YouSaid · the spoken record

Ivan Gašparovič

lines on the record: 83
first: 2004-09-24
most recent: 2013-09-24
sittings or episodes: 5
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

“Yet the risk of such weapons falling into the hands of terrorists remains high. We are also prepared to cooperate with our partners on a number of priorities, such as the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. We appreciate the new post-START Treaty between the Russian Federation and the United States. We believe that the Treaty will invigorate the process of disarmament, which is getting off the ground, and increase pressure on certain States to desist from their ambitions to own nuclear weapons. In particular, I wish to underscore the important role played by the Conference on Disarmament, which is described as the sole multilateral disarmament negotiating forum. In the area of conventional weapons, it is necessary to continue negotiations leading to the adoption of a new, effective arms trade treaty.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Hence, the preservation of international peace and security at a global level and within the bounds of international law must remain at the core of United Nations activities. For peace and security become particularly vulnerable in times of global financial and economic crises. They require increased attention on our part in order to remain under the control of States and the international community. The process of arms control and disarmament represents the most important instrument for the prevention of war and other conflict. The progress achieved in the area of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction gives us reason for cautious optimism. Our duty is to continue the effort and to strengthen the global system of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“The foreign policy of Slovakia, as a United Nations member, is based on respect for the core democratic values, international law and effective multilateralism. We therefore welcome and support the main theme of the sixty-fifth session: “Reaffirming the central role of the United Nations in global governance”. This topic is all the more important since we often witness failure to respect binding decisions taken by United Nations bodies, and from time to time even among the various United Nations institutions. One of the most important missions of the United Nations is to act as a guarantor of the formulation, protection and implementation of the principle of collective security of States.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Let me congratulate Mr. Joseph Deiss on his election to preside over the General Assembly at its sixty-fifth session. May the United Nations, under his leadership, confirm its central role in global events. Slovakia stands prepared to support him. I also appreciate the work done by his predecessor at the previous session. The Slovak Republic fully aligns itself with the European Union’s statements. We are pleased that 27 European member States, plus other associated countries, speak in one voice at this universal international forum. This is a good prerequisite to clear the way for widely anticipated effective cooperation between the Union and the United Nations. Let me now share with the Assembly several remarks on certain global and regional issues from the perspective of the Slovak foreign policy priorities.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“With regard to the Middle East issue, Slovakia endorses a peaceful, fair and permanent solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The talks should result in the establishment of a viable Palestinian State that will coexist with Israel in an atmosphere of perpetual peace and security. In this context, we appreciate the resumption of dialogue between Israel and Palestine and the measures taken in this respect by the Quartet. It has been seven years since our Millennium session, when we discussed our vision for the future of life on our planet. It has been neither seven rich nor seven poor years. The United Nations has made some progress. On the other hand, it has failed to cope with many challenges. We must do better together to make the future score fall more in favour of the United Nations.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Slovakia will continue to work within the United Nations in this same spirit, even after the completion of its current term in the Security Council. We also wish to make good use of the experience we have gained in our work in other United Nations bodies. The Slovak Republic is frustrated that no solution to the Kosovo issue has yet been found. In our opinion, Kosovo must not thwart the unification of European nations nor set a negative precedent in terms of international law. It is with hope that we view the adoption of Security Council resolution 1769 (2007), granting a mandate for the deployment of a joint African Union- United Nations peacekeeping operation in Darfur. This unprecedented decision has moved the cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations to a new level.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We wish to pay special attention to the development of post-conflict regions, which currently receive the largest portion of development aid. We believe that there will be room in the Economic and Social Council for Slovakia to utilize its experience in the field of security sector reform in the joint work with other bodies of the United Nations system. Over the past two years, Slovakia has worked for the first time as a member of the Security Council. When adopting our decisions on the sensitive problems of the modern world, we took into consideration the peculiarities of individual cases, yet at the same time, we sought to promote the value system of a member of the European and trans-Atlantic community.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy adopted by the General Assembly last year (resolution 60/288) provided for wide-ranging international cooperation in this field. The Slovak Republic pays due attention to the economic and social aspects of the United Nations, where we wish to engage even more actively. In 2003, we submitted our candidacy for membership in the Economic and Social Council for the years 2010 to 2012. We will be pleased to receive support from other Member States for our candidacy. As a new development aid donor, we want to facilitate more effective cooperation with both beneficiary and donor countries, integrate the work of international agencies and make more efficient use of the existing United Nations capacities in this area.