YouSaid · the spoken record

Lawrence Gonzi

lines on the record

76

first

2004-09-24

most recent

2011-09-24

sittings or episodes

4

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un-general-debate

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1. “The agenda of the Assembly is long and demanding. We recognize that the President’s task will not be at all easy, and we assure him of our full support. Malta will also continue to shoulder its international responsibilities with vigour, commitment and determination. We stand ready to work with other Member States to make the Organization stronger and better able to tackle the global challenges facing mankind.”

   2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

2. “In conclusion, allow me to state that the environmental sustainability of our planet is one of the priorities of my Government. Malta is working towards a successful outcome at next year’s United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in the hope that it will build further on the commitments agreed at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. In that context, since 1988, when Malta put the protection of climate for present and future generations on the political agenda of the Organization, my Government has worked to support and endorse efforts that address climate change. Malta has also made a contribution to the Special Climate Change Fund. The coming 12 months under the presidency of Ambassador Al-Nasser offer the membership of the Organization challenging and exciting times.”

   2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

3. “Such a declaration would be open for signature to any Member State wishing to subscribe to it. We have been encouraged to move forward in presenting such a draft declaration by a number of Member States that share with us a belief in the growing need to embrace responsibilities and duties in the international setting. In the light of that positive response, my Government intends to call an international gathering in 2012, at the official level but with the presence of experts, to examine the draft declaration that will have been prepared and finalize it in such a way that it can be opened for signature in 2012. Malta strongly believes that such a declaration would strengthen the solidarity that our rapidly changing world demands.”

   2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

4. “Only one month ago, another reprehensible and deadly attack was carried out, on the United Nations complex in Nigeria. Malta strongly condemns those cowardly and horrible acts and pledges to continue to work with other Member States to ensure that such criminal acts are not only condemned in absolute terms, but also suppressed. The events unfolding in North Africa highlight that we must continue to promote and protect human rights across the world. That is a responsibility that our present generation bears on behalf of future generations. It was in that spirit that, in my address to the sixty-fourth session of the Assembly in 2009 (see A/64/PV.6), I proposed the drafting of a universal declaration of human responsibilities, as the second part of a diptych to be formed with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”

   2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

5. “11-51360 52 Two weeks ago, the New York community and the American people were joined by the international community in commemorating the victims of one of the most heinous crimes committed in recent history. We all remember with sadness and sorrow that fateful day of 11 September 2001, when the hand of evil carried out a terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre in downtown New York. The 10 years that have passed since that tragic event, when nearly 3,000 innocent people met their deaths and thousands more were wounded, have not erased the scars or the pain. Terrorism continues to respect no frontiers. Many States have been and continue to be the victims of deadly attacks by terrorists. In Afghanistan, Iraq, India, Pakistan, Russia, Spain, Indonesia, the United Kingdom and China, terrorism has struck with intensity and brutality.”

   2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

6. “No effort should be spared to break the deadlock in the Israeli-Palestinian talks. Getting Israelis and Palestinians back to the negotiating table with the political will necessary to embark on meaningful and sustainable negotiations must remain the overriding goal. Agreement on parameters for negotiations would clearly be a step in the right direction. In this regard, Malta fully stands behind the efforts of the European Union, particularly those of its High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, to make this happen. My Government strongly believes that the elements set out in the conclusions adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union in December 2009, December 2010 and May 2011 provide balanced parameters for the resumption of negotiations.”

   2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

7. “Malta was heartened by, and welcomed, the speech of President Obama last May, in which he laid out the foundation for future negotiations and outlined a comprehensive vision for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. The resumption of meaningful and sustainable negotiations seemed, at the time, to be within reach. Unfortunately, that was not to be. The time frames set by the international community for the establishment of a Palestinian State are now with us. A political stalemate persists, despite the fact that from an institutional perspective, the preparations for statehood have been successfully completed. The situation on the ground further complicates matters and undermines the resumption of negotiations and the goal of two viable States living side by side in peace.”

   2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

8. “A holistic approach is a crucial element in maximizing international endeavours, not least to stimulate economic growth. Democracy stands a better chance of flourishing if there is economic development and tangible improvement in living standards enjoyed by the entire population. At a time when people in the Middle East, North Africa and beyond have embarked on a new path towards freedom, dignity and prosperity, we must also invest our efforts and determination to fulfil the long- sought aspirations of the Palestinian people. The dramatic developments unfolding in the Arab world make progress on the Israeli-Palestinian track even more urgent than before.”

