I would like to take this
opportunity to extend to you, Sir, our sincere
congratulations on your election as President of the
General Assembly at its fifty-ninth session. You may
safely count on my delegation’s full support in the
discharge of your important responsibilities.
Hungary is firmly committed to effective
multilateralism as a key tool of its foreign policy. Well-
functioning international organizations and institutions
having broad political support in the international
community can and should, indeed, play a significant
role in addressing the challenges of our globalized
world.
We are looking forward with eager expectation to
the outcome of the work of the High-Level Panel on
Threats, Challenges and Change, set up by the
23

Secretary-General, to be finalized later this year.
Addressing the complex and difficult tasks that we are
facing today needs not only strong political will on the
part of all of us, but also an improved and adapted
multilateral framework of cooperation.
Only a system of international institutions whose
activities and form of operation are renewed and
adjusted to the realities of our contemporary world can
be effective as an instrument in addressing successfully
the threats and challenges.
Hungary remains strongly committed to making
the United Nations more effective. To this end, the
United Nations, including the Security Council, must
adapt to the changing circumstances of the political
landscape.
New and emerging threats, including
international terrorism, the danger of the proliferation
of weapons of mass destruction and their means of
delivery, transnational organized crime and failing
States are all grave menaces. The role played by
Member States in prevention and early warning should
therefore be stronger than ever. These challenges are
global or regional in nature and, in our view, the
response to them must be at the same level. Without
such enhanced cooperation among the members of the
international community, all efforts are doomed to be
fruitless.
Heinous acts of terrorism such as those that
caused immense human suffering in New York,
Washington, D.C., Bali, Istanbul, Madrid and, recently,
the Russian Federation, should be considered brutal
attacks against the values of democracies. By putting
innocent lives at risk, they also seek to undermine the
openness and tolerance of our societies.
Along with our partners in the European Union,
Hungary strongly condemns all forms of terrorism. In
this regard, we fully support the important work of the
Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee. We
hope that its reinvigorated activity, including planned
visits by the Committee to Member States, will
contribute to the enhancement of our capabilities in
combating terrorism. It is of the utmost importance to
provide assistance in strengthening the preparedness of
those countries that are eager to tackle the menace
originating from their territory.
Substantial work has been undertaken on freezing
funds and financial resources to prevent the financing
of terrorism. The United Nations has to continue to be
a key player in that fight. To achieve real and tangible
results in that regard, we have to ensure full
implementation of the relevant Security Council
resolutions and the accession of the largest possible
number of States to international conventions and
protocols to combat terrorism. Hungary has done its
part to that end.
The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction
and their means of delivery continues to be a clear and
present threat to international peace and security. New
discoveries of large-scale nuclear-weapon programmes,
networks of illicit trafficking in nuclear material and
technology and the ill-conceived policies of denial and
deceit about the purpose and nature of such
programmes remain a most serious concern to the
international community. There is a growing
recognition, shared by Hungary, that those programmes
also represent the most serious risks of proliferation.
The danger of nuclear, biological and chemical
weapons falling into the hands of rogue States, terrorist
groups or, for that matter, any other non-State actors
that menace our world, gives rise to new, major
security challenges. In that regard, we must act
together in a decisive manner, both regionally and
globally.
In that respect, Hungary strongly supports the
implementation of Security Council resolution 1540
(2004), which calls on all States to establish effective
national export controls. We urge full implementation
of that resolution and are prepared to assist others in
doing so.
In our fast-changing world security environment,
the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear
Weapons (NPT) is and should remain the cornerstone
of the universal non-proliferation regime. Along with
our European Union partners, we are committed to
safeguarding the Treaty’s authority and integrity. In
that context, we are looking forward to the Seventh
Review Conference of the NPT next year.
We should continue our efforts in the field of
conflict prevention and post-conflict crisis
management. For millions of people in conflict areas,
those efforts mean hope for peace and a better, more
secure future.
We are confident that the joint efforts of the Iraqi
people and the international community will lead to a
democratic and prosperous Iraq living in peace with
24

itself and its neighbours. Hungary strongly condemns
the terrorist acts and the kidnappings aimed at
undermining the political and reconstruction process in
that much-suffering country. The contribution of the
United Nations is essential for success. Our
Organization has already proven to be effective in
advancing the political process when it seemed to have
come to a standstill.
Hungary continues to contribute, along with
coalition forces, to the stabilization and the
improvement of security conditions in Iraq. We deem it
important that relevant international organizations and
institutions increase their joint efforts towards that end,
including through the training of Iraqi security
personnel.
At this moment, our priorities in Iraq must be to
assist preparations for the national elections and the
drafting of a new constitution. Security Council
resolution 1546 (2004) provides a key role for the
United Nations in the political transition process. Its
ample experience in establishing democratic
institutions, the rule of law, the promotion of respect
for human rights and fundamental freedoms and
electoral assistance can and should be utilized.
Hungary views the potentially successful
realization of the presidential and the subsequent
parliamentary elections in Afghanistan as important
steps towards the normalization of the political
situation in that country. We welcome the fact that
despite unsatisfactory security conditions, progress is
being made on preparations for the presidential
elections to be held in October this year.
Hungary is deeply concerned about the continued
violence in the Middle East, where substantial progress
is yet to be achieved. We remain convinced that full
and unconditional implementation of the road map
offers the best chance for the parties directly involved
to live side by side in peace and security. We urge all
involved, including the Quartet, to redouble their
efforts to that end.
The situation in the Balkans continues to remain
at the centre of our attention. Overall developments in
the region and the efforts of the international
community have resulted in a calm but fragile political
environment. In that respect, Hungary is committed to
maintaining its presence in the international missions,
in the service of peace and stability, in that region
which is so close to us.
In that connection, we are following with serious
concern the deterioration of the human rights situation
in our immediate neighbourhood — in Serbia and
Montenegro. It is particularly alarming that the number
of incidents perpetrated against the non-Serb
population, including the Hungarian community, is on
the rise. Hungary once again calls upon the Serbian
authorities to take the necessary measures to stop and
to prevent those violent acts, as well as to identify,
prosecute and punish the perpetrators of serious crimes
of physical abuse, as well as psychological threats and
intimidation. We are looking forward to the results of
the international monitoring currently under way.
International protection of human rights and
fundamental freedoms is at the core of the foreign
policy of Hungary. It is not only an expression of
support for the universal values we feel so close to our
hearts. It is also an essential prerequisite for preserving
human dignity and enhancing liberty in our
contemporary world. Freedom of the individual and
full respect for the rights of human beings are matters
well above the authority of any given State.
In today’s world, we could hardly find a country
where everyone speaks the same language or shares the
same culture, beliefs and traditions. The presence of
different national, ethnic, linguistic and religious
groups within the borders of a country is not only an
asset but also a source of social and cultural
enrichment. It is our firm belief that the United
Nations, as the most comprehensive multilateral
organization, has a major role to play in the promotion
of respect for, and the observance of, human rights,
including the rights of national minorities.
Against that background, the international
community should continue to examine all possible
ways to promote and establish an early-warning
mechanism or a monitoring body dealing with
minority-related situations. That should include the
options of nominating a Special Rapporteur on
minorities and elaborating a legally binding universal
document to address shortcomings.
Next year, with a major event, will be particularly
important for the United Nations. In the course of
addressing the burning issues on our agenda, we have
to take a long, hard look at our tasks, including the
review of the implementation of the Millennium
Declaration, adopted by heads of State and
Government in 2000. In our view, the review exercise
25

requires careful preparation, vision, political
determination and the courage to act. Hungary is ready
and willing to take part in this process.


