President of the General Assembly; Secretary-General; Heads of State and Government,
For many years, the General Assembly has discussed cooperation, dialogue, solidarity, the importance of progress in science and technology and ending poverty in the world.
It has also discussed the urgent need of strengthening the Organization and multilateralism.
The pandemic, which is affecting the planet, has made it hight time to turn those good intentions into more meaningful actions.
COVID-19 has put every pressure to bear on multilateralism. Six months after it began, we are dealing not only with a health emergency, but also a social and economic one.
Without exception, every country has been hit by the deadly virus.
We will not be able to save lives and revive the economy without the support of multilateral organizations, private enterprise, the academic community and society, as a whole.
For Ecuador, the support of international financial agencies has been key these past months.
That is why we commend the calls for a multilateral response to the crisis.
The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund recognizes the importance of supporting emerging and developing economies, and the President of the World Bank is talking about a debt moratorium for poor countries.
Ecuador supports and appreciates those proposals and calls for middle-income countries to be taken into account, as every nation is facing serious economic problems.
Dear friends, COVID-19 has historically changed the world today and, in all probability, its future.
Poverty, inequality and unemployment will worsen, which will have an impact on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. We risk backsliding with regard to the gains made over the past few years.
Ecuador’s national development plan — Lifetime — which we have not been remiss in implementing, is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
We firmly believe in the need for a strong, solid and committed multilateral system that ensures financial and technical support to all.
The pandemic has shown that technology is key to guaranteeing citizens’ rights, such as access to remote health care, education and work.
But it has also shown the great digital divide that exists among our nations, which is a product of inequality.
The post-COVID era will pose for us the challenge of reviving economies and focusing on small- and medium-sized businesses, which create thousands upon thousands of jobs.
It is necessary to offer flexible and sufficient lines of credit with acceptable terms, as well. But it is also imperative to meet the commitments of official development assistance.
Colleagues from around the world, my country underscores the work of the World Health Organization and its leadership during this crisis.
That is why we support the COVAX Facility initiative, to step up access to COVID-19 vaccines and the repository of technologies to combat the pandemic.
Only in this way will we be able to enjoy fairly distributed patent-free vaccines, with special attention afforded the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people.
The pandemic has affected us all, but its impact has been most severe on vulnerable groups.
In addition to COVID-19 itself, the lockdown, the lack of employment and poverty have exacerbated gender-based violence. Women and children have had to stay at home with their abusers, risking their physical and mental safety and sometimes even their lives!
Older adults and people with disabilities are also suffering disproportionately from the crisis because of their increased risk of infection.
In Ecuador we have provided welfare vouchers, mobility and self-care assistance and, in many cases, decent housing at no cost.
Together with 145 Member States we endorsed the policy brief, entitled “A Disability-inclusive response to COVID-19”.
Likewise, we recognize the vulnerability of indigenous peoples. We must give them priority attention commensurate with their circumstances, and we must guarantee them access to treatments and vaccines.
Migrants have also been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. As a host country, Ecuador seeks to guarantee the exercise of their rights with a humanitarian response.
We will continue to firmly support the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, as well as the full implementation of the Declaration of Quito on Human Mobility of Venezuelan Citizens in the Region.
Fellow Presidents, the sustainable use of natural resources and climate change is an issue that we cannot ignore.
The failure to implement environmental agreements has very serious economic and social repercussions.
Ecuador recently expressed its concern about the presence of a large foreign fishing fleet, which since May 2020 has been operating in very close proximity to the Galapagos Islands.
We have reiterated that, without distinction of the flag, we will ensure that our maritime rights prevail over the exclusive economic zone.
We are aware of the enormous responsibility to protect the Galapagos, which was designated as humankind’s first Natural World Heritage site.
We call on the countries that fish in the waters of the south-east Pacific to self- regulate and limit their activities.
We, the members of the Permanent Commission for the South Pacific, namely, the brotherly countries of Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, condemn illegal fishing in areas adjacent to our countries’ waters.
We have also agreed to strengthen sharing information on the location of vessels in order to improve monitoring and surveillance.
Ecuador therefore reaffirms its commitment to conserve the marine environment. As a demonstration of that, on 11 August, we joined the Global Ocean Alliance.
The initiative, led by the United Kingdom, seeks to designate 30 per cent of the world’s oceans as marine protected areas.
We are also committed to the conservation of the Amazon.
We subscribe to the Leticia Declaration and what is known as the Financing Initiative for Sustainable Development and Bio-Economy for the Amazon.
With the establishment of the multi-donor fund, administered by the IDB, significant resources will be allocated to conserve what are the lungs of the planet and improve the quality of life of indigenous peoples.
We are facing new challenges the solution to which lies in unity and peace, not conflict.
Recently, 172 countries supported the call of the Secretary-General for a global ceasefire and silencing all weapons.
We are confident that the call and the relevant Security Council resolution (Security Council resolution 2532 (2020)) will serve as a first step towards achieving definitive and sustainable peace throughout the world.
Today, our obligation is to join our efforts and fight the pandemic.
For now, that is our common enemy!
Recently, the commemoration of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki served to remind us of the devastating consequences of nuclear weapons. We therefore welcome the forthcoming entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
The pandemic must serve as an additional reason to step up disarmament obligations and make available the needed resources for revitalization.
Friends and Heads of State and Government, I conclude by stressing that Ecuador firmly supports the initiative to move forward meaningful reform of the UN system.
It is necessary to ensure greater accountability and maximize its efficiency.
It is imperative to overhaul the system that we created at the end of the Second World War, as it does not reflect today’s reality.
It is also important to guarantee the allocation of funds, to which end States must fulfil their obligation to contribute to the Organization without conditions or threats.
Today, our peoples demand cooperation so we will be able to face the economic and social challenges of the post-COVID-19 era.
Only together will we be able to win this cruel war, a cruel war that has already taken the lives of nearly 1 million people.
Dear friends, I hope that, in the very near future, we will be able to give one another the fraternal hug that we owe another inside and outside our countries.
Thank you very much.


Mr. President,
Secretary-General of the United Nations,
Heads of Delegation,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Mr. President,
Your brilliant election to the presidency of the 75th session of the General Assembly gives me the pleasant opportunity to extend to you my sincere congratulations and those of my delegation.
Mr. outgoing President, Dear Professor Tijjani Muhammad Bande
When you assumed the presidency of the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of Africa, we had no idea that our Organization, and beyond that, the entire world, would experience a health crisis as profound as that of COVID-19.
Faced with this unforeseeable situation, you and your team managed to adapt to the new requirements and meet the challenges before you in order to ensure the continuity of the activities and functioning of the General Assembly.
Secretary-General,
On January 22, you presented your 2020 priorities to the General Assembly, identifying what you called the four “horsemen of the apocalypse” that are the global geostrategic tensions, the “existential” climate crisis, the growing mistrust among people everywhere and the “dark side” of the digital world.
Unfortunately, less than two months later, a fifth and highly destructive horseman of the apocalypse, the coronavirus disease, appeared and was added to the four already identified. Since then, you have been fully invested in ensuring that the United Nations is mobilized in confronting the pandemic and its multifaceted consequences.
Mr. President,
Heads of Delegation,
On 14 June 2019, the United Nations General Assembly decided, through resolution 73/299, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of our common organization under the theme “The future we want, the UN we need: reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism”. But given the global crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the President of the General Assembly supplemented the celebration’s general theme with the words “to confront COVID-19 through effective multilateral action”.
This theme, underpinning all of the activities, meetings and conferences organized by the UN in 2020, reminds us of the fundamental reasons behind our organization’s creation.
To commemorate this anniversary, all of us would have liked to be physically present at Headquarters in New York, to come together to celebrate the values that have been promoted and defended by the United Nations since its creation in 1945.
Unfortunately, the pandemic dictated otherwise, reminding us of the world’s fragility and our interdependence.
