YouSaid · the spoken record

Anders Lidén

lines on the record: 36
first: 2006-09-24
most recent: 2008-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-general-debate

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

“It is time to muster the political will to reassert our shared values. It is time to show that we are determined to work jointly to foster peace, democracy and development worldwide.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“It aims to contribute effectively to long-term efforts to combat climate change and its effects in developing countries. Climate change is a crucial challenge facing our planet. We recognize our responsibility to take concrete steps at home and to show the leadership necessary to achieve broad and long-term international consensus. One year from now, Sweden will hold the presidency of the European Union. In that capacity, Sweden will take on a special responsibility regarding efforts to put an international climate agreement in place by 2009 in Copenhagen. The key to a successful conclusion of those negotiations, however, rests with each and every one of us. It is time to once again remind ourselves of our mutual commitments and to stand up for the universal principles underpinning international cooperation.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Sweden strongly supports efforts to bridge crisis management and long-term development in post- conflict situations. By chairing the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, we hope to be able to contribute to further developing the role of the United Nations in peacebuilding. 49 08-53141 Sweden was proud to host the first annual review meeting of the International Compact with Iraq. The partnership between the Government of Iraq and the United Nations is crucial. It is therefore imperative to continue strengthening the role of the United Nations in Iraq. It is the poorest who are the hardest hit by climate change. Therefore, Sweden is providing additional resources for a special climate initiative in our development cooperation.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Trade reforms are fundamental for sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. We regret the failure to reach a breakthrough in the World Trade Organization Doha Round. We all share a responsibility to resolve the few remaining issues. The United Nations system — both in the field and at Headquarters — must be reformed in order to ensure coherence and effectiveness. Reforms must also enable the United Nations to work more effectively on gender issues and for the promotion of equal rights and opportunities. The United Nations needs to bolster its capacity to handle the unprecedented demand for peace operations. Cooperation with regional organizations and arrangements, such as the European Union, NATO and the African Union, is essential.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Communicable diseases, not least HIV/AIDS, are another obstacle to the achievement of the MDGs that we must address. The Accra meeting on the Paris Declaration took important steps towards better aid effectiveness and reconfirmed the shared responsibility for development. However, much more must be done in areas such as democratic governance and human rights, the role of women in development, and the impact of global climate change. That is a challenge for developing and developed countries alike. The world economy is facing turbulence and uncertainty. A more open trade regime would bring increased economic growth and interdependence, which in turn would have a significant stabilizing effect. Trade policy is one of the tools to help developing countries become integrated into the world economy and reap the benefits of trade.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Sweden is strongly committed to upholding and further strengthening existing multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation obligations. The nuclear Powers have taken on special commitments within the NPT process. In order not to undermine the Treaty, they must demonstrate their readiness to substantially reduce their nuclear arsenals. More efforts are needed, in particular in Africa, to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. Therefore, Sweden is increasing its support to Africa. We encourage others to do the same, as well as to deliver on the aid commitments already made. In the long run, the rise in the price of energy and food could have a positive effect on development in the agricultural sector. In the short run, however, it could jeopardize the fulfilment of the MDGs and threaten progress already made.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“It obliges Governments to combat such behaviour by all necessary means. Although the United Nations has made considerable efforts in that area, more needs to be done, both in the field and at Headquarters. The European Union and the Council of Europe have established 10 October as the European Day against the Death Penalty. I hope that before too long we shall be able to agree on a United Nations day against that inhumane form of punishment. We face a growing danger of nuclear proliferation. Iran, though not the only case, is the most worrisome at present. Recent developments in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea also give cause for concern. The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) is the cornerstone of non-proliferation and the foundation for the pursuit of nuclear disarmament.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We need a Security Council that is ready to shoulder that responsibility and to work together, because unilateral action might run the risk of aggravating the problem and undermining international law and legitimacy. Violence against women and girls is a major obstacle to the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by all people. Efforts to combat such violence must not end with a peace agreement. We must ensure that women have full access to justice, also in the transition from war to peace. Last June, the landmark Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security was followed up by Security Council resolution 1820 (2008) on sexual violence. It reaffirms that rape and other forms of sexual violence can be war crimes or crimes against humanity.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“At the same time, justice should be pursued in a manner that supports peace processes. States have a responsibility to protect people within their own borders from massive violations of 08-53141 48 their human rights. If a State is not capable of doing so, it should ask the international community — the United Nations or regional organizations — for help. We must all be ready to assist. Not long ago, the United Nations and the African Union were able to help Kenya to prevent a frightening crisis from turning into the worst possible nightmare. If a State is unwilling to protect people within its borders, the Security Council must assume its responsibility to protect.