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PM Đukanović delivers speech at 68th session of UN...
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PM Đukanović delivers speech at 68th session of UN General Assembly in New York
Published on: Sep 30, 2013 • 9:55 PM Author: PR Bureau
Prime Minister Milo Đukanović's speech at the General Debate of the 68th United Nations General Assembly
It is my honour to address you today on behalf of Montenegro and to reaffirm our commitment to the United Nations and its Charter.
I want to congratulate you, Mr President, on your election as President of the 68th session of the General Assembly and to pledge the Montenegrin delegation’s full support for you personally and the programme you presented. I also want to thank President of the previous 67th session, Mr Vuk Jeremić, our neighbour, for his strenuous efforts and leadership that contributed to the dynamics and constructive discussions on a wide range of issues from the UN agenda.
I am particularly delighted to welcome Secretary General of the United Nations Mr. Ban Ki –moon and his tireless efforts to build a safer and more prosperous world.
Mr President,
Complexity of the challenges the United Nations is facing nowadays goes beyond the known limits. All of us must take responsibility to make joint efforts in order to provide a coordinated and effective action to address them. It is also our moral, collective and existential obligation towards the generations to come.
Achieving sustainable development, along with the integration of its three dimensions, is the greatest challenge of all. We are encouraged by the fact that the General Assembly, bound by the final Rio document, has successfully grappled with the priority. The establishment of the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts on Financing SDGs and the High-Level Political Forum strengthened the institutional framework for essential work. In that context, the role of the UN and the results made in meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) until 2015, are becoming increasingly important. I am confident that the UN, led by the synergy and pragmatic approach of its members and all stakeholders, will be able to respond to this extremely complex challenge. This approach will contribute to better and safer future for all of us, thus further strengthening the central role of the UN in the global governance system.
Therefore, the eradication of poverty and other unfulfilled MDGs must remain the core of the post 2015 development agenda. Future sustainable development goals need to be defined on the basis of experience and lessons learned through our success or failure in achieving tasks of the Millennium Declaration. Montenegro is committed to maximising the implementation of the MDGs and it becomes closer to its final fulfilment.
Sustainable development goals need to be specific, universal, flexible and coherent and to represent the central part of the global development agenda after 2015. And a clear statement of political commitment to sustainable development, by promoting economic development, social inclusion, sustainable use of natural resources and environmental protection đ, as well as quality control in terms of maintaining peace and security. Montenegro, as a member of the Open Working Group on SDGs, works hard to define them, taking into account national characteristics, capacities and different development priorities.
After three years of strong growth, the global economic and financial crisis hit Montenegro in 2009, which resulted in a drop in investment, bank lending and foreign trade. Patterns of economic growth have changed. Therefore, we have adjusted our economic policy to new conditions. In parallel, the government has adopted a medium-term development plan which was drafted according to the model set out in the 2020 EU strategy. The three pillars of Montenegro’s sustainable development include: "smart growth", "sustainable growth" and "inclusive growth". The national plan will strengthen consistency of structural and institutional reforms with development-oriented measures and public investments.
Aware of the importance of this issue, we have launched an initiative to establish the Centre for Sustainable Development in Montenegro. The centre will become fully operational in early 2014 with a tendency to eventually gain regional character and be part of Rio sustainable development network.
The issue of climate change is also inseparable from defining the development framework for the period after 2015. Montenegro is committed to intensifying efforts to adopt a comprehensive and legally binding agreement until 2015, which would be applicable to all. We invite all the countries, especially the world's leading economies, to enhance activities aimed at mitigating effects of climate change and reaching a global climate agreement. By the same token, we pledge full support for the UN Secretary General’s initiative to organise a conference on climate change in September 2014.
Mr President,
Preservation and promotion of international peace and security is a constant challenge of the United Nations. Some individual hot spots, such as Mali, have seen significant progress and the shift from the state of violence and instability, whereas the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Sudan / South Sudan and others still requires constant attention and efforts of the Security Council and other relevant stakeholders.
Among all crises, the situation in Syria, due to the overall effect on the country and beyond, unfortunately continues to occupy attention of the highest political public and to take central stage on the UN agenda. We express our deep concern over the continuous deterioration of local conditions, strongly condemning any form of violence, killing of civilians and human rights violations. In particular, we condemn the use of chemical weapons confirmed in the report of the UN inspection team, which UN Secretary General Ban Ki -moon described as a war crime. I hereby call for accountability for crimes committed in Syria and the violation of the international law. The agreement reached between the United States and Russia gives hope that the crisis could be solved in a diplomatic manner through the resolute action of the UN Security Council. We believe that political solution and democratic transition is the only way to stop the tragedy and conflict that gave birth to a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions the entire region has been suffering from.
