Algeria
H.E. Mr. Abdelaziz Bouteflika, President

…The outcome of the WTO Conference in Doha offers the opportunity to set up a more open and transparent multilateral trade system, which will help increasing the developing countries' share in international trade.

Moreover, I would like to commend the bilateral and multilateral initiatives taken in favor of the developing countries, the LDCs, in particular, and make the wish that such initiatives be followed by other concrete actions, so that international solidarity and sustained efforts towards building a humanized world, free of the germs of instability and violence, become fully momentous.

The changes occurring at unprecedented speed in the world bear to a large extent uncertainties about the future of mankind. To face theses dangers, a clear tendency towards international solidarity has taken shape, not only in combating terrorism, but also in fighting poverty and preserving our environment. The major role of the UN is now obvious as regards the settlement of the problems encountered by all our peoples. In an endangered world, the UN has proved to be irreplaceable as it is the symbol of our common commitment to struggling for mankind's survival.

The UN achievements are impressive, be it for promoting peace and security, economic cooperation, social progress, humanitarian action, or developing international law.

These achievements made despite difficult times and the lack of means are an indication of the system's potentials provided that all Member States fully support its required enhancement.

The efforts aiming at rationalizing the UN activities, improving coordination and coherence of the system's action, give fair promise of greater credibility and efficiency.

Let me pay tribute to the Secretary General's leadership, in this endeavor that will bring about a stronger commitment from the States and boost the Organization's resources.

Strengthening the UN credibility and efficiency also implies adapting its structures so as to better reflect the new aspect of the international society, and adjusting its missions in order to address all the challenges posed to mankind.

The world of the new millennium cannot do without the United Nations. An organization meeting the requirements born of today's far-reaching changes is an indispensable tool in favor of global lasting peace and sustainable development.

Antigua and Barbuda
H.E. Mr. Patrick Albert Lewis, Chairman Of The Delegation

Recently, the envoy of a large country, seeking the support of Antigua and Barbuda for his candidature to a major international committee, praised our twin-island state for its prominence, rationality, and objectivity in international affairs. He went onto state that small states are generally more objective in recognizing which countries ought to have positions on major international bodies. This, he said, is because small states can equate issues without taking into consideration the pressures from large armies, and the necessity to maintain prominence internationally. Consequently, small states view issues from the perspective of how policies affect the entire globe, of how there can be improvements for all people, and of being able to foresee consequences of certain actions.

It was an exchange that sobered and uplifted me for an entire week. Yes, small states can contribute much and have a significant role to play in the United Nations. But we need to be looked at and listened to. We have much to contribute. We will continue to speak out/up, to advocate, to plead and entreat. We urge that we be fully recognized, for we are positive, compassionate and forward-looking.

17 September 2002

As to opening the country to the world, our country will continue to travel the path to be followed to become a part of the concert of nations that exchange goods and services, as it has done uninterruptedly for the last twelve years. Therefore we will continue participating actively in multilateral negotiations within the framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and we will implement new trade policies that, as part of a global state policy, will be aimed at giving the Argentine economy a clearly export profile. it is only through the generation of genuine foreign earnings, resulting from trade exchange, that it will be possible to have sustained economic growth, while making it possible to repay our debts.

Armenia
H.E. Mr. Vartan Oskanian, Minister for Foreign Affairs

As states and governments continue to search for new ways to deal with emergent internal conflicts and increasingly complex interrelationships, Armenia is of the belief that the UN must stand for all the easy-to-orate but difficult-to-deliver principles of economic and political justice and equality among people. Given our uneven history and problematic geography, it is no surprise that Armenia is an advocate of multilateralism and collective security. From the vantage point of a country with our resources and limitations, we realize that peace is not possible without social justice, sustainable development and respect for the rights of all individuals and peoples in the community of nations.

Austria
Her Excellency Dr. Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs

Austria welcomes the statement of President George W. Bush seeking broad international and multilateral support and co-operation with the SC on the issue of how to deal with the threat emanating from regimes that support terror or seek to acquire weapons of mass destruction. Only the Security Council can' provide the legitimacy we need. At the same time it is evident that the Security Council itself has to take responsibility for ensuring full compliance with its resolutions in order to maintain world peace.

Bahamas
H.E. The Honourable Frederick Mitchell, MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Public Service

The Government of The Bahamas believes in good governance at all levels, as a fundamental human right. As an adjunct to that right, we have committed ourselves to deepening our longstanding democratic tradition. General Elections are not the end of the story. The citizen must continue to have a role in the governance of the country. Civil society must be actively encouraged to develop and engage in the affairs of the country. The Bahamas is committed to consulting its people on all matters of national importance. This becomes critical as our country examines its role and fulfils its obligations to other member states on a bilateral and a multilateral level.

Bangladesh
H.E. Mr. Morshed Khan, MP Minister for Foreign Affairs

Terror is totally unconnected to any faith or region. It is a global phenomenon that requires to be tackled by means that are both legitimate and consensual.

These include the promotion of democracy and democratic values, respect for human rights and the rule of law, peaceful resolution of conflicts and peace-building, cooperation of equitable economic development, eradication of poverty, equality of gender, measures aimed at confidence-building, mutual respect among races and peoples, and harmony not clashes between cultures. These are the main pillars on which we must build a world where hope will, reign in place of despair. In the construction of this edifice, the architect must be the, United Nations, which with its charter, principles and objectives, is the greatest institution crafted by human-kind.

Barbados
Her Excellency The Honourable Billie Miller, MP, Deputy Prime Minister And Minister For Foreign Affairs And Foreign Trade

The preamble to the Charter of this Organisation expresses in the simplest yet most eloquent of terms the essential goals of multilateralism. We know its every phrase, and recognise its solemn commitment "to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom", as well as: "to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours", and: "to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security." These goals remain as relevant today, and yet, in many ways, as painfully elusive as they were in 1945.

… In the intervening year we have been forced to re-examine our traditional notions of security and to come to terms with the reality of our growing political and economic interdependence. For no single nation can hope to have all the answers to the complex issues that confront us, and no lasting solutions are possible except through collective effort. If nothing else, the lessons of September 11th have served to reinforce the value of multilateralism.

…The modern threats to international peace and security constrain the capacity for political and economic development and for social progress. All nations share in the responsibility to respond to these threats, but we can only do so successfully through collective strategies, which simultaneously address all aspects of the problem. Diversion of resources and attention from the development agenda to the fight against terrorism cannot produce lasting results. And as Dr. Bruntland warned in 1992, our global village may yet become a global jungle if states adopt unilateral measures to combat global problems.

For Barbados, as for all small states, the doctrine of non-intervention is of paramount importance for our survival. Pre-emptive unilateral action, no matter what the apparent cause, is a precedent which occasions in us the gravest discomfort. It is therefore vital that at this dangerous and uncertain juncture in world affairs we reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism and to the preeminent role of the United Nations in seeking to impose responsible behaviour through diplomacy and dialogue rather than through the use of force.

Botswana
H.E. Mr. Festus Mogae, MP President

Mr. President, we live in a world of diverse cultures and traditions. And yet we are united by our common humanity. There is no alternative to coming together to address the many dangers that threaten humanity. No one country can hope to successfully confront these global challenges on its own, be they under development, poverty and insecurity or the threat to peace.

These are challenges that require global solutions and the participation of all global stakeholders to confront them. It is for these reasons that the United Nations remains an important unifying institution for all of humanity. It is the only institution that can play the important role of fostering partnership, co-operation and multilateralism.