Mr. President, I would
like to begin by congratulating you upon your election
to your challenging office. Under your able guidance,
the Assembly will take forward its relentless pursuit of
peace, security and prosperity throughout the world. I
can assure you of Greece’s unwavering support in your
efforts. Our thanks go also to the outgoing president,
Mr. Julian Hunte, for his exemplary efforts and
achievements in revitalizing the work of the General
Assembly, as well as on many other issues.
The Greek Government fully subscribes to the
statement delivered two days ago by the Foreign
Minister of the Netherlands on behalf of the European
Union (EU) (see ), as well as to the EU
priorities presented to this General Assembly.
At the beginning of the twenty-first century,
events of great importance changed the world we live
in. From the most shocking tragedy of 11 September
2001 to the bombing attacks in Madrid and the recent
acts of unspeakable brutality in Beslan, a dark parade
of acts of blind violence has caused immense human
suffering.
This has increased our responsibility and cemented
our will to work in solidarity for a safer, fairer world.
Fighting international terrorism has become the most
pressing task among our priorities. In that fight, we
must prevail. Besides the scourge of terrorism,
however, there are many other challenges and grave
problems that afflict humanity. The proliferation of
weapons of mass destruction, human trafficking,
organized crime, failing States, environmental
catastrophes, social and economic crises, pandemic
diseases, large-scale humanitarian disasters, hunger
and poverty constitute the core problems we have to
face in solidarity regardless of our geography, culture
or religion.
Last year, the Secretary-General announced the
creation of a High-Level Panel of eminent persons to
assess the new threats and challenges and to suggest
ways to deal with them, including through reform of
the multilateral international system. We fully support
those efforts. We are eager to contribute constructively,
to the best of our ability, towards making the United
Nations as effective as possible for the twenty-first
century.
(spoke in French)
The major challenges and threats confronting us
are a source of profound concern — for us and for the
peoples we represent. Nonetheless, it is my conviction
that, at any cost, we must avoid being drawn into
pessimism and anxiety about the future. I share with
millions of people worldwide the hope, optimism and
determination that were recently seen during the
Olympic and Paralympic Games in Athens.
In Athens, athletes of the world devoted their
efforts to a noble cause and showed us that competition
does not necessarily mean tension, friction, crisis or
conflict. To the contrary, they proved that the
aspirations of all sides can not only coexist peacefully
but can also lead to a strengthening of friendship,
solidarity and cooperation among individuals and
nations.
The ancient ideal of the Olympic Truce embodies
modern humanity’s hope for the peaceful settlement of
the conflicts ravaging the world. The General
Assembly has, on many occasions, unanimously
endorsed the Olympic Truce and has appealed to
Member States to respect it during the Games. It is
now a question of transforming that appeal into a
tangible reality.
(spoke in English)
Multilateral cooperation is the safest way to a
better world. We all should contribute to the
enhancement and effectiveness of the international
multilateral system. In that context, Greece fully shares
the view of the Secretary-General that we have to
25

move rapidly from the existing culture of reaction to
one of prevention.
The peaceful resolution of all disputes at an early
stage, on the basis of the United Nations Charter, is of
fundamental importance to my country. We strongly
believe that the United Nations system of conflict
prevention and its preventive potential should be
further enhanced to respond better to future challenges.
Peace and development are two mutually
reinforcing sides of the same coin. Persistent poverty
cheats nations out of progress and provides a breeding
ground for both internal and regional crises. Four years
ago, with the adoption of the Millennium Declaration,
a landmark decision was taken to embark upon long-
term global evolution. We committed ourselves to
achieve by the year 2015 the Goals that were set. It
would be a disgrace to mankind if we did not succeed
in bringing about stable and sustainable development
and in eradicating hunger and poverty.
However, there are growing indications that,
despite some progress, we are lagging in fulfilling
agreed targets. Collectively, we have to explore new,
innovative ways of financing development. Particular
attention should be paid to the development problems
of Africa and of small island States.
In line with the Millennium Declaration, and
despite the enormous outlay of resources necessary to
finance the Olympic Games and their security, Greece
has made a point of increasing its development
assistance.
In the context of that effort, Greece welcomes the
proposals to combat hunger and poverty made by the
President of Brazil and co-sponsored by France, Chile,
Argentina and Spain. We shall continue to work
towards a constructive and effective system that will
allow smooth cooperation between recipients and
donors and between developing and developed
countries.
A close look at Greece’s immediate
neighbourhood reveals that, despite the considerable
progress made over the last few years, the situation
still remains fragile in parts of the western Balkans.
Unemployment and the lack of economic prospects are
in some cases a social and political time bomb. The
situation in Kosovo remains a source of instability.
With the proactive support and involvement of
the international community, we are working hard to
transform the Balkans into a region of democracy, peace,
stability and prosperity, focused on a common European
future. We believe that genuinely regional initiatives
such as the South-East European Cooperation Process
constitute the appropriate vehicle to enable
participating countries to coordinate their efforts
towards reform, progress and good neighbourliness.
In recent years, the climate of our bilateral
relations with Turkey has been constantly improving.
Both the Greek and the Turkish Governments have
undertaken sincere efforts to set bilateral relations on a
new track. We note with satisfaction the progress
achieved so far in certain areas of our bilateral
cooperation and express our determination to expand it
further. It is in that spirit that we clearly support
Turkey’s European perspective.
In Cyprus, reunification remains our unwavering
goal through a mutually agreed, lasting, fair and
functional settlement, based on the relevant Security
Council resolutions and the plan of the Secretary-
General and compatible with the European Union
Community acquis and European Union principles.
During the last 30 years of military occupation of
more than one third of the territory of Cyprus, Greece
has strongly supported every attempt and initiative by
the United Nations, including the most recent one, for
the achievement of a just, viable and functional
solution of the Cyprus problem. Unfortunately, the last
round of talks did not lead to an agreed comprehensive
solution. In the referendum, which followed in April,
an overwhelming majority of Greek Cypriots rejected a
specific version of the Annan plan, but they still deeply
cherish the goal of a reunited island.
The international community can contribute
decisively in that direction by keeping the window for
a solution open and by avoiding any action which
could lead to the deepening of the division of the island
or could fail to provide incentives for its reunification.
The horizon over the Middle East remains dark.
The Greek Government is convinced that only the
implementation of the road map can lead to the two-
State solution: Israel and Palestine coexisting in peace
and security. Half measures can only complicate
matters and add new sources of tension. Essential
progress in the peace process cannot be achieved
without a comprehensive cessation of all kinds of
violence, especially violence directed against civilians.
Terrorism cannot be a weapon to achieve political
26

goals, and terrorist attacks cannot be justified by any
means.
As to Iraq, we are deeply committed to the
territorial integrity and unity of the country in a federal
system. We are deeply worried by the ongoing violence,
and we hope for progress in the political process, which
will lead to a stable and prosperous democratic
country, allowing all of its citizens to enjoy the fruits
of peace and exploit the country’s enormous potential.
(spoke in French)
In the light of the great challenges on the African
continent, we note with great satisfaction the
dedication shown and the results achieved by the
African Union, an organization that is only 3 years old.
Greece and its European partners want to help to improve
Africa’s prospects through development assistance,
humanitarian assistance and logistical support.
Moreover, we support the prospect of strengthened
political cooperation with African countries and with
the continent’s regional organizations.
I take this opportunity to express the
congratulations of my Government and of the Greek
people on the tenth anniversary of the establishment of
democracy in the Republic of South Africa, a historic
event of pan-African significance.
(spoke in English)
My country has applied for a non-permanent seat
on the Security Council for the period 2005-2006. I
wish to express our deep appreciation to the members
of the Group of Western European and other States for
their endorsement. Elections are taking place in a few
weeks’ time. We are asking for the support of the
Assembly, which we would greatly appreciate. Let me
assure Members that we shall respect its mandate and
that we remain strongly committed to contributing
constructively to the maintenance of peace and security
and to the preservation of the multilateral order.
Greece remains completely devoted to the
promotion of democratic principles of government, the
peaceful resolution of disputes, strict adherence to
international law and respect for human rights. We are
determined, should we be elected, to devote all our
efforts and all our capacity to fulfilling that
responsibility and honouring the trust of this Assembly
of all nations.


On behalf of the
Government and people of the Republic of Suriname, I
extend to you my sincere congratulations on your
unanimous election to guide the work of this fifty-ninth
session of the United Nations General Assembly. We
are convinced that the wealth of diplomatic experience
and expertise you bring to this body will assist you in a
meaningful way during your presidency. I can assure
you that the Government of the Republic of Suriname
and its Permanent Mission stand ready to cooperate
with you in the coming months. It also gives me great
pleasure to salute your predecessor, the President of the
fifty-eighth session of the General Assembly,
Mr. Julian Robert Hunte, a fellow Caribbean national.
Mr. Hunte’s sterling and dedicated leadership has made
all of us, especially those from the Caribbean region,
proud. To Secretary-General Kofi Annan we offer our
continued support. We acknowledge the importance of
his remarks at the start of the General Assembly and
share his views regarding the application of the rule of
law, both domestically and internationally, as the
guiding principle in strengthening and preserving
democracy, defending and promoting human rights and
establishing peace.
We are keenly aware of the importance of the
United Nations, as the supreme multilateral institution,
in advancing multilateral diplomacy for the benefit of
humanity in a world in which we continue to struggle
to achieve peace, security and prosperity. The
international community expressed some time ago the
need for a more effective and efficient Organization
that would be better able to address the many
challenges our world faces today.
Under the inspiring leadership of your
predecessor, Mr. President, the fifty-eighth session of
the General Assembly achieved the reordering of the
agenda of the General Assembly aimed at its further
rationalization and at facilitating the uniform and
coherent discussion of development issues in the
plenary and the main committees of the General
Assembly. We must keep that powerful momentum for
change alive and take it a step further. We must ensure
that we do not regress from the results achieved and
ensure that there is continued progress in these areas.
The reform of the United Nations Security
Council remains one of the vital objectives of the
restructuring efforts of the Organization. In our view, a
restructured Council must be a reflection of the
membership of the Organization, improving its level of
transparency and making it more democratic. The
Council must be more inclusive and comprehensive in
its functioning, as security matters, because of their
multidimensional nature, affect the life and livelihood
of each and every one of us. The membership of a
restructured Council and, equally, its current
composition must ensure that the Council upholds the
fundamental principles of the Charter while retaining
its main focus: the maintenance of international peace
and security.
It is very disturbing to observe that, despite
intensive diplomatic and political undertakings, peace
and tranquillity in several regions of the world are still
a major concern and challenge that threaten the
democratic underpinnings of society. The time may be
opportune for the United Nations to spearhead the
process of involving relevant interest groups and civil
society at large in the different countries of a particular
region to assist in the establishment of sustained peace
in that region.
12