   2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

9. “At this defining moment the Libyan people deserve the fullest international solidarity on the political, economic and financial fronts. My Government supports United Nations leadership in the international community’s programme of action and endorses the three fundamental principles under which the United Nations intends to operate: Libyan national ownership, rapid response and delivery and, lastly, effective coordination. Close coordination, in particular with the European Union, which we believe to be a key player in post-conflict assistance and support, will be especially crucial in this scenario. Egypt and Tunisia also deserve every encouragement as they embark on the reforms ahead. Democratic transition processes need to be sustained, including from the economic perspective.”

   2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

10. “The approach taken by the Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) over these recent, highly charged weeks has undoubtedly enhanced its standing and legitimacy. We welcome the NTC’s determination to ensure that justice, and not vengeance, will be pursued by these brave people. It is important that the process of national reconciliation take hold as soon as possible and that it be underpinned by the fullest respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all segments of the population. Allow me, at this juncture, to take this opportunity to join others in welcoming the delegation of Libya as the new and rightful representatives of Libya to the United Nations and in this Assembly. The next few months will be a major challenge for the international community and the people of Libya alike.”

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

11. “As a Member of this esteemed Organization, of the European Union and of the international contact group on Libya, my Government has provided, over the past several months, a humanitarian hub for the evacuation of nearly 20,000 people, medical assistance and relief efforts by intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, including such United Nations agencies as the World Food Programme. Malta is proud of this role, which it continues to play in alleviating hardships, particularly those of the Libyan people, to this very day. As a result of the courage, vision and tenacity of its people, Libya is today on the threshold of assuming its place in the community of free and democratic nations.”

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

12. “It is, however, also seeing the birth of hope in the form of a new political and social reality as a result of the sacrifices being made by the peoples of Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Syria as they strive to take back the political leadership of their countries. Malta salutes these brave people. As we heard a few minutes ago from His Excellency Mr. Jibreel, who spoke on behalf of Libya, these are turbulent times for Libya, a crucial and momentous point in the history of the Libyan people. During this time, Malta, which over the course of its history has earned the title “nurse of the 51 11-51360 Mediterranean”, has also been serving as a safe harbour, where thousands have found refuge and assistance.”

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

13. “We continue to call for international solidarity and burden-sharing in dealing with this phenomenon. It is also our hope that the European Union’s Asylum Support Office, which opened in Malta in June, will contribute to the task of streamlining asylum policies in the European Union and its member States and improve cooperation among the authorities. In that context, may I express the appreciation of the Government of Malta for the assistance we have received so far from a number of European States and the United States of America in the resettlement process. The Mediterranean, which links Europe, Africa and the Middle East, has not been spared the many challenges and difficulties facing other parts of the world.”

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

14. “We acknowledge, of course, that progress has been made in some critical areas, notwithstanding continuing adversities. But we are still not there. Within its limited means, Malta has been able to financially assist and support NGOs and interested individuals to carry out projects in developing and least developed countries. Over the past 19 months, these projects have included building schools, clinics, centres for persons with disabilities, social housing, and extensions at hospitals in various countries in Africa, as well as in Central and South America. My Government continues to ask the membership of this Organization to consider the case for assistance in dealing with the influx of illegal immigrants who are continuing to reach Malta as a result of the situation in Libya and North Africa.”

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

15. “Malta has long recognized the difficulties facing countries in the Horn of Africa and has directed most of its development and humanitarian aid to them through development projects. The participation of Maltese non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in implementing those projects has been pivotal in enabling Malta to help relieve some of the most pressing needs. My Government has also answered the call of the United Nations for financial contributions to assist in alleviating the sufferings of people in the Horn of Africa. This we did through the Central Emergency Response Fund. It is a matter of concern, however, that only four years remain to meet the goals that we unanimously agreed, in the Millennium Declaration of 2000 (resolution 55/2), to achieve by 2015.”

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

16. “Just two months ago this Assembly admitted by acclamation the Republic of South Sudan as the 193rd Member of the United Nations. Malta is proud to have been one of the Member States co-sponsoring the resolution that ushered the new nation-State of the Republic of South Sudan into the world community of nations (resolution 65/308). Throughout the 12 months that have passed since we last gathered here in this Assembly, we have all been witness to the continuing upheavals and crises resulting from the strife, poverty and social inequalities that unfortunately persist in many parts of the world. This situation has been compounded by food insecurity, which in turn is exacerbated by the drought and famine that threaten the survival of millions of people, particularly in Somalia and the rest of the Horn of Africa.”