On 9 March 2020, Burkina Faso recorded its first cases of Covid-19. The Government had to adapt its actions to the realities of the time, implementing quarantine and lockdown measures in cities, as well as various restrictions.
Mr. President, distinguished delegates,
The Covid-19 pandemic is a multidimensional crisis that risks destroying all development efforts in a number of countries, especially those affected by conflict.
That is why Burkina Faso thanks the UN Secretary-General for his global call for solidarity, launched on 31 March 2020. This call enabled the establishment of a global framework aimed at promoting an integrated and flexible response, in order to make the best use of the UN system’s global footprint.
I take this opportunity to welcome the debt relief measures in favour of developing countries, but above all to call for those debts to be cancelled outright.
Mr. President,
Ladies and Gentlemen Heads of Delegation
A few months ago, the issue of organized crime was essentially viewed through the prism of the fight against terrorism. Today, with the emergence of the coronavirus disease pandemic, we must now take into account the triptych of organized crime, terrorism and COVID-19.
In the war against terrorism in the Sahel region, I would like to commend the international community’s support and backing, proof if anyone still needed it that the fight against terrorism is a matter of international security.
On the military aspect alone, we can point to the notable progress in the activities of the G5 Sahel Joint Force and friendly troops. We also cannot ignore the highly significant involvement of the Secretary-General, the Security Council and the European Union in reviewing, in February 2020, the technical agreement between the European Union, the United Nations and the G5 Sahel, which allowed MINUSMA support for the G5 Sahel Joint Force to be extended beyond Mali’s borders.
However, it is regrettable that said Force is still yet to reach the desired operational level. I would therefore like to reiterate our call to the Security Council for this Force to be placed under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter and to benefit from sustainable funding.
I also call on all partners to actively support the International Coalition for the Sahel created in Pau, France, in January 2020.
Mr. President,
Distinguished delegates
In our fight against terrorism, organizations have accused our Defence and Security Forces of atrocities and human rights violations. I would like to reaffirm here that our Defence and Security Forces carry out their missions with respect for human rights, in particular the right to life and the right to physical integrity, as guaranteed by the legal instruments to which Burkina Faso is a party.
Whenever members of our Defence and Security Forces have been implicated by allegations, investigations have been duly opened in order to identify those accountable and punish the perpetrators.
I would like to reassure Burkina Faso’s partners and the international community that, despite our modest resources, our Defence and Security Forces combat terrorism with professionalism, in strict compliance with the rules of engagement that govern their actions.
In any case, Burkina Faso will spare no effort in meeting the challenges of the fight against terrorism, so as to guarantee the protection of its populations and that of refugees, and we will continue to work to restore peace and security across our entire national territory, in accordance with the rules of international law.
In that regard, on 1 July, my Government agreed to the opening of an Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Burkina Faso.
Mr. President
Ladies and Gentlemen Heads of Delegation
Voters will go to the polls in Burkina Faso on 22 November 2020 for joint presidential and legislative elections. The entire political class, both majority and opposition alike, consensually agreed to proceed with the elections, despite the prevailing insecurity in certain regions of the country.
I reaffirm my government’s commitment to organizing transparent, inclusive and peaceful elections. To this end, in July 2019, I instituted a permanent political dialogue framework with all components of the Burkinabe political class, in order to remove any obstacles that should arise throughout the process.
Mr. President
Distinguished delegates
In Burkina Faso, we were very early to take stock of the need to preserve the environment. In all of our policies, measures are undertaken to reverse the trend of environmental degradation and to ensure the sustainable management of natural resources.
The tragic floods in our country and several other countries on the continent in recent weeks remind us of the need for stronger commitment to the multilateral approach, as embodied by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Mr. President
Ladies and Gentlemen Heads of Delegation
As a troop-contributing country that supports the United Nations in the search for peace, Burkina Faso has, despite its own internal situation, deployed 1,130 troops, including one battalion and two formed police units and 60 individual posts.
I wish to take this opportunity to reaffirm Burkina Faso’s constant readiness to engage alongside the United Nations in seeking to achieve peace throughout the world through the deployment of its uniformed personnel and its legal experts.
Mr. President
Ladies and Gentlemen Heads of Delegation
The world in which we live is fearsome because international peace and security are under threat from worldwide geostrategic tensions.
Even today, African issues are the most abundant on the Security Council’s agenda.
The ongoing security crisis in the Sahel and in the Lake Chad Basin is a genuine concern for which answers must be found, in the knowledge that the situation in Libya is one of the causes.
This means that resolving the political crisis in Libya is one of the guarantees needed for peace to return in these regions. We therefore ask the Security Council to appoint the new Joint UN/African Union Special Envoy to lead the negotiations.
In Mali, we call for a settlement of the political crisis and a rapid return to constitutional order, and we support the decisions of ECOWAS for a smooth transition.
On the Western Sahara issue, the notable progress made following the convening of two round tables in Geneva between Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania and the Polisario Front deserves to be consolidated. And to achieve this, Burkina Faso wishes to see the appointment of the new Special Envoy in order to pursue the work of his or her predecessor.
On the situation in the Middle East, and particularly on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, there is a real need to relaunch diplomatic efforts aimed at putting an end to the conflict.
Regarding the economic, trade and financial blockade imposed on Cuba since 1962, Burkina Faso reiterates its call for it to be lifted.
Burkina Faso congratulates Cuba on having been able to contain the pandemic and, in a show of international solidarity, on having sent hundreds of doctors and health-care workers to more than 35 countries around the world in response to requests for urgent help.
Mr. President
Distinguished delegates
Seventy-five years after its creation, and after more than 20 years of intergovernmental negotiations, the reform of the United Nations is still pending. However, everyone is in agreement in acknowledging that the organization must make it possible to redress the injustice done to Africa, and that the African claim is a legitimate aspiration.
I therefore reiterate my country’s support for the African common position, as reflected in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, according to which Africa must be fully represented in all of the decision-making bodies of the United Nations, especially the Security Council.
Mr. President,
Ladies and Gentlemen Heads of Delegation
Ladies and Gentlemen
By adopting on 21 September the Final Declaration to commemorate the seventy-fifth anniversary of our Organization, we acknowledged that our Organization has yet to achieve the level that its founding fathers had wished for, because poverty, hunger, terrorism, extremism and even insecurity, inter alia, remain pertinent issues to this day.
Consequently, we committed before history to leaving no one behind, to promoting peace and digital cooperation, and to taking young people, women and girls into account in all of our development policies.
We recognize the interdependence of the various challenges facing the United Nations, which can only be resolved by strengthening multilateralism. That is why I am hoping that the Secretary-General’s report, which will be submitted to us before the culmination of the 75th session, will allow us to look to the future with greater optimism.
Once again, we reaffirm our collective commitment to multilateralism. The United Nations must remain our common compass.
Long live the United Nations
Long live international cooperation
Thank you.


In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
Mr. President of the General Assembly, Mr. Secretary-General, Your Majesties, Your Honours, Your Highnesses, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is an honour for me to address this august Assembly on behalf of a new Algeria that is eager to build a democratic system that reflects the aspirations of its people. Indeed, the Algerian people have proven themselves to be exemplary in the defence of the values of freedom and justice.
At the outset, I would like to express my wishes to His Excellency Mr. Volkan Bozkir as he assumes the presidency of the General Assembly at its seventy-fifth session, following His Excellency Mr. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, who ably managed the previous session. I also wish to commend the tireless efforts of Mr. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Our Organization, which was founded in the wake of a horrific human tragedy, has experienced both successes and failures in the face of an increasing number of various international challenges. Those challenges have revealed many flaws in the international system, especially in light of the current health circumstances.
Our belief in the need for a strong international organization leads us to reaffirm the necessity to advance the comprehensive reform of our Organization in order to improve its performance and enhance its efficiency. In that regard, Algeria reiterates its adherence to the position of the African Union in accordance with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. We call upon the need for reaching prompt solutions through intergovernmental negotiations on the issue of equitable representation in the Security Council and expanding its membership, inter alia.