As nations, especially small states, we have high expectations of what multilateral co-operation can do for us, and how it can change for the better the lives and destiny of the peoples of the United Nations. In this regard, we cannot fail to speak about the varied and complex challenges developing countries continue to face, particularly the continent of Africa. Despite consistent efforts in the past to assist Africa, there are still widening disparities in development between the continent and the rest of the world.

Brazil
Dr. Celso Lafer, Minister Of Foreign Relations Of Brazil

I come to this hall as the representative of a country that has faith in the United Nations.

Of a country that views multilateralism as the guiding principle of relations among states. This is a conviction we hold dear at all times, good and bad.

… Our commitment to the United Nations and to multilateralism will not waver "in times of storm and blustery winds"("em tempo de tormenta e vento esquivo"), to quote Camoes, the great poet of the Portuguese language.

… The tangled interests that form a global web of interdependence, can only be managed through authority rooted in multilateral institutions and in respect for international law.

The commitment to negotiated settlements, under the aegis of multilateralism, must be upheld.

Burkina Faso
S.E.M Youssouf Ouedraogo, Ministre D'etat des Affaires Etrangeres et de la Cooperation Regionale

Et l'admission récente de la Suisse à l'Organisation, celle très prochaine de Timor viennent confirmer, s'il en était encore besoin, le rôle irremplaçable des Nations Unies comme instrument de la stabilité internationale.

C'est précisément en raison de cette universalité que le Burkina Faso se sent le devoir d'interpeller la communauté internationale pour qu'elle envisage le retour de la République de Chine au sein de l'Organisation mondiale.

Taiwan a largement fait la preuve de son existence en tant que nation libre et indépendante, démocratique, jouissant de tous les attributs de l'Etat dans le sens du droit international. Elle peut de ce fait apporter une contribution fort utile à l'édification d'un meilleur avenir pour l'humanité.

La crédibilité de l'ONU est aussi à ce prix.

En conclusion, Monsieur le Président, je tiens à rendre hommage au nom de mon pays à Monsieur Kofi Annan pour son leadership incontesté à la tête de l'Organisation ainsi qu'au personnel des Nations Unies pour leur inlassable contribution à la recherche de la paix.

Canada
H.E. The Honourable William Graham, Minister For Foreign Affairs

The principles of multilateralism are best articulated in the Millennium Declaration, which assigns a decisive role to the United Nations Charter-and rightly so, for it is much more than our constitution. Indeed, it is our heart and soul. It reconciles national interests with the highest moral and ethical standards; standards that must govern the actions of each state. For us, the Charter is the key to unlock the door to the world of peace, security and justice that we hope to build….

Multilateralism has definitely proven its worth over the past year. For example, dozens of countries have offered their resources and experience to Afghanistan's new leaders, as members of the coalition against terrorism or of the Afghanistan Support Group. They have also contributed to the various UN programs seeking to establish political stability and representative government.

The G8 Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction, concluded at Kananaskis in June, is another concrete example of our joint commitment to battle terrorism and other threats to peace. Canada, as Chair of the G8, was a strong advocate of this major effort designed to strengthen international security and strategic stability. Canada will continue to work to make this initiative a success.

At all times, Canada is ready to offer its support wherever it is needed, and we encourage the international community to continue to do likewise. We also believe that the multilateral approach is useful in addressing the obvious challenges posed by sustainable development. In this regard, the consensus that emerged from the Monterrey Conference calls on all countries to work hand-in-hand to forge broader partnerships between developed and developing countries….

Part of our shared responsibility to raise the credibility of multilateral institutions is to address their shortcomings, including the United Nations itself. We are greatly encouraged that the Secretary-General and his Deputy Louise Frechette are proposing far-reaching organizational reforms. They can count on Canada's support….

Certainly, there are problems with multilateralism and the institutions we have created, but that should not cause us to doubt the desirability of an effective rules-based system. Our objective should be to address these shortcomings, where we see them, reform what we must, and in the process answer the criticisms of those suspicious of an interdependent world. We will only persuade the skeptics by building better institutions to implement the international rule of law, and to find solutions to our common problems.

Let us embrace cooperation, not division. Let us expand our sovereignty by pooling it. Let us be partners in the larger enterprise of building peace and freedom. No one country can meet all the challenges of our times on its own. Let us have confidence in our common humanity. Let us make the United Nations our principal instrument for peace.

Cape Verde
H.E. Mr. José Maria Pereira Neves, Prime Minister

Thus, today, the question of international security takes on unprecedented importance in the relations between States. And the United Nations is called upon to play a determining role of its assessment and management.

A safer world is a more just world. It is crucial that the United Nations reinforce its intervening and coordination capacity in international cooperation to promote economic and social development as guarantee for a climate of peace and security in the world.

Republique Centrafricaine
Son Excellence Monsieur Agba Otikpo Mezode, Ministre des Affaires Étrangères

le 19 septembre 2002

Les Etats devraient pleinement explorer tous les ressorts qu'offre la coopération multilatérale, dans le cadre des Nations Unies, notamment, pour faire échec à ces menaces qui sont essentiellement de quatre ordres du point de vue de ma délégation.

Chile
Her Excellency Mrs. Soledad Alvear, Minister for Foreign Affairs

The re-evaluation of multilateralism in a globalized world is an imperative. Chile wishes to renew its commitment to this goal.

… Chile, a small nation that looks out unto the world from the south, has developed important links of international solidarity in the most diverse localities. In Latin America, as part of the Inter-American system; in its association with the European Union; and as a member of the Asia - Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). In the choice of open multilateralism, we join in facing the challenge of today, which is to work towards a safer world, towards a world free from fear and poverty. We will encounter obstacles which we must confront with a shared political will. This is the responsibility of all the countries represented here today in this General Assembly.

Let us advance towards global human security. Let us combat terrorism, poverty and misery in the search for a more democratic and more tolerant society. In this challenge, Mr. President, Chile is convinced that multilateralism can and must contribute to overcoming the insecurities currently being experienced in the world. The United Nations provides such a forum to the international community. It is a forum that can and must seek consensual solutions to the inescapable problems now plaguing mankind.

Congo
Son Excellence Monsieur Denis Sassou-Nguesso, President de la Republique du Congo

L'ambition du Congo est d'etre un Etat qui adhbre sans réserve aux príncipes et valeurs universels des droits de 1'homme, de paix, des libertés fondamentales et de bonne gouvernance.

II n'y a aucun doute que cette vision est commune à('ensemble de nos Etats. Elie est le fondement de notre Organisation dont 1'objectif majeur est d'oeuvrer pour la paix et la liberté dans le monde.

Inlassablement et resolument, ('ONU doit oeuvrer chaque jour pour le triomphe de la paix et de la liberté. N'oublions pas. Et du reste, nous n'avons pas de droit d'oublier que ('ONU a été créée pour cpréserver les générations futures du fléau de la guerre)).-Elle a été créée essentiellement pour la paix.

République démocratique du Congo
H.E Joseph Kabila, Major-General Président et Commandeur en Chef des Forces Armées

le 14 Septembre 2002

Les Pères fondateurs de notre organisation universelle, convaincus que seule la résolution pacifique des conflits pouvait rapprocher les Nations, avaient signé la Charte afin qu'aucun conflit armé ne laisse indifférent le reste de l'humanité.

C'est pourquoi, la République Démocratique du Congo qui croit profondément aux valeurs universelles prônées par les Nations Unies, formule le voeu de voir tous les organes de l'Organisation des Nations Unies jouer pleinement leurs rôles pour que les armes se taisent partout où elles sont allumées, en vue de faire de la paix un droit véritablement à la portée de tous.