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

17. “I heartily congratulate the President on his unanimous election to preside over the General Assembly at its sixty-sixth session. I wish him every success and assure him that Malta, which enjoys excellent relations and increasing cooperation with his country, Qatar, will extend its full support and collaboration in the tasks ahead of him. I would also like to pay tribute to his predecessor, Mr. Joseph Deiss, for his leadership and effective role over the last 12 months. I would also like to convey my warm and sincere congratulations to His Excellency Ban Ki-moon on his re-election to serve our Organization as its Secretary- General for another term. My Government would like to put on record its appreciation for his firm and capable leadership.”

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

18. “Allow me to conclude by stating that Malta continues to strongly believe that together, as Members of the United Nations, we can and should continue to support the Organization, our Secretary-General and all those who contribute to making our world a better place for present and future generations. I know that Malta intends to do so.”

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

19. “Malta believes that such an effort must find its foundations in this Organization where all Member States are equal and where the many challenges facing humankind can be addressed in a cohesive and coherent manner. The global challenges which the United Nations faces are our challenges. We, as Member States, have an obligation and the responsibility to ensure that our Organization lives up to the commitments and decisions that we, as heads of State and Government, solemnly undertake to implement in the best interests of our constituencies and societies.”

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

20. “My Government is deeply appreciative of those countries that have come forward to assist us in coping with this phenomenon, including the United States of America, France, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Portugal, Slovenia and Slovakia. My Government also hopes that other countries will come forward to assist in alleviating the burden which Malta carries — a burden so acutely disproportionate to the country’s population, wealth and land area. In his report on the work of the Organization, the Secretary-General has laid emphasis on the need to embark on a multilateral effort of immense magnitude “that draws upon the strengths and contributions of all the countries of the world, as well as their citizens” (A/64/1, para. 4).”

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

21. “At the same time, the problem of illegal immigration is an international phenomenon driven by external factors which cannot always be prevented or even mitigated by the countries directly affected by the problem. We therefore strongly feel that the United Nations should address the issue of illegal immigration in a holistic way so as to find solutions to a humanitarian problem that Malta and other like us, especially in the Mediterranean, are currently facing. Much more needs to be done, and all of us, including countries of origin and countries of transit, need to step up our efforts in order to deal with this challenge.”

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

22. “Malta believes that the liaison office will render a major contribution to deepening mutual understanding through practical cooperation between Europe and the Arab world, as well as enhancing intercultural dialogue. Members will recall that last year I raised the issue of the influx of illegal immigrants who risk their lives in crossing the Mediterranean to seek a new beginning. I had indicated that our size and our financial and human resources, which are very limited, make it extremely difficult for Malta to cope with the large number of these unfortunate people arriving on our shores on their way to mainland Europe. Malta has always dealt with this situation with great responsibility, humanity and benevolence, paying due respect to every human being without any exception. And we will continue to do so.”

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

23. “In fact, Malta’s vocation towards peace and security in the Mediterranean continues to occupy an important place of my Government’s foreign policy priorities. During the past 12 months, Malta has continued to build on the achievements made so far by enhancing the dialogue between countries in the Mediterranean region and the European Union and also with the League of Arab States. It is with a strong sense of political commitment and direction that we in Malta bear the responsibility of hosting the liaison office aimed at strengthening cooperation between the European Union and League of Arab States, which is due to be opened this coming October.”

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

24. “Malta reiterates its vision of a two-State solution, with 55 09-52425 both States living in secure and guaranteed frontiers, each recognizing the other’s sovereignty, and the right to peaceful coexistence. Malta calls in both parties to engage fully in resumed negotiations to this end, resulting in a viable Palestinian State on the basis of the June 1967 borders. This is not a view which we have adopted today. It is a vision that has been ours for decades, believing as we do that peace in the Middle East determines peace in the Mediterranean and beyond. Malta’s strategic geographic location in the Mediterranean has placed it in the privileged yet responsible position of building bridges between the two continents.”