We express our concern about the ongoing
political difficulties in the Middle East and in Africa,
resulting in violence and the displacement of many
persons.
The political crises in our own hemisphere —
especially in Venezuela and Haiti — have attracted
much attention and have been the subject of many
efforts by the United Nations and the Organization of
American States. We look forward to continuing and
sustainable political stability in Venezuela which, we
hope, will promote an environment of normalcy and
progress.
The political situation in our sister nation, the
Republic of Haiti, remains of great concern. Since its
inception as the first black independent republic, Haiti
has become the symbol of struggle and hardship, but
also of courage, survival and solidarity. That long-
battered country and its population need more
profound, constructive and long-term assistance to
improve the living conditions of the people of Haiti.
Earlier, I referred briefly to the multidimensional
nature of security and the need to give due attention to
social, economic and environmental threats. In recent
weeks, the Caribbean region, which is home to
economies that are already vulnerable, has felt the
force of nature in the most extreme manner. While
several countries have been battered — such as
Jamaica, the Bahamas, Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and
several other islands — one country in particular has
been severely damaged: Grenada. I join all the other
nations that have already done so in calling for
immediate as well as long-term financial and technical
assistance for the Government and people of Grenada.
The Government of Suriname offers it condolences to
the families of the victims in Caribbean countries, as
well as in affected states of the United States of
America, where various hurricanes in recent weeks
have caused considerable damage and loss of life.
Another global threat that has an impact on every
country emanates from the activities of terrorists,
terrorist groups and State-sponsored terrorism. The
world will never forget the images of horrifying
terrorist acts such as the one that took place in Beslan
this year, where hundreds of persons, mostly children,
lost their lives. The Government of Suriname remains
committed to the fight against terrorism. We also
continue to believe that an effective and successful
battle can be waged through a comprehensive
approach.
The High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and
Change, which was established by the Secretary-
General with a view to receiving a global report on
international security, is a result of the renewed interest
in international security concerns. We hope that that
review will be one that will produce result-oriented
objectives and measures.
Suriname believes that development issues such
as the eradication of poverty and hunger and the
protection of the environment are among the extremely
important aspects to be addressed if one wishes to
obtain lasting and comprehensive security, which
encompasses, inter alia, military, political,
environmental, economic and social developmental
aspects.
Up to the present day, globalization has not
delivered on the promise of vast development
opportunities on a global scale. While we have to
acknowledge that globalization has created
opportunities, those opportunities have been restricted
to just a few societies. The opportunities that arise
from development in the world today are,
unfortunately, not within the reach of all humankind.
The current world order is still characterized by
economic disparities, unequal trade regimes, income
inequalities between and within countries, social
injustice and declining opportunities for hundreds of
millions. Globalization can only become a real option
for economic development if it becomes all-inclusive
and if we give it a human face by paying particular
attention to the negative impact it has on social
progress.
Suriname continues to believe that the United
Nations must regain its importance in the areas of
global development, if we want to be successful in our
efforts to eradicate poverty, achieve social and
economic development and stem the spread of
communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS.
The meeting on the subject of poverty organized
by the Government of Brazil under the auspices of the
United Nations points to a common awareness of the
fact that the global development agenda must be
advanced and that, therefore, the international
community must move from political will to action and
from commitments to implementation, granting
humanity as a whole an opportunity to develop.
13

The upcoming 10-year review of the Barbados
Programme of Action will provide small island
developing States with a momentous opportunity to
promote their priority interests and concerns for the
next phase of the implementation of the Barbados
Programme of Action. While we anticipate that that
comprehensive review will result in concrete proposals
to advance the implementation process, we also expect
that the review exercise will take place in a spirit of
partnership. The upcoming meeting in Mauritius
should therefore generate greatly needed support,
genuine commitment and, moreover, the political will
of all partners in the process of furthering the cause of
achieving true benefits and progress for the many
people living in small island developing States.
In conclusion, I want to stress the need for the
United Nations to become more effective in dealing
with the current challenges in terms of terrorism and
security. At the same time, we must remain vigilant in
defending and strengthening democracy and
democratic values and institutions, so as to create a
stable political and social environment for progress and
sustainable development. We also need to continue,
and intensify, our battle against HIV/AIDS, illegal drug
trafficking and crime. Although globalization has
opened up opportunities, it is also our collective
responsibility to ensure that international trade
liberalization does not result in social and economic
marginalization, especially of smaller and vulnerable
economies.
To achieve those objectives, the United Nations
has to continue its restructuring process and become
not only the principal global platform in theory, but
also demonstrate its capabilities to act in practice. It is
in that context that my Government considers the
United Nations the most appropriate global multilateral
institution for the advancement of the living standards
of humankind as a whole and for achieving sustainable
global peace and security.


Today no one denies that globalization is here and that
it is here to stay. Not only has it changed the world of
communications so that now everything happens at the
same time throughout the world, but more importantly,
it has made historical borders irrelevant. The young
generation has more contact with other young people
living thousands of miles away than they have with
their own neighbours or family.
It is absolutely true that a global culture is
emerging in this world. While this is happening,
countries are still living on their nationalisms, their
secular habits, their own interests and their parochial
projects that are often alien to the new realities. The
question that we leaders ask ourselves ó especially
9

those of us who represent small nations - is whether
this inexorable change can be handled by the
organizations that we have created, or whether those
organizations still have a long way to go in terms of
adapting to the new reality. When we look at the
impressive success achieved by the United Nations
since San Francisco in 1944, two things seem clear.
First, the institutions that we have created
represent the greatest and most successful effort ever
made by mankind to organize peaceful coexistence and
to endow the planet with the best possible instruments
for dealing with the important aspects of human lives
within human society.
Secondly, it is equally clear that the world has
changed so much that the current reality now far
exceeds the capacity of the institutions that were
created to address and resolve past issues, issues that
today have taken on totally different characteristics.
Suffice it to recall that the founding Members of the
United Nations numbered 51 and that today there are
191 Member States. More important, the worldís
population at that time was only half what it is today.
And the total is inexorably rising towards 9 billion.
Furthermore, over the past 40 years, scientific
advances and the ensuing technological applications have
increased the resources of a very small group of nations,
leaving far behind many other countries, some of which
only recently gained their independence and most of
which are rich in natural resources but lack the basic
structures needed to achieve sustainable growth -
countries, moreover, where, no doubt as a consequence
of this, the population is increasing at very high rates
and where the resulting emigration to other continents
will soon create serious problems of coexistence.
Uruguay has been a Member of the United
Nations since its foundation and believes in the
Organization and in the varied multilateral agencies
that support its efforts; we understand the need to
consider Charter revision so that nations that did not
then carry the weight they carry today can assume
greater obligations in the inescapable tasks that the
situation of mankind now imposes on us. It is time for
them to share the responsibility with the five nations
that assumed it nearly 60 years ago.
Uruguay has also been participating in
peacekeeping operations for many years. Uruguay is one
of the largest troop contributors, and is the very largest
if the ratio of its small population - 3.4 million - to
peacekeepers is taken into consideration. We have
participated in operations in Asia and in Africa, and we
are currently deployed in the Democratic Republic of
the Congo, Haiti, Eritrea and elsewhere.
Uruguay acknowledges and welcomes the wise
European Union effort to bring equality at the highest
level to European nations with marked differences in
income compared with the richest countries. The
examples of Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Greece,
which will surely be emulated for new European Union
members, indicate what we in the United Nations must
do for the Congo and Haiti.
There is no point in achieving peace if the United
Nations lacks funds that can immediately be spent for the
practical benefit of peoples in extreme economic
difficulties. We must create global and largely
autonomous financial instruments to achieve those goals.
That is the only way for the United Nations to succeed.
A tiny nation like Haiti ó of 27,000 square
kilometres and 9 million inhabitants, where the average
number of children per mother is 4.7 and which lacks
the institutional and material infrastructure it needs -
cannot and will not resolve its problems merely
because a contingent of military forces from countries
of the Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR) is
keeping the peace.
Travelling in the Congo with the troops we
recently dispatched, we see exactly the same thing
happening: a nation of 2.2 million square kilometres
and a population of 50 million does not have a road
going from one end of the country to the other. Without
autonomous, ready and independent means of coping
with and transforming that state of affairs, the United
Nations will not have solved anything at all even five,
10, 15 or 20 years from now. Yet only the United
Nations can handle such tasks.
Just more than three years since the fateful day of
11 September 2001 and just over six months since the
tragedy in Madrid, new and terrible forms of violence
continue assailing other parts of the world, claiming
hundreds of innocent victims ó as we have recently seen
in Russia and as we see in the Middle East. This reveals
the destructive power that poses a permanent threat to the
world as a whole, a source of inescapable sadness and
a cause for despair about the human condition itself.
Terrorism - and a genuine commitment to
combat and defeat it - must therefore be the first item
10

