YouSaid · the spoken record

Viktor Yanukovych

lines on the record: 63
first: 2010-09-24
most recent: 2013-09-24
sittings or episodes: 4
sources: un-general-debate

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

“All preconditions have been met for the sixty- eighth session of the General Assembly to go down in history as one of the most fruitful in terms of the work of the United Nations, a key political body that is the most representative of all world organizations. I am firmly convinced that the community of nations is up to the task.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Ukraine upholds President Ashe’s decisive determination to achieve long-expected practical advances in the reform of the United Nations. We believe that it is critically important to achieve early progress in the modernization of the Security Council. We have great concern about the present stagnancy of the process. I would like to confirm once again the readiness of Ukraine to discuss all progressive concepts related to Security Council reform that could accelerate the implementation of the long-overdue changes. We consider that such reform must take into account the legitimate interests of all regional groups, including the Eastern European group. The countries of our region should be allocated one additional non-permanent seat in an enlarged Security Council.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Along with other countries that are contributors of Blue Helmets, we will continue to work to solve them, particularly as regards ensuring the mobility and safety of air operations as well as the legal protection of peacekeepers and the investigation of crimes committed against them. Ukraine will make further significant practical contributions aimed at making the world safer. To that end, we will use all available instruments, especially non-permanent membership in the Security Council if our country is elected to that body for the period 2016- 2017. I count on support for the candidacy of Ukraine in those elections. Our country is fully committed to the collective security system enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. The system, which has proved indispensable, will remain the foundation of the world order.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The primary task in that field is to reinforce the efficacy of mechanisms for the prosecution of those guilty of perpetrating and financing piracy. We will further contribute to the strengthening of peace through our active participation in United Nations missions in hotspots throughout the world. In its more than 20 years of participation in peacekeeping activities under the auspices of the United Nations, Ukraine has contributed to more than 20 such operations. Today its agenda includes the consolidation and expansion of that experience in the context of the United Nations missions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Côte d’Ivoire. At the same time, we cannot but take note of the existing problems with respect to the current peacekeeping activities of our Organization.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“I hope that this international event will be a good opportunity to come back to the issue of negative security assurances and give it thorough consideration. We stress that security assurances for those States that gave up their nuclear arsenals and countries that are not part of military unions must be reflected in a legally binding international document. We look forward to the holding of a successful Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague next year. Ukraine looks to that global forum to produce new qualitative outcomes and encourages all other countries to make appropriate contributions to that cause. Ukraine, as a maritime State, deploys continuing efforts to secure maritime navigation safety and to combat piracy at sea.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The year 2014 will mark the twentieth anniversary of Ukraine’s accession to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as a non-nuclear- weapon State. By ridding the world of its third-largest nuclear arsenal, our country made an unprecedented contribution to global nuclear disarmament. It was at that time that Ukraine, the Russian Federation, Great Britain and the United States concluded the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances, joined later by France and China. In view of the historical significance of those events and considering the recent alarming trends in nuclear proliferation, Ukraine will initiate the holding, at the current session of the General Assembly, of a thematic conference. We expect that guarantor States, countries that followed Ukraine’s example and other interested parties will participate.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The Ukrainian chairmanship focuses in particular on the settlement of protracted conflicts and the resumption of control over conventional weapons within the OSCE area, the combat against trafficking in human beings and other very pressing issues on the Organization’s agenda. I wish to underline that in every sector I have mentioned, some limited but practically meaningful progress has been achieved. Ukraine has also been able to give added urgency to the issues of energy security and environmental safety issues for the OSCE and take the issue of energy efficiency to a new level. I am confident that the successful realization of the priorities of the Ukrainian chairmanship will allow for the intensifying of cooperation between the United Nations and the OSCE.