As a man with a long-standing commitment to environmental protection, I invite you to make use of the organizational capabilities of the United Nations and pay more attention to ecological issues. If we are genuine in our attempt to make the United Nations the institution in the van of human rights protection, environmental issues should be given priority on our agenda. Lithuania will support every initiative to preserve and conserve natural resources. As one such step, I have signed today the Kyoto protocol, reaffirming our commitment to tackle global warming by reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases. Now we look forward to decisive action on climate change in Buenos Aires later this year.
Every person has an incontestable right to live in a healthy and clean environment.
I am certain that the United Nations can play a significant role in promoting respect for the surrounding environment among the people and states of the world. Having a long-lasting experience of international cooperation and a prominent international standing, this Organization can notably contribute to the environmental education of the global community. It can also serve as a promoter of the interstate cooperation in the timely exchange of information on disasters - past, present and future. The growing problems of international crime and terrorism, which affect us all, are no less important than environmental issues. Terrorist bombings and illicit trafficking in arms, narcotic substances and human beings as well as money laundering infringe the vital interest of the people and states to live in a secure and predictable world.