Croatia
H.E. Mr. Tonino Picula, Minister for Foreign Affairs

The United Nations should continue to keep the development agenda at the forefront of all areas of the UN's substantive agenda. Among all of the multilateral organisations, the UN is the only one with the institutional capability to address and manage the challenges of globalisation. Croatian delegation hopes that the outcome and follow-ups of Monterrey and Johannesburg will keep our commitment on track, in particular with regard to mobilising additional financial resources. We must work together to improve the lives of people in poverty and to reverse the continuing degradation of the global environment. A true global mobilisation of all relevant stakeholders will be necessary to ensure the outcomes of these conferences are transformed into reality.

Cuba
H.E. Mr. Felipe Pérez Roque, Minister for Foreign Affairs

In an unprecedented fashion, it was stated that whoever did not support the war decided upon by a single country would then be on the side of terrorism. It was even announced to the Security Council that such country reserved the right to launch future attacks on its own against other nations.

A unilateral war was then unleashed, whose death toll still unbeknownst to us and whose most tangible consequence is probably the striking blow rendered to the credibility of the United Nations Organization and to multilateralism as a means to cope with the complex challenges currently ahead of us.

What is the outcome today? There are greater feelings of hatred, vengeance and insecurity, not helpful in the fight against terrorism. Dangerous xenophobic and discriminatory tendencies threaten the existence of a plural and democratic world. There has been a step backward in the field of public freedoms and civil rights.

In the meantime, there is a lack of political will by certain powers to rigorously apply, without selectivity and without double standards, the twelve existing international legal instruments on terrorism. In addition, no advances have been made in the definition, so indispensable today, of State terrorism.

Today, when it is more threatened than ever, Cuba strongly defends the need to preserve multilateralism in international relations.

…opposed the war out of ethical considerations and the respect for International Law - signed and ratified the twelve international conventions to combat terrorism, adopted a national law to fight this scourge, has cooperated fully with the work of the committee set up for such purposes Security Council and, at the bilateral level, proposed to the US Administration the implementation of a program to combat terrorism, which was inconceivably rejected by such government.

Cyprus
H.E. Dr. Ioannis Kasoulides, Minister For Foreign Affairs

Cyprus would like to reaffirm its strong devotion to the United Nations and its commitment to the cause of international cooperation and multilateralism, so eloquently advocated and defended in the United Nations Secretary-General's statement to the General Assembly on 12 September, 2002. It is our firm belief that the international community should act in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter and that all UN resolutions should be implemented. Such an approach will not only enhance the credibility of the UN Organization, but will also facilitate the achievement of permanent solutions, based on objectivity, justice and international legality.

… Cyprus attaches great importance to the role of the United Nations in the field of disarmament. It will therefore continue to support international action aimed at strengthening multilateral instruments on disarmament and the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. In this spirit, I wish to inform this august body that the Government of the Republic of Cyprus has recently proceeded, in cooperation with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, with the destruction of a significant number of weapons and has decided unilaterally for the demining of the buffer zone. Moreover, Cyprus is in the final stage of ratifying the Ottawa Convention on Anti-Personnel Mines.

Representing the Government which assumed its function this July, I would like to confirm the continuity of the Czech foreign policy with its emphasis on the Euro-Atlantic dimension but also with a truly global reach and strong involvement in multilateral cooperation. And 1 should also mention that the Government of the Czech Republic has set its active participation in the fight against terrorism and against proliferation of weapons of mass destruction as one of its top priorities.

Czech Republic
H.E. Mr. Jan Kohout, Deputy Minister For Foreign Affairs

Representing the Government which assumed its function this July, I would like to confirm the continuity of the Czech foreign policy with its emphasis on the Euro-Atlantic dimension but also with a truly global reach and strong involvement in multilateral cooperation. And 1 should also mention that the Government of the Czech Republic has set its active participation in the fight against terrorism and against proliferation of weapons of mass destruction as one of its top priorities.

Ecuador
H.E. Mr. Gustavo Noboa Bejarano, President

From us, the poor countries, it is demanded austerity, fiscal discipline, respect to the free trade and market rules and cooperation in the fight against the scourges that affect humanity nowadays, namely terrorism.

In return, developed countries shut their doors in our faces when our goods try to be admitted in their large markets, we are denied the right to claim the presence before our justice courts of fellow nationals who have betrayed public faith in our countries and who are today sheltered in developed countries with suspicious complicity.

Developed countries ask of us more involvement in the fight against terrorism, and in the prohibition of drug trafficking; however, we have not received the resources they have committed to carry out our action plans.

When we hope to negotiate in a serious and creative way with international credit agencies, we are suggested and imposed terms that, if accepted, would dangerously weaken our young and sometimes fragile democracies.

We are asked to be competitive, and when we deliver to the markets the fruits of our toils, millionaire barriers of subsidies are raised that make it impossible for us to have any hope of competing fairly.

The fact is that developed countries still do not understand that our peoples, in their poverty, are deeply perceptive and until today they fail to understand the benefits of a globalization process that threatens to never knock at their doors.

We the presidents of developing countries are severely criticized when at our return from summits and international forums we bring meager results and when the resolve of those that have more to help us is only seen in the arid sheet of a consensual declaration.

I want to be very clear and simple in expressing my thoughts before this forum:

Hypocrisy, inequity, injustice and increased poverty are the main causes that alter peace and create a framework where violence, sectarian extremisms and misunderstandings find fertile ground.

Ethiopia
H.E. Mr. Seyoum Mesfin
Minister for Foreign Affairs

We wish to see the United Nations becoming even a more effective universal organization and a more forceful and faithful custodian of principles of international law. Our hope and dream is that the United Nations will be an even more robust universal organization catering for the legitimate interests of both big and small. We in Ethiopia will continue to contribute our share to the greater nurturing of multilateralism and to making the United Nations an effective custodian of those values.

The Republic Of Fiji
H.E. The Honourable Laisenia Qarase, Prime Minister

In concluding, Mr. President, let me reaffirm that in a world still threatened by conflict and war, the Pacific Islands Forum and the ACP Group stand firmly for peace. We say the best way of securing this and protecting our precious planet is to uphold the multi-literalism represented by the UN and its family of nations. And for peace to endure, the United Nations must continue to ensure that development and opportunities for economic and social progress are spread and shared evenly among all its member States.

At Johannesburg, we all agreed to promote partnerships to assist developing countries in dealing more effectively with the basic needs of their peoples. From our experience with our trade and development partnerships with Australia and New Zealand, and with the European Union, the Pacific Islands and ACP countries commit themselves to working closely with the UN system and other multilateral organizations like the World Trade Organization in promoting similar partnerships with other developed countries.

Finland
H.E. Mr. Erkki Tuomioja, Minister for Foreign Affairs

Action needs true commitment to multilateralism, which must exceed national interests and unilateralism. Multilateralism cannot be exercised á la carte whenever convenient. Global interests require global action.

It is vitally important to underline the need to strengthen the rule of law. When terrorists attack democracy, humanity and justice we should not nor cannot fight it with means that are in conflict with these basic values that the terrorists are attacking. It is time to review frankly the measures taken after September the 11th and to rectify any excesses, which are not acceptable in any society, which is based on freedom and justice

France
H.E. Mr. Dominique De Villepin, Minister For Foreign Affairs

[Regarding Iraq] [t]he necessary measures must be ordered by the international community after an in-depth and transparent examination. Any temptation to engage in unilateral preventive action would be dangerous. We must take care to avoid any suspicion of bias or injustice. This is the only way to ensure that eventual actions to enforce law and restore security do not add to insecurity. That is the best guarantee of being effective.