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Human rights should be an essential part of all United Nations activities, including conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts, as well as in the work of the funds and programmes. To fight terrorism is to defend human rights. Human rights are the key also to countering terrorism. Measures against terrorism will be effective and legitimate only when they are taken within a clear framework of international law. It is essential that the Security Council have fair and clear procedures in matters of listing and delisting when targeted sanctions have been imposed. The fight against impunity has to continue. We must support the International Criminal Court. Bringing to justice those responsible for the most serious crimes is vital to building sustainable peace.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“While celebrating the achievements, we recognize the challenges that remain. The Declaration’s historic article 21 on democracy, which reads in part: “Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives”, is a perfect illustration of that point. Since 1948, millions of people have gained the freedom of democratic choice, while millions of others are still denied that freedom. Sweden places a strong emphasis on democracy and human rights in our development cooperation. Our efforts to make the Universal Declaration and other human rights norms a reality everywhere must also include the United Nations itself.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Russia’s invasion of Georgia — a sovereign State and a Member of the United Nations — using massive military force, is a clear violation of the United Nations Charter. Russia’s subsequent recognition of parts of Georgia as independent States stands in stark contradiction to international law, including principles and commitments agreed in the context of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, including the Helsinki Final Act. Sweden unreservedly supports the territorial integrity of Georgia. We call on Russia to fulfil its obligations in accordance with the six-point plan brokered by the European Union and to withdraw all forces to their positions before 7 August. This year marks the sixtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The United Nations was built on common values and norms. The United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other key documents not only express those values and norms, but also constitute international law, the foundation upon which every attempt to build a lasting peace must rest. Rules of international law apply equally to all States, large and small. According to the United Nations Charter, “Members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means” and “refrain … from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State”. We look to the United Nations, and in particular to the Security Council, to uphold those rules. The five permanent members have a special responsibility in that regard.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Gender equality and women’s rights, participation, influence and empowerment are key goals in themselves, and are also crucial for sustainable poverty reduction. Challenges like these show the urgent need for world leaders to accept shared responsibility for our common future. Sweden addresses these challenges in close cooperation with its European Union partners. We need a strong and reformed United Nations to bring us all together. A better world is within our reach.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We must focus on support for the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement as well as the renewed peace effort for Darfur that will take place in Tripoli at the end of the month. The situation in eastern Chad is worrying. We are impressed by the important humanitarian work carried out by local and international non-governmental organizations. It is apparent that we must do more to protect and assist refugees, internally displaced persons and other civilians affected by the conflicts of the region, as well as support the United Nations-led humanitarian efforts on both sides of the border. How can we ever achieve true progress if women’s crucial role in peacebuilding and development is not recognized?”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The conflicts on the Horn of Africa, stretching from Ethiopia and Eritrea to Somalia, the Sudan, Chad and the Central African Republic, cause thousands upon thousands of deaths as well as untold human suffering for the survivors. National leaders on the Horn should rise to the challenge and demonstrate their commitment to peace and reconciliation. The failure of Ethiopia and Eritrea to resolve the quite straightforward demarcation of their common border, eight years after their commitment to do so, is a worrying signal, not only for these two countries, but also for the region as a whole. In the Sudan, a process of democratization is of paramount importance to tackle the core problems and to achieve reconciliation.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We urge the leaders of Israel and Palestine to move forward towards a comprehensive settlement. The international meeting this autumn is of crucial importance. But the challenges of the Middle East are not limited to that conflict. We are convinced that we must do more to encourage reconciliation and reconstruction in Iraq after the horrible brutalities of the last few decades. We must do much more to assist and protect the more than 4 million Iraqis who have left their homes. Iran still refuses to accept the obligations laid down by the Security Council. Iran has to convince us of the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Restoring peace and economic growth in the Middle East requires parallel action by the Israelis and the Palestinians. Nothing is more important for the long-term security of Israel than the creation of a truly viable Palestinian State. That will require freedom of movement and access to be significantly improved in the West Bank and Gaza. Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas recognize each other as partners for peace. That provides an opening that we should all do our utmost to support. It is therefore now time for a true peace process, and not of the incremental sort that has been tried so many times before. It is now time to achieve the peace that is the common aspiration of the vast majority of Israelis and Palestinians alike, as well as of the international community.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Those weapons are of no use in deterring the adversaries we might face if the non-proliferation regime is eroded or collapses. It is a question of self-interest and far- sighted statesmanship. But we must also address the urgent political issues that we are confronted with. Although the numbers of wars and conflicts have continued to decline, we should be acutely aware of the dangers of conflicts rapidly exploding, fusing together and unravelling the progress we have seen. Let me address two of those: the situation in the Middle East and the conflicts in Africa. