Ahead of polls in Afghanistan, President Karzai calls for sustained global aid

With just over two weeks before Afghanistan is scheduled to hold historic presidential elections, the country's current leader today appealed to top officials from across the world meeting at the United Nations to sustain their support for the nascent democracy.

Addressing the afternoon session of the General Assembly's annual high-level debate, President Hamid Karzai said terrorists had tried to disrupt every stage of the polling process, intensifying offensives against voters and election workers in recent weeks. "These attacks have not stopped our people from crossing one milestone after another," he said. "Yet, establishing a stable, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan requires sustained and collaborative efforts by the Afghans, our neighbours and the international community."

He also pointed out that the effects of stability in Afghanistan would reverberate throughout Asia and the world. "Working together for a stable and prosperous Afghanistan is not only a good example of successful international cooperation, but will also contribute to regional prosperity and global security," he said. Video

Joaquim Alberto Chissano

President

Offering the perspective of a country which emerged from war a dozen years ago, Joaquim Alberto Chissano, the President of Mozambique, voiced appreciation for the "resolute and decisive" UN involvement in the peace process, including the mobilization of resources. "This strong support from the international community, combined with the will and determination of our people for peace, led to what many regard as the first example of a successful UN peacekeeping mission in Africa," he said.

Since the conflict in Mozambique ended, the country had benefited from "considerable support from the UN and its various specialized bodies for reconstruction and development activities," he said. "This support has been critical for the economic growth and the gradual improvement of the people's living conditions, the country is experiencing today." Video

Tarja Halonen, President

Finland's President, Tarja Halonen, delivered an indictment against the failure of the system of collective security, stressing that the members of the Security Council had a special responsibility to rise above their national interests and ensure international peace. "Before the war in Iraq, the international community failed, however," she said. "Some nations resorted to use of force, which was not compatible with international law."

Looking to the future, she argued that "there is no sustainable alternative to multilateralism" and called on the international community to intervene where human rights were seriously violated, including in the Darfur region of Sudan. "The UN and the international community must be able to act - in time, effectively and as long as needed." Video

Blaise Compaore, President

President Blaise Compaore of Burkina Faso hailed peace in Angola, Liberia and Sierra Leone, but noted that Africa continued to be plagued by fighting in Côte d'Ivoire, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Sudan. There were hopes for peace, notably in Côte d'Ivoire thanks to the recent Accra III agreement, he said, pledging Burkina Faso's full support for all efforts to improve stability in Africa.

Human security, he emphasized, required more than the absence of conflict. Poverty was a key threat to social stability, he pointed out, calling for more equitable global economic progress, especially in Africa, where growth has been slow and scourges like AIDS and poverty continued to take their toll. The continent's leaders were prepared to do their part to tackle these challenges, he said, calling on the international community to play its role as well. In particular, he urged rich countries to offer debt relief, adopt more just trading practices and ensure that globalization's benefits can be enjoyed by all. Video

Marc Ravalomanana, President

Marc Ravalomanana, the President of Madagascar, also stressed the importance of development in Africa, where he said national leaders were working towards good governance, while uniting their efforts to improve conditions on the continent. In light of its important international role, Africa should have some form of permanent representation on the Security Council, he said.

He also described how Madagascar had achieved its own political and economic development, while noting that rising oil prices, natural disasters and lack of access to international markets had hampered development. "We need more foreign investment both for the public and private sector," he said. "Africa can become a flourishing continent. Africa has enormous potential." The development of Africa is in the interests of the great powers, he argued. "Africa is ready for a new future." Video

Mikheil Saakashvili, President

Georgia's President, Mikheil Saakashvili, pledged to peacefully resolve the separatist conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Looking at the broader regional context, he observed that the threats that emerge from violent separatism affect the security not just of Georgia but the entire Caucasus. “And in places like Abkhazia which sit on the shore of the Black Sea, these lawless zones have the potential to affect European security as long as they remain unresolved,” he warned.

He said Georgia would launch a "stage by stage settlement plan" involving specific confidence-building measures, including guaranteeing the right of internally displaced people to return to their homes. He also suggested that it might be necessary to station UN monitors on the Abkhazian portion of the Russian-Georgian border. On the recent terrorist atrocity in Beslan, he stressed Georgia's “readiness to work more closely with President Putin and the Russian Federation” against the common threat. At the same time, he advocated closing “outdated Russian military bases.” A new relationship with Russia “means pooling our resources and efforts to create a joint anti-terrorism centre so that Georgia and Russia can enjoy the same level of cooperation that Georgia and the US share in the fight against terror.” Video

Ivan Gašparovic, President

Ivan Gašparovic, the President of Slovakia, said a multilateral approach is the best response to emerging threats, and called the UN “irreplaceable in maintaining global security.” But he said the world body “can only maintain such a status if it is able to carry out its basic functions effectively, embark upon internal reform, and adapt to current conditions.” In particular, he called for reforming the Security Council by adding new members – both permanent and non-permanent – and rendering its work more efficient. He also stressed the crucial role of the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee in battling one of the greatest current threats to global stability. The twelve UN anti-terrorism conventions and protocols “are of utmost importance” he said, advocating also the elaboration of pacts covering terrorism in general as well as nuclear terrorism.