The Gambia
H.E. Mr. Baboucarr-Blaise Ismaila Jagne, Secretary Of State For Foreign Affairs

Mr. President, we urge all nations, great and small, to work relentlessly towards preserving the ideals for which our organisation was set up. We should all eschew behaviours that undermine the objectives of the United Nations and frustrate its efforts. Multilateralism is the only hope left to mankind for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the maintenance of international peace and security. Let us cherish and nurture it. Multilateralism will thrive only if there is mist and confidence among all the actors. But, a system that repeatedly frustrates and lets down one portion of its membership will malfunction and eventually become ineffective and irrelevant. We must therefore all do more to ensure that such a fate does not befall our Organization.

Some of these Governments - mine included - are getting to the point of exasperation, and have resolved that, unless the evidence being requested of the Security Council is provided, they will refuse to comply with any ban or sanctions imposed on their nationals. We sometimes wonder whether someone out there doesn't have a hidden agenda. As sovereign nations, we demand more transparency before acquiescing to our nationals being punished for wrongdoings we have not been shown they have committed. The United Nations Security Council must not be a bully.

My delegation believes that the General Assembly needs to be strengthened so that it could play an even greater role in our quest for a just and equitable world order. We welcome the moves being made to reform this important organ of the UN in ways that would render it more effective in discharging its mandate. This is particularly true of the UNSC. We in the Gambia will continue to add our voice to the clamour for the Security Council to be reformed in order to make it more democratic and more in tune with the realities of and requirements for global security in the 21st century. The credibility and relevance of the Council now depends on the reforms that we all have been calling for. The developing countries must be allowed a much more effective participation in this powerful organ of the United Nations. Africa should have a minimum of two permanent seats.

Gabon
Son Excellence Monsieur Jean Ping, Ministre D'etat, Ministre des Affaires Étrangères, de la Coopération et de la Francophonie

La marche positive du monde ne peut être assurée que dans un environnement institutionnel marqué du sceau de l'universalité.Les Nations Unies incarnent, à nos yeux, cet environnement où doit se déployer une véritable coopération multilatérale fondée sur la justice, l'égalité, la solidarité et la participation de tous.

Il est toutefois regrettable de constater que la prolifération des cadres institutionnels multilatéraux à travers le monde a pour effet d'affaiblir la force de l'Organisation des Nations Unies.

Plusieurs décisions importantes concernant la coopération et le développement international ont tendance à être prises en dehors du système des Nations Unies dans des cadres, pour ainsi dire, hétérodoxes.

Nous devons donc réaffirmer la primauté des Nations Unies comme le seul et unique forum multilatéral mondial où s'expriment toutes les sensibilités, les opinions, les espoirs, les inquiétudes, les rêves et les espérances de tous les peuples de la terre.

II est évident que pour incarner ce centre planétaire d'échanges et de réflexion, l'Organisation des Nations Unies a besoin de réformes.

Ces réformes que nous avons appelées de tous nos voeux depuis plusieurs années sont inéluctables si nous voulons pérenniser l'existence des Nations Unies dont les membres n'ont cessé d'augmenter depuis sa création en 1945.

En effet, à l'origine, l'Organisation mondiale ne comptait que 51 Etats. Aujourd'hui avec l'admission de la Confédération Suisse et de la République Démocratique du Timor Oriental, elle en a 191.

Les réformes de notre Organisation doivent s'articuler autour de la réaffirmation des buts et principes édictés par la Charte constitutive au premier rang desquels figurent la paix et la sécurité internationales.

Germany
H.E. Mr. Joschka Fischer, Deputy Chancellor and Minister for Foreign Affairs

Cooperative global security will have to measure up to the binding legal framework in which it is embedded. It is imperative for the globalization processes to be flanked by a growing set of international rules because international law and the rule of law constitute the indispensable foundations for peaceful and ordered coexistence.

Germany
H.E. Mr. Joschka Fischer, Deputy Chancellor and Minister for Foreign Affairs

I am convinced that developing such a comprehensive system of global cooperative security will be our central political task for the 21 st century.

This problem can only be solved through multilateralism, that is, if nations work together. Terrorism does not stop at these borders and shaping globalization is a task that governments can no longer tackle alone. Thus the United Nations has a major role to play in developing this security system. It is the most important forum for establishing global rules. No other organization has a comparable legitimacy and credibility. Decisively strengthening its ability to act by continuing the reform course of the Secretary-General is therefore a central focus of German foreign policy.

Grenada
H.E. The Honourable Elvin Nimrod, Minister For Foreign Affairs

September 11th has further exacerbated the inequality between the developing and the developed countries as trading partners in the "free play of market forces." According to Secretary-General Rubens Ricupero of UNCTAD, "The challenge now is to make the multilateral trading system more development friendly."

Guatemala
H. E. Mr. Alfonso Portillo Cabrera, President

We reiterate our solidarity on this occasion, as well as our conviction that the best way to cope with terrorism is within the multilateral framework, and above all here at the United Nations….

Turning now to our agenda for this session, I wish, first of all, to reiterate our full and unconditional support for the United Nations as the highest form of multilateralism. We are persuaded that the Organization will have to play a crucial role in the twenty-first century. We believe that the Millennium Declaration provides an adequate road map to guide our priorities and the steps to be taken to fulfill the goals that have been set.

Guyana
H.E. The Honourable Rudolph Insanally, Minister for Foreign Affairs

Over this Assembly hangs a cloud of uncertainty, indeed of unease about the future of multilateralism and international relations generally. The tragedy of September 11, 2001, which we commemorated just three days ago, has so numbed our minds that we are yet to fully understand its consequences.

It is meet, therefore, that as a family of nations, we should not only remember the disaster but also seek to learn from it how we can best restore to mankind some measure of faith and hope in our common humanity.

Hungary
H.E. Mr. László Kovács, Minister for Foreign Affairs

Hungary is ready to join international efforts to counter this danger, including new political and diplomatic initiatives. The system of multilateral legal norms relating to non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control fails to include regulations on responsible international behavior concerning ballistic missiles. Out of the several propositions emerged recently Hungary lends its utmost support to the negotiations of the International Code of Conduct against the proliferation of ballistic missiles.

India
H.E. Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Prime Minister

A common destiny is at stake. The world needs collective multilateralism. It needs the United Nations - the coming together and working together of all its nations in the

development of a common and collective perspective.

Indonesia
H.E. Mr. Hassan Wirajuda, Minister For Foreign Affairs

In November last year, on this same podium, I asserted that in order to wage an effective struggle against the multiple threats and challenges confronting humankind, we must imbue ourselves with the democratic spirit. Without that spirit, we can only fail.

In the relations and interactions among nations, the democratic spirit is given flesh through the practice of multilateral ism. When a group of nations adopts a set of goals and, each individual member is as responsible as any other for the achievement of these goals-that is multilateral ism. It entails respect for one another's sensitivities and point of view, and therefore requires consultations, the forging of consensus. For the worth of each nation, no matter how small or how poor, is equal to that of any other.

To my mind, the ultimate form of multilateralism is a United Nations with a General Assembly already revitalized, with a Security Council that is truly representative of the UN membership, and a streamlined secretariat that is responsive to the needs and interests of all Member States.

Nowhere is the necessity for multilateralism more glaring than in our response to the scourge of our time: international terrorism. And nowhere else is the role of the United Nations more vital.

… In general, regional organizations strictly adhere to a regime of multilateral ism and at their level many global problems are so much more manageable.