on our international agenda. Each State, each nation, each
community and each human being must contribute to
this endeavour; that is how we can help the United
Nations to fulfil its role as universal guarantor.
Combating this and other evils - hunger, poverty,
underdevelopment, marginalization, exclusion - requires
a United Nations that is more united, nimbler and more
effective. That is why the Organization must be more
representative, more balanced and more reliable: so
that it can continue to be a reference point for the weak
and a restraining influence on the strong.
Here, our country has recently adopted legislation
strengthening the system of prevention and control of
money laundering and the financing of terrorism. We
are in compliance with nearly all current treaties in this
area, and our legislation improves our mechanisms for
international cooperation against money laundering
and the financing of terrorism.
At the Millennium Summit and in the Doha
Declaration and Monterrey Consensus we agreed on
principles, goals and priorities, and we made
commitments which we reaffirmed a few days ago at
the summit of world leaders for the Action Against
Hunger and Poverty. If we are to attain those goals, we
need more just and equitable rules of international
trade. That is how to ensure that this becomes a key
stage in the march towards the social and political
stability that is today in serious jeopardy.
This is particularly important since it is well
known that States that vociferously preach free trade
and demand open markets ó which in our case are
already entirely open ó themselves impose and institute
obstacles to trade, subsidize their production in distorting
ways and compete with countries such as mine and many
others, which have nothing to offer the world except the
labour of their people in the commodity and industrial
sectors, which further enriches the rich countries.
Uruguay attaches fundamental importance to
financial and trade issues. In all international forums,
Uruguay calls for freer, more open markets. We favour
a single market from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego; we
support the Doha Agreement; we support the opening
of markets. We believe in freedom, but we believe also
that freedom is indivisible: there can be no political
freedom without economic freedom, and we think there
can be no economic freedom that does not go hand in
hand with political freedom.
We believe, therefore, that peoples can be strong
only if they can create their future in freedom. We
cannot build and stabilize democracies if women and
men cannot find an honest job to which to devote their
energies. That goal cannot be achieved with economic
assistance alone or with loans that, in the poorest
countries, are paid back only with great difficulty. It
can be brought about only with free trade ó something
that the world experienced in the nineteenth century.
In conclusion, Uruguay will continue to be
committed to the international system and to the
progressive development of international law, the most
recent expression of which was the establishment of
the International Criminal Court, whose Statute we
have ratified. We reaffirm our conviction that
multilateralism is the main principle on which the
conduct of international affairs must be based. We
express the hope that our region and the world as a
whole will pool their efforts and work together in a
realistic and committed manner. We continue to believe
in the United Nations as the collective instrument best
suited to our search for peace.


I wish to
begin by warmly congratulating Mr. Jean Ping,
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Gabon, on his election
to the presidency of the General Assembly at its fifty-
ninth session. I wish also to extend my country’s
thanks to the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, for
the powerful and inspiring words he spoke yesterday
(see ).
Thousands of my compatriots are today suffering
under the blows of nature. Floods of a kind never
before seen have brought grief to many families. The
entire country has turned to the victims in a truly
moving display of solidarity. With my heart in Panama
with the victims and their families, I have come to the
United Nations, because the tragedy unfolding in my
country highlights more than ever the need to tackle
the problem of poverty urgently.
The United Nations was conceived as a way of
preventing war and restoring peace. Today, all the
countries of the world have to be able to feel that they
can come to the United Nations to solve their problems
and not just to discuss them. If that is to happen, the
United Nations must reform.
For some years, from this rostrum, heads of State
and Government have been urging the need for reform,
and the Secretary-General has welcomed that initiative.
I want to join my voice to theirs so that once and for all
we actually carry out the reform. We cannot afford to
wait any longer or the people of the world will lose
faith in the United Nations.
We do not need an organization with a glorious
past. We need an organization with a future, one that
can tackle the world’s most serious problems. For that
reason it is necessary that the principal organs be more
representative.
There are political struggles and armed conflicts
on every continent. There is no region of the world
where peace and harmony reign. Some are regional
conflicts, some are internal ones, but they are no less
bloody for that. And yet, there is one struggle that is
global in dimension and that requires global solutions.
I am speaking of the struggle against hunger and
poverty. That was the subject of a 20 September
meeting of more than 60 world leaders, who were
resolved to tackle it with all the tools available to them.
I need not dwell on the tragic numbers, but I do
endorse what has been said by the moving force of that
meeting, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil:
“peace can never grow out of poverty and hunger”.
In Latin America the threat to democracy posed
by military coups has been significantly reduced. It is
no longer army divisions that threaten democracy; it is
the legions of the poor and the unprotected who can
destroy democratic institutions if their basic needs are
not met.
But then we face a contradiction: the more
poverty there is in a given country, the less likelihood
there is of being able to defeat it. Countries are crushed
by public debt. Millions of people are being born today
already owing more than they will earn in their entire
lifetime. Often those debts are the result of past
deficits, which, owing to excessive bureaucracy, bad
projects or corruption, produced no tangible benefits
for the people. The fiscal problems facing most of the
countries in our region make the situation even worse,
as Governments lack the resources they need to try to
meet the minimum needs of their people.
This analysis is not a new one. The “lost decade”
of the 1980s was the result of exactly the same
problems, although there was also an international
economic crisis and an absence of democratic
28

legitimacy in most of the continent at that time. There
are, however, undeniable differences between that
period and the present. On the one hand, over the past
few years unprecedented wealth has been generated,
while at the same time the number of poor has grown.
On the other hand, although more countries are
democratic today, there is also a greater amount of
debate on how to effectively address society’s
immediate problems.
Democracy, as a system of government, ended up
being conflated with the limitations of individuals,
while in truth the problem was that Governments were
unable to produce effective responses. The problem is
thus not democracy; the problem lies with
Governments.
Direct help to Governments, in the form of loans
or grants, has not been enough or sufficiently effective
to solve the problems of poverty or the lack of growth
that the aid was supposed to correct. Those of us who
have the responsibility of governing and trying to
provide answers cannot forget that, for many, patience
has yielded to despair. The immediacy of their needs
demands immediate solutions, which are not always to
hand. That means that we have to speak out clearly
about the problems, that we have to administer our
States with transparency and that we have to fight
corruption in order to win back the trust of people who
are tired of so much deception and frustration.
Latin America needs a new economic agenda, one
not based at just throwing money at social problems. It
needs an agenda that seeks to understand the complex
nature of our countries and institutions. Stopping
payments, restructuring, adjustments — that is a road
that we have been down before, and our region was the
loser.
The new agenda requires absolute transparency in
public administration and accountability. But the task
of making public administration more efficient and
more transparent takes time and resources. But interest
on debt builds up, and the needs of a large sector of the
population also increase.
Progress in reducing poverty among our peoples
will require much effort and great resources from the
poor countries; to a degree, creditor countries and
multilateral agencies could compensate them by
reducing public debt. In that regard, we propose that a
relief clause be included in the lending programmes of
the international financial institutions to reduce future
interest on our public debt if we meet agreed goals on
poverty reduction. That would be one way of
compensating Governments for their efforts to alleviate
poverty while also allowing them to meet their
financial obligations.
In the past few years, people’s concerns have
shifted dramatically. Cultural heritage, natural wealth,
biodiversity and animal species threatened with
extinction must all be protected. It seems that
sometimes financial resources are found more easily
for those issues than for the millions of human beings
who are dying every day of hunger, or for those who
are barely surviving, unable to live a decent life, and
without hope.
I would like to join in the widespread call on the
international community to devise and implement bold
and generous approaches to tackle poverty. It is
shameful that in the technological age, when so many
things have been invented that were unimaginable just
10 years ago, that we have not been able to invent a
way for millions of people in the world to escape from
the subhuman conditions to which poverty condemns
them.
Sometimes it seems that international aid is
provided only if there are desperate tragedies or acts of
terrorism. Of course, when nations are victims of
national disaster or terrorism such international
assistance is necessary and commendable. I would like
to take this opportunity to reiterate Panama’s resolve to
combat terrorism wherever it may occur. But we must
not forget that many more people die because of
poverty than in wars or natural disasters.
I am pleased to report that Panama has done its
duty and has stood by the international community in
its efficient and safe management of the Canal. We
shall continue in future to manage that important artery
of international trade in the same way, so that it will
be, as it has been today, open to shipping from all
countries of the world.
I will return to my country optimistic, because I
have seen here a determination to fight poverty. I have
sensed the solidarity of the international community in
the face of natural disaster and I have renewed my
belief that when there is the will, when there is faith
and determination, the most difficult tasks can be
accomplished.