On regional conflicts, he emphasized the key role played by the UN in the former Yugoslavia. Resolving the situation in Kosovo, he said, “is a prerequisite for the stabilization of the western Balkans as a whole.” The UN, especially its Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) has “great importance in search for a solution that is acceptable to all parties concerned.” Video

Fatos Nano

Prime Minister

Fatos Nano, the Prime Minister of Albania, also spoke about Kosovo, voicing appreciation for recent positive developments, crediting the province's people, its self-governing institutions and the UN mission there. “The time has come for a rapid and coherent implementation of policy of standards and status,” he said. “We really hope that the question of the final status of Kosovo will find its final solution soon for the sake of the Kosovo people and for the whole region as well.”

Stressing the need to build a democratic, multiethnic and multicultural society in Kosovo governed by the rule of law, mutual tolerance and understanding, he called for UNMIK to transfer more responsibilities to the province's legitimate self-governing institutions. “We believe that in the next parliamentary elections, to be held during next October, the Albanian people of Kosovo would demonstrate their best values and will take a major step toward the consolidation of the democratic society in Kosovo,” he said, adding that this would have a positive impact across the western Balkans. “We also hope that the Serb minority in Kosovo will take up its responsibilities and through their free vote will make their contribution to the European future of Kosovo.” Video

Levy Patrick Mwanawasa

President

Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, President of Zambia, echoed calls by other speakers to use “the immense problem-solving potential of multilateralism.” He said unilateralism “should have no place in this global era” and reaffirmed Zambia's support for the UN's initiatives “in the fight against global terrorism and the proliferation of small arms and any forms of weapons of mass destruction.” He called on the international community to “take all necessary steps within the purview of the United Nations to combat the scourge of terrorism in all its manifestations.”

Concerning development in Africa, he said that while the continent's countries realize that they have primary responsibility for economic growth. He also welcomed initiatives by the Group of Eight industrialized countries to support the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), whose primary objective is to eradicate the increasing poverty in our continent and put African countries on the path of sustainable economic growth. “We recognize that the new initiative is by Africans and for Africans, but we cannot ignore the vital importance of assistance from the international community through increased official development assistance (ODA).” Video

King Mohammed VI

King Mohammed VI of Morocco called for stepped-up international efforts to ensure that the “logic of dialogue and negotiation may prevail over that of force, destruction and war.” In that regard, he said, the “artificial dispute over the Sahara is, regrettably, still hindering the construction of the Arab Maghreb Union.” He said Morocco was ready to cooperate with the UN and all parties concerned “within the framework of international legality, a final, negotiated political solution, which guarantees the sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Morocco, and enables the inhabitants of its southern provinces to manage their regional affairs by themselves, in a democratic, stable environment conducive to integrated development.”

Concerning the Arab-Israeli conflict, he said Morocco “is as determined as ever to work with the international community to find a just, comprehensive and lasting solution within the framework of international legality, and in a way that guarantees Israel's withdrawal from all occupied Arab territories and the establishment of a viable, independent Palestinian State, with AI-Quds Al-Shareef as its capital, living side by side, in peace and concord, with the State of Israel.” He also warned “the disastrous consequences which might result from any attempt to undermine holy sites.” Video

Abdelaziz Bouteflika, President

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika also spoke about the situation in Western Sahara, saying the UN had long defined Western Sahara as a Non-Self-Governing Territory. The Plan accepted by the Security Council provided a framework for the people of the Territory to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination, he said, pledging Algeria's continued support for the UN peace plan and stating the country's readiness to contribute to its implementation in the interests of stability in the region.

Regarding the situation in the Middle East, he said the peace process had hit an impasse and denounced the “brutal repression” against Palestinian citizens. He voiced support for the Road Map outline peace plan, and stressed that depriving the Palestinian people of their rights – particularly their right to a State within secure and recognized borders – was a blight on the international record and called into question global morality. Video

Ricardo Lagos Escobar

President

The President of Chile, Ricardo Lagos Escobar, joined others in emphasizing the importance of the UN and its Counter-Terrorism Committee in combating emerging threarts. At the same time, he said the High-Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change which is reviewing the future of the UN must reaffirm the values of the UN Charter while giving the system the strength it needs to face the challenges and opportunities of a global world. “The world needs more of the United Nations and a better United Nations,” he said.

He also called attention to the vital contribution of other members of the global community, particularly in realizing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for slashing poverty and tackling a range of other ills. “Some of the actions proposed are dependent on the decisions of governments but others are the responsibility of multilateral organizations and civil society, in particular non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the business sector, trade unions and universities,” he said. “It is time to recognize that, in practical terms, the monoploy of States over international affairs has ended.” Video

Néstor Kirchner, President

Néstor Kirchner, the President of Argentina, said legitimacy concerning international decisions on the use of force can only be conferred by the UN Security Council. Given this responsibility, he voiced his support for efforts to conduct the Council's work with more openness. “The Council's action must be innovative and express the political will of the international community,” he said, stressing that avoiding conflicts must be key.

