UN General Assembly
2008

ideology and similar motivations — in order to find appropriate solutions and move effectively forward together. Among the challenges cited by the Secretary- General are the lack of progress in international trade negotiations, high energy costs and basic food prices and climate change. While we support the Secretary- General’s assessment, we should like to add that additional challenges are posed by continued military occupation, denial of the rights of peoples to self- determination and freedom of expression, the growing crisis of intercultural conflict and the scourge of international terrorism and extremism. The most important role being played by the United Nations in the Middle East region has been and remains that of the custodian of international law. On the one hand, it governs international relations and is the standard by which we measure progress made in the international community; on the other, it embodies a strong, objective approach to the maintenance of international peace and security. Because of our strong belief in the role of the United Nations, we view the Organization as the basic