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has to end with a peaceful settlement negotiated by the parties, resulting in the emergence of an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian State living side by side in peace and security with Israel and other neighbours.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Perhaps the most important is how we should best address the present threats to the existing non- proliferation regime. Were there to be one new State with nuclear weapons, the danger is that another would soon follow. Shortly, those weapons might well be out of any State’s control. The risk of nuclear terrorism would be a very real one. That must be prevented. Our children deserve to live in a world safe from the threat of nuclear war and of weapons of mass destruction falling into the hands of terrorists. Those weapons threaten the very existence of mankind. To prevent that, the nuclear Powers have a duty to live up to their responsibilities. To neglect is to invite failure. They need to demonstrate their readiness to substantially reduce their nuclear arsenals.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Even in that area, the world is making progress, but 25 countries still sentence people to death. Six countries are responsible for more than 90 per cent of all executions worldwide. We all know who they are and expect them to take steps to abolish the death penalty. The links between security and development, including the need to combine State-building efforts and peace-support operations for long-lasting results, place new demands on the international community. The United Nations must learn from and build on the recent experiences of a number of challenging but successful large-scale missions that integrate military and civilian components. We need to improve coordination of international efforts in the field, for instance in Afghanistan. There are many challenges that remain to be tackled if we are to make the world a better place.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We must now as was highlighted last week accelerate our efforts to address the challenge of climate change. The Swedish Government has launched a Commission on Climate Change and Development to address risk reduction, adaptation and climate-proofing development. We must make a dedicated mutual effort to meet the Millennium Development Goals. The fact that we are making substantial progress on all of them globally demonstrates that progress is indeed possible. Human rights, security and development go hand in hand. Respect for human rights is necessary to achieve security and development, and those three elements are mutually reinforcing. Our protection of any individual anywhere is the protection of all individuals everywhere. The death penalty must be abolished all over the world. It contravenes the very notion of human rights.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Sustainable economic growth, a vibrant private sector and a more open international trading system are needed if we are to achieve the goals we have set for eradicating poverty in the world. Aid for trade is a crucial complement to the opening up of markets for many countries. The developing countries of the world represent far too small a share of world trade. We must live up to the international commitments on development assistance and ensure that development cooperation becomes more efficient. That is the joint responsibility of all donors and all partner countries. The Swedish Government has initiated extensive reforms aimed at creating a new Swedish development assistance policy characterized by quality, efficiency and results in terms of reduced poverty and more democratic societies.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Today, nearly a third of the world’s population live in countries where economic growth is about 10 per cent a year, and we seem to be well on our way towards meeting that important part of the Millennium Development Goals that will reduce by half the number of people living in absolute poverty around the world. From a historical perspective, that is amazing progress. Never before in human history have so many been lifted out of absolute poverty in such a short space of time. There is no room for complacency, however. We must make globalization a force for good, for open societies, open economies and an open world for everyone on our planet. We must redouble our efforts to bring the Doha Development Round to a successful conclusion.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Let me take this opportunity to express our strong support for the people of Burma in their struggle for a democratic future. We strongly urge the Burmese Government to initiate a peaceful dialogue, resist all violence and respect the human rights of the Burmese people, not least their freedom of expression and assembly. There is little doubt and this has been highlighted by all speakers during the last few days that we, the international community, the United Nations, face major challenges in the years ahead. When addressing them, we should also be aware of the progress that has been achieved in the world in recent decades. The accelerated globalization process has brought enormous benefits to many hundreds of millions of people, not least in the emerging economies.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Therefore, there should be no extension of the veto power. The use of the veto should be limited. The General Assembly will remain at the heart of the United Nations. During the past 12 months, by agreeing on a number of essential reforms, the General Assembly has in many ways revitalized itself. Let us now continue to make full use of the broad mandate of this crucial body, representing all the Member States of the United Nations. The time has come to build on the achievements of the United Nations over the past year and to seek solutions to the issues where we have been unable to agree. The time has come to prove that the United Nations can continue to make a difference — in Darfur, the Middle East or wherever there is conflict, poverty, and human suffering.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Let us also build upon this achievement to agree on a comprehensive convention on terrorism during the current session of the General Assembly. The world needs a stronger and more effective United Nations. In order to realize this, we need to make further progress in Secretariat and management reform. While a number of initial steps were taken during the past year, some key reform proposals have been deferred to the sixty-first session. These need to be adopted and implemented. The United Nations reform process will be incomplete as long as the Security Council remains unchanged. If we want its decisions to be genuinely accepted as legitimate and effective, we must reform the Council to better represent the world of today. This is a difficult but vital area of reform. While expanding the Council, we must safeguard its efficiency.