In the fifty-eight years since it became a State Member of the United Nations, my country has endeavoured to defend international peace and security through its foreign policy based on the principles of promoting peaceful solutions to conflicts, non-interference in the internal affairs of States, respect for their sovereignty and unity, while respecting the rights of peoples to self-determination and to manage their resources. We are proud of the results we have achieved, which further affirm that Algerian diplomacy has played a central role in the resolution of many arduous crises along with regional and international conflicts. Our foreign policy continues to be aimed at serving that noble objective.
Based on that approach, Algeria has worked — and will continue to work — on rapprochement between the stakeholders in Libya. We call on our Libyan brothers to engage constructively in the political process under the auspices of the United Nations in order to overcome the current crisis and meet the aspirations of the Libyan people. We condemn any foreign intervention that undermines the sovereignty of the country. Algeria welcomes the recently announced ceasefire and calls on the parties to translate it into actions without delay.
My country is closely following the delicate situation in Mali, our neighbour and brother, and looks forward to a swift restoration of the constitutional order through a consensus-based transition that enshrines the will and aspirations of the Malian people for security, stability and development. We are convinced that the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, borne out of the Algiers process, remains the ideal framework for tackling the challenges of political governance and economic development in Mali with the wise and sincere support of the international community.
Turning now to the Palestinian Question, which remains the sacred and main issue to Algeria and its people, we wish to reiterate our steadfast support for the Palestinian people in their just cause and inalienable rights. We call for the establishment of their independent, sovereign State with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. We believe that resolving the Palestinian question is key to stability in the Middle East.
With regard to Western Sahara, we regret the obstacles hindering a settlement to the issue, in particular the stalled negotiations between the two parties to the conflict and delays in appointing a new envoy for Western Sahara.
Algeria calls for the implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions, especially those concerning the holding of a self-determination referendum in Western Sahara, which has been postponed for over 29 years; the swift appointment of an envoy of the Secretary-General; and the resumption of negotiations between the two parties to the conflict, aimed at fulfilling the aspirations of the peoples of the Maghreb and Africa for development and integration.
Algeria renews its commitment to fighting terrorism and violent extremism, which it considers to be a grave threat to peace, security and development in the world. We call for promoting international cooperation against corruption and moneylaundering while implementing the relevant international agreements, in particular those concerning the retrieval of funds stolen from the people.
In line with our commitment to fostering and strengthening international peace and security, my country is actively involved in international efforts in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation. Algeria has suffered and continues to be severely affected by the nuclear tests that were conducted on its territory during colonial rule.
The complete elimination of nuclear weapons remains, in our view, the only way to rid humankind of the risks such weapons pose. Algeria also attaches a great deal of importance to environmental issues and renews its commitment to all relevant agreements. Despite our limited resources, we are also making great efforts at the national level in that regard, for example by including environmental aspects in State public policies. Turning to the historic responsibility of developed countries on this issue, we renew our call for strengthened technical and financial support for developing countries in order to address the environmental threats they are facing.
Algerian women took part in the national revolution for liberation and antiterrorism. They have played a pivotal role in the national reconstruction process promoted by Algeria, which also pays particular attention to young people and their participation in public life.
The difficult circumstances imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic have not deterred Algeria from striving to implement the Sustainable Development Goals. In that connection, my country is currently finalizing a national framework for indicators to measure the progress made towards achieving those Goals. We are also working on integrating the Sustainable Development Goals into our annual budgetary laws in the near term and creating a legal framework aimed at facilitating and enhancing the work of all stakeholders involved in that process.
Algeria is steadily making progress towards strengthening the pillars of democracy, the rule of law and social justice following a democratic change achieved by a peaceful and civilized protest movement, resulting in presidential elections held in December 2019. Those elections reaffirmed the sovereignty of the Algerian people and its freedom to choose and to make its own decisions. Algeria has made great strides in its political, economic and social reforms in recent months, despite the challenging health situation, in order to build a new, strong, secure and prosperous Algeria.
In that context, Algeria will organize a referendum to be held on 1 November on the draft reform of the Constitution in order to determine the foundations of a democratic political system that will guarantee the protection of rights and freedoms and ensure a balance between the various branches of government. The chosen date is highly symbolic and represents our respect for the sacrifices of the martyrs who died so that a free and independent Algeria could live.
In conclusion, I would like to appeal for unity and solidarity so that we may overcome our differences and tackle the difficult situation the world is facing in order to enable our countries and our peoples to continue on the path towards stability, security and development.
I thank you for your kind attention. May peace and God’s mercy and blessings be upon you.


Mr. President of the United Nations General Assembly;
Mr. Secretary-General;
Heads of state and government;
Excellencies:
I am honored to address you today on behalf of the Filipino people on the 75th anniversary of the United Nations.
The invisible enemy that is COVID-19 has brought about an unfamiliar global landscape and unleashed a crisis without precedent. It is the biggest test the world and the United Nations faced since the Second World War.
While the United Nations has brought relief and hope to so many countries and peoples around the world, it now finds itself saddled by a virus that has taken many lives and wrecked economies and social order.
We are at a crossroads. How we address COVID-19 will define our future.
For the Philippines, this means putting up all of the peoples of our united nations at the core of this response.
We will need to ask hard and fundamental questions about the vision and mission that the United Nations conceptualized 75 years ago.
We need to ask ourselves whether or not we have remained true and faithful to the United Nations’ principles and ideals.
Mr. President, in the light of the realities of the present, the Philippines grieves with all of the families all over the world who lost their loved ones to this horrible virus.
We extend our heartfelt condolences.
We salute all frontliners who put their lives on the line even in countries not their own. So also do we honor and recognize the healthcare professionals who selflessly answered the call to combat the COVID-19 pandemic despite its virulence and unknown characteristics.
While each nation has its own strategy in fighting the pandemic, what the world needs are coordinated international plans and efforts to pursue a common purpose.
COVID-19 knows no border. It knows no nationality. It knows no race. It knows no gender. It knows no age. It knows no creed.
The Philippines values the role that the United Nations plays in its fight against the pandemic. As a middle-income country whose economic advances have been derailed by the pandemic, we welcome the launch of the UN COVID Response and Recovery Fund.
Ensuring universal access to anti COVID-19 technologies and products is pivotal in the global pandemic recovery.
The world is in the race to find a safe and effective vaccine.
When the world finds that vaccine, access to it must not be denied nor withheld. It should be made available to all, rich and poor nations alike, as a matter of policy.
The Philippines joins our partners in the ASEAN and the Non-Aligned Movement in raising our collective voice: the COVID-19 vaccine must be considered a global public good. Let us be clear on this.
We call for a global health agenda with enough resources and policy space for the World Health Organization.
We need a WHO that is quick to coordinate and quicker to respond. The Philippines will do its part in the pooling of global resources. Our health workers are among the best.
Mr. President, just as we needed stability and confidence because of the pandemic, geopolitical tensions continue to rise.
Escalating tensions benefit no one. New flashpoints heighten fears and tend to tear peoples apart.
When elephants fight, it is the grass that gets trampled flat.
Given the size and military might of the contenders, we can only imagine and be aghast at the terrible toll on human life and property that shall be inflicted if the “word war” deteriorates into a real war of nuclear weapons and missiles.
I therefore call on the stakeholders in the South China Sea, the Korean Peninsula, the Middle East and Africa: if we cannot be friends as yet, then in God’s name, let us not hate each other too much. I heard it once said, and I say it to myself in complete agreement.
Mr. President, Filipino migrant workers have been devastated by the pandemic. Many have lost not only their livelihood, but also their health and lives as well. Yet they go on in the frontlines, healing, caring for others in the different parts of the world.
The Philippine Government has embarked on an unprecedented repatriation program. More than 345,000 overseas Filipino workers needed to come home then. We have brought back half and are bringing back the rest.
We thank the countries that have provided Filipino migrants with residence permits, access to testing, treatment and related health services in this pandemic.