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

25. “Malta therefore welcomes our Organization’s engagement through its peacekeeping missions and peacebuilding mechanisms to foster political dialogue and reconciliation among the warring parties. We believe that assisting countries emerging from conflict in the rebuilding of the lives of their populations would contribute in no small way to providing the necessary support to nationally driven efforts in the achievement of sustainable peace and development. One of the long-standing issues of which the United Nations has been seized since its inception is the question of the Middle East. Indeed, peace in the Middle East continues to evade our ongoing efforts.”

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

26. “It is in this spirit that Malta proposes that consideration be given to the drafting of such a declaration on human duties and responsibilities. Conflicts around the world have continued to affect the political, economic and social development of many countries and a large part of our societies. It is tragic that in the past decade more than two million innocent children were killed and six million seriously injured in conflicts. The role of the United Nations in preventive diplomacy and support to peace processes must enjoy strong and sustainable political backing from Member States. A number of hotspots, from Somalia and Afghanistan to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Middle East, continue to challenge our collective search for peaceful and long-lasting solutions for these war-torn countries and regions.”

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

27. “Malta believes that human duties are intrinsic to the personality, oneness and uniqueness of the human being, and are as inalienable as human rights. Those duties do not arise from laws or obligations but are inherent to the human being. Such duties relate to human beings themselves and to their fellow beings, and in a special manner to their family, to the community at all levels and to the natural and cultural environment in which their life evolves. The envisaged declaration, strengthening and fulfilling the thrust of the 1948 universal instrument, should mark the work of this Assembly as a consummate service to the international community. It should stand out as a major achievement of the United Nations at the beginning of the third millennium of our era.”

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

28. “Just as it was necessary in 1948 to recognize the need for a universal declaration of human rights as a fundamental condition for the enjoyment of freedom, justice and peace for all men and women around the world, so it has become vital now to have a concomitant declaration on human duties of the present generation, including our responsibilities towards future generations. We have the overall task of conserving the human species in the sacredness of its life and in its continuity, as well as of preserving the environment, in all its manifestations. We believe that such a declaration emanates naturally from that doctrine of the common heritage of mankind, which my country first mooted before this Assembly in 1967 and which eventually led to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.”

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

29. “In the light of the issues I have just mentioned, Malta feels that the time has come for the General Assembly to examine possible approaches to a review of the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea. In this context, Malta would like to propose that the General Assembly, through its relevant bodies, undertake appropriate consultations among its Member States to revise the Convention in view of the passage of time and the emergence of new and critical issues over the years. My delegation will be ready to enter into consultations with other interested Member States to advance this proposal further.”

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

30. “It was 42 years ago that, in this Hall, Malta once again called on Member States to undertake a reform of the law of the sea, which eventually culminated in the adoption of the current Convention on 10 December 1982. It is also necessary to see the 1982 convention in the light of some pressing and contemporary problems which are either being addressed inadequately or not being addressed at all. Among these deficiencies are the provisions dealing with piracy, illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, the rules relating to the protection and preservation of the marine environment and the rules dealing with submarine cables and pipelines. Examples of omissions are the trafficking of human beings, the safety and security of navigation, the transportation of weapons of mass destruction, and climate change.”

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

31. “Throughout these 20 years, Malta has been in the forefront of those ensuring that climate change continues to be one of the top-priority issues of our times. Our commitment of 20 years ago remains steadfast and as strong as ever. As we have heard during the past few days, the outcome of the Copenhagen Summit must signal a turning point. Malta strongly believes that it is the duty of all countries, large and small, rich and poor, to contribute their fair share to this concerted effort, which must be global if it is to succeed. 09-52425 54 On 16 November of this year, Member States will commemorate the fifteenth anniversary of the coming into force of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which has been described as the constitution for regulating humankind’s activities relating to the oceans.”

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

32. “One of the issues which in the coming weeks will be at the top of the international agenda is the Copenhagen Summit. Two days ago, this Hall witnessed one of the largest-ever gatherings of Heads of State and Heads of Government to debate the future of our planet Earth. During this unique summit we all agreed that the challenges posed by climate change have become the most urgent and critical faced by humankind. It will be recalled that in 1988, when Malta took the initiative to formally submit the issue of climate change as a political item on the agenda of the forty- third session of the General Assembly, few of us would have thought at that time that this issue of climate change would become in the span of two decades one of the principal critical issues dominating the international environmental concerns of this new century.”