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The Human Rights Council must be a body that reacts firmly against violations of human rights. Thousands of innocent men, women and children have been killed across the world through acts of terrorism. This global threat can only by met by collective action by Member States. That is why we adopted the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (resolution 60/288) in the General Assembly a couple of weeks ago. It sends a strong political message that terrorism is unacceptable in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purposes, as it constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. The Strategy should now be implemented, with full respect for human rights.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The High-level Panel on United Nations System- wide Coherence provides a unique opportunity to 06-53952 24 revitalize the support of the United Nations to the developing countries. If the Organization can become more effective at the country level, it will be able to mobilize more resources and ensure that they will reach the countries in need. Sweden has always given high priority to the strengthening of the United Nations. During this session, it is essential that we stay focused on implementing the decisions already taken and continue to seek agreement on outstanding issues from the Summit. We created the Peacebuilding Commission as a tool to assist countries in managing the difficult transition from post-conflict situations. The country- specific commissions should now deliver results, beginning with Burundi and Sierra Leone.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Since the Monterrey Conference in 2001, aid has increased by over $50 billion. The World Summit gave increased attention to development issues, forging a vital link between security, development and human rights in the fight against poverty. But this is not enough. If we are to implement the Millennium Development Goals by 2015, we have to do more. The primary responsibility lies with the developing countries themselves. They are in charge. Good governance must be the guiding principle at all levels. Donor countries should actively support the efforts of the developing countries to reduce poverty and lend their full support to developing countries in their efforts to increase their participation in international trade.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The international community’s concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme must be met. No one wishes to see an isolated Iran. Our wish is for Iran to take its rightful place among nations in international cooperation. But neither would we like to see an Iran that pursues a nuclear weapons option. The Weapons of Mass Destruction Commission, led by Mr. Hans Blix, has presented a large number of constructive recommendations in its report, entitled “Weapons of Terror”. These recommendations offer a way forward towards disarmament and non-proliferation. There are over 1.1 billion people living in abject poverty in our world today. Well over 100 million children do not attend school. It is true that there has been progress. The number of extremely poor has declined by 130 million since 1990.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories must stop. This settlement policy should instead be reversed as it undermines confidence in a credible political process, as does the building of the barrier on occupied Palestinian territory. The situation in Iraq is serious, with its negative impact on security in the region and beyond and with untold suffering of innocent civilians. We need to help the Iraqi people build a future free from war and internal strife. With an estimated 27,000 nuclear weapons in the world, we have to make progress in addressing the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction. Disarmament and non-proliferation are crucial to world security. They are interlinked. We must press ahead for progress on both issues.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Sweden is currently preparing a military contribution to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict lies at the core of the tensions in the Middle East. The vision of an independent and democratic Palestine, living side by side with a secure Israel, based on the implementation of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), must be revived and concretized. Israel’s right to exist should be unequivocally recognized by all. We condemn rocket attacks against Israeli territory. Terrorist attacks can never be justified and must end. Sweden remains concerned at the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank. Humanitarian access must be guaranteed, and humanitarian law should be observed throughout the occupied Palestinian territories.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“A comprehensive approach to the conflict in the Middle East is urgently needed, with the strong and increased involvement of the international community. Positive contributions will be required from key countries in the region, including Syria and Iran. The events this past summer have shown that a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and long- term security for Israel are objectives that cannot be achieved by military means. Negotiations are the only avenue to peace. The Stockholm Conference last month resulted in immediate steps to extend support for Lebanon’s early recovery. It is vital that we sustain our commitment to Lebanon’s reconstruction and to the strengthening of its sovereignty. Full implementation by all parties of Security Council resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1701 (2006) is needed.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“A 23 06-53952 United Nations peacekeeping force should be allowed to protect the people in Darfur. We urge the Government of the Sudan to accept such a force. A continued African Union force presence is crucial for the humanitarian situation and the transition towards a United Nations peacekeeping force in Darfur. We urge rebel groups that have failed to sign up to the Darfur Peace Agreement to do so. Sweden stands ready to contribute to a United Nations mission in Darfur. We need to live up to the principle of the responsibility to protect that we accepted at last year’s Summit. The Security Council must show the will to act when civilian populations are threatened by the most serious crimes.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Let me start, Madam, by saying how pleased we are to see you presiding over the General Assembly at its sixty-first session. You have our full support. The latest cycle of violence in the Middle East and the recent escalation in Darfur have once again highlighted the need for a strong multilateral response to global challenges. Last year’s World Summit set out an ambitious agenda on how to strengthen the United Nations. Reform efforts must continue. The decisions made here in New York during the sixtieth session should be translated into concrete results in the field. For too long, people in Darfur have suffered the appalling consequences of conflict. Our common efforts must be intensified to end the fighting and violence, to ensure respect for human rights and international humanitarian law and to end impunity.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)