Nelson Mandela once
described his countryís transition to democracy as a
long journey to freedom comprising many milestones,
each a realization of new opportunities for him and his
nation. We, the Afghan people, started our journey to
stability and democracy almost three years ago. I am
delighted to report that, 18 days from today, our people
will go to the polls for the first time to elect their
President, marking the most significant milestone in
our journey.
As the presidential elections will mark the end of
the transitional period set forth in the historic Bonn
Agreement, I would like to outline some of
Afghanistanís achievements over the past three years
and discuss our challenges.
Much has changed in my country, but no change
is more visible than the confidence of the Afghan
people in the future of our country. We have seen that
confidence in the return of more than 3.5 million
refugees who are now rebuilding their lives. We have
seen that confidence in the enthusiasm of families who
are sending their boys and girls to school, rebuilding
their homes and setting up their businesses. And we
have seen that confidence in the enthusiasm of 10.5
million Afghans who have registered to vote in the
upcoming elections.
Earlier this year, the Constitutional Loya Jirga
adopted an enlightened Constitution establishing a
democratic Islamic republic. It guarantees equal rights
and equal protection for all citizens ó men and
women. The vision of the Constitutional Loya Jirga is
becoming a reality. Approximately 42 per cent of the
registered voters are women, and women will make up
at least 25 per cent of our future parliament. Our
Constitution also guarantees freedom of speech and
freedom of the press.
During the past year, we enacted the election law,
established the necessary mechanism to organize and
manage elections and completed voter registration, and
we are now preparing to hold presidential and
parliamentary elections. Thanks to the cooperation of
our two brotherly neighbours, Pakistan and Iran,
hundreds of thousands of Afghans still living in those
countries will also participate in the election.
2

In partnership with the international community,
we have intensified our efforts to rebuild our national
security institutions. Today, there are 15,000 national
army soldiers and nearly 30,000 national police
officers providing security to our citizens. We are
grateful to the thousands of International Security
Assistance Force and coalition troops that are assisting
our security forces. We have also taken steps towards
disarming, demobilizing and reintegrating private
militias. Nearly all of the heavy weapons have been
collected from the city of Kabul, and thousands of
former combatants have been disarmed in various parts
of the country.
We have continued the reconstruction of our
country. At the Berlin conference this year, the
international community renewed its commitment to
rebuilding Afghanistan. The generous pledges that we
received in Berlin will be committed to national
reconstruction and development programmes that will
create economic opportunities for our citizens and will
further promote economic growth throughout the
region. Eradicating poverty and meeting the
educational and health needs of our citizens will
continue to remain among our top priorities. We will
continue to focus on building our roads to re-establish
Afghanistan as the land bridge for transcontinental
trade. Upon completion of Afghanistanís ring road,
every major Central Asian capital will be less than 32
hours from the Persian Gulf and the port of Karachi.
While our achievements are significant, we
continue to face challenges. Terrorism remains one of
our main challenges. The remnants of terrorism
continue to attack our citizens and to threaten our
security. As long as terrorism continues to exist in our
region, neither Afghanistan nor our neighbours nor,
indeed, the rest of the world can be safe. Eliminating
the remnants of terrorism in Afghanistan and in the
region requires not only continued support from the
international community, but also strong and sincere
commitment from other countries in the region. To stop
the movement of terrorists across borders, the countries
in the region must cooperate closely.
The cultivation and trafficking of narcotics is
another major challenge to Afghanistan and to the rest
of the world. Drug profits finance terrorism and
undermine our efforts to build a healthy and legitimate
economy. Afghanistan is fully committed to
eliminating this menace. However, we cannot succeed
without the strong partnership of the international
community.
Poverty remains another serious challenge. Even
though we have made considerable progress over the
past three years, we are still one of the poorest
countries. We still have the second-highest infant and
maternal mortality rates in the world, and we have one
of the highest illiteracy rates. Very few Afghans have
access to safe drinking water, and only 6 per cent of the
Afghan population has reliable access to electricity.
Our achievements have not come without a cost.
During the elections for the Constitutional Loya Jirga,
terrorists did everything to disrupt the process,
including bombing an elementary school and killing
more than 20 children. During the registration for the
elections, terrorists showed their desperation by
intensifying their attacks. They bombed vehicles
carrying women registration workers, killed civilians
who carried registration cards and bombed religious
schools, killing children.
Those attacks have not stopped our people from
passing one milestone after another. The valuable role
of the international community has been crucial to our
success. Nations from different continents with
different cultures and religions have come together to
help rebuild Afghanistan. That is a clear example of
cooperation among civilizations. On behalf of the
Afghan people, I thank all the nations that have
supported us with their troops and resources, especially
the United States of America, Japan, Germany, the
United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, Spain, France and
Turkey. We are most grateful to the United Nations for
the commitment and engagement of United Nations
agencies and employees during the past three years. We
especially appreciate the personal commitment and
dedication of the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan;
his Deputy Special Representative, Mr. Jean Arnaud;
and his Special Representative, Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi,
whose wisdom and leadership have guided us
throughout the journey.
Afghanistan is on the road to recovery from the
devastation of more than two decades of war. Much has
been accomplished in the past three years. Yet
establishing a stable, democratic and prosperous
Afghanistan requires sustained and collaborative
efforts by the Afghans, by our neighbours and by the
international community. We, the Afghan people, will
do our share. Working together for a stable and
3

prosperous Afghanistan not only is a good example of
successful international cooperation, but will also
contribute to regional prosperity and global security.


At the
outset, I would like to say that I feel very honoured and
privileged to participate for the first time in the work
of the General Assembly and to represent the Republic
of Moldova at this rostrum.
On behalf of the Moldovan delegation, I wish to
congratulate you, Mr. President, on your well deserved
election. I am confident that your vast experience and
diplomatic skills will help the Assembly at the current
session to fulfil its important tasks.
I join other speakers in expressing our gratitude
to your predecessor, Mr. Julian Robert Hunte, for the
dedicated and effective manner in which he guided the
work of the previous session.
This has indeed been a difficult year for the
Organization, with serious crises occurring in various
parts of the world. Increasingly, the international
community is faced with conflicts within States, the
painful manifestations of which have been seen in
conflicts in the Middle East, Africa, the North
Caucasus and elsewhere.
We are all preoccupied by the implications and
consequences of the crisis in Iraq. The Republic of
Moldova considers that the United Nations should be
engaged in a more consistent way in helping that
country to stabilize its internal situation and to embark
on the path towards recovery, development and
democracy.
Earlier, in Spain and Turkey and, most recently,
in the Russian Federation, we have seen how
terrorism — the scourge of the twenty-first century —
indiscriminately strikes the innocent, including
children. We strongly believe that terrorist acts must be
considered crimes against humanity. The Republic of
Moldova strongly condemns all terrorist acts, for
which there can be no excuse or justification. We pay
homage to the victims of that violence.
Precisely due to the challenges faced, the
Republic of Moldova fully supports the ongoing reform
process of the United Nations system. A key aspect of
that process is the reform of the Security Council. Too
often, that principal organ has been accused of failures
in the maintenance of international peace and security.
It is therefore essential to make it more efficient in the
discharge of its primary responsibility. In our view, the
efficiency of the Security Council can be achieved by
improving its representativeness, legitimacy,
transparency and accountability and by restricting the
right of veto to issues of substance, as provided for by
the United Nations Charter.
The Republic of Moldova shares the view that the
reform of the United Nations system will be successful
only if the reform of the Security Council is followed
by the reform of the General Assembly and the
Economic and Social Council. We support the
momentum created for revitalizing the Assembly and
strengthening the coordinating functions of the
Economic and Social Council in the social and
economic fields. Effective coordination among the
three main bodies is essential if we want to address
comprehensively the urgent problems of today’s world.
In the new circumstances, the United Nations
should continue to improve its capacity in the field of
peacekeeping, which is an important instrument for the
maintenance of international peace and security. We
support actions aimed at enhancing the United Nations
rapid deployment capabilities through its standby
arrangements. I would like to mention that Moldova
has committed itself to contribute troops to the United
Nations Standby Arrangements System through
yesterday’s signing at the Department of Peacekeeping
Operations of a formal document in that regard. The
Republic of Moldova is already present in United
Nations peacekeeping efforts, with military observers
and staff officers in United Nations missions in Liberia
and Côte d’Ivoire. We are determined to continue to
support United Nations activities in this area.
It is crucial to further strengthen the United
Nations anti-terrorist legal framework. The Republic of
Moldova fully supports the current efforts to conclude
a convention for the suppression of acts of nuclear
terrorism and a comprehensive international
convention on international terrorism.
I would like to commend the Secretary-General
for his many initiatives to make the Organization more
effective. The creation of the High-level Panel on
Threats, Challenges and Change is another important
step in that direction. Like other Member States, the
Republic of Moldova looks forward to concrete
recommendations from the Panel on how to tackle
13