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“I believe that it is within our power to make the world safer. The ideals of peace and the peaceful coexistence of nations are not hollow words for Ukraine but a clear guideline that has informed all of our actions on the international stage since we became independent. That imperative is at the heart of every step and initiative taken by our country in the world arena. The fact that this year Ukraine holds the chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) — the largest international regional forum — is a vivid example of that commitment. It is an honour for us, and we view our responsible mission primarily as a mechanism for the consolidation of security and stability in Europe.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“With respect to pressing problems in the context of contemporary international security, I would like to draw attention to the issue of cybersecurity, which is becoming increasingly important given the development of the information society. Ukraine attaches great significance to that issue as well as to the development of up-to-date mechanisms to combat cybercrimes. We believe that we should focus on strengthening control over the use of the Internet and cyberspace for criminal purposes and for other dangerous, primarily military ends. I am convinced that this process should be led by the United Nations. The United Nations is the best instrument for transforming the Internet into a space of freedom that works in the interests and to the benefit of all nations throughout the world.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Ukraine has extended its helping hand to the Syrian population by rendering assistance through United Nations mechanisms. Today, we urge the entire international community to take part in that humanitarian mission. We welcome the plan produced by Russia and the United States to place the Syrian stockpiles of chemical weapons under the control of the international community for their subsequent destruction. At the same time, Ukraine is convinced that the successful implementation of that plan would give hope for that conflict to be brought under control and leave space for a political and diplomatic settlement. It is time to promote the establishment of as wide a platform as possible so as to reach, through multilateral negotiations, a political solution that will make it possible to restore peace and stability in Syria.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“On the contrary, according to the Global Peace Index, our world has become less safe than it was five years ago. One of the most painful security problems of today is the civil conflict in Syria, which, unfortunately, is increasingly crossing borders and becoming the source of threats on a regional scale. There is no justification for bloodshed and suffering of the civilian population, including women and children, more than 1.5 million refugees and internally displaced persons, and tens of thousands of foreign citizens who have found themselves in danger. We must do everything in our power to allay the pain and to contain and heal the open wound of his conflict as soon as possible. In our joint actions to settle the conflict, we have to rely on humanistic values, sobriety, competence and mutual responsibility.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“I strongly believe that the signing in November of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union, including the creation of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, will be an important tool in raising the welfare of Ukrainian citizens and will duly assist our country in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. It has long been broadly agreed that sustainable development is impossible without efficient international security. Conversely, lasting peace is impossible without sustainable development. Events since last year’s debate have clearly shown the inconsistency and instability of the world today. It is a world that, despite our common efforts, has not embarked on a more even and reliable trajectory of universal peace.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The leading catalyst for Ukraine’s progress towards the Goals is the reform programme, which is the largest such programme in the recent history of our country, aimed at both social and economic transformations as well as the further strengthening of the democratic system and the rule of law. The fundamental basis for internal transformation in Ukraine will continue to be supremacy of the principle of social justice. We also view Ukraine’s European integration aspirations in the light of sustainable development. These aspirations are a determining vector for the country’s development. Ukraine makes its contribution to the greater European project, which unites the interests and development goals of the countries of the West to those of the East of our continent.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“We encourage Member States to intensify international interaction in this field as part of their observation of the International Year of Water Cooperation and the twentieth anniversary of World Water Day. Ukraine will continue to diligently do its part to achieve the Millennium Development Goals at the national level. We are eager to establish positive momentum on many key national development indicators. These indicators include poverty alleviation, quality education, environmental conservation, maternal health improvement and child mortality reduction, among others.