It may therefore be highly advisable to find ways and means of further promoting the natural synergy between the United Nations and regional organizations.

… Thus at the national level, we have committed ourselves to the processes of dialogue, wide participation and accountability, which are all inherent in a democracy, just as we stand for multilateralism in international affairs. We are committed to promote and protect the individual rights of our citizens, just as we have always advocated that every nation, no matter how small or powerless, must have a voice in international affairs.

At the same time, however, we affirm that democracy is not merely the breaking of chains and the enjoyment of rights. Whoever would truly be free must bind himself to the duties and obligations that match and give meaning to his rights. Every individual has responsibilities to the community that nurtures him, just as every nation has responsibilities to the community of humankind including the responsibility to respect the views of all other members of that community. This is the fundamental meaning of multilateralism.

Iran
H.E. Dr. Kamal Kharrazi, Minister for Foreign Affairs

The world of diversity, the world of questioning and critical review of the past, the world of seeking democratic participation and action teaches us that the humane and universal fundamentals of "peace and security", "freedom and independence" and "Justice and fairness" must become the very center of global attention. Without continued attempt and active cooperation to draw our world closer to such fundamentals, we would not succeed in successfully meeting the current global challenges. Without expanding the scope of peace and security, neither freedom nor independence will be achievable; without justice and fairness, neither peace nor security will become accessible; and without freedom and independence, both peace and security will become impossible. It is with such an approach that we will be enabled to work together, think together and to cooperate, in a multilateral framework, to help find answers to international challenges and deal with regional crises.

… Based on the experience of the past, the way out of this abnormal situation is to refocus attention to strengthening international disarmament and arms control instruments through the multilateral negotiation mechanisms. It is only through developing a broader view of international cooperation and respect for the rule of law that progress and success in the field of disarmament and international security issues could be guaranteed.

Iraq
H.E. Mr. Naji Sabri, Minister For Foreign Affairs

I would like at the outset to congratulate you on your election as President of the General Assembly and would like to express my appreciation of the United Nations Secretary General's eloquent statement in the opening of this session which has given good support to multilateralism in international relations and exposed the danger of unilateralist and hegemony. I also wish to congratulate the Swiss Union and East Timor on their membership at the United Nations.

… In looking back, we realize today that our spirit of working together was short-lived and has not extended to all areas. After the terrorist attacks, there was a recognition that international terrorism can only be fought successfully if all States and nations work together. This raised hopes for an era of genuine multilateral ism. However, these hopes vanished quickly and were replaced by unilateralism and confrontation.

… These principles - sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-threat or use of force - contribute to multilateralism and have deterred global conflagration for nearly six decades. These principles must remain inviolate, if we are to meet the daunting challenges that confront us. It is only through multilateral action that we can hope to overcome these challenges. Myanmar strongly believes in the United Nations and the multilateralism it represents as the best guarantee for global peace and security. We therefore share the view of the Secretary-General when he said, "All States have a clear interest, as well as a clear responsibility, to uphold international law and maintain international order."

Ireland
H.E. Mr. Brian Cowen, Minister for Foreign Affairs

We have the methods and the means to peaceably resolve the dangers that threaten us. It should not be beyond our talent and resources to achieve this. But to do so, we need to assert the core values of multilateralism in particular, and its capacity to achieve, for all our people, a better and safer world.

… The United Nations is at the centre of our system of collective security. It is a mirror of our determination and our political will. This is the world body invested by the peoples of the world with unique legitimacy and unique authority. Around the world people look in hope and idealism to the United Nations. We must be worthy of their trust.

I want to fully endorse the Secretary-General's address to this Assembly yesterday. As the Secretary-General said " all States have a clear interest, as well as a clear responsibility, to uphold international law and maintain international order". States must honour their international obligations. Unless we consistently call to account those who defy or flagrantly violate their obligations, our system will be discredited.

The choice we face is stark. Either we stand by and strengthen the international system and the rule of law or we invite anarchy. The great Irish poet W.B. Yeats put it graphically:

"Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world"

That was what the perpetrators of 11 September wanted. Their vicious attack was not just on the innocent people - of many nationalities, including my own - in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania; not just on the United States; but on the very values we cherish and that are the foundation on which this organisation is built.

They will have succeeded if we are provoked into abandoning these values and laws. Ultimately they can only be defeated, and the scourge of international terror ended, if we stand united in defence of our international obligations and the rule of law.

Jamaica
H.E. Mr. Stafford Neil, Chairman Of The Delegation

Forty years ago on this day, September 18, Jamaica joined the family of the United Nations as its 106 member. It was one of the first foreign policy initiatives taken on achieving independence. In taking this step, Jamaica signaled its readiness to assume its obligations as a member of the international community, to contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security and to the promotion of economic and social progress through multilateral cooperation within the UN system. Today, on our fortieth anniversary, Jamaica rearms its faith in the United Nations and proclaims its unwavering commitment to multilateralism.

… One of the important areas of contribution of the United Nations is in the development of international law as a means of promoting universally accepted rules, and creation of a multilateral legal regime to achieve common goals.

The Kyrgyz Republic
H.E. Mr. Askar Akayev, President

The cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and the United Nations has a multilateral character, including the great number of problems that constitute a key interest for our country. On all stages of our development after the proclamation of state independence, we received unwavering support and assistance from the UN and its specialized institutions. Using this opportunity, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for that assistance.

Republic Of Lithuania
He, Mr. Valdas Adamkus, President

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who devoted much time to the planning of this multilateral institution known as the United Nations, once said: "We have learned that we cannot live alone, at peace; that our own well-being is dependent on the well-being of other nations, far away." Thus, the real strength of our power as an international community continues to lie in the power of our resolve to deal with the critical issues.

Luxembourg
S.E. Mme Lydie Polfer, Ministre des Affaires Etrangères et du commerce Extérieur

Comme le relève à juste titre le Secrétaire Général, cette action préventive devrait se faire par le renforcement des ´ capacités de prévention structurelle et opérationnelle à tous les niveaux, tant local que national, tant régional qu'international, et tant bilatéral que multilatéral ª. Une interaction poussée entre tous ces échelons s'impose afin de remplacer la culture de réaction par une véritable culture de prévention. Il n'est certes pas évident d'investir dans des stratégies de prévention des conflits qui ne porteront des fruits que beaucoup plus tard.

Un tel choix requiert une volonté forte d'engagement de tous les acteurs. Quant à elle, l'Organisation universelle, à travers le Conseil de Sécurité et d'autres organes du système onusien, s'attache à cerner les contours d'une éventuelle action internationale en faveur de la prévention, en vue de la rendre plus systématique et plus efficace. Le rôle central de l'ONU et son autorité sont essentielles à cet effet. Il appartiendra à la 57eme session de l'Assemblée générale de se pencher également sur cette question.

Focaliser l'attention sur les destins et sur les drames que vivent les victimes, réagir face au constat que les conflits contemporains font de manière croissante et délibérée des victimes dans la population civile deviendront d'autant plus naturellement des impératifs reconnus que les relations internationales ne subissent plus aujourd'hui le joug des luttes idéologiques de naguère. Pour autant les antagonismes n'ont pas disparu et pourraient même se chercher de nouveaux habits.

The Former Yugoslav Republic Of Macedonia
H.E. Mr. Slobodan Casule, Minister for Foreign Affairs

September 17, 2002

Of no less importance is making progress on the issues of equitable representation and reform of the Security Council. We are looking forward to the deliberations this year within the open-ended working group hoping to produce meaningful progress in making the Security Council more representative and more transparent, while preserving and improving its effectiveness for the maintenance of international peace and stability.