We brought back most of our seafarers who were stranded because of COVID 19 restrictions. We pioneered with the IMO the Green Lane for safe changes of seafaring crews.
In these times, we need stronger cooperation in promoting and protecting the rights of migrants, regardless of their migrant status.
We must all adhere to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Unless states include all migrants in their response to this pandemic, “no one among us is safe, until everyone is safe”, as the Secretary-General has said.
With the poverty rate reduced at 16.6 per cent; and a sustained economic growth rate of 6.4 per cent between 2010 and 2019, the Philippines was on track to becoming an upper-middle income country by the end of 2020. But the pandemic has placed our economy in recession.
Despite this downward pressure on growth, the Philippines remains committed to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Mr. President, the same urgency needed to fight COVID-19 is needed to address the climate crisis. This is a global challenge that has worsened existing inequalities and vulnerabilities from within and between nations.
Climate change has worsened the ravages of the pandemic.
Peoples in developing countries like the Philippines suffer the most. We cannot afford to suffer more.
The Philippines joined the Paris Agreement to fight climate change. We call on all parties, especially those who have not made good their commitment to fight climate change, to honor the same.
We call on all parties to strengthen communities and peoples for preparedness and resilience. We are talking about mankind and Earth, our one and only home.
Mr. President, the Philippines will continue to protect the human rights of its people, especially from the scourge of illegal drugs, criminality, and terrorism.
A number of interest groups have weaponized human rights; some well meaning, others ill-intentioned.
They attempt to discredit the functioning institutions and mechanisms of a democratic country and a popularly elected government which in its last two years, still enjoy the same widespread approval and support.
These detractors pass themselves off as human rights advocates while preying on the most vulnerable humans; even using children as soldiers or human shields in encounters. Even schools are not spared from their malevolence and anti-government propaganda.
They hide their misdeeds under the blanket of human rights but the blood oozes through.
To move forward, open dialogue and constructive engagement with the United Nations is the key.
But these must be done in full respect of the principles of objectivity, non interference, non-selectivity and genuine dialogue. These are the fundamental bases for productive international cooperation on human rights.
Mr. President, terrorism looms large.
As I said at the Aqaba Process, the Philippines will do everything and partner with anyone who would sincerely desire to protect the innocent from terrorism in all its manifestations.
The Marawi siege, where foreign terrorist fighters took part, taught us that an effective legal framework is crucial. Our 2020 Anti-Terrorism Act shores up the legal framework by focusing on both terrorism and the usual reckless response to it.
Its enactment was done pursuant to our commitment, and the strict adherence to the relevant Security Council resolutions and the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
Most importantly, we remain committed to rebuild stricken communities and address the root causes of terrorism and violent extremism in my country.
We must remain mindful of our obligations and commitment to the Charter of the United Nations and as amplified by the 1982 Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes.
The Philippines affirms that commitment in the South China Sea in accordance with UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
The Award is now part of international law, beyond compromise and beyond the reach of passing governments to dilute, diminish or abandon.
We firmly reject attempts to undermine it.
We welcome the increasing number of states that have come in support of the award and what it stands for — the triumph of reason over rashness, of law over disorder, of amity over ambition. This — as it should be — is the majesty of the law.
Mr. President, the global health crisis has further complicated the global security environment. But no aspiration nor ambition can justify the use of weapons that destroy indiscriminately and completely.
There is no excuse for deaths that a nuclear war could cause nor the reckless use of chemical and biological weapons that can cause mass destruction.
These weapons of death put us all at mortal risk, especially if they fall in the hands of terrorists without a shred of humanity in their souls.
We call on all Member States to fully implement the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and the Chemical and the Biological Weapons Conventions.
I have asked the Philippine Senate to ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Importantly, we were among those to sign it first.
Mr. President, the Philippines has a long history of opening its doors to the refugees — from the White Russians following the 1917 Revolution, the European Jews in the Second World War, the Vietnamese in the late 1960s, and the Iranians displaced by the 1979 revolution, among others.
The Philippines continues to honor this humanitarian tradition in accordance with our obligations under the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol.
But lest we forget: helping the most vulnerable — those displaced by conflict, persecution, and political instability — is a shared responsibility of all countries.
As I have said many times: The doors of the Philippines are open, as they have always been, to everyone fleeing for safety, such as the Rohingyas.
In the face of a mounting refugee crisis worldwide, let us work together towards ending the conflicts and conditions that force people to flee their homes.
Mr. President, as our societies become more diverse yet interdependent, social cohesion issues come to the fore.
Mutual understanding always accompanied by mutual tolerance between those of different faiths and cultures is the only foundation of societies at peace with itself and all others.
Finally, I express gratitude to the gallant peacekeepers, including our own, who advance the cause of peace in the most difficult situations.
From the Golan Heights in the Middle East to Liberia in West Africa, Filipino peacekeepers put themselves in the frontlines between the vulnerable and those who seek harm.
We are committed to increasing the Philippine footprint in UN peacekeeping operations with increased participation of women.
Again Mr. President: To defeat the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges, we must work with seamless unity which demands complete mutual trust and the conviction that we will win or lose together.
We cannot bring back the dead but we can spare the living; and we can build back better, healthier, and more prosperous and just societies.
To this end, we rededicate ourselves to multilateralism. The UN remains humanity’s essential organization. But it is only as effective as we make it.
To make significant changes, we need to be bold. We need the same collective courage that finally made the United Nations a reality 75 years ago.
We need to act on long-standing recommendations to improve the Security Council’s composition and working methods; to strengthen the role of the General Assembly; and to streamline the processes and the operations of the UN.
Indeed, to be ready for the new global normal, it cannot be business as usual for the UN.
Let us empower UN — reform it — to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Let us strengthen it so it can fully deliver its mandate to maintain peace and security, uphold justice and human rights, and promote freedom and social progress for all.
After all, we are the United Nations. Thank you.


Your Excellency Mr. President, Excellency Mr. Secretary-General, Ladies and Gentlemen!
At the outset I with great delight extend heartfelt congratulations to Mr.Volkan Bozkir on his election as the President of the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The current situation in the world has become complicated, volatile and turbulent at the background of growing geopolitical, geo-economic competition and extension of modern threats and challenges, particularly a spread of coronavirus disease.
COVID-19 has initially been appeared as a healthcare crisis and been gradually turned into a justifiable global socio-economic and financial crisis. The state of affairs at the current situation certainly requires our more active and coordinated actions.
We welcome the tireless efforts made by the UN Secretary-General, United Nations specialized agencies, foundations and programmes to provide immediate and long-term assistance to member states in tackling the humanitarian and socio-economic repercussion of COVID-19 pandemic.
We applaud the commitment and praise the efforts of states to develop anti- COVID vaccine.
We very much hope that it will be accessible to all states and the vaccine producer-countries will initiate a supply of certain amount of vaccine as a humanitarian aid to cover the vulnerable groups from other countries, while prioritizing women, children and elderly people.
The COVID-19 outbreak has had a significant impact on the Republic of Tajikistan, which has become a matter of our deep concern.
With the view to preventing a spread of disease we today are exerting massive efforts to increase necessary volume of medication and medical equipment and to this end we for the time being are undertaking effectful measures in cooperation with the World Health Organization, countries and development partners.
Prestigious international organizations assess the consequences of coronavirus spread as an ongoing process, which would definitely adversely impact the global economy development.
This situation poses countless unprecedented challenges in front of Tajikistan’s development.
The coronavirus outbreak has led to recession in all areas of the national economy, including obstructing investment operations, such as foreign direct investment inflow, domestic and foreign trade, tourism and services, particularly transport sector.
Tajikistan as a mountainous and landlocked country does not possess sufficient amount of oil and gas resources.
In the meantime, we are dependent on import of fuel almost in hundred percent, as well as import of other goods and products, including food and pharmaceutical by eighty and ninety per cent accordingly.
According to preliminary estimations, due to a negative impact of external economic factors, a total damage to Tajikistan’s economy this year would amount to more than $2 billion and most likely this number may increase in the future.