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Therefore, Slovakia has decided to initiate a thematic discussion on security sector reform during the sixty-second session. The Slovak Republic also expects the sixty- second session to revitalize the discussion on disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Slovakia has had an opportunity to contribute to these efforts through its chairmanship of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). In this context, in February 2007 Slovakia also initiated an open debate in the Security Council on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The destructive potential of weapons of mass destruction increases along with the growing threat of international terrorism. We therefore also wish to pay special attention to this threat to international peace and security.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Besides the efforts aimed at reforming the United Nations, the Slovak Republic wishes to pay special attention to the issue of security sector reform during the sixty-second session. We believe that insufficient reform or lack of reform in the security sector is often a source or catalyst of conflicts, or even causes post- conflict countries to lapse back to a conflict state. It should also be borne in mind that a well-governed security sector should, above all, ensure human security, which represents the foundation for the stability, good governance and, ultimately, development of a country. We are expecting a comprehensive report by the Secretary-General on security sector reform, which should become the basis of a more in-depth discussion on this issue within the United Nations.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Thought should also be given to the representativeness of the bodies established by the General Assembly. Slovakia, as a member of the Group of Eastern European States, appreciates the election of Mr. Srgjan Kerim as President of the Assembly at its sixty-second session. At the same time, it should be emphasized that the Eastern European Group is the most dynamically growing regional group in the General Assembly, yet its representation in managerial positions in the Secretariat and in United Nations bodies does not reflect that situation. A prime example of the situation is the fact that this year not one of the Assembly's Vice-Presidents is from the regional group of which the Slovak Republic is a member.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The number of both permanent and non-permanent Council members should increase and the Global South countries should acquire more seats. Germany and Japan have our explicit support in their ambition to become new permanent members of the Council. As a small country, we also support those proposals for the non-permanent membership category that would restrict countries from so-called “flip-flopping” between categories. Nor may the General Assembly evade the reform effort. It is necessary to strengthen its role and authority by focusing the Assembly’s attention on real and acute problems of the current world. The Assembly should also create mechanisms that would allow for the monitoring of the implementation of its decisions and at the same time provide for the elimination of outdated measures that overburden its work.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We support the modernization of the Secretariat’s management system so that it can flexibly respond to current needs and challenges, and the strengthening of its accountability for the implementation of its tasks. As a country participating in several United Nations-led peacekeeping missions, we have also expressed our support for the restructuring of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. United Nations reform cannot be complete without also reforming the structure and working methods of the Security Council. Slovakia has been actively engaged in this reform effort during the term as a non-permanent member of the Security Council. The membership of that United Nations body should reflect the changed geopolitical reality.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We have welcomed the commencement of work by the Human Rights Council and recognize its primary responsibility for promoting universal respect for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Within the ongoing process of institutional changes, we expect the Council to effectively enforce its mandate pursuant to resolution 60/251. The Slovak Republic endorses the concept of protecting and promoting human rights at the national and international levels. In that context, we are prepared to assume our share of responsibility. We will be honoured to receive the support of other United Nations Member States for the candidacy of the Slovak Republic to the Human Rights Council for 2008-2011 in the election scheduled for spring 2008. The Slovak Republic appreciates the measures designed to reform the Secretariat.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In spite of notable progress in some areas, the Slovak Republic is not satisfied with the current pace and scope of the United Nations reform process. We think it necessary to make the work of newly created structures and institutions more dynamic and to prepare the United Nations to ensure the targeted prevention and solution of concrete problems and conflicts. We appreciate the establishment of the Peacebuilding Commission. We hope that it will become a pivotal tool in post-conflict stabilization. It should give the international community a vehicle for solving issues that extends the scope of crisis management. Slovakia also encourages efforts towards overall reform in the system of human rights protection.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Allow me, Sir, to congratulate you on your election as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-second session. I believe that, under your presidency, this Organization will make further progress in its reforms, enabling it to respond promptly to the challenges faced by the international community. From the outset, I would like to thank your predecessor, Sheikha Haya Rashed Al-Khalifa, for her efforts in performing the challenging tasks on the agenda of the sixty-first session of the General Assembly. The Slovak Republic fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of Portugal on behalf of the European Union. In addition, I wish to make a contribution to the general debate on behalf of the Slovak Republic.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“As my countryís Head of State, I feel it is important to make this personal pledge before the highly esteemed session of the General Assembly. We want to use our membership of the Security Council to intensify cooperation with Member States in all regions and to be a dependable partner when seeking consensus in the resolution of complicated global policy issues. In conclusion, allow me to wish this yearís session of the General Assembly the greatest of success. May it reach conclusions that promote cooperation among Member States, international and regional organizations, and non-governmental organizations and associations ó based, above all, upon the principle of multilateralism.