Malaysia
H.E. The Honourable Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Deputy Prime Minister

25. The strength and relevance of this Organisation has never come from affirming the unilateral designs of one member nation but instead rests on the collective will of the international community that emerges from a multilateral process. Engaging the international community means initiating this consensual approach that can address security concerns without destabilizing the region and within the norms of international law.

… 29. In our interdependent world, the need for strengthening the multilateral process is now more urgent than ever before if we are to achieve our common goal of a just and humane international order based on international cooperation and solidarity.

30. The larger membership of this Organisation has a vital stake in ensuring the centrality of the multilateral process as embodied by the United Nations and its specialized and affiliated agencies. Through it, the members of the Organisation can articulate their concerns and exercise their collective will in the protection and promotion of their interests. It is therefore important to ensure that the Organisation and all that it stands for are not set aside on the exigency or expediency of the moment. In this context we are reassured by the Secretary General's emphasis on the imperativeness of the multilateral process.

… 33. The United Nations has a pivotal role in strengthening the multilateral process. It is ironic that at a time of enormous economic, financial and technological resources and capabilities, the world is witnessing a dangerous crisis of confidence in the credibility of multilateralism as a result of certain negative trends in the international system.

34. This challenge must be squarely and urgently addressed and remedial actions taken here at the United Nations and other relevant international forums. It is the expectation of member states of this Organisation that the United Nations will play a crucial and leading role in all these efforts. Herein lies the continued relevance of the United Nations to its member states.

Maldives
H.E. Mr. Fathulla Jameel, Minister For Foreign Affairs

Disarmament and arms control measures should remain a high priority on the international agenda. The international community must unite and act collectively to strengthen and enforce the non-proliferation regimes. The Maldives is party to all major multilateral instruments relating to arms control and disarmament including NPT and CTBT. We call on those countries that are not a party to these instruments to do so as soon as possible. Furthermore, my country believes that the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones and zones of peace in various parts of the world can contribute immensely to the efforts of the international community in this regard.

As well, we should pursue vigorously our efforts and enforce verifiable measures to rid the world from biological and chemical weapons that can cause mass destruction. My country, therefore, believes that bilateral, regional and multilateral approaches must reinforce and complement each other if we are to free the world of these deadly weapons. We also believe that, on global issues, there should be sincere commitment to multilateralism and trust in the multilateral institutions. And, the United Nations must not only be placed at the center of the multilateral processes, but should remain as the principal player responsible for grappling with these important global issues, which has such a great bearing on international peace and security.

Malta
H.E. The Honourable Dr. Joe Borg , Minister for Foreign Affairs

We would do well to remain conscious of the role that international law, based on the multilateral process, plays in the prevention of conflict and the avoidance of threats to international security. That is to say, we would do well to remember the role it plays in upholding the central mandate of the United Nations itself. The role of the instruments of international law, and in particular, ones such as the Convention on the Law of the Sea, should be recognised for the contribution they provide in this regard.

Mexico
H.E. Mr. Jorge Castañeda Gutman, Minister for Foreign Affairs

Mexico appears today before this General Assembly determined to assume an active and purposeful role in building a new world order. This determination to favor dialogue and cooperation with other nations is a reflection of the democratic change that has taken place in my country in an environment of social harmony, unrestricted; freedoms, economic stability and the strengthening of the rule of law. This process has also given Mexico a new sense of confidence regarding its ability to contribute to the goals of the international community.

… The adherence of the Mexican government and Mexican society to human rights and democracy has two mutually complementary aspects: on the one hand, it implies strengthening democratic practices and institutions throughout the country, along with the observance of human rights, and to this end we are reaffirming the effectiveness of the rule of law. On the other hand, it compels us to undertake a more vigorous activism in international forums, so that we can encourage full respect for human rights and democracy throughout the world. This course of action will enable us to more firmly consolidate human rights and democracy in Mexico, so that the democratic change we have experienced becomes irreversible.

I come before you today to state that my country has returned with renewed energy to the international scene. The Mexican government has moved from defensive aloofness to constructive dialogue; from limited international legitimacy to the exercise of diplomacy based on democratic principles and unrestricted respect for human rights.

The kind of world we want to create and the actions we are willing to take -and to refrain from taking- in order to achieve it are questions that we cannot avoid at this critical moment of international redefinition. Mexico reaffirms its conviction that action based on principles and agreements must take precedence over the temptation to take unilateral responses; that universal standards must prevail over short-term interests. Our international activism and, in particular, our commitment to human rights and democracy express the belief of the Mexican nation in the essential equality of all human beings and in the duties that this implies for all our peoples and our governments.

Micronesia (Federated States Of)
H.E. Mr. Leo Falcam, President

By now it should be clear to those who carried out the despicable acts of last September that, rather than crippling the institutions of freedom and democracy, they only strengthened the resolve of all civilized nations to defend these principles. The new spirit of global cooperation that has emerged as a result of these tragic events will no doubt lead to a better world for us all.

Moldova
H.E. Mr. Ion Botnaru, Chairman of The Delegation

The considerable changes that occurred recently on the international arena have highlighted the overwhelming role, which has to be played by the UN in order to consolidate democratic values and institutions, to assure the peace and stability. My delegation fully supports the efforts made by the Secretary-General Kofi Annan toward reforming the Organization. Some steps have been taken to revitalize the work of the General Assembly. The reform of the Security Council will make it more equitable and consistent with the expansion of the international community and will better reflect new realities. We support the expansion of permanent and non-permanent members, so as to let those member states, wishing and being able, to better contribute to the maintenance of international peace and stability.

Mongolia
H.E. Mr. Luvsan Erdenechuluun, Minister For Foreign Affairs

Yet, much still remains to be done to sustain the progress achieved, to honor commitments made and to redress setbacks to international peace and security in today's volatile environment. The tragic events of 9/11 have shown that there is a need for a fundamental change in our perception of security. More weapons, allocation of more resources to military do not necessarily translate into increased security. Security can no longer be confined to boundaries of a single State, or even a group of States. This indivisibility of global security puts multilateralism as an order of the day. To paraphrase the Secretary-General - let us all recognize that today global security is our national security. Let us also recognize that ensuring the security of a human person must be at the heart of our concern. The concept of human security is increasingly making a case for itself.

Namibia
H.E. Mr. Hidipo Hamutenya, Minister For Foreign Affairs

This concern has, however, been somewhat eased when the focus shifted away from the temptation of unilateral military action towards multilateralism that is so vital for the maintenance of world peace and security. In this regard, Namibia welcomes the decision by Iraq to co-operate with the United Nations Security Council.

… In the face of growing unilateralism, the revitalization of the General Assembly, which is the collective decision-making body, is becoming even more important than ever before. In the same vein, Namibia reaffirms its position on the need to reform and democratize the United Nations Security Council in order to ensure that the Council remains responsible to the peace and security of all countries in all regions.

From this very rostrum, it has been said, time and again, that, if the United Nations did not exist, it would have to be created. These are not empty words. Rather, they are deep aspirations and commitment of humanity to the Organisation, which has stood the test of time and proven indispensable to the conduct of relations amongst states. Let us not allow multilateralism to be eroded.

Republic Of Nauru
H.E. Rene R. Harris, MP President & Minister Of Foreign Affairs

While a compelling case for further action in the Middle East and in Iraq in particular has been made, we nevertheless believe that for any action to be successful it must be done through and by the Security Council, and with multilateral support.