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

33. “The first is the forty-fifth anniversary of our country’s independence, on 21 September 1964; the second is the fifteenth anniversary of the coming into force on 21 March 1994 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change; and the third is the fifteenth anniversary of the coming into force on 16 November 1994 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Over the past 45 years, Malta has made good on the pledge it made when it joined this Organization. In this regard, I would like to avail myself of this opportunity to renew today, on this forty-fifth anniversary of Malta’s United Nations membership, our pledge and our unwavering faith and trust in the ideals and purposes enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.”

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

34. “Malta would like to take this opportunity to commend and thank the Secretary-General for his unstinting efforts in guiding our Organization in the maintenance of international peace and stability worldwide. Under his leadership the United Nations has made important strides in raising awareness and in many instances responding effectively to the critical situation of the poor and more vulnerable. It was therefore of great satisfaction to my Government and the Maltese people that we had the honour and privilege to welcome him to Malta last April. This year Malta is marking three important anniversaries.”

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

35. “I would like to congratulate Mr. Ali Treki on his unanimous election to preside over the General Assembly at its sixty-fourth session. His election is a deserved tribute to his personal qualities as a seasoned politician and diplomat and also to his country, Libya, with which Malta has long-standing ties of friendship and cooperation. I am sure that under his wise leadership and experience this august Assembly will be guided throughout his term to a successful and fruitful outcome. My delegation’s thanks and appreciation are extended to his distinguished predecessor, Father Miguel d’Escoto Brockmann, for the dedicated manner in which he presided over the work and activities of the sixty-third session.”

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

36. “It is a recommitment which as Prime Minister of Malta, and on behalf of the Maltese people, I solemnly make today.”

    2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)

37. “In a few weeks, Member States will be celebrating the sixtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Sixty years have passed since that historic day in 1948, six decades which have witnessed great political, economic and social upheavals in the lives of our peoples. Throughout these years, this family of nations has also increased fourfold, an increase bringing with it a diverse community, large and small countries, rich and poor, but with the sole aim of upholding the fundamental premise of the Universal Declaration that 08-52265 4 “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”. This anniversary on 10 December 2008 will provide us with the opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the pledges and commitments we made when we became Members of this Organization.”

    2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)

38. “During the sixty-second session, Member States continued to consider a series of critical issues in the process of reforming our Organization, including advancing a system-wide coherence, reviewing all mandates originating from resolutions of the General Assembly, management practices, the revitalization of the General Assembly, and giving the Security Council a more equitable representation. We all recognize that the transformation of the United Nations into a stronger Organization requires from all of us determination and conviction that only a concerted effort by all Member States can achieve. The reform of the United Nations is an evolving exercise which requires on our part not only understanding, but also solidarity and partnership which we as Member States must engage to overcome the new and emerging challenges facing humankind.”

    2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)

39. “Malta strongly believes that the pledges made at the Millennium Summit in 2000 on the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals remain the overarching objective of our global agenda. Besides being a signatory to the Call to Action launched by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Malta is also actively working to reach its targets for official development assistance set by the European Union. The United Nations is passing through exciting but challenging times. Under the able leadership of the Secretary-General, the search for a reinvigorated Organization that will provide the whole membership with a sound basis to look to the future with vigour and determination has been endorsed and accepted by Member States.”

    2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)

40. “We have an obligation to enhance efforts to assist African countries to meet their legitimate goals of sustainable development. It has been acknowledged that the Millennium Development Goals and the protection of human rights share a number of characteristics which require our constant attention. Recent phenomena, such as climate change, rising food prices and international financial instability, add further obstacles to the attainment of these Goals. Poverty eradication and the achievement of all the Millennium Development Goals are to be priorities of our times which should be addressed in a multidimensional way, both through the conduct of political and economic decision-making and through social and environmental factors related to different facets, such as culture and gender equality, geography, climate and energy.”

    2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)

41. “It is for this reason that Malta has continuously requested assistance in tackling this problem through the principles of solidarity and sharing of responsibilities by Europe and other countries, as well as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Malta is grateful to those countries that have come forward to assist us in coping with this phenomenon. Nevertheless, much more needs to be done by us all, including the countries of origin and the countries of transit. Africa continues to present us with a formidable challenge. It is a challenge not only for African countries themselves, but for the whole of the international community. While noting with satisfaction the success stories in the reduction of poverty, Malta remains very concerned that progress in Africa is still lagging behind.”

