice is a prerequisite for sustainable peace. Effective multilateralism requires combining greater awareness of the nature of the risks we face with a contemporary understanding of how international politics are forged today. International organizations are only one part of our global system, and often that part is the most resistant to change. It is regrettable that the enthusiasm and momentum generated during the 2005 World Summit in reforming this universal international body has somewhat faded. Reform of the Security Council is long overdue. We must move on from the discussion of procedure into a discussion of substance.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Latvia expresses its full support for them and urges all United Nations Members to cooperate fully with the special procedures, including by issuing standing invitations to them. Latvia is ready to share with the international community its experience in the area of promoting human rights. Latvia has put forward its candidacy for the Human Rights Council for the year 2014. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute establishing the International Criminal Court (ICC). We welcome the progress the Court has achieved in its analyses, investigations and judicial proceedings. We call upon 08-51839 18 all States to ensure full cooperation with the Court. The ICC is not an instrument that can be activated or deactivated according to political expediency.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Unfortunately, by the time the Universal Declaration of Human Rights had been adopted, Latvia had come under foreign occupation and its people had been deprived of their right to freely determine their political status and were being subjected to oppression and injustice. It was only in 1991 that Latvia restored its statehood and the continuity of its commitment to fundamental human rights, inherent human dignity, equality and the universality of those values. The creation of the Human Rights Council and the beginning of the Universal Periodic Review are important steps aimed at promoting the values of the Universal Declaration. The special procedures of the Human Rights Council play a particular role in that regard.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“This year, symbolically, the sixtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights coincides with the ninetieth anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Latvia. In 1918, the Act of Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia declared: “All citizens, irrespective of their ethnicity, are asked to help, for the rights of all people will be guaranteed in Latvia. It will be a democratic and just State where oppression and injustice do not exist”. I am truly proud of that statement. Thirty years before the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Republic of Latvia declared its adherence to the same core values and principles and fully implemented them in the newly established State.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Globalization has brought with it both increased prosperity and increased risks. We need to find a way to ensure that tomorrow’s globalization will offer growing prosperity to all people. Globalization will produce benefits on a truly global scale only if trade is liberalized across the board. Every country and every region must do its fair share in that process. I would like to congratulate Ms. Navanethem Pillay, the new United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, on the assumption of her duties and to wish her every success in that highly important post. I would also like to thank Ms. Louise Arbour for her invaluable contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Changes to energy consumption patterns must be taken into account as we move towards sustainable development, food security and worldwide trade. Innovative technologies, as well as sustainable production and consumption, would deliver both midterm and long-term results. Carbon dioxide emissions cannot be cut in some regions while others do nothing. While each of our countries must commit to cutting emissions, success will be possible only if there is a truly global agreement that enables us to do so and tells us how. The United Nations, as the only truly global Organization, must play a decisive role. Trade liberalization is an important contributor to the achievement of the MDGs. Although the recent trade liberalization efforts at the World Trade Organization were not successful, the process must be continued at the multilateral level.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“A clearer picture of what we must achieve in the interim in each of the main clusters of the MDGs — health, education, growth and climate change — is what the United Nations needs immediately. We also need a clearer picture of the required division of labour among various actors, and we need to develop a shared sense of progress. A clear plan of action is what we need right now. Therefore, Latvia strongly supports the EU Call for Action initiative on the MDGs. Climate change will have a major negative bearing on the achievement of the MDGs. Latvia supports broader use of renewable energy resources to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. However, climate change cannot be seen as an exclusively environmental challenge; we need a more integrated approach.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“I call upon world leaders to come together not only to provide humanitarian aid to Georgia, but also to ensure a massive international effort to help rebuild the country’s economy and infrastructure. It is about time that we seriously examine our development commitments. The time between now and 2015 may seem long, but it is less than the time that has elapsed since the adoption of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2000. Two days ago, I 17 08-51839 participated in the high-level meeting on Africa’s development needs, and tomorrow I will participate in the high-level event on the MDGs. Those are important efforts aimed at giving the issue the top priority that it deserves. We must significantly accelerate the processes for achieving the MDGs by 2015.