Taking into consideration an ongoing process of the pandemic impact, the Government of Tajikistan along with prevention of a spread of this infectious disease has been exerting efforts to undertake necessary measures aimed at ensuring consistent and sustainable operation of all socioeconomic sectors of the country.
Mr. President,
It is crystal clear that advancement of constructive processes is possible only when lasting stability and overall safety are secured.
In a par with an unprecedented wave of COVID-19 nowadays expansion of scale and intensity of terrorism and extremism, armed conflicts and wars, transnational organized crime, including trafficking in narcotics and other modern threats and challenges remain alarming.
Terrorist and extremist groups pose tremendous challenge on national security, seriously jeopardizing stability of the countries and different regions.
Elimination of the menace of terrorism necessitates a clear perception of its motives and the root causes promoting terrorism, as well as common global approach towards the definition of terrorism.
Along with this, in our view, it is of particular importance to elaborate new and effective means to a common fight against terrorism, including by the means of the state-of-the-art technology, cooperation and coordination among relevant security authorities of the member states.
Bold and drastic measures commonly undertaken within the international law and avoidance of double standard policy are recognized as yet another important factors in tackling challenges.
Tajikistan is convinced that response to the growing threat of terrorism must be all-embracing and the United Nations should play a key coordinating role in this process.
Tajikistan being located in the frontline of addressing security threats and challenges has made and is determined to continue making an invaluable contribution to countering terrorism and extremism, fighting transnational organized crime, including tackling drug trafficking.
To this end, we maintain and foster productive cooperation with our partners and international organizations, in particular with the relevant UN agencies.
We have developed and at present are implementing shared initiatives which have already yielded noticeable results.
Currently our two National Strategies — the first on Counter-Terrorism and Extremism and the second on Counter-Narcotics Trafficking are in the final phase of an implementation in our country.
The commencement of cooperation with international organizations and regional partner institutions in elaboration of these two Strategy papers for a new period is a clear evidence of our success we have achieved in this direction.
We do believe it is necessary to comply with the rules and implement the provisions of the relevant generally accepted treaties and conventions.
In this regard, Tajikistan sustains fruitful cooperation with the relevant United Nations agencies and regional organizations, such as the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Collective Security Treaty Organization.
We have also established productive bilateral cooperative relationships with our partner countries.
Success in joint concerted actions aiming at prevention and resolution of conflicts, exploration of peaceful ways of addressing crises and confrontations, first and foremost depends on the effective use of preventive diplomacy and mediation.
Accordingly, it is necessary to strengthen the preventive activity’s dimension of the UN, including to improve its Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia.
Tajikistan which has experienced all horrors of the imposed civil war, values and well percepts the importance of an overwhelming protection of peace.
This is why Tajikistan hails the United Nations peacekeeping operations and strives to contribute to promote this process at extent possible.
Our police forces are involved in the UN peacekeeping operations in Darfur, South Sudan and the city of Abyei in the Sudan.
We are committed to further continue our cooperation in this area with the relevant United Nations bodies.
Given the experience our country gained in countering terrorism, extremism and illegal drug trafficking and with the view to introducing the Tajik peace experience we are determined to nominate for the first time Tajikistan’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for 2028-2029.
We very much hope that Tajikistan’s initiative will be encouraged by the member-states and they will give their support to our candidacy.
Tajikistan shares almost 1,400 km. of border with Afghanistan.
We therefore give an utmost attention to the military, political and socioeconomic situation in this close and extended neighboring country.
Escalation of alarming situation in this country urges the international community to undertake extra measures to coordinate actions in the fight against terrorism, coping with drug manufacturing and trafficking in narcotics, likewise deliver timely assistance to the Government and the people of Afghanistan.
As we stated time and again, the Afghan case has no military solution and Tajikistan indeed welcomes the peace-building negotiation processes and support any approach aimed at addressing political crisis in this country.
The destiny and the future of Afghanistan should be first and foremost led and owned by Afghan people and our belief is firm that stabilization of the situation in this country can be achieved only through Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan- controlled peacebuilding process.
Tajikistan this year is presiding over “The Heart of Asia - Istanbul Process” and during our presidency we will strive to increase a genuine efficiency of this platform.
To this day Tajikistan has contributed to the implementation of several joint regional projects on Afghanistan.
We built power transmission lines and constructed six transboundary bridges.
We stand ready to further advance cooperation which would help active involvement of Afghanistan into the regional integration processes and facilitate its socio-economic recovery.
Further implementation of projects on highway connectivity between the two countries’ and construction of power transmission lines, particularly CASA-1000 jointly with other countries of the region, professional training of Afghan specialists in different sectors are among the areas of cooperation that we sustain and are committed to promote.
Mr. President,
We have ten years left until the end of the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals.
The international community has made a significant progress in this direction over the past five years.
However, the economic and financial indicators of the countries and severe negative consequences of COVID-19 call into question a timely implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in developing countries.
The repercussion of the COVID-19 will also negatively affect our country, which is one of the proactive members of the global community in an implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
I would like to recall that Tajikistan was one of the first countries to adopt its 2030 National Development Strategy in line with the 2030 Agenda.
Our country presented its National Voluntary Report back in 2017 and introduced its progress it has achieved towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
We are hopeful that the Decade of Action to deliver the Global Goals will help to seek ways of sustainable solutions to such pressing global challenges, as climate change, poverty, gender inequality and financing.
We should give an utmost importance to climate change challenges, which in this process pose serious hardships to all nations, including to Tajikistan.
Over the past sixty years, the average annual temperature in Tajikistan has increased by one degree.
It has resulted in increased number of days with heavy precipitations and intensity of natural hydro-meteorological phenomena, which have year after year been affecting all countries throughout the world.
Tajikistan with 93 per cent of its territory covered by mountains, bears losses equal to hundreds of millions of dollars annually as a result of water-related disasters.
Such natural disasters often cause casualties.
The areas of glaciers located in our country which are essential for all Central Asia have been noticeably reduced over the recent decades.
One thousand out of thirteen thousand glaciers located in Tajikistan mountains have melted away so far.
This happens although up to sixty percent of Central Asia’s water resources is accumulated on the territory of Tajikistan.
This year, due to low precipitations in the winter we have seen a significant decline in water stock in the region’s rivers, which in turn led to low-water season during the irrigation and caused a severe drought.
This situation causes a negative impact on the quantity and a quality of safe drinking water, as well as water-related sectors, particularly agriculture and energy.
In connection with this circumstance, the countries of the region are concerned with the shifts in the hydrological cycle.
We in this connection would like to call on the United Nations and other international and regional organizations to support Tajikistan with the expedition of glaciers in Central Asia.
Tajikistan generates ninety nine percent of its electricity in hydro-electric power stations, that is from renewable ‘green’ energy sources.
Our country is among the less carbon dioxide emitters in the world.
In this context, I wish to once again offer the following proposals towards seeking the ways of addressing the climate change, which I had previously introduced in other international fora:
1.	Encouragement of a widespread use of renewable energy sources, which would facilitate a friendly environment for the “green” economy development.
2.	Comprehensive support by donor countries and international and regional financial institutions in an implementation of national strategies and programs for adaptation to climate change.
3.	Reinforce regular monitoring of the generation of water resources, especially glaciers.
4.	Strengthen international cooperation on protection of water resources and implementation of Tajikistan’s proposal to establish The International Glacier Preservation Fund.
5.	The delivery of comprehensive financial and technical assistance by developed countries and international organizations to developing and least developed countries to monitor and preserve glaciers and other sources of water.
We hope that our international partners will support further steps Tajikistan undertakes forward in these areas.
Mr. President,
The United Nations acknowledged Tajikistan as an initiator and champion country in advancing water agenda.
Our country is the author of majority of the United Nations’ initiatives and resolutions on water, including “The International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” 2018 - 2028”.
Owing to support of the UN member states we have been able to revive and strengthen the global water agenda over the past decades.