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The topic of sustainable energy as an item of the post-2015 agenda is of particular significance to us. A new, inclusive approach to that issue must ensure the comprehensive consideration of security, social and environmental aspects. Only such an approach will facilitate sustainable development of energy, especially as regards the efficiency and safety of the nuclear sector. That objective would be favoured by the further development of and joint action on the implementation of the outcomes of Kyiv Summit on the Safe and Innovative Use of Nuclear Energy, which was held in April 2011. Ukraine, which experienced the worst nuclear accident in the history of humankind, is well aware of the priority importance of issues of ecological safety, the comprehensive conservation of the environment and prudent management of water resources.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Its current intensity is confirmed by two important events: the General Assembly special event to follow up efforts made towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals and the inaugural meeting of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. I am convinced that the actions planned by the President of the General Assembly will allow for substantial acceleration during the sixty-eighth session of the work on elaboration of development goals for the upcoming period. We consider the innovative national consultations mechanisms, which are being successfully applied in the case of Ukraine, an important element of this work. Ukraine stands ready to be engaged fully and with maximum efficiency in these developments, which are extremely important for the international community.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“First of all, on behalf of Ukraine, I sincerely congratulate Mr. John William Ashe on his election to serve as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-eighth session. I wish him success and fruitful work as he discharges this important role. The theme of the present session, “The post-2015 development agenda: setting the stage”, is undoubtedly important for every Member State. The deadline for achieving the Millennium Development Goals is fast approaching, and the task of producing the ambitious post-2015 action plan is becoming ever more urgent for the international community. I am glad that practical work on implementing that task has already been launched.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Ukraine’s position is well known. We are ready to discuss all progressive concepts of Security Council reform capable of achieving the broadest possible consensus among States Members of the United Nations. The latter invariably make allowances for the legitimate requirements of all regional groups, in particular those of Eastern Europe. Only the United Nations is up to the task of strengthening humankind to face contemporary challenges. The united will of all 193 Member States represents an overwhelming force capable of coping with the most complicated global crises. We must strengthen and preserve our unity. I believe that the sixty-seventh session of the General Assembly will be conducive to that noble goal.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Our close cooperation with the Council and the Commission has assisted us in making steady reforms to ensure the rule of law and thereby realize our aspirations to European integration. That process is actively promoted by Ukraine’s Constitutional Assembly, a special political institution established to find a nationwide consensus on the provisions of the basic law. In the course of constructing and developing Ukraine’s Constitution, we will study and take into account best practices from other countries. I am deeply confident that global advances in each of the crucial areas I have mentioned would be impossible without a United Nations that is more efficient, viable and updated to the realities of the twenty-first century. The key here is to deepen United Nations reform, and primarily that of the Security Council.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“I count on the continued support of Ukraine’s initiatives aimed at resolving the current problems facing United Nations peacekeeping operations. Ukraine welcomes the successful completion of the General Assembly’s High-level Meeting on the rule of law that took place here in New York on 24 September. At the Meeting, Ukraine announced the political obligations that we will fulfil consistently. We are certain that international efforts to ensure the rule of law should remain centred around the United Nations. At the same time, relevant international organizations should continue to play an important role in that sphere. For Ukraine, such an organization would be the Council of Europe and its Venice Commission in particular.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“I am truly proud of the contribution of the sons and daughters of Ukraine — servicemen, law enforcement officers and civilian personnel who have served and continue to serve the noble ideals of peace under the United Nations f lag. During these years, over 34,000 Ukrainians have performed noble peacekeeping missions in over 20 international operations under the United Nations mandate, from Guatemala to Timor- Leste, from Croatia to Mozambique. The experience they have acquired gives Ukraine the right to speak about achievements and advantages, as well as about problematic issues in modern United Nations peacekeeping operations. The latter include the threatening situation related to air mobility and legal gaps in investigations of crimes committed against Blue Helmets.