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Can we accept the fact that the protection of nationals abroad is being used as a pretext for a large-scale use of force in another State without the approval of the Security Council? All those questions arise from the international response to the recent war in Georgia. If they matter to us, we should have a clear plan to resolve the Georgian crisis. The most important task is adherence to and implementation of the six-point ceasefire agreement on the part of the Russian Federation. First, foreign troops must be removed from all Georgian soil. Equally important is the establishment of an EU monitoring mission to normalize the situation in Georgia. For 15 years now, the United Nations has mandated the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia. We must ensure that there are no obstacles to the continuation of that effort.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The indirect talks that have resumed between Israel and Syria are another positive signal. Latvia welcomes the stabilization process in Lebanon. We hope that the Doha agreement will be fully implemented and that it will serve as a solid foundation for renewed political stability, national unity and sustainable economic development in the country. Not all of the developments over the past year have been positive. We have witnessed new challenges to the law-based international system. We should ask ourselves whether we, as the international community, can accept the fact that peacekeeping troops protect only one side involved in a conflict. Can we accept the fact that peacekeeping forces are occupying territories that are clearly outside the conflict zones?”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We must not undermine that immense effort by being impatient. The war ravaged Afghanistan for 20 years; it will take at least as much time to rebuild a peaceful society. The international community must push ahead until that long-term aim is achieved. Latvia is increasing its commitment to the Afghan people in terms of development and security assistance. We are focusing our civil engagement on ensuring good governance and a strong judiciary and on meeting the basic needs of the Afghan people. The prospects for peace and stability in the Middle East affect the whole world. Latvia hopes that the peace negotiations between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority will produce results. We hope that the parties will use the window of opportunity to conclude a peace agreement by the end of 2008.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Now we need to focus our efforts on the development of Kosovo’s statehood: political stability, economic prosperity, security and good relations with its neighbours. I welcome the decision of the Secretary-General to reconfigure the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo. It is necessary to continue the constructive cooperation between the United Nations and the EU so that the Kosovo Mission can be fully deployed. That is important both for Kosovo and for the entire West Balkans region. The international community has also made remarkable efforts to assist Afghanistan in building a democratic, prosperous and secure State. Large and small countries and civilian and military organizations from all over the world are working together to fulfil our common aspiration to peace and stability.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“I wish to begin by congratulating Mr. d’Escoto Brockmann on assuming the post of President of the General Assembly at its current session. Today I shall start by addressing the security situation in the world. During the past year, the international community has deepened its understanding of frozen conflicts. Frozen does not mean resolved; it means that those conflicts are able to re-emerge. Therefore, I am particularly glad that significant progress has been achieved towards resolving long-lasting conflicts in some regions. First, I would like to mention Kosovo. Strong involvement by the United Nations, the European Union (EU) and the United States helped to resolve a protracted conflict in the Balkans.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We welcome the prospect of intergovernmental negotiations beginning in the current session and hope that they will produce early positive results. The United Nations is as important as ever, being the only truly universal forum for global dialogue. We must not forget that it is also the only truly universal forum for decision-making and action. But above all, we must emphasize that this is the forum where all States, big and small, have a voice. This is also a forum where all States have a responsibility to contribute. Latvia looks forward to a fruitful sixty-second session of the General Assembly.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“It will be up to Member States to advance the credibility of the United Nations as an Organization able and willing to protect and promote human rights. Latvia has always placed the promotion of human rights among its top priorities. In the light of that commitment, we have decided to aim for membership in the Human Rights Council in the 2014 elections. No reform will be more difficult or more significant than that of the Security Council. The Security Council has had many achievements. However, we share the widespread belief that the composition and the working methods of the Council need to be brought up to date. We have stated many times our reasons for supporting the model of reform being promoted by the G4 nations, namely, Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan. We consider it to be the best of the models currently available.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Likewise, there is a great need for system-wide coherence of the various United Nations funds and programmes. The provision of aid should be targeted and efficient. Our focus should be on those in need. We look forward to assessing the results of the “One UN” pilot programme, which is now under way in eight volunteer countries. The beginnings of the new Human Rights Council were a cause for concern. Still, we are confident that after making important decisions on institution-building earlier this year, Member States will take full advantage of the Human Rights Council. We have to live up to our task to further promote and protect human rights. The Council now has the tools, but it will be up to Member States to use those tools.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)