contemporary threats, including new ones such as
intra-State conflicts, terrorism and separatism.
We cannot realistically expect to win the war
against international terrorism as long as regional and
internal conflicts remain unsolved and their root causes
not properly addressed. Recently, terrorism has
increasingly been merging with separatism. Many
terrorists and international criminals have found a safe
haven in the regions affected by internal conflicts and
secessionist tendencies.
In this context, I would like to add my voice to
those who have repeatedly warned in recent years of
the danger posed by aggressive separatism. Separatism
provides fertile ground for various extremist forces and
terrorist groups. It has become one of the main sources
of internal conflicts and regional instability. To ignore
it would have tragic consequences for numerous
countries of a multi-ethnic composition.
Regretfully, separatism continues to be the main
obstacle to consolidating the independence and
statehood of the Republic of Moldova. Over the years,
the Republic of Moldova has systematically informed
the relevant international organizations of the danger
that the political conflict in its eastern region poses to
regional and international peace and security. The
settlement of the conflict has become the country’s
absolute priority. The initiatives put forward by the
Republic of Moldova in recent years reflect the
determination and political will of Moldovan
authorities to resolve this political conflict peacefully,
on the basis of respect for the sovereignty and
territorial integrity of the country. In particular, I would
like to underline the initiative of the President of the
Republic of Moldova, Mr. Vladimir Voronin, on the
establishment of the Joint Constitutional Commission
charged with drafting a new constitution.
Despite the constructive approach by Moldovan
authorities in their dialogue with the self-appointed
Transdniestrian leaders and other participants in the
multilateral framework of negotiations, developments
have demonstrated the inefficiency of these
negotiations. It has also become obvious that the
separatist leaders do not sincerely wish for the
country’s reintegration. In this regard, I should
mention, among other things, the recent closure of
Moldovan schools that use Latin script, the inhumane
treatment of children and ethnic discrimination.
This region remains an area rife with the illegal
manufacture and traffick of arms. Given the porousness
of the Transdniestrian section of the Moldovan-
Ukrainian border, there are no guarantees that the
illegally manufactured or trafficked armaments will not
reach other conflicts zones in the future.
We are also deeply concerned about the human
rights situation in the area controlled by separatist
forces. The separatist regime has systematically
violated most human rights, including the right of
association, the right to a fair trial, freedom from
torture, freedom of movement and, especially, the right
to education. All of these human rights violations
hinder the democratization process within the region.
At the same time, we have encountered a biased
attitude on the part of the involved parties, reflected in
the support for smuggling and in the obvious violations
of existing bilateral and international agreements. We
deem it necessary to modify the components of the
peacekeeping mechanism and to replace it with a new
one under an international mandate.
Considering that the interests of regional stability
and security require an objective and impartial
approach, it is necessary to ensure full respect for
international law and democratic standards. More
importantly, any geopolitical and geo-economic
interest in maintaining the status-quo needs to be
abandoned. Strict implementation of the decisions
taken at the 1999 Istanbul Summit of the Organization
for Security and Cooperation in Europe would
harmoniously fit such an approach.
Also, as has already been mentioned during the
current debate, we must exclude the practice of
applying double standards when dealing with internal
conflicts and the means for their settlement.
The reintegration of the country and
consolidation of democratic values within its entire
territory are essential conditions for the European
integration of the Republic of Moldova. It is in this
context that the President of the Republic of Moldova
has launched an initiative on a stability and security
pact for Moldova. This document is aimed at ensuring
consensus among the parties concerned, in order to
guarantee the development of an independent,
sovereign and integral Moldovan State. We believe that
holding an international conference on this issue
should be the next step in initiating the debate on the
measures to follow. This situation demonstrates the
international character of the problem, as well as the
inefficiency of existing regional settlement
mechanisms.
14

Today, the main challenges for the United
Nations in the economic, social and related fields stem
from world trends, such as globalization and increasing
ecological interdependence, and from persistent factors
such as widespread poverty and severe social
inequalities between and within States. They should be
addressed by a strengthened global partnership
between industrialized countries, developing countries,
countries with transitional economies and
intergovernmental institutions.
The Millennium Development Goals remain the
most significant objectives agreed to by the
international community, as they cover the areas of
major concern for the peoples of the world. It is
therefore of utmost importance to achieve the Goals, as
well as other specific developmental targets set
subsequently by several major United Nations
conferences in the economic and social fields. In this
context, we welcome the decision of the General
Assembly, adopted at its last session, to hold in
September 2005 a high-level meeting that will
undertake a comprehensive review of the progress
made in the implementation of the Millennium
Declaration, including the Millennium Development
Goals, as well as a review of the integrated and
coordinated implementation of the outcomes of the
major United Nations conferences and summits.
This review is necessary, given the overall slow
pace of implementation. We share the concerns
expressed in this respect by many States, in particular
by the countries sponsoring the world leaders’ New
York Declaration on the Action against Hunger and
Poverty, which was adopted on 20 September. Like
them, we believe that if resolute and urgent action is
not taken, the Millennium Development Goals will not
be reached by 2015 in some regions of the world.
We should not forget, in this context, about the
grave social and economic problems that affect crisis-
stricken countries and countries with special needs, in
particular landlocked countries. Creating an enabling
environment for sustainable development is a challenge
for them and, therefore, they should be further assisted
by the United Nations system and the donor
community.
I would like to reiterate, in conclusion, my
country’s commitment to the Organization and its
willingness to cooperate with other Member States in
order to achieve the noble goals and principles
enshrined in the United Nations Charter.


Mr. President, allow me at the outset, on behalf of the
delegation of the Comoros and on my own behalf, to
congratulate you warmly on your election to preside
over the work of the General Assembly at its fifty-
ninth session. Your task is by no means an easy one,
but it is an honour to you personally, to your country
and to the entire African continent. No other
organization can boast of that universal mission. I
would therefore like to assure you of the full readiness
of my delegation to work with you for the success of
that noble mission in the service of peace and security
in the world.
My delegation welcomes the way in which your
predecessor guided the work at the fifty-eighth session.
On behalf of the Comoros I hail the tireless
commitment and complete availability of the
Secretary-General in the fight he leads to advance the
ideals of peace, social justice, development and
freedom throughout the world.
The world — a world of peace and vision,
Of ideas and union now unfurled,
A world that has divided lands
And with seas that share their sands;
World of tolerance and knowing,
World abundance, overflowing;
World of peace, world that charmed,
No, world; you cannot be harmed.
Nations unity provided,
But hearts tend to be divided.
For we have met each other,
And yet our peoples live in fear.
Children of the world,
and countries of the world,
24