    2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)

42. “Malta looks forward to working constructively with other members of the Union to address some of the problems which the Mediterranean confronts, including in particular development, food security and the provision of water and energy. While referring to these problems, I must highlight also the unprecedented increase in the influx of irregular immigrants that have been arriving in Malta mainly from the African continent. Malta is well aware of its responsibility in this area. However, as has been highlighted on numerous occasions, it is extremely difficult for us to continue to carry such a burden, which is so acutely disproportionate to the size of the country and its population.”

    2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)

43. “A case in point is the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, with its headquarters in Malta, aiming to bring together all the littoral States of the Mediterranean on an equal footing to examine questions and take decisions on issues of direct interest to the countries in the region. An important development in the Euro-Med partnership was the launching last July, on the initiative of President Sarkozy of France, of what is now known as the Union for the Mediterranean within 3 08-52265 the Barcelona Process. Malta believes that this initiative will be a significant milestone in our common efforts to promote security and prosperity in the Euro- Mediterranean region, to the equal benefit of all European Union member States and Mediterranean partners.”

    2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)

44. “Malta’s hosting of a United Nations International Meeting on the Question of Palestine, held in June this year, followed shortly afterwards by the visit to Malta of President Mahmoud Abbas in July, came at an important — indeed, crucial — phase in the ongoing efforts to implement the Road Map and its commitments, as well as the obligations for a permanent two-State solution. We shall continue to lend our support to all initiatives that would bring everlasting peace to both the Israeli and Palestinian people. We welcome all initiatives which create a bond between European and Mediterranean countries.”

    2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)

45. “Malta feels that all United Nations Member States, without exception, should continue to support the Secretary- General in his quest, together with the Quartet, to resolve the issue of Palestine refugees and that of the permanent status of Jerusalem, as well as the other important issues of settlements, borders, water and security. The Paris International Donors Conference for the Palestinian State, the formal start of Israeli- Palestinian negotiations and the series of meetings between Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas have given a most welcome meaning to the efforts being made to resolve all outstanding issues, including all core issues without exception.”

    2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)

46. “We welcome and recognize the important developments on the Cyprus question; the renewed vigour in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations; the indirect negotiations between Israel and Syria, with Turkish mediation; the formation of a national unity Government in Lebanon; and the improved relations between Lebanon and Syria. Since we met here last year important developments have taken place on the negotiations for a permanent settlement of the Palestinian question. The Annapolis Conference, held in November 2007, renewed hope when there was otherwise a bleak future with regard to the resolution of this question.”

    2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)

47. “Malta reiterates its conviction that we have a common obligation and responsibility to support ambitious and urgent action, at the national, regional and international levels, within the United Nations Framework Convention so as to stop and overturn in these coming years the accumulation of greenhouse gases, which are causing detrimental climate change. The vulnerability of small island States like my country to the negative impacts of climate change needs to be underlined. For obvious reasons, Malta continues to direct its efforts towards making the Mediterranean a region of peace and cooperation.”

    2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)

48. “The fact that the Assembly met earlier this year, after high-level panel discussions, for a thematic debate on “Addressing Climate Change: the United Nations and the World at Work” continues to give credibility and authority to the will of the overwhelming majority of States to respond urgently to climate change. The process initiated at the Bali Conference last year established a clear road map with a view to agreeing on a new multilateral, comprehensive, coherent and effective post-2012 agreement, which we hope will be reached by 2009, in order to avoid any implementation gap.”

    2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)

49. “One of the issues which have been described as the defining challenge of our times, and also a matter described as the flagship issue of the debate at the sixty-second session, is climate change. Next December we shall commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the Assembly’s adoption, on the proposal of Malta, of resolution 43/53, entitled “Protection of global climate for present and future generations of mankind”, in paragraph 1 of which the Assembly recognized that “climate change is a common concern of mankind”. Malta is proud that the seminal proposal launched in 1988 found universal support, which eventually led to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol.”

    2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)

50. “Malta, as a State party to the International Criminal Court, believes that the work carried out so far by the Court is commendable and merits our continued cooperation and commitment towards the maintenance of international peace and security. Malta feels that the continuing recruitment and use of children in armed conflict and other grave offences against children merit our full condemnation. In this regard, we welcome the sustained activity of the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict as well as the sterling work being carried out by the Secretary-General’s Special 08-52265 2 Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Ms. Coomaraswamy. The protection of the human being brings with it the responsibility to protect the environment.”

    2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)