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“I consider those important steps, as well as the Kyiv Summit on the Safe and Innovative Use of Nuclear Energy, held last year, to be examples worthy of following. I also view in that light the joint declaration by Ukraine, Mexico and Chile — countries that have made special efforts to neutralize the risks of the exploitation of highly enriched uranium. The declaration remains open for signing. Unfortunately, the ambitious goal of the gradual complete liquidation of nuclear weapons remains unachieved. In that regard, we insist that the security guarantees for States that have renounced their nuclear stockpiles and made other strategic concessions should be reflected in internationally binding legal instruments. This year Ukraine marked the twentieth anniversary of its participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“That commitment emanates from the national conscience of the people of Ukraine, who have experienced the scourge of war, totalitarianism and artificial famines, as well as the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster, the largest man-made disaster in human history. Therefore, Ukraine’s aspiration to save the world from tragedies similar to those that we have experienced stems from the very hearts of the Ukrainians people. During the more than two decades of its independence, Ukraine has been a steadfast supporter of global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. We have voluntarily renounced the third-largest nuclear arsenal in the world; we kept our word this year and completed the removal of the last stocks of highly enriched uranium from our country.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Global, man-made climate change represents a threat on a planetary scale. Therefore, we consider efforts to counteract that challenge to be a priority task for humankind as a whole. Let me note that Ukraine has voluntarily acceded to the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, undertaking to reduce its greenhouse-gas emissions by 20 per cent by 2020. Bearing that in mind, Ukraine will also promote discussions, in the framework of its future OSCE chairmanship, on the environmental impact of energy- related man-made activity, energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources. Turning to international security problems, I should like to stress that Ukraine is deeply committed to the cause of bringing about a safer and more secure world.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Ukraine welcomes the decision of the Conference to consolidate the United Nations Environment Programme with a view to a system-based management of the whole complex spectrum of environmental problems. We deeply appreciate the establishment of a high- level political forum on sustainable development and the creation of an intergovernmental working group that will chart post-2015 sustainable development goals. That theme is of special interest for Ukraine, as demonstrated by the voluntary presentation of Ukraine’s national achievements with respect to the Millennium Development Goals, which took place at the Economic and Social Council in July. I avail myself of this opportunity to assure the Assembly that participation in the sustainable development efforts of the United Nations will remain Ukraine’s unwavering priority.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“It should be noted that this year’s United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) left open a number of issues, given the close interconnection of the environmental and socioeconomic aspects of modern life. However, we view the Rio+20 Conference as an important milestone in the development of international cooperation under the auspices of the United Nations in that sphere. The outcome document of the Conference has proved the ability of countries of different political and economic weights to reach a compromise, even in today’s difficult times. We support the complex approach that has been initiated in connection with sustainable energy for all, sustainable consumption and production, the elimination of hunger, and ensuring urban infrastructure development.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“We are currently going through a period of unprecedented change. Unfortunately, and especially in view of the world crisis, there are global tendencies towards the stagnation of economic development, growing poverty and social inequality, and increasing instability in certain States and regions. It stands to reason that the only way to effectively counteract those threats is for the international community to deploy joint efforts. In that regard, we deem it especially advisable to increase the efficiency of international cooperation among security and law- enforcement agencies, develop best practices for addressing new challenges and threats, and introduce reliable confidence-building measures.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“We consider that international legal document to be a cornerstone of stability on the continent and that therefore States parties should make every effort to ensure its fully fledged and efficient application. Ukraine, in the framework of its OSCE chairmanship, will therefore pay special attention to the resolution of the crisis surrounding that Treaty. Peaceful settlement and conflict prevention will be the foundation and the starting point of Ukraine’s activities if it is elected to non-permanent membership in the Security Council for 2016-2017. At the beginning of this year, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon made public a five-year Action Agenda for the Organization. We fully support the priorities identified in the agenda and consider them a road map for United Nations activities in the near future.