Syria's case, among others, reminds us of the importance of preventive measures and mediation in maintaining international peace and security. Strengthening the UN capacity to prevent threats before they become a source of conflict is the crucial in dealing with similar situations in the future.
Montenegro supports the promotion of the concept of Accountability for Protection and its further operationalisation, including prevention as its integral part. We are committed to continuing debate about the responsibility of the international community to take action in a timely and decisive manner to prevent mass destruction.
In the context of the situation in the Middle East, we especially express our satisfaction that the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, after years of delays, have been renewed and we welcome the US Secretary of State’s efforts in that regard. Montenegro sees direct talks as the best way to achieve comprehensive and sustainable solutions.
As a responsible and proactive member of the international community, Montenegro is set to assume further responsibility and make a contribution to preserving global peace and security, and respect for universal values, rights and freedoms. Therefore, it has applied for non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council for the period 2026 – 2027.
Mr President,
In addition to providing strong support for further conceptual and structural development of the UN building and peacekeeping capacity, Montenegro recognises the importance of the rule of law and protection of civilians, particularly women and children, and advocates the consistent implementation of the mandate of the UN mission in the field. Condemning all forms of violence, especially sexual violence against women and girls in conflicts, we call on the implementation of the agenda on women, peace and security in the context of Security Council resolution 1325 and related resolutions.
Adoption of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), the first legally binding instrument in this field, will undoubtedly contribute to the global efforts in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation. I have the honour of pointing out that Montenegro, from the very beginning, has strongly supported a comprehensive and powerful text of the arms trade agreement, and that it was among the first 65 countries that have signed it. Aware of the fact that the agreement should entry into force as quickly as possible, we will invest our best efforts in the rapid treaty’s ratification.
Mr President,
Further integration of human rights into all aspects of the UN and the preservation of the universality and effectiveness of the Human Rights Council are the guidelines for Montenegro’s action, in particular in the Human Rights Council. Through active collaboration with the Council, its special procedures and the member countries, we contribute to the timely and efficient consideration of issues of human rights and taking the appropriate response in cases of violation. At the national level, we aspire to strengthen political, social and economic environment that provides all the conditions for free exercise of human rights without discrimination on any ground. Montenegro pays particular attention to strengthening position and role of women in society and the prevention of violence against them, and against all vulnerable groups, especially children, people with disabilities and LGBT persons. We are particularly focused on improving the status of the Roma people, as a country presiding over the Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005 - 2015.
Mr President,
Montenegro remains committed to an effective multilateral system in which the UN plays vital role and supports pragmatically oriented reform initiatives and activities of the organisation. We believe that the reform and reorganisation of the Security Council, a key factor in preserving international peace, is necessary, as well as the revitalisation of the General Assembly and the ECOSOC. Overall reform of the UN, especially of the Security Council, will significantly contribute to strengthening position, relevance and authority of the organisation and bring it into line with modern geopolitical trends and challenges.
Montenegro’s activities in the United Nations are based on boosting multilateral cooperation and respect for the principles and values enshrined in the UN Charter. We recognise the importance of solid and stable good-neighbourly relations and strengthening cooperation in all spheres in order to take visible and effective action at the international scene.
Mr President,
We have been successfully implementing internal reforms necessary for achieving our key foreign policy priorities - EU and NATO accession. After closing two chapters, the pre-accession EU negotiations are entering a new, more demanding phase. A new approach at this stage of the negotiation process is based on reforms in the rule of law, strengthening of legal certainty, protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, which is of particular importance especially for the citizens of Montenegro.
At the same time, we are highly committed to Euro- Atlantic integration and we are dedicated to pursuing reforms in order to be fully prepared for the invitation to join the Alliance. We believe that it would strengthen security in the Balkans, which, partly due to the lack of strong security arrangements, had such a bitter and recent past.
Montenegro was recognised as a stability factor in the region, as evidenced by the constant improvement of political, economic, social and cultural cooperation with its neighbours.
Placing the strengthening of regional cooperation high on his agenda, Montenegro has been taking active participation in regional organisations. We believe that through the recent initiative of the six Western Balkan +2, which modalities are being intensively discussed, we can and should focus activities on specific development projects of common interest, with the aim of faster European integration and improvement of the quality of life of citizens. Having that in mind, we believe that, together with the synergy provided by the European Union, the South East European Cooperation Process and the Regional Cooperation Council, will be able to bring the region closer to our common goal - the EU membership.