Tajikistan’s Resolution entitled “Comprehensive Mid-Term Review of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” 2018-2028 which had been adopted in 2018 had further enriched the global water agenda.
The Resolution along with other important goals and objectives, calls for convening the United
Nations Conference on a Comprehensive Mid-Term Review of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028 in New York on March 2023.
This event is valued as an important initiative in terms of support towards an implementation of the Decade and conduct of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.
It is worth recalling that the last UN Conference on Water was held yet in 1977 in Mar de Plata, Argentina.
It means that the United Nations will host the Water Conference after 46 years.
We can confidently claim that the United Nations member states, UN specialized agencies and other organizations have been demonstrating a growing interest and utmost attention to the Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” while some nations have already expressed their willingness to host regional preparatory meetings.
Regretfully, spread ofCOVID-19 affected their plans and most of the scheduled events have been postponed.
I hope that after the victory over the coronavirus pandemic, the stakeholder countries, along with Tajikistan, will be able to take full advantage of the opportunities and convene events they have scheduled.
In conclusion, I would like to draw the attention of all United Nations member states to the draft Resolution proposed by Tajikistan on the UN Conference for a Comprehensive Mid-Term Review of the Implementation of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028.
It has been decided to review this Resolution at the UN General Assembly Session.
I would like to encourage all distinguished delegates to support our initiative, like they have been so generous in supporting our previous Resolutions.
Thank you for your kind attention!


Mr. President,
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
At the outset, I would like to express our profound appreciation to the President of the seventy — fourth session of the General Assembly, Mr. Muhammad-Bande, for his outstanding leadership during these unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
I would also like to congratulate the newly elected President of the General Assembly of the seventy-fifth session, Mr. Volkan Bozkir and wish every success in the exercise of his duties, in a fair and transparent manner.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Republic of Cyprus fully endorses the theme chosen for this landmark session marking the seventy-fifth anniversary year of the United Nations.
A theme which is as relevant as ever, since there are explicit references, and I quote: “The future we want, the UN we need: Reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism....”
We are all witnessing tendencies of unilateralism or revival of nationalistic discourse which create a legitimacy deficit that casts doubt on the overall credibility and undermine the effectiveness of the Organization.
At the same time, we are also witnessing global crises like the pandemic, civil conflicts, forced migration, religious fundamentalism, hunger and poverty, violent extremism, destruction of cultural heritage.
And we have to be honest: It is for these exact reasons that there is disappointment and skepticism about the effectiveness of multilateralism, as people voice their frustration that international institutions are out of touch, incapable or unwilling to deliver.
We should rise to meet our shared responsibilities through collective leadership, reaffirm our commitment and restore the premises underlining effective multilateralism, joint responsibility and greater solidarity.
To this end, the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations provides an opportunity for the Organization to reclaim its inherent role and reinvigorate its tools to uphold universal values.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Amid these extraordinary times, the pandemic has underscored the world’s vulnerability and fragilities, attesting that concerted efforts are humanity’s only hope and a destined necessity.
As eloquently put by the Secretary General: “Preventing the further spread of COVID-19 is a shared responsibility for us all. We are in this together, no country can do it alone”.
Pertinent to the above, I have to admit that I, and I believe all of us, remain extremely concerned as regards the worrying upward trend of new coronovirus cases and deaths we are currently witnessing globally.
Hence, I believe that the only way forward in order to protect the most vulnerable groups of peoples is to collectively demonstrate solidarity, through supporting those countries whose health systems are in need.
A solidarity which should also include sharing the vaccine for COVID-19 in an equitable and reciprocate manner once is being developed.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
In order to be consistent with what I have mentioned as regards the value of multilateralism and the challenges that we are facing, I will concentrate my intervention in a particular geographic region being amongst the most afflicted ones, the Middle East.
We are all concerned by Turkey’s interventions which affect the territorial integrity and destabilize Libya, Syria and Iraq, and we are also equally worried of the violations by the said country of the sovereign rights of both Greece and Cyprus.
The combination of the above-mentioned has created a climate of increasing instability, with negative repercussions, not only to the region but beyond.
Cyprus, despite its small size, acts as a facilitator for synergies, and cooperation by promoting a web of partnerships, including trilateral and multilateral schemes along with Greece, with Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, Palestine and Armenia.
Founded on the principles of international law and good neighborly relations, these partnerships are neither directed against any third country nor do they exclude any country which shares our vision of establishing conditions of lasting peace and stability in our region.
Unfortunately, against this background and the latest positive developments of gradually restoring relations between Israel and Arab countries, Turkey consistently and consciously escalates tensions by enforcing its expansionist plans through the use of force.
Please allow me to avoid expanding on Turkey’s well-known behavior in the aforesaid countries and concentrate on its stance and unilateral actions vis-a-vis my own country.
Needless to remind that Cyprus and its people still suffer from the 1974 illegal military invasion, the consequent military occupation of 37 per cent of our country and the forcible displacement of 40 per cent of its population.
Since then, despite the constructive engagement of both mine and my predecessors towards reaching a just and viable settlement, due to Turkey’s intransigent stance and irrational demands, Cyprus remains the last European divided country.
The last effort towards reaching a settlement took place in 2017, following the initiative of the UN Secretary-General to convene a multilateral Conference on Cyprus at Crans Montana.
During the Conference, the Secretary-General identified a framework of six elements that should be discussed interdependently and comprehensively, including the Chapter of Security and Guarantees, in order to reach a strategic agreement that would pave the way forward for a comprehensive settlement.
Unfortunately, despite our positive engagement and the submission of credible and realistic written proposals, the negotiations were unsuccessful due to Turkey’s inflexible stance and insistence on maintaining the anachronistic Treaty of Guarantee and the right of intervention, as well as a permanent presence of troops.
An approach which run contrary to our capacity as an EU Member-State and the explicit remarks of the UN Secretary-General of 4 June 2017, following his meeting with the leaders of the two communities, that:
“Progress in the Chapter of Security and Guarantees is an essential
element in reaching an overall agreement and in building trust between the
two communities in relation to their future security”.
Ever since, and despite our disappointment, we have repeatedly conveyed our commitment to immediately resume direct talks for a settlement of the Cyprus problem from where they were left off at Crans Montana.
In this regard, I wish to welcome the intention of the UN Secretary-General to personally engage to efforts in resuming the negotiating process after the completion of the internal political procedures within the Turkish Cypriot community.
On my behalf, I wish to reiterate our unwavering position:
We remain committed to immediately resume the peace process, in line with the relevant joint understanding reached with the UN Secretary-General and the Turkish Cypriot leader on November 25, 2019, which sets the principles for the resumption of a new round of negotiations.
At the same time, and I have to be clear on this issue, as this is a fundamental prerequisite of every peace process:
For the talks to resume with realistic prospects for success, it is imperative to create an environment that will be conducive for constructive and good faith negotiations, on an equal footing and not under conditions of intimidation and threats.
And I have made this reference since, in addition to Turkey’s continuous occupation of our country, we are currently witnessing a series of provocative actions which:
Run contrary to international law, the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and the UN Convention on the law of the Sea either through illegal drillings in our Exclusive Economic Zone or by threats for the imminent opening of the fenced city of Varosha under Turkish military control.
Mr. President, Excellencies,
I expected, following the recent statement of the UN Secretary-General of his intention to resume negotiations, that Turkey would respond in a positive way.
However, it is with deep regret that we were informed of the reaction of Turkey, through public statements of his Minister of Foreign Affairs who argued that their aspiration and aim is to establish or impose a two-state solution or a confederal system of Governance.
My regret grew bigger after the recent statements by the President of Turkey, Mr. Erdogan, during his address at the UN General Debate.
What is most disappointing is the futile effort of Mr. Erdogan, in full defiance of historic truths, to impress that tensions in the Middle East are due to the unilateral actions undertaken by Greeks and Greek Cypriots.