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“The Ukrainian chairmanship will actively contribute to the deepening of international cooperation and dialogue so as to maintain stability, resolve crisis situations and ensure post-conflict reconstruction. We will devote special attention to negotiations on the Transdniestria conflict; Ukraine has for many years actively participated in efforts to settle that conflict. We will promote in every possible way the Nagorno Karabakh settlement process, as well as the Geneva discussions on security and stability in the Caucasus. I would like to stress that Ukraine, as a non-bloc State, cannot but be concerned with the erosion of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“The same goal features among the priorities of Ukraine’s chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2013. We intend, during our OSCE chairmanship, to make every effort to strengthen security in our region and to consolidate the democratic institutions of Member States. We will also promote the enhancement of the OSCE’s efficiency as a regional organization, in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. We will also underscore the need for new impetus to be given to the resolution of protracted conflicts in Europe and to address new threats and challenges to security, in particular energy security. We will strive to increase OSCE efficiency in early conflict prevention.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Ukraine roundly condemns any act of violence against diplomatic missions and their personnel. For many years, Ukraine has actively supported the expansion of preventive diplomacy in international relations, with, of course, the leading role played by the United Nations. Guided by that approach, Ukraine initiated a dialogue in the Human Rights Council on the prevention of human rights violations, in particular by initiating a relevant thematic resolution. Mr. Kanda (Ghana), Vice-President, took the Chair. Ensuring early conflict prevention was among the key elements stressed by Ukraine during its first membership in the Security Council as an independent State, in 2000-2001. We also are conducting relevant work in the Peacebuilding Commission.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“That is why this year, when the situation in Syria deteriorated, we immediately evacuated the first group of Ukrainian and Polish citizens who had stated their intention to return home. Let me assure the Assembly that any Ukrainian aircraft and ships available for evacuation purposes in hot spots will always be at the disposal of those in need of help, regardless of their nationality. Ukraine has approved a decision to extend humanitarian assistance using United Nations mechanisms to Syria’s internally displaced persons and refugees. I am confident that through the joint efforts of the international community we will manage to ensure the safety of the civilian population in Syria. I believe in international solidarity in that regard. Recently, on 11 September, we witnessed the tragic attack on the United States consulate in Libya.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Ukraine shares the deep concern of the international community regarding the escalation of violence in that country. We call on all relevant parties to make every effort to settle the conflict on the basis of respect for the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the universally recognized principles of international law. The people of Ukraine have never been and will never be indifferent to human suffering. We make no distinction between our grief and that of others. Last year, thanks to Ukraine’s humanitarian mission to Libya, people of many nationalities, mostly women and children, were evacuated and saved from hostilities. In referring to that case, we are speaking not just about one action but about Ukraine’s resolute intention to use its capabilities to protect civilian populations in hot spots.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“On behalf of Ukraine, I sincerely congratulate Mr. Vuk Jeremić on his election as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-seventh session. I wish him every success in the post and hope that all his actions bear fruit. The theme of this year’s debate, “Bringing about adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations by peaceful means”, is always a pressing one. That imperative was enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations by its founding members, including Ukraine. I am convinced that the fundamental principle of the peaceful settlement of disputes remains today the cornerstone of the modern system of international relations. It is the underlying mission of our Organization and the immediate duty of every Member State. Today, we are closely watching the situation in Syria, which remains extremely alarming.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“The consideration of the interests of every regional group is an indispensable component of the process of reforming the Council. Ukraine believes that at least one additional non-permanent seat of an expanded Security Council should be given to the Group of Eastern European States. I am confident that the sixty-sixth session of the General Assembly will strengthen the United Nations in the face of global challenges and threats, reliably guaranteed by our strong political commitment and a clear vision of our common goals. I believe in our shared success.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“A few days ago, Ukraine decided to provide, through the United Nations, humanitarian assistance in the form of wheat for the purpose of combating hunger in the Horn of Africa. Ukraine supports the greater involvement of the General Assembly in international life and strengthening its voice in addressing a wide range of global issues. The modern world is presenting the United Nations with new, complex and increasingly difficult issues. We will not be able to improve the effectiveness of our joint work, however, without comprehensive reform of the Organization and its principal bodies, including the Security Council. Ukraine is open to discussing all progressive concepts of reform that can bring Member States to the broadest possible agreement.