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The Slovak Republic has provided humanitarian aid to that region and supports the continuation of peaceful negotiations towards resolving the humanitarian and security crisis there. The Slovak Republic is fully aware of the enormity of the tasks facing the United Nations in the field of ensuring global peace and security. In that regard, I would like to highlight that Slovakia is a candidate for a seat as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the term 2006-2007 in the elections to be held at the next session of the General Assembly, in the fall of 2005. I can assure the Assembly that in every respect, the Slovak Republic is ready to take on the responsibilities arising from membership in that key organ of the United Nations.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“It is doing so with the support of the European Commission and the United Nations Development Programme. Severe humanitarian crises also pose a threat to peace and security in the modern world. Such crises are not necessarily the result of armed conflicts alone, but they sometimes have the potential to cause such conflicts. The international community has the means to intervene in humanitarian crises. With respect to the current humanitarian and security crisis in the Sudanese region of Darfur, I am convinced that the international community, in cooperation with the Sudanese Government, will find a solution to the situation through economic and financial assistance.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“They should also rely upon the international Quartet for help and good counsel when taking those steps. As we are convinced that international peace, security and development are closely linked, official development assistance and cooperation with developing and transition countries are becoming an integral part of Slovakiaís foreign policy. Slovakiaís European Union membership and its growing economic potential provide both an opportunity and the obligation to cooperate in the field of development. This year, the Slovak Government has allocated $25 million for development assistance. In 2005, that figure is set to rise to almost $30 million. As a new donor country, Slovakia must work to further improve and formalize its mechanisms for providing official 19 development assistance.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The most pressing issues we currently face with regard to creating stability in Afghanistan are, first, the forthcoming elections and, secondly, laying down the foundations of democracy. In addition to those political processes, establishing favourable conditions for economic development is also essential for Afghanistanís long-term stability. The Slovak Republic is contributing to such efforts through its participation in ISAF and its planned involvement in provincial reconstruction teams. The Middle East peace process must continue in accordance with the road map set out by the Quartet and endorsed by the Security Council, which envisages the establishment of two separate Israeli and Palestinian States in 2005. Both sides should fulfil their obligations stemming from that plan and previous United Nations resolutions.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“We believe that the United Nations must play a leading role in supporting the Iraqi people and the Government in their efforts to rebuild their society. Improving the security situation in Iraq is an essential condition for building long-term stability, democracy, peace and prosperity in the country. A Slovak unit specialized in locating and destroying landmines, weapons and ammunition is currently engaged in a humanitarian mission there. In addition, Slovakia has stepped up its participation by joining a programme for training Iraqi police officers. The Slovak Republic supports and appreciates the efforts of the international community to establish security and stability in Afghanistan. The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) is playing a vital role, demonstrating how essential international cooperation can be.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The Slovak Republic welcomed the transfer of power to a temporary, sovereign and independent Government in Iraq at the end of June. The Interim Council, which was recently established by the National Conference, represents a significant step forward in preparing for the elections to be held in January 2005. I call upon the Assembly to join us in our absolute condemnation of all acts of violence committed in Iraq aimed at spreading chaos and instability, whether by means of assassinations, the taking of hostages or the intimidation of civilians and public figures. We welcome the determination of the Secretary- General to continue providing humanitarian aid and support for the political process in Iraq.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“We believe that resolving the situation in the province of Kosovo is a prerequisite for the stabilization of the Western Balkans as a whole. Kosovo still represents a potential source of regional instability. That is why we attach great importance to next yearís evaluation to be carried out as part of the Kosovo Standards Implementation Plan. A favourable result in that evaluation could launch a process under which the future status of the Serbian-Montenegrin province would be defined by the United Nations. We perceive the United Nations activities, including the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, as being of great importance in the search for a solution that is acceptable to all parties concerned, in accordance with Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Stabilizing the Western Balkans is a global priority and has a direct effect on the stability of Europe. For that reason, it is also one of Slovakiaís foreign policy priorities. We have fully supported the activities of the United Nations to date in using its authority effectively to help resolve the conflicts in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the Serbian-Montenegrin province of Kosovo and in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Slovakiaís proactive approach in that regard was demonstrated by the political stance it adopted towards the resolution of those conflicts, as well as its participation in peacekeeping missions: the Stabilization Force for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Kosovo Force for the Province of Kosovo.