Where is the world?
What is this world?
Borders here do not exist;
Prayers vanish in the mist.
Terror is their daily lot;
Fear is all that they have got.
Killers rule instead of bread.
Millennium world, world so fair,
Yet a world of billionaires;
World of speeches of all sorts
Within fora, and of courts.
World rejecting our solutions
and denying resolutions.
What a world. What a peace.
While the world is slowly forging ahead in this
third millennium, we are obliged to note that the
feelings of our respective peoples are fluctuating
between hope and concern. Indeed, while the
relationship between peace and development is
becoming increasingly justified and is making them
indivisible, the path of world events is tending to call
this into question. It is indeed true that there can be no
peace and no security in the world as long as hundreds
of millions of individuals are still prisoners of
destitution and poverty and still do not have the
minimum necessary for a decent daily life. Nor can
there be peace and security in the world as long as,
working all together, we have not made the required
efforts to save the hundreds of millions of human lives
threatened by the scourges of AIDS and other
pandemics.
Moreover, what kind of peace can there be in a
world that makes the spread of weapons and the
proliferation of hotbeds of tension the very pattern of
its existence and the means for its evolution?
These are the problems before us, this forum with
the highest priority mission of seeing to the proper
conduct of world affairs, the prosperity and flourishing
of the human race and to the control of the global
environment by our actions, which must serve the
cause and the welfare of each and every people, each
nation and each citizen of the world.
That is why it is incumbent on the United
Nations, today more than ever, to play fully its role as
defined by the Charter. This role is one of vanguard
action, of mediation par excellence, of stimulus and of
promotion of the remarkable accomplishments wrought
every day by the progress of science.
For that reason, my country says “no” to poverty,
“no” to AIDS and other pandemics, “no” to terrorism
and “yes” to the implementation of the Millennium
Development Goals. In order to combat the scourges of
poverty, major diseases and terrorism, we need a firm
and determined will to work for development.
The Millennium Summit, in which all the
foremost leaders of our planet participated, took full
note of that reality. The Millennium Declaration set out
the steps and the course to follow in order to
effectively direct the world’s development and
progressively correct the problems identified. The
Declaration established 2015 as the deadline for
reviewing the plan of action that each country must
implement, in a collective resolve to get the world back
on track.
The Union of the Comoros endorses the
Millennium Development Goals. While working for
progress in the national reconciliation process, the
Government of my country, like all other members of
the community of nations, has made the necessary
efforts to establish a poverty reduction strategy. Today,
that document to which all active forces in our country
contributed, constitutes the instrument panel of our
development priorities.
In order for the Comoros to act on those
development priorities, it requires the assistance of the
international community. It was only this past April
that my country finally completed the establishment of
its institutions, thus bringing to a close the separatist
and institutional crisis that for seven years had shaken
the foundations of our State.
In particular, we hope that the entire international
community will support the African Union’s call,
issued at the recent summit at Addis Ababa, for an
international donors round-table meeting to be held to
assist the convalescent Comoros. This would enable it
to recover and by stages to rejoin the other nations in
working at the subregional, continental and global
levels to achieve sustainable development, which is
now its greatest priority.
The firm national commitment of all Member
States of the international community is required to
achieve the Millennium Development Goals. This
25

militates in favour of the enhanced representation of
continents and peoples in the United Nations.
We should therefore consider increasing the
permanent membership of the Security Council to
include, for example, the Republic of India, Japan, the
Federal Republic of Germany and the Federative
Republic of Brazil. The African continent and the Arab
world also deserve appropriate representation on the
Security Council. That is the way to achieve equity,
and equity is desperately needed for there to be greater
justice and peace in the world. That appears to be what
must be done today to create the necessary balance for
control of the international order and the global
environment, which have never been so unstable and
uncertain.
In the eternal search for peace, social justice and
prosperity, the fate of small island States, which face
so many threats to their survival, must not remain in
jeopardy. Let us be fully aware that numerous countries
are destined to disappear because of such hazards as
rising sea-levels, desertification, cyclones and volcanic
eruptions. Accordingly, we must consider specific
actions for each of those States. We urge the
international community to mobilize on a large scale to
ensure the success of the forthcoming meting of small
island developing States, to be convened on the island
of Mauritius early in 2005.
I must not fail to affirm before the Assembly that
my country, the Union of the Comoros, in its concern
to maintain its unity and integrity, considers the issue
of the Comorian island of Mayotte to be one of its
greatest and most urgent priorities. My Government is
convinced that a speedy settlement of this dispute will
further the development of the country as a whole and
will enable it to resolutely take its place alongside
peace- and freedom-loving countries and to champion
universal ideals and promote democracy in the world.
The Union of the Comoros therefore calls on the
French Republic to engage in a constructive political
dialogue on this issue, in compliance with General
Assembly resolution 3385 (XXX), which admitted the
Comoros to the United Nations as the Comoro
Archipelago, composed of four islands: Mayotte,
Anjouan, Mohéli and Grande-Comore.
In the same spirit, my country attaches the utmost
importance to the principle of a single independent and
indivisible China and calls for the restoration of the
island of Taiwan to its rightful home.
My country truly values the very constructive
dialogue now under way between the Government of
the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of
Pakistan on the question of Kashmir.
The Union of the Comoros sincerely hopes that
the Palestinian and Israeli peoples will soon institute a
dialogue that will bring about an end to the violence
and lead to the peaceful coexistence of those two
neighbouring peoples.
It also hopes to see a just and equitable settlement
to the question of Western Sahara and vigorously
supports the efforts made to that end by the United
Nations and the Government of the Kingdom of
Morocco.
The Union of the Comoros vehemently condemns
the hostage-takings in Iraq and hopes to see a rapid
return of peace and security in Iraq, which will
contribute to security in the region.
The Union of the Comoros is closely following
developments in Darfur. It supports the efforts of the
African Union, the Government of the Sudan and the
entire international community to find a speedy, just
and equitable settlement of that question.
Finally, I hope that the work of the fifty-ninth
session of the General Assembly will be successful,
and I join all those eminent personalities who have
preceded me at this noble rostrum in expressing my
country’s most fervent desires for greater peace and
security throughout the world.


It is a special honour for me, as a member of the new
Government of Luxembourg and its Minister for
Foreign Affairs and Immigration, to take the floor for
the first time before this gathering of the nations of the
world.
You, sir, have acceded to the presidency of the
General Assembly at a time when decisions fraught
with consequences for the future of our Organization
must be prepared and discussed. Our Secretary-General
has reminded us that the United Nations is at a
crossroads. I have no doubt that, under your skilled and
wise leadership, our General Assembly will be able
effectively and decisively to provide constructive and
consensual responses to the great issues of our time.
The session ahead, leading us to the
commemoration of the sixtieth anniversary of the
establishment of the United Nations, must be one of
renewal for multilateralism. I can assure you, Sir, that
my country — a founding Member of the United
Nations — intends to contribute actively to that crucial
work, in particular within the presidency of the Council
of the European Union, to which Luxembourg will
accede on 1 January 2005, following the current
presidency of the Netherlands. It goes without saying
that I fully subscribe to the statement made by my
colleague, Mr. Bernard Bot, Minister for Foreign
Affairs of the Netherlands, before this Assembly.
From this moment until the sixtieth session of the
General Assembly, three themes will be the focus of
our attention: issues linked to the maintenance of peace
and security; the complex question of development and
its financing; and United Nations reform.
We must begin this genuine relaunching of
multilateral cooperation first of all in the area of the
maintenance of peace and security, basing our action
on the United Nations Charter. While regional crises
and civil wars have multiplied in various areas of the
globe, in particular on the African continent over the
past year, history has taught us, often tragically and
painfully, that peace and stability can only be
maintained and guaranteed within the framework of an
international order based on the rule of law and shared
strong and effective institutions based on fundamental
shared values. This has been stated in our superb
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the
subsequent normative instruments that supplemented it.
This is also the lesson learned from the fratricidal
horrors and conflicts of the past century between
member States of the European Union, which now we
are gratified to see expanded to 25 members.
In that context, we look with concern toward the
Middle and Near East, where situations of tension and
of open conflict seem to be worsening. Regarding the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict, we must emphatically
recall here, given a situation characterized by
numerous impasses on all sides, that the path of
negotiation and compromise remains the only
reasonable path and that the road map remains the only
way to achieve a negotiated solution between the
parties, based on the coexistence of two States, namely,
an independent and viable Palestinian State, living in
peace next to Israel, within secure and recognized
borders. This was also vigorously reaffirmed by the
Quartet the day before yesterday. In the same way, any
withdrawal by Israel from the Gaza Strip must take
place within the context of the political process
described by the road map.
The unanimous adoption of Security Council
resolution 1546 (2004) on the situation in Iraq and the
subsequent restoration of Iraqi sovereignty constitute
an important stage in the process of political, social
and economic reconstruction of this battered country.
The European Union, for its part, adopted in early
September a set of measures designed to further
strengthen the European commitment to Iraq. We hope
that conditions will soon be such that the United
Nations will be able to fully play its proper role, in
particular regarding the political process, the
preparation for elections, humanitarian assistance and
reconstruction.
Luxembourg has also been following with the
greatest attention developments in the situation in the
Great Lakes region, the Western Balkans, and, in
particular, in Kosovo, as well as in Darfur in Sudan.
My country fully associates itself with the positions
presented here by my Dutch colleague on behalf of the
European Union.
15