Concerning the fight against terrorism, he emphasized the need to maintain a balance between a State's right to defend itself and respect for human rights. A response to terrorism must go beyond pure military measures, he said. Other priority issues include the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, gross human rights abuses, hunger and extreme poverty. He called on the international financial institutions to play their part in averting fiscal crises which hamper development. Concerted global efforts, he said, can help to create a world where the ideals of peace, freedom and prosperity are realized. Video

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi

Junichiro Koizumi, the Prime Minister of Japan, noted that his country is the only one to have suffered nuclear devastation. “As such, Japan has been at the forefront in promoting nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation,” he said, calling for a world free of nuclear arms. He added that the “nuclear and missile issues on the Korean Peninsula present a serious challenge to the peace and stability of Northeast Asia and to the international community as a whole.” He added that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea would receive “substantial” benefit from resolve these issues. “There is no benefit in continuing to pursue its nuclear programme,” he said.

The Prime Minister added his voice to calls for a strengthened UN to meet today's challenges. “We must create 'A New United Nations for the New Era.'” The core issue, he said, is reform of the Security Council, which “must improve its representation to better reflect today's world.” Countries with the will and resources to play a major role in the international peace and security must always take part in the Council's decision-making process,” he said, advocating the addition of both permanent and non-permanent members to the body. Video

José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero

Prime Minister

Spain's Prime Minister, José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, took the occasion of his speech to express solidarity with victims of terrorism. “Here in New York I would like to convey the Spanish people's heartfelt solidarity with this great American nation,” he said, recalling the 11 March attacks in Madrid that left 192 people dead. “From thirty years of terrorism we have learned that the risk of a terrorist victory rises sharply when, in order to fight terror, democracy betrays its fundamental nature, governments curtail civil liberties, put judicial guaranties at risk, or carry out pre-emptive military operations,” he said. “This is what our people have learned: that it is legality, democracy and political means and ways what makes us stronger and them weaker.”

Vowing to resist terrorism, he stressed that Spain would always do this within the framework of both domestic and international legality. “We will do so always respecting human rights and our commitment to the United Nations, and in no other way,” he said. “Our conviction is that legality, and only legality, will allows us to prevail in the fight against terrorism.” He added that redressing the major political and economic injustices prevailing in today's world would deprive terrorists of their popular support. “The more people there are who enjoy dignified conditions around the world, the safer we will all be.” Video

Göran Persson

Prime Minister

Göran Persson, the Prime Minister of Sweden, said the UN must be reformed, but emphasized that “the core principles of the UN Charter remain as valid as ever.” Threats to international peace and security must be met collectively, he said, and the use of force is permitted only as a last resort and when authorized by the Security Council, unless it is an act of self-defense. He joined others in calling for reform of the Council, expanding its membership while limiting the veto power.

In tackling global problems, he emphasized that international law must guide all collective efforts, from eradicating weapons of mass destruction and fighting terrorism, to achieving sustainable development and respect for human rights. He called on the Security Council to consider the possibility of referring matters to the International Criminal Court. “Sovereignty entails responsibility,” he said. “Prevention of atrocities demands international action if governments fail to assume their responsibility.” He also advocated the abolition of capital punishment. “For me, as a democrat and humanist, it can never be accepted,” he said. “I want us to make every effort to seek the abolishment of the death penalty.” Video

Bernard Makuza

Prime Minister

Bernard Makuza, the Prime Minister of Rwanda, said since the country's genocide 10 years ago, numerous steps had been taken to promote understanding, including the establishment of a National Unity and Reconciliation Commission, the promulgation of a new constitution written by Rwandans themselves, reform of the judiciary and the promotion of more women in public administration.

The international community, he suggested, should also examine its own conscience and review its responses to situations such as that of Rwanda in 1994. He questioned whether an early warning system for detection of emerging crises had been adopted, and whether there was global political will to respond to new crises decisively. In Africa's Great Lakes region, the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide – the ex-Forces Armées Rwandaises and Interahamwe – continued to sow death and destruction throughout the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi and Rwanda. Most recently, they had joined with Forces Nationales de Liberation (FNL) rebels in Burundi to attack the Banyamulenge refugee camp at Gatamba, Burundi, killing 160 innocent men, women and children on the basis of their ethnicity, he said, decrying the lack of any meaningful international response and calling on the UN to act. Video

Phil Goff, Foreign Affairs and Trade

New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Phil Goff said the world is “witnessing a humanitarian and human rights catastrophe in Darfur,” citing a report from the World Health Organization (WHO) that up to 10,000 people a month are dying or being killed. Calling on Member States to unite to prevent a tragedy from continuing to unfold, he said it was vital that those responsible for murder and human rights abuses be brought to account. Video