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Slovakia also contributes to the training of peacekeeping forces. In line with General Assembly resolutions, the Slovak Government sponsored a United Nations seminar held in the Slovak Republic last May, which was attended by a wide range of delegates from more than 70 Member States. The seminar discussed the conclusions of the Brahimi report (A/55/305), which highlighted the importance of standardized training for United Nations peacekeeping missions. In recent years, the number of attacks on United Nations personnel has increased alarmingly. Slovakia is a signatory to the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel and appeals to all those countries that have not yet done so to endorse that important international legal instrument, 18 which guarantees the protection of United Nations staff.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Maintaining international peace and security has always been one of the Slovakiaís main priorities. We have long contributed military units, observers and equipment to United Nations peacekeeping missions. Since our accession to the United Nations, in January 1993, we have participated in 14 Organization-led missions, ranging from military observer missions to humanitarian and demining operations to peacekeeping duties. Since the beginning of the 1990s, the Slovak Republic has dedicated itself both militarily and politically to the peace process in the Balkans. Nonetheless, Slovakia has never abandoned its efforts to help bring reconciliation and humanitarian aid to other parts of the world. We have gained respect for our participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions in Africa and the Middle East.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Terrorism poses a threat to everyone; no one can be neutral or indifferent. It is necessary that we be resolute and jointly mobilize our efforts in combating it. The Governments of Member States must fight more effectively against this inhuman phenomenon through mutual support, the implementation of international law and improved cooperation between international and regional organizations. The 12 United Nations anti-terrorism conventions and protocols are of the utmost importance in the fight against terrorism, and the Organization must continue to play a key role in bolstering legal instruments in that battle. The Slovak Republic supports the prompt approval of a comprehensive convention against terrorism as a whole, along with a convention aimed at averting acts of nuclear terrorism.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The Slovak Republic continues to support the enlargement of the Security Council with both permanent and non-permanent members, with the aim of ensuring a balanced regional distribution of seats, including greater representation for the Eastern European region. In addition, I am confident that this session of the General Assembly will help to build a global security system by strengthening and consolidating the anti- terrorism coalition under the auspices of the United Nations, along with the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the Security Council. Continuing terrorist attacks are leading to significant changes in the area of global security. Terrorists do not shy away from perpetrating the cruellest and most bestial of acts; nor ó as the recent events in Beslan have shown ó do they hesitate to take the lives of innocent children.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“That is why we have welcomed the establishment of the High- Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change. Its work will undoubtedly rank among the most important contributions made towards reform in the history of the United Nations. We believe that that team of eminent personalities will provide a realistic definition of how the United Nations can contribute to global security and development. Slovakia will help to turn those objectives into reality. We perceive the issue of reforming the Security Council in the same light. Reform should involve not only enlarging the Security Council, but also making its working methods and the implementation of its decisions more efficient.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“There is now a greater need than ever before for international solidarity, together with a sense of responsibility on the part of all United 17 Nations Member States for consolidating peace and stability. The Slovak Republic is convinced that a multilateral approach is the best response to emerging threats, and that the role of the United Nations in maintaining global security is irreplaceable. In addition, we agree with the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, that the United Nations can maintain such a status only if it is able to carry out its basic functions effectively, embark upon internal reform and adapt to current conditions. To that end, the only way forward involves strengthening the authority of United Nations institutions by making their work and decision-making mechanisms more efficient.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Slovakia fully endorses the position set out earlier by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands on behalf of the EU. I am convinced that the enlarged EU will further strengthen its constructive partnership with the United Nations. The international community is now facing challenges and threats that were unknown when the Charter of the United Nations was drafted. The multilateral mechanisms set out in the previous century have proved to be less than adequate. Recent global events ó accompanied by an increase in new and potentially more dangerous and destructive threats - have clearly demonstrated that no country can cope with security issues single-handedly, let alone tackle them over the long term.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Let me begin by congratulating you, Sir, on your election as President of the General Assembly at its fifty-ninth session. I am convinced that your work in that important post will ensure further progress towards the attainment of our common goals. I wish you the greatest of success and pledge the full support of our delegation. I should also like to take this opportunity to thank your predecessor, Mr. Julian Hunte, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Saint Lucia, for his excellent work and, above all, for his personal contribution to the revitalization of the General Assembly. This is the first time that the Slovak Republic has participated in the general debate of the General Assembly as a member of the European Union (EU).”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)