I would never have expected that a country — which has been condemned repeatedly by a plethora of UN Resolutions, decisions of the Security Council, as well as of the European Court of Human Rights for its illegal invasion and occupation of 37 per cent of our country, — would allege that, and I quote: “Behind the tension existing in the Eastern Mediterranean for a while, there are countries acting with the understanding of the “winner takes it all”.
And I wonder:
Which country uses might in order to “take it all?
Which country prefers a power-based interstate conduct rather than a rules- based one?
How contradictory, is the reference of Mr. Erdogan that: “We do not have designs on anyone else’s right, remedy and legitimate interest neither in the Eastern Mediterranean nor in any other region”.
And I wonder:
Which country invaded and still occupies Cyprus;
Which country invaded Syria;
Which country military intervened in Libya;
Which country violates the sovereign rights of Greece;
Which country intervenes in the internal affairs of Iraq?
Ladies and Gentlemen,
What is even more paradox as regards Mr. Erdogan’s approach is his comment that “we cannot turn a blind eye on the violations of our country and the Turkish Cypriots and the fact that our interests are being ignored”.
And I wonder, yet again:
Whose interests are being ignored when Turkey’s claims, limit the exclusive Economic Zone of Cyprus by 44 per cent at the expense of both Greek and Turkish Cypriots?
Whose interests are being ignored when Turkey:
Chooses to disregard the convergences reached between the leaders of the two communities both in 2011 and 2015 which provide that:
(a)	Federal Cyprus will continue being a contracting party to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and;
(b)	Any revenues accrued from the exploitation of the State’s natural resources will be allocated to the federal government.
And I wish to remind that these convergences were never challenged by Turkey or the Turkish Cypriot side.
It is for this exact reason that the issue of hydrocarbons was neither raised during the intense negotiating period between 2011 to 2017 nor was part of one of the elements of the framework of the UN Secretary-General as presented at Crans Montana.
At the same time, Turkey also disregards the fact that the Republic of Cyprus has established a National Sovereign Fund which safeguards the interests of Greek and Turkish Cypriots from any revenues accrued from the exploitation of hydrocarbon deposits.
Moreover, Turkey fails to acknowledge my proposal for establishing an escrow account to the benefit of the Turkish Cypriot community, to which any revenues from the exploitation of hydrocarbons would be deposited, based on the population proportion of the constituent states.
And if Turkey will recognize the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus within its Exclusive Economic Zone, then the said revenues might be released to the benefit of the Turkish Cypriot community, even prior to the solution of the Cyprus Problem.
Therefore, as proven by the aforesaid, Turkey’s assertions that its illegal actions aim at protecting the rights of the Turkish Cypriots are false and invalid, as false and invalid are also its claims that the Republic of Cyprus violates the rights of Turkey.
However, what I would like to welcome is the reference of Mr. Erdogan, and I, yet again, quote: “Our priority is to settle disputes in a sincere dialogue, based on international law and on an equitable basis”.
If Mr. Erdogan truly adheres to the above-mentioned and if he sincerely believes that Turkey’s actions against the Republic of Cyprus are compatible with international law, then why doesn’t he accept our proposal for a sincere bilateral dialogue or to refer the whole issue to the International Court of Justice?
International law cannot be applied unilaterally, according to one’s whims.
Wouldn’t be to the best benefit of everyone to settle our differences in accordance with international practices?
On my behalf I wish to repeat once more that I am ready to engage in a constructive dialogue and/or to abide by any judgement of the International Court.
Excellencies,
The blame-game method is always used by those who bear the responsibility of not reaching a solution to problems or disputes they themselves created.
This is exactly what Mr. Erdogan attempted to do by accusing our side, that: “The only obstacle to a solution is the uncompromising, unjust and spoiled approach of the Greek Cypriot side”.
From what I have already mentioned it is evident as to which side, through the military invasion and its illegal actions thereafter, aims to permanently divide the Republic of Cyprus.
The numerous UN Resolutions, the decisions of the Security Council and the judgements of the European Court of Human Rights, speak by themselves.
At the same time, I am wondering:
Is it uncompromising to aspire establishing an independent and sovereign State, without any foreign guarantees, any right of intervention by a foreign country and free from the presence of occupation troops?
Which other of the 193 UN member states is under Guarantees by a third country?
Is it unjust to advocate establishing a normal State in which all decisions will be taken only by its citizens, free from foreign dependencies?
Is it uncompromising to envision establishing a robust system of security, based on the Charter of the UN and the Treaties of the EU and the Council of Europe?
Does any constitution of a Federal State provide that for every decision at a Federal Level at least one positive vote by one constituent member is required? When especially the constituent member is controlled by a third country?
Distinguished Friends,
I posed this argument, having in mind:
a)	The fact that the Turkish implanted settlers might now outnumber Turkish Cypriots, and;
b)	Turkey’s insistence of maintaining the Treaty of Guarantee, the right of intervention and the permanent presence of Turkish troops.
If President Erdogan considers that what he demands for the Turkish Cypriots is compromising and just, then why doesn’t he grant the same rights to the Kurds, bearing in mind that their population proportion is close to the population proportion of the Turkish Cypriots?
Excellencies,
I have mentioned just some of Turkey’s demands, preconditions, and ongoing illegal actions in Cyprus.
I do not want to expand on numerous other absurd claims or activities which do not abide to the notion of reaching a viable and functional settlement, in line with international law and our capacity as an EU member-state.
What I would like to repeat is that, as a European country and in full respect to the values and principles of the EU and the UN, our intention has never been or will never be to deprive our Turkish Cypriot compatriots from their legitimate rights, in accordance with the EU acquis and the UN Charter.
I do believe, provided that there no foreign interreferences, that there is common ground between the two communities to reach a settlement that will fulfill the vision of our people to live in a European country, truly independent and sovereign.
A country, free from foreign troops and rights of intervention, ensuring conditions of stability for a safe, prosperous and peaceful future.
A settlement with neither winners nor losers, in full respect of the sensitivities and concerns of both communities.
For a State truly led by Cypriots and not for a State led by foreigners. The era of colonization is well beyond us.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
In concluding, I wish to once more reiterate that strengthening our commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation, which underpins the UN Charter, is fundamental to supporting the three UN pillars: peace and security, development and human rights.
To this end, I would like to echo one of the most inspiring and hopeful mantras of the last session: “We remain united in our shared humanity and in giving peace a chance.”
Thank You.


Mr. President of the General Assembly
Mr. Secretary-General of the United Nations
I would like to extend my warm congratulations to you, Mr. President, on your election to the presidency of the 75th regular session of the United Nations General Assembly.
I also wish to pay a well-deserved tribute to your predecessor, Mr. Tijjani Muhammad Bande, for the work carried out during the 74th General Assembly.
I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Antonio Guterres, Secretary- General of the United Nations, for his perseverance in seeking solutions to the various challenges facing the international community.
Mr. President,
The world is currently facing an unprecedented health crisis that is serving to emphasize the glaring gaps between the health systems of developed and developing countries in terms of their capacity to respond to major pandemics.
Such a situation calls on bilateral and multilateral actors to implement appropriate measures in the face of this pandemic, which is seriously affecting humanity’s survival.
It is therefore important that we intensify international solidarity to ensure a harmonious organization and complementary strategies so as to eradicate this pandemic.
Mr. President,
I note with sustained interest the highly significant theme of this general debate, namely “The future we want, the UN we need: reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism — confronting COVID-19 through effective multilateral action”.
Indeed, strengthening multilateral cooperation mechanisms, within the framework of the fight against coronavirus, is the challenge facing the entire international community, given the scale of the economic and health consequences induced by this scourge.
Undoubtedly, there is no way out of this unprecedented health crisis and no development possible in isolation.
The United Nations therefore remains the main instrument capable of mobilizing States as part of an effort of compromise, even consensus, around collective action against inequalities and vulnerabilities.