New Zealand
H.E. The Honourable Phil Goff, Minister for Foreign Affairs And Trade

Today in the second year of the new millennium the need to act multilaterally is greater than ever before.

…The promotion of human rights is another area where multilateral action by the international community is essential.

… It is essential that we renew our commitment to multilateralism as the best way to address global problems.

Nicaragua
H.E. Mr. Norman José Caldera Cardenal , Minister for Foreign Affairs

Today I come before this General Assembly on behalf of an entire people to reaffirm, with deeds, Nicaragua's commitment to governance, transparency, and accountability and to the principles of the rule of law….

The case of Iraq is a challenge and a test for the entire multilateral system we have been constructing. It is up to us either to help strengthen it or help weaken and fracture it.

While it is true that we are all in favour of multilateral action, it is also undeniable that inertia and inaction undermine confidence in our collective will. The multilateral system must demonstrate its dynamism, and its very raison d’etre, by taking joint, concerted and timely action to resolve conflicts.

We want a system capable of reacting with specific, timely and effective measures to the dangers that threaten international peace and security, a system that is not overtaken by circumstances.

Norway
H. E. Mr. Kjell-Magne Bondevik, Prime Minister

[W]e must strengthen our common efforts to maintain peace and security. A multilateral approach to global challenges, requires relevant and effective institutions. Effective multilateralism calls for a strong United Nations and effective regional organizations.

Norway stands fully behind efforts to strengthen the UN.

…The multilateral system of cooperation can only be as strong and assertive as governments want it to be. We have a common responsibility to make it strong. We cannot think collectively, and then act alone - nor can we think in isolation and expect to act effectively together.

Oman
H.E. Mr. Yousef Bin Alawi Bin Abdullah, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs

Stemming from my countries firm position of condemning terrorism in all its forms, and in compliance with the goals of the United Nations of maintaining international peace and security, my country ensures its support toward the international efforts in fighting terrorism, and its commitment toward the relevant international resolutions, including Security Council resolution 1373, and all relevant Islamic, Arab and International treaties and agreements which my country acceded to. My government expresses its readiness to cooperate with the United Nations in fighting international terrorism in accordance with principles of international law and the undisputed right of national sovereignty. Taking into account the necessity of the importance of distinguishing between terrorism and legal resistance against occupation, we will work continuously to achieve principles of Justice and fairness. In this regard, the Sultanate of Oman supports the call for the convening of an international conference on terrorism under the auspices of the United Nations in order to find a clear international definition for terrorism and put a mechanism in place to address this issue and uproot it.

My country deeply believes that the accession of States to treaties and conventions on disarmament and their commitment will strengthen and maintain peace and security on a regional and international level; consequently the name of the Sultanate of Oman in the record as a state party to these treaties is and still remains a fact. From this principle we call upon the necessity to taking practical measures to make the Middle East a region free from all weapons of mass destruction; and in this context, request Israel to join all relevant treaties, starting with the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) and to subject its nuclear establishments to inspection, in accordance with the liabilities system of the International Nuclear Energy Agency, this matter will create a positive climate and put an end to armament in the region.

My government expresses its readiness to cooperate with the United Nations in fighting international terrorism in accordance with principles of international law and the undisputed right of national sovereignty.

Palau
Her Excellency The Honourable Sandra Pierantozzi, Vice-President And Minister Of Health

The bottom line is this: the potential for catastrophic harm is so great that we cannot wait for the next attack. In this regard, Palau fully supports the United States in its resolve to preempt further attacks and loss of life. The very laudable ideal of multilateral, consensus-driven action is good but it cannot justify and will not excuse the loss of human lives and the degradation of human life which will result from giving those who rely on or sponsor terror the opportunity to strike first, either directly or by proxy. Palau therefore calls upon the members of the U.N. to once come together in their commitment to forestall future tragedies.

Peru
H.E. Alejandro Toledro

My government will continue to accompany every effort that the international community undertakes to confront, always within the framework of international law, democracy and respect for human rights, the cruel and irrational ravages of international terrorism.

My government will continue to accompany every effort that the international community undertakes to confront, always within the framework of international law, democracy and respect for human rights, the cruel and irrational ravages of international terrorism.

Philippines
H.E. Mr. Blas Ople, Secretary for Foreign Affairs

Mr. President, durable peace and progress with freedom can only be achieved through

international partnerships and a renewed faith in our United Nations that should guarantee the meaningful participation by developing countries in global decision -making. The challenges of the world today- potential and actual conflict, terrorism violence, environmental degradation, organized crime, contagious diseases-recognize no boundaries and affect all.

Poland
H.E. Mr. Wlodzimierz Cimoszewicz, Minister For Foreign Affairs

On top of that, the existing UN principles must be expanded or new ones developed for the Organization to pursue its actions in the following three dimensions, namely:

1. manifestations of multilateralism in UN work (reconciling broad representation and necessary collectivism with effectiveness);

Romania
H.E. Mr. Mircea Geoana, Minister for Foreign Affairs

The positive developments in South East Europe show what can be achieved when the international community takes action in a coherent and coordinated way. The United Nations and its international partners, notably the European Union, OSCE and NATO, have worked tirelessly to help to reconstitute societies based on the rule of law and ethnic tolerance. But the process is not yet complete. It is vital that this decisive electoral autumn shows beyond doubt that modern democracy has taken root.

Cooperative global security will have to measure up to the binding legal framework in which it is embedded. It is imperative for the globalization processes to be flanked by a growing set of international rules because international law and the rule of law constitute the indispensable foundations for peaceful and ordered coexistence.

Saint Lucia
H.E. The Honourable Julian Robert Hunte, Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Civil Aviation

Saint Lucia challenges the United Nations system to raise its universal voice in concert with the discordant coalition opposing any unilateral determination of the fate of the planet's natural resources and the billions of poor people depending on them for survival….

As a vulnerable Small Island Developing State, Saint Lucia is among those countries which require the support and protection of the United Nations system and, most of all, the safety of a strong, democratic and fair multilateral system. We appreciate the support received from this institution and from friendly countries as we seek to advance our country's development. We also re-affirm our commitment to work with all member states to ensure peace and development for all peoples.

Saint Vincent And The Grenadines
H.E. The Honourable Louis Straker, Deputy Prime Minister And Minister For Foreign Affairs, Commerce And Trade

Let me first of all pay respect to this organisation, the United Nations, and to our distinguished Secretary General Mr. Kofi Annan. Since the onslaught of the terrorists' attacks in September last year, the world has been focused once again, on the unique role of the United Nations as never before, as the Nations came together to fight the scourge of terrorism. Just last week, President Bush used his address at this forum to invoke the special and unique assistance of the United Nations to deal with the problems of Iraq. The world breathed a sigh of relief with the welcomed Iraqi decision to readmit the UN Weapons Inspectors, without conditions, into Iraq. We hope that this decision will be efficacious in resolving this problem which could be fraught with unforeseen consequences for the whole world. In general, we support the collective judgement of the United Nations rather than any rash unilateral action by any one or two member States.

Samoa
H.E. The Honourable Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs

Our annual gatherings in this great hall serve well to reaffirm our commitment to the purposes of the United Nations. Commitment to uphold the principles of Charter. To assert fundamental human rights and freedoms, as we seek to improve social and economic conditions. To act

together in sovereignty in the maintenance of international peace and security.

The lessons of history require that Nations be united in common effort. There is no other way. Not today, in this inter-dependent, ever globalising world.

Certainly, from the perspective of the very small, there is no other way. Indeed, we cannot see how any one country, no matter its size and power, can completely fend for itself.