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“It is our belief that economic and social development should be facilitated by the further liberalization of trade. In recent years, we have come to see how vulnerable any one nation can be to various security threats and natural or manmade disasters. All these examples have shown us the need for effective international mechanisms for combating such phenomena. It is high time that the United Nations and its specialized agencies seriously strengthened their role in coordinating international efforts aimed at preventing, responding to and overcoming the impacts of catastrophes and severe humanitarian crises. We look forward to strengthening the specialized United Nations agencies and improving their effectiveness. Ukraine stands ready to continue its active involvement in the practical humanitarian efforts of the World Food Programme.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“We also call upon Member States to study the idea of developing a new universal instrument that could serve as a so-called environmental constitution, give all countries clear guidelines from the cultural perspective, and identify compulsory principles for the sustainable development of the global green economy and the environmental safety of the planet. We consider it necessary to work on improving global energy security. We encourage the development, under United Nations coordination, of an effective multilateral cooperation mechanism aimed at achieving development goals in the energy field. In overcoming the impact of the global economic crisis, we must avoid new challenges to the financial sector that affect trade and investment.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Among our main priorities are poverty reduction, ensuring quality education, environmental protection, improving health and reducing child mortality, curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, and ensuring gender equality. Working on today’s immediate tasks, we believe it is necessary to pay greater attention to the 11-50702 6 increasingly acute issue of climate change and environmental protection. We endorse the idea of creating an effective international mechanism for the environmental protection of Earth as our common planet — a global environmental organization with universal membership functioning on a permanent basis.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Ukraine is a dedicated supporter of United Nations peacekeeping reform, the goal of which is to strengthen the Organization’s capacity and eliminate existing shortcomings. Utmost attention should be paid to ensuring the mobility of aviation resources in United Nations peacekeeping, as well as to enhancing legal protection for Blue Helmets. We are grateful to Member States for their support of Ukraine’s initiatives in this area, and we hope for effective joint work to be undertaken in this direction. One year ago, we held a High-level Plenary Meeting on the Millennium Development Goals. Ukraine is committed to its obligations in achieving national development goals.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Ukraine consistently supports efforts to ensure gradual and irreversible nuclear disarmament for the purpose of completely eliminating nuclear weapons from the world. We continue to insist that security assurances for non-nuclear and non-aligned States should be enshrined in a legally binding international instrument. I urge the leaders of other States to consciously follow the example of Ukraine and its practical actions to promote disarmament and non-proliferation. Ukraine is actively participating in United Nations efforts to maintain international peace and security. Throughout its 20 years of independence, over 34,000 Ukraine’s soldiers and police have taken part in peacekeeping missions in more than 20 operations under the United Nations mandate.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The awareness of the global scale of the effects of the Chernobyl disaster was the impetus for my initiative to convene the Kyiv Summit on the Safe and Innovative Use of Nuclear Energy in April. The Summit enabled us to enhance international cooperation in strengthening nuclear safety and in responding adequately to accidents and emergencies. I sincerely thank all the participants in the Kyiv Summit and all of the donor countries that announced their contributions to Chernobyl projects. We also welcome the holding of the high-level meeting on nuclear safety and security, scheduled for tomorrow. We are committed to jointly working further on this issue. Our country has unique experience in the rehabilitation of the area and the population victimized by the Chernobyl disaster. We are ready to share this experience.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“As one of the State initiators of the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel, and as a party to all universal anti-terrorist conventions currently in force, Ukraine resolutely condemns any manifestations of terrorism. We believe that all terrorist acts, regardless of who commits them and where or why they are committed, violate a fundamental human right — the right to life — and therefore constitute a crime against humanity. I pay tribute to the memory of those killed 10 years ago, on 11 September 2001, as well as to all other victims of terrorist attacks. I am sincerely proud of the significant contribution of Ukraine to the peaceful coexistence of humankind. I refer not only to our voluntarily abandoning nuclear arms and large stockpiles of highly enriched uranium.