The preservation of peace, crisis prevention and
management and peacekeeping are among the noblest
tasks of our Organization. The Security Council has an
important role to play here. We should not hesitate to
consider innovative solutions in defining new
approaches and institutional processes to strengthen
our collective capacity for prevention and action on the
basis of the Charter.
Here I would like to welcome the measures taken
by the Secretary-General regarding the prevention of
genocide. I would venture to hope that the High-level
Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change will be able
to put before us proposals to both improve our capacity
for shared action and cope with the new threats to
peace and security, among which, first and foremost,
are terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction. United Nations instruments in fighting
terrorism were recently enhanced by the adoption of
Security Council resolution 1535 (2004) and the
implementation measures which flow from it.
However, the recent report of the Analytical Support
and Sanctions Monitoring Team of the Security
Council Committee established pursuant to resolution
1267 (1999) concerning Al Qaeda and the Taliban and
Associated Individuals and Entities reminded us that a
great deal still remains to be done to put an end to
these despicable and unacceptable practices which
leave so many families throughout the world in
mourning.
The fight against terrorism cannot be won solely
through the use of military and police means. We must
strike at its roots, which spawn hate, brutality and the
senseless destruction of human lives. The core of any
multilateral system is the right of all peoples and every
human being to live in peace and dignity.
The threat of weapons of mass destruction also
remains a concern of highest priority. While significant
progress has been made, disturbing news has reached
us over the last few months from other regions of the
globe, in particular from Iran and from the Democratic
People’s Republic of Korea. In each of these cases, the
necessary clarifications and full guarantees must be
provided, particularly within the framework of strict
respect for the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA) regimes. Here, I would like to emphasize that
the 2005 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-
Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons must provide an
opportunity for reaffirming the validity and relevance
of the shared quest for solutions to the complex issues
of non-proliferation.
Regarding all of these cases linked to the
maintenance of peace and international security, the
United Nations will find a reliable and committed
partner in the European Union, which has made the
emergence of effective multilateralism one of its
priorities for the security strategy it adopted in
December 2003. It is, indeed, with pride that I add that
Luxembourg has also been shouldering its
peacekeeping responsibilities by contributing military
contingents to the Kosovo Force and to the
International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan,
which are now under the command of the European
Corps.
The issue of development is and must remain the
focus of the international community’s attention. This
is the most important point in this context. While
millions of human beings continue to live in
unacceptable conditions, our rallying around the
achievement of the Millennium Development Goals
must be constant and indeed stepped up, given the fact
that many States, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa,
still experience extreme difficulty in making progress
to meet the 2015 deadline.
For its part, Luxembourg is ready to shoulder its
duties in the indispensable joint international efforts. In
2003, our official development assistance (ODA) in
Luxembourg reached 0.81 per cent of our gross
national product and the goal of having this figure
reach one per cent in the years to come is part of the
programme of the new Government that was formed in
July of this year. The struggle against poverty and the
commitment to sustainable development on the global
level are also major objectives of the policy of
cooperation in Luxembourg, the policy that we are
implementing together with our partners in a spirit of
partnership and participation. In our actions to ensure
cooperation, particular emphasis must be placed on the
continuation of international efforts targeting
reproductive health, in particular, combating the
horrendous scourge of HIV/AIDS.
In addition to an increase in ODA on the global
scale, other sources of financing can be used, and the
initiative of Presidents Lula and Chirac has charted the
way for a number of interesting ideas in this respect.
We believe that it is critical to maintain the Monterrey
Consensus as a whole. Any effective development
16

strategy in the medium- and long-term must be based
on a proper combination of elements such as ODA,
international trade, direct foreign investment and the
domestic efforts of the countries involved, particularly
regarding capacity reinforcement, strengthening of
governance and the rule of law. In this regard, I am
convinced that all efforts must be further developed to
achieve a positive conclusion to the Doha development
round.
As Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration,
I must mention an innovation in our national political
context, as did our Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan,
on 29 January 2004, in an inciteful speech to the
European Parliament in Brussels regarding the growing
importance of the problem of migration, particularly
for Europe. This issue must be addressed through a
careful management of migration flows by focusing on
integration and international cooperation. Decisive
action against organized crime, in particular crime
linked to any kind of trafficking in human beings, is an
indispensable corollary to this.
We are called upon to step up our efforts during
the year to come to prepare for a significant event,
namely, the September 2005 summit, and which, in
United Nations jargon, is being called the “major
event”. Five years after the Millennium Summit, this
meeting of the highest political leaders on the planet
should provide an opportunity to define a new
synthesis — a new global agenda — at the dawn of the
twenty-first century.
Indeed, we face many significant challenges.
Together, we must review all of the commitments
undertaken in the Millennium Declaration and at the
major conferences of the 1990s, assess their
implementation and, within the Organization, make
any adjustments and adaptations that a changing global
context requires — all without compromising the level
of the shared ambitions that inspire us. We must see to
it that the new global agenda expresses the hopes and
aspirations of the entire international community. In
particular, development must continue to be a focus of
the attention it deserves. There is also a need to open
our Organization up to the new debates and the new
issues that are emerging in the area of the maintenance
of peace and security.
None of the foregoing issues are fiefdoms of a
particular State or group of States. Rather, they are
concerns shared by all Member States and, as such,
must be managed jointly within the multilateral
institutions that form our common heritage. The
vitality and relevance of our Organization is the key to
the effort to redefine the terms of the international
agenda by giving priority to the concepts of
interdependence and solidarity. While the goals are
vital, the risks are significant, and, together, we must
chart a coordinated, inclusive and balanced path that
will allow each and every one of us to participate fully
and to express our aspirations and expectations.
To achieve those lofty goals we need, first of all,
to promote the development of a new mindset in our
deliberations. After the divisions and controversies of
recent years, the international community must once
again come together and close ranks around shared,
joint objectives. In that way the United Nations will
remain the pre-eminent seat of international legitimacy
and a vital centre for multilateral action, as the
Secretary-General recently said. It is that new mindset
that must inspire our shared activities as we move
towards next year’s major event.
We also need to agree on a procedure that will
ensure the participation of all, guarantee the necessary
balance among the various aspects of the process and
guide us towards greater coordination on the substance
of the political messages to be formulated. In all
events, rest assured that my country and its partners in
the European Union are ready to participate fully in
that debate.
In the context of a renewal of multilateralism, as I
have tried to outline it here, reform of the United
Nations has pride of place. Our institutions must be
better adapted to meet new challenges, as well as to
fulfil their present mandates. The genuine renewal of
the United Nations system must be reflected in a
palpable strengthening of the tools for analysis,
decision and action available to us. Effective
multilateralism must be expressed through the
strengthening of the United Nations system as a whole.
By adopting a more global approach, we see
reform not as a zero-sum game, but as a positive-sum
game, in which each player and each institution
benefits from the new impetus thus provided.
Significant progress was already made in the
revitalization of the General Assembly during the fifty-
eighth session, under the leadership of the former
President, Mr. Julian Hunte. Those efforts now remain
17

to be translated into action as well as continued and
intensified.
Security Council reform, which has been in
discussion for more than a decade, must be carried out,
so that that vital body can better reflect the realities of
today’s world; indeed, it is both a prerequisite for the
Council’s legitimacy and a guarantee for the
effectiveness of its action. More active interaction
between the Security Council and the General
Assembly and a better coordination of their roles, as
well as enhanced transparency regarding States not
members of the Security Council, should form the
framework of any future enlargement of the Council.
The restructuring of the work of the Economic
and Social Council and the Main Committees of the
General Assembly should be conducted with
determination and courage so that more focused and
better organized activities can gain greater relevance
and have greater political impact on the substantive
problems being addressed.
The strengthening of the rule of law on a global
scale, as called for by the Secretary-General, and, in
particular, the consolidation and ultimate
universalization of the International Criminal Court,
should be among our highest priorities, along with the
protection of human rights — the vital importance of
which I would like to emphasize once again.
Finally, I would be remiss were I to fail to
mention the Secretariat staff and other United Nations
personnel, who are carrying out an extraordinarily
difficult mission with courage and dedication, and
indeed sometimes, as we know, risking their very lives.
It is crucial that we be able, within the framework of
this year’s budgetary discussions for the year, to
provide the Organization with the resources,
particularly the financial resources to fulfil the
mandates that we have conferred upon it, especially in
regard to peacekeeping operations. It is also vital that
the Organization adopt a rigorous policy regarding the
protection of United Nations personnel, who are acting
on our behalf in often dangerous conditions in all
corners of the globe.
It seems that to put a curse on someone, one has
only to wish for them to live in interesting times. I do
not know if we are living under a curse, but I do know
that we are living in an interesting time: a time of
debate, a time of restructuring, a time of choice and of
the relaunching of international cooperation. Let us
seize this opportunity and breathe new life into the
United Nations, which has been proven itself to be
indispensable. But let us also admit that the choice of
multilateralism is a demanding one, and one that
requires of us all an increased readiness to call into
question our old certainties and to accept new
approaches within a renewed institutional framework.
On the path towards that renewal, let us draw
inspiration from the magnificent lines of the Spanish
poet, Antonio Machado, and I quote:
“Traveller, your footsteps
Are the road, and nothing else;
Traveller, there is no road.
The road is made by walking;
Walking makes the road”.
I am confident that together we will have the
vision and the courage to take that first step, and the
steps that follow, on that ambitious path.