Mr President,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The international community, led by the United Nations , with the active participation and determined contribution of all its stakeholders, must continue to get adequate answers and direct activities towards solving increasingly complex issues and challenges we face. The importance of all countries, individually, regardless of the size, is indisputable, and mutual trust and cooperation are a guarantee for building a better world.
I am particularly delighted to welcome Secretary General of the United Nations Mr. Ban Ki –moon and his tireless efforts to build a safer and more prosperous world.
Mr President,
Complexity of the challenges the United Nations is facing nowadays goes beyond the known limits. All of us must take responsibility to make joint efforts in order to provide a coordinated and effective action to address them. It is also our moral, collective and existential obligation towards the generations to come.
Achieving sustainable development, along with the integration of its three dimensions, is the greatest challenge of all. We are encouraged by the fact that the General Assembly, bound by the final Rio document, has successfully grappled with the priority. The establishment of the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts on Financing SDGs and the High-Level Political Forum strengthened the institutional framework for essential work. In that context, the role of the UN and the results made in meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) until 2015, are becoming increasingly important. I am confident that the UN, led by the synergy and pragmatic approach of its members and all stakeholders, will be able to respond to this extremely complex challenge. This approach will contribute to better and safer future for all of us, thus further strengthening the central role of the UN in the global governance system.
Therefore, the eradication of poverty and other unfulfilled MDGs must remain the core of the post 2015 development agenda. Future sustainable development goals need to be defined on the basis of experience and lessons learned through our success or failure in achieving tasks of the Millennium Declaration. Montenegro is committed to maximising the implementation of the MDGs and it becomes closer to its final fulfilment.
Sustainable development goals need to be specific, universal, flexible and coherent and to represent the central part of the global development agenda after 2015. And a clear statement of political commitment to sustainable development, by promoting economic development, social inclusion, sustainable use of natural resources and environmental protection đ, as well as quality control in terms of maintaining peace and security. Montenegro, as a member of the Open Working Group on SDGs, works hard to define them, taking into account national characteristics, capacities and different development priorities.
After three years of strong growth, the global economic and financial crisis hit Montenegro in 2009, which resulted in a drop in investment, bank lending and foreign trade. Patterns of economic growth have changed. Therefore, we have adjusted our economic policy to new conditions. In parallel, the government has adopted a medium-term development plan which was drafted according to the model set out in the 2020 EU strategy. The three pillars of Montenegro’s sustainable development include: "smart growth", "sustainable growth" and "inclusive growth". The national plan will strengthen consistency of structural and institutional reforms with development-oriented measures and public investments.
Aware of the importance of this issue, we have launched an initiative to establish the Centre for Sustainable Development in Montenegro. The centre will become fully operational in early 2014 with a tendency to eventually gain regional character and be part of Rio sustainable development network.
The issue of climate change is also inseparable from defining the development framework for the period after 2015. Montenegro is committed to intensifying efforts to adopt a comprehensive and legally binding agreement until 2015, which would be applicable to all. We invite all the countries, especially the world's leading economies, to enhance activities aimed at mitigating effects of climate change and reaching a global climate agreement. By the same token, we pledge full support for the UN Secretary General’s initiative to organise a conference on climate change in September 2014.
Mr President,
Preservation and promotion of international peace and security is a constant challenge of the United Nations. Some individual hot spots, such as Mali, have seen significant progress and the shift from the state of violence and instability, whereas the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Sudan / South Sudan and others still requires constant attention and efforts of the Security Council and other relevant stakeholders.
Among all crises, the situation in Syria, due to the overall effect on the country and beyond, unfortunately continues to occupy attention of the highest political public and to take central stage on the UN agenda. We express our deep concern over the continuous deterioration of local conditions, strongly condemning any form of violence, killing of civilians and human rights violations. In particular, we condemn the use of chemical weapons confirmed in the report of the UN inspection team, which UN Secretary General Ban Ki -moon described as a war crime. I hereby call for accountability for crimes committed in Syria and the violation of the international law. The agreement reached between the United States and Russia gives hope that the crisis could be solved in a diplomatic manner through the resolute action of the UN Security Council. We believe that political solution and democratic transition is the only way to stop the tragedy and conflict that gave birth to a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions the entire region has been suffering from.
Syria's case, among others, reminds us of the importance of preventive measures and mediation in maintaining international peace and security. Strengthening the UN capacity to prevent threats before they become a source of conflict is the crucial in dealing with similar situations in the future.