In view of the difficult economic situation facing the world economy, the reassertion of multilateralism constitutes the essential basis of international action to fulfil our collective commitments, in particular to ensure access to universal health coverage, promote education for all, protect the environment and sustainably preserve peace.
Mr. President,
As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, and despite the progress made, we are still witnessing the resurgence of untenable deprivation among populations.
As a result, the establishment of “health for all” is experiencing real difficulties.
The eradication of poverty in all its forms remains an international priority.
However, we will only succeed if States possess the necessary resources, in a world that is truly at peace.
Mr. President,
The Republic of the Congo is concerned about the upsurge in terrorism and violent extremism as well as the prevalence of armed conflict around the world.
This is the case with the Libyan crisis, the ramifications of which are increasingly affecting the Sahel States.
In this regard, as Chair of the African Union High Level Committee on Libya, my country reaffirms the primacy of a political solution by promoting the holding of the inclusive inter-Libyan conference on national reconciliation.
The various meetings held in Brazzaville and the Berlin conference on peace in Libya have encouraged those involved in that conflict to favour dialogue, within the framework of a multilateral approach that includes the UN. To this end, the road map adopted in Brazzaville on 30 January 2020 remains valid.
The eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is still under threat from armed groups.
In the same vein, the Central African Republic, which is preparing for a presidential election in December 2020, is facing a volatile situation caused by the murderous activism of armed gangs.
For its part, Syria has been facing a civil war since 2011, with devastating consequences.
Israeli-Palestinian relations remain tense despite relevant United Nations resolutions calling for the creation of two independent States.
Moreover, the situation in the Republic of Cuba calls for the lifting of unilateral sanctions, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.
Finally, the 75th anniversary of the UN coincides with that of the first nuclear test. Humanity should forever ban the use of nuclear weapons.
Mr. President,
As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, it behoves us to repair a historic injustice, by guaranteeing Africa its rightful place on the Security Council.
In its capacity as member of the African Union Committee of Ten on the reform of the United Nations Security Council, my country solemnly reaffirms the urgent need to render effective Africa’s representativeness within that organ of the UN.
In this way, the values of peace, solidarity, equity and progress that are embodied in the United Nations will be further bolstered.
Long live the United Nations!
Long live international cooperation!
Thank you.


Ladies and Gentlemen, Heads of State and Government of the world.
I am very pleased to speak with members of the General Assembly on the occasion of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations.
I represent a great country — Mexico, which has a history and cultural tradition like those of other peoples of the world. I could tell members about the great civilizations that comprise the foundation of our country today and of the great cultures that flourished in what is now Mexico. I speak of civilization and cultures because those who conquer, dominate and colonize always try to justify their atrocities by disqualifying the original peoples by calling them barbarians and savages. This does not apply to Mexico, our people or other peoples of the world, who were dominated, conquered or colonized. We have an extraordinary history, which also involves the struggle for freedom, justice and equality in defending our national sovereignty. There are three great transformations in the history of Mexico.
First, with regard to independence, after 300 years of being a colony, we gained our independence. That was the first transformation at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Two rebel priests, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla and Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon led a movement for Mexico’s independence and a movement for justice, as they were the first to proclaim the abolition of slavery.
Later, in the mid-nineteenth century, we underwent a second transformation, which was very important and of global significance — the reform movement led by a great leader, a liberal and the best President in our history: a Zapotec Indian, Benito Juarez Garcia. What did our hero do with regard to the reform at that time? He separated church from State before other countries did so and he applied the biblical principle of “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s”.
A third transformation then took place at the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century: the Mexican Revolution of 1910. Democracy was fought for as Mexico had suffered a 34-year dictatorship. The struggle was waged to guarantee freedoms and bring about justice. Two very important social leaders who preceded the Revolution were the Flores Magon brothers. An unquestionably good man and an apostle of democracy Francisco y Madero was murdered in cowardly fashion as were social leaders like Francisco Villa, who defended the peasants and was loyal to the people, and Emiliano Zapata.
With the third transformation, much progress was made in the social, but not the political, arena, as establishing a truly authentic democracy in the country was not possible. Following the Revolution, a party was created. It was a political party, which was to predominate for a long time, and only then did we take the first steps to make Mexico into a truly authentic democratic country. Possibly due to the lack of democracy, among other factors, the country’s public life fell into disarray. Political corruption, which was for a long time Mexico’s main problem, began to prevail. Our country enjoys many natural riches, including fertile land for agricultural production, abundant water, oil, mines and a good, noble, working people with a cultural heritage spanning millennia, which is the source of the people’s proclivity for work and creativity. We were unable, however, to move forward because of the corruption that prevailed. For a long time, we fought to achieve a real change in the country, and, after many years, what the people of Mexico decided to do was elect us. And we have proposed to carry out the fourth transformation of our country’s public life.
I spoke earlier of independence, reform and revolution, and now we are committed to carrying out the fourth transformation of the country’s public life, without violence in a peaceful manner. We are achieving that, despite the fact that we are facing two crises, as are other countries around the world. We are dealing with the terrible coronavirus disease pandemic. And, as in other countries, we are also facing what set of the pandemic — the economic crisis. We are facing two crises at the same time, but we are overcoming. We are moving forward and confronting the pandemic. We have acted responsibly, and we have been abundantly helped by the experts, the scientists, the doctors, the nurses and the health-care workers, who have dedicated themselves with their humanity to save lives. As we move forward, the harmful effects of the pandemic will diminish. What matters most to us is saving lives, and we are moving forward. With regard to the economic aspect, we are not applying the perennial strategy of placing the country into a state of indebtedness and rescuing those above with the sophist rational that, if it rains hard upstairs, the rain will drip down, as if wealth were somehow contagious.
What did we do? We are supporting the people directly from below, from the bottom up. We are allocating resources that are the product of savings, because we do not allow corruption. Those savings are also the fruits of the Republic’s austerity, as luxuries in the Government are a thing of the past. I will tell the General Assembly that, although there is still a presidential plane, it is up for sale. We have offered it up for auction and intend to sell it. The plane is like a palace in the sky, which is insulting to our people — a luxury plane that was intended to seat 240 passengers and was adapted for 80. It has a meeting room and bedrooms, and, I repeat, that it is offensive. As of now as, the President of Mexico, who is speaking to the General Assembly, travels by car and commercial aeroplanes. Public officials and servants are no longer permitted to use private helicopters.
In addition, among other things, the elite corps that used to tend to the President has been eliminated. Do you know how many members of that elite corps took care of the President? There were 8,000 of them. It was a longstanding institution, known as the Presidential General Staff. And, like that, the luxury and the extravagance ended. The Government cannot be allowed to be rich if the people are poor. The solution is to forbid corruption and save — to eschew ostentation and luxuries in the Government and disburse funds for development.
We are allocating all that we are reaping from the solution, which precludes corruption and embraces an austere and sober Government, in order to support the humble people and the dispossessed. Every elderly person in Mexico enjoys the right to a pension, and all children with disabilities receive financial assistance. Eleven million poor students receive scholarships and benefit from many social programmes.
That is what is being invested, in addition to the support provided by fellow migrants, the now 38 million Mexicans who, out of necessity went to the United Sates to seek new lives and livelihoods. They include those born here and those born there of Mexican parentage. A total of 38 million assist us by providing economic support to their relatives in Mexico with so-called remittances. Despite the pandemic, this year will be a record year for remittances. Approximately $40 billion will be received. And, month after month, that money reaches 10 million poor families in our country. We boost consumption with Government investment and remittances. Despite the pandemic and the crisis, there is no hunger in our country. Basic consumption is being guaranteed to millions of Mexicans.
Little by little, the economy is recovering. Furthermore, we have just signed an agreement with the United States and Canada — a treaty that has already come into force. This means that investments are already being made in the country, companies are being established and jobs are being created, which will ensure the well-being of Mexicans.
I have considerable faith in the future of Mexico, but I also have faith in the future of the world. I am a believer and my creed is that of universal brotherhood. That is why I sent you all best wishes from Mexico City, the capital of our Republic.