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“We will not lessen our attention to this subject and are planning to rejoin the Council in 2018. As Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe from May to November this year, Ukraine is focused on the issues of children’s rights, the development of local self-governance and the rule of law. We are convinced that the rule of law and respect for human rights, as the bases for building a society, are needed to counter many contemporary threats, including the complex challenges of terrorism. Recently, the world shuddered from the attack on the United Nations building in Nigeria, which offered yet further proof that the ugly face of terrorism is becoming more repulsive and brazen. The blow was struck directly against our Organization, which is of particular concern and requires increased security for United Nations premises.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The twentieth anniversary of our independence is only an instant in historical terms, yet the roots of our statehood can be traced back thousands of years. Since ancient times, Ukraine has been developing a European spirit and culture, while cherishing the traditions of tolerance and inter-ethnic and intercultural harmony in 5 11-50702 our society. We believe that straightforward and frank dialogue based on universal values is the only way to find a common language in each country and in international relations alike. Ukraine’s position on the need to uphold human rights at all times and everywhere as the highest value has always been crystal clear. Examples of that commitment are seen in Ukraine’s activities during its two terms of membership in the Human Rights Council from June 2006 to June 2011.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Today, we are assessing the road we have travelled and rethinking some important moments in our modern history in order to find effective solutions to the issues that have remained unresolved for many years. It is precisely for that purpose that I have initiated sweeping reforms in the country, aimed at social and economic transformations and at further strengthening the democratic system and the rule of law in Ukraine. The foundations of all reform processes in Ukraine are the fundamental democratic values that Ukrainians share with other Europeans. That is why the guiding principles we have determined for the modernization of the country are directly related to the ambitious objectives contained in the future Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“In addition to humanitarian efforts, we are ready to support all constructive international peace initiatives and preventive measures. We believe that, in armed confrontations, top priority must be given to respect for human rights, first of all by ensuring the safety of civilians. Guided by this principle, Ukraine was among the first to carry out a humanitarian mission in Libya at the beginning of this year. The Ukrainian amphibious landing ship Konstantin Olshansky was used to evacuate almost 200 citizens of 20 nationalities, more than half of them women and children, from the conflict zone. Ukraine has just celebrated the twentieth anniversary of its independence.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Preventive diplomacy and mediation at the regional and international levels, from the frozen conflicts in the post-Soviet space to a peaceful settlement in the Middle East and the restoration of stability in North Africa, remain an integral part of Ukraine’s foreign policy. We pursue that policy in the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission, and will continue to do so during Ukraine’s presidency of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in 2013. Regrettably, conflict prevention efforts are often not effective enough, and conflict settlement takes too long. Our main duty in such cases is to save lives and to alleviate the fate of civilians who find themselves in danger. Ukraine will always provide help to those who suffer.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“This is a special session given the number of high- level meetings devoted to issues of a global scale — nuclear safety and security, the prevention of non-communicable diseases, desertification and land degradation, racism and discrimination. During this session, the delegation of Ukraine has actively participated in discussions on the issues that are most topical for our State — nuclear security and disease control. With regard to the theme of the general debate, “The role of mediation in the settlement of disputes”, I note that the issue of preventing armed conflict, and the loss of human lives and the suffering triggered by them, was one of the cornerstones of Ukraine’s first membership, as an independent State, of the Security Council in 2000-2001.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“I sincerely congratulate His Excellency Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser on his election to the post of President of the General Assembly at its sixty-sixth session. I am convinced that his considerable experience will contribute to the achievement of significant results on behalf of States Members of the United Nations and the entire Organization. This year, the great family of States Members of the United Nations was enriched by a new 193rd Member. On behalf of Ukraine, I would like to express our support for the Government and people of South Sudan in the process of State-building, and to assure them of Ukraine’s readiness to develop equal and mutually beneficial cooperation with a new member of the international community.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)