Montenegro supports the promotion of the concept of Accountability for Protection and its further operationalisation, including prevention as its integral part. We are committed to continuing debate about the responsibility of the international community to take action in a timely and decisive manner to prevent mass destruction.
In the context of the situation in the Middle East, we especially express our satisfaction that the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, after years of delays, have been renewed and we welcome the US Secretary of State’s efforts in that regard. Montenegro sees direct talks as the best way to achieve comprehensive and sustainable solutions.
As a responsible and proactive member of the international community, Montenegro is set to assume further responsibility and make a contribution to preserving global peace and security, and respect for universal values, rights and freedoms. Therefore, it has applied for non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council for the period 2026 – 2027.
Mr President,
In addition to providing strong support for further conceptual and structural development of the UN building and peacekeeping capacity, Montenegro recognises the importance of the rule of law and protection of civilians, particularly women and children, and advocates the consistent implementation of the mandate of the UN mission in the field. Condemning all forms of violence, especially sexual violence against women and girls in conflicts, we call on the implementation of the agenda on women, peace and security in the context of Security Council resolution 1325 and related resolutions.
Adoption of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), the first legally binding instrument in this field, will undoubtedly contribute to the global efforts in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation. I have the honour of pointing out that Montenegro, from the very beginning, has strongly supported a comprehensive and powerful text of the arms trade agreement, and that it was among the first 65 countries that have signed it. Aware of the fact that the agreement should entry into force as quickly as possible, we will invest our best efforts in the rapid treaty’s ratification.
Mr President,
Further integration of human rights into all aspects of the UN and the preservation of the universality and effectiveness of the Human Rights Council are the guidelines for Montenegro’s action, in particular in the Human Rights Council. Through active collaboration with the Council, its special procedures and the member countries, we contribute to the timely and efficient consideration of issues of human rights and taking the appropriate response in cases of violation. At the national level, we aspire to strengthen political, social and economic environment that provides all the conditions for free exercise of human rights without discrimination on any ground. Montenegro pays particular attention to strengthening position and role of women in society and the prevention of violence against them, and against all vulnerable groups, especially children, people with disabilities and LGBT persons. We are particularly focused on improving the status of the Roma people, as a country presiding over the Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005 - 2015.
Mr President,
Montenegro remains committed to an effective multilateral system in which the UN plays vital role and supports pragmatically oriented reform initiatives and activities of the organisation. We believe that the reform and reorganisation of the Security Council, a key factor in preserving international peace, is necessary, as well as the revitalisation of the General Assembly and the ECOSOC. Overall reform of the UN, especially of the Security Council, will significantly contribute to strengthening position, relevance and authority of the organisation and bring it into line with modern geopolitical trends and challenges.
Montenegro’s activities in the United Nations are based on boosting multilateral cooperation and respect for the principles and values enshrined in the UN Charter. We recognise the importance of solid and stable good-neighbourly relations and strengthening cooperation in all spheres in order to take visible and effective action at the international scene.
Mr President,
We have been successfully implementing internal reforms necessary for achieving our key foreign policy priorities - EU and NATO accession. After closing two chapters, the pre-accession EU negotiations are entering a new, more demanding phase. A new approach at this stage of the negotiation process is based on reforms in the rule of law, strengthening of legal certainty, protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, which is of particular importance especially for the citizens of Montenegro.
At the same time, we are highly committed to Euro- Atlantic integration and we are dedicated to pursuing reforms in order to be fully prepared for the invitation to join the Alliance. We believe that it would strengthen security in the Balkans, which, partly due to the lack of strong security arrangements, had such a bitter and recent past.
Montenegro was recognised as a stability factor in the region, as evidenced by the constant improvement of political, economic, social and cultural cooperation with its neighbours.
Placing the strengthening of regional cooperation high on his agenda, Montenegro has been taking active participation in regional organisations. We believe that through the recent initiative of the six Western Balkan +2, which modalities are being intensively discussed, we can and should focus activities on specific development projects of common interest, with the aim of faster European integration and improvement of the quality of life of citizens. Having that in mind, we believe that, together with the synergy provided by the European Union, the South East European Cooperation Process and the Regional Cooperation Council, will be able to bring the region closer to our common goal - the EU membership.
Mr President,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The international community, led by the United Nations , with the active participation and determined contribution of all its stakeholders, must continue to get adequate answers and direct activities towards solving increasingly complex issues and challenges we face. The importance of all countries, individually, regardless of the size, is indisputable, and mutual trust and cooperation are a guarantee for building a better world.
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