War and conflict divide Nations. They rage in too many places. Global forces operate to degrade the environment and spread misery through poverty and disease. And through the illicit trade in arms, drugs and people. The entire world community is now seriously challenged by the terrible scourge of HIV/AIDS and terrorism.

Only through cooperation and multilateral action can we hope to respond. To take counter measures. To find solutions. To give protection to all.

Sao Tome And Principe
H.E. Mr. Fradique Bandeira Melo De Menezes, President

We turn to the United Nations for leadership. We look to the people in this great assembly hall to speak and to act for civilization, for freedom and for justice. An American politician, Hubert-Humphrey, said it best: "The heroes of the world community are not those who withdraw when difficulties ensue, not those who can envision neither the prospect of success nor the consequence of Failure - but those who stand the beat of battle, the fight for world peace through the United Nations".

Sierra Leone
H.E. Alhaji Ahmad Tejan Kabba, President

The current state of peace and security in Sierra Leone and the rest of the Mano Union sub-region is obviously a matter of constant concern to us. However, as a member of the global community we are also seriously concerned about impediments to international cooperation for economic and social development; about threats to international peace and security, including the nuclear arms race and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations; and about the rights of such vulnerable population groups as children and people with disabilities. All these often require appropriate multilateral agreements or arrangements to ensure that they are effectively addressed.

Never since the end of the Second World War has multilateralism become such a necessary means of resolving international disputes and addressing issues related to the well-being of peoples everywhere. Sierra Leone therefore attaches the utmost importance to the strengthening of multilateral cooperation as reflected by such conferences as the Financing for Development, and Sustainable Development. These provide effective platforms for articulating the interests of all states, and for devising common strategies to collectively address problems that would otherwise overwhelm the capacities of individual countries or regions.

It is therefore self-evident that we must continue to pursue the multilateral approach must continue to pursue a multilateral approach to these and other international issues. The consequences of diminishing or bypassing the multilateral approach in matters that affect the lives of millions of people worldwide could, I should emphasize, be disastrous for us all.

Two years ago in the Millennium Declaration, Heads of State and Government, in the spirit of interdependence, made a commitment to work together in achieving specific goals in areas such as of peace, security and disarmament, human rights, good governance and poverty eradication. These goals are all underpinned by a strong belief in the principles of multilateral cooperation.

Specifically, those commitments by the world leaders, in the Millennium Declaration, to meet the special needs of Africa, are of special significance to us. This is not only because Africa has the largest number of countries classified as least developed, and where almost half of its population lives in abject poverty. It is also because we have all benefited and stand to benefit from the resources of each other. In spite of its current level of overall development Africa has a lot to offer to the rest of the world. Of course we Africans realize our responsibility, first and foremost, to develop and implement strategies for improving the quality of live of our people, and also for strengthening our capacity to contribute more effectively to the economies of our partners in the developed world.

In effect this is what the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) is all about -partnership among African countries, partnership with the rest of the world, and progress for all mankind. It is in this context that the conclusions reached at the highlevel meeting of this Assembly earlier this week on ways and means of supporting NEPAD, assume supreme importance for my county.

Mr. President,

In a similar vein, Sierra Leone also welcomes the commitment of the eight major industrialized countries (the G8) at their recent meeting in Canada, to provide strong support to NEPAD, and to establish enhanced partnerships with African countries whose performance reflects the NEPAD commitments.

Slovakia H.E. Mr. Eduard Kukan, Minister For Foreign Affairs

We effectively participate in regional and global efforts in the field of disarmament and international security. The increased threat of international terrorism today gives rise to the questions of the relationship between terrorism and disarmament as well as the contributions that multilateral treaties and institutions in this field can make. We must make greater progress in achieving disarmament and non-proliferation goals, strengthen the verification and implementation mechanisms and thereby contribute to the creation of a safer world in which terrorism cannot breed and flourish. We will continue to work cooperatively and constructively in the pursuance of disarmament and arms limitation goals.

Republic Of South Africa
H.E. T. M. Mbeki, President

Again, this we will do together, under the leadership of the United Nations while we continue to strengthen the multilateral system of global governance, as the only viable international response to all our challenges.

Spain
Her Excellency Mrs. Ana Palacio, Minister for Foreign Affairs

The world has changed since we last met in this General Assembly a year ago. The twenty-first century commenced on 11 September 2001 and our great collective challenge is to ensure the pre-eminence of International Law in international relations. The United Nations is the natural forum for this legal culture and legitimacy.

In this context, and with this ambition, as mentioned by the Secretary-General when he referred to the lofty goals of peace, the rule of law and the preservation of the international order, it is for me an honor to address this General Assembly on behalf of Spain, a candidate to a nonpermanent seat in the Security Council. Should we be elected, we are determined to devote all our efforts and our capacity to fulfill this great responsibility.

Sweden
Her Excellency Ms. Anna Lindh, Minister For Foreign Affairs

The struggle against terrorism proves it once again: That multilateral action and a global response are the only sustainable means to meet common challenges.

… International as well as national security depends on strong multilateral frameworks. This is no less true in the field of disarmament. There our task is to implement and reinforce the important international conventions banning or regulating weapons of mass destruction.

Switzerland
H.E. Mr. Joseph Deiss, Federal Counsellor and Minister for Foreign Affairs

Today, we see security problems from a broader angle, that of human security. Men, women and children must be able to live in this world without fear of death, starvation and despotism. In particular, we must protect vulnerable individuals and groups. Switzerland will continue its efforts in favour of human security. This includes stopping the recruitment of child soldiers, eliminating anti-personnel mines, and stopping the proliferation of small arms.

In this context, I welcome the Secretary-General’s appeal to make full use of multilateral institutions. This is especially valid for the maintenance of international peace and security. There is only one source of legitimacy for the use of force : the United Nations.

Syria
H.E. Mr. Farouk Al-Shara', Deputy Prime Minister And Minister For Foreign Affairs

This session of the General Assembly is being convened after a year of September attacks, which left its impact on the current international situation and the repercussions, of which here and there, had left many dangerous issues without satisfactory solutions and many questions with no adequate answers. The state of confusion, ambiguity and tension that prevails on the international scene today is essentially the result of what most people in the world sense of losing their compass as a result of what is being witnessed of an increasing tendency towards practices that are characterised by unilateralism and an appetite for hegemony the monopoly over the fortunes of others.

Tajikistan
H.E. Mr. Talbak Nazarov
Minister for Foreign Affairs

As for the reform of the United Nations, we are firmly convinced that it should be focused on improving the efficiency of special UN institutions and on the implementation of development projects. We think it important that the UN reconsider the allocation of its resources, that it stop implementing programs and projects of low effectiveness and instead commit the freed funds to new priorities.

Neither global challenges nor most urgent regional issues can be successfully dealt with unless the whole UN system is strengthened and its core role in international affairs is reinforced. To achieve this in practice one has to support the Secretary-General in his efforts to reform the UN internal system and to recruit personnel with high professional skills.

Thailand
H.E. Mr. Surakiart Sathirathai, Minister for Foreign Affairs

One year on, as we hold ourselves in remembrance of the horrendous event of 9/11 terrorist attacks, we share the grief and painful awareness of the extent of this heinous crime on global security and stability. One year on, we are still witnessing developments of conflicts, threats of terrorism and challenges of how to deal with errant members of the international community. Indeed, the post 9/11 world has to rely a lot more on the role of the multilateral mechanism to promote peace, security and prosperity in the international community. More than ever before, today's terrorism continues to be a threat to human security and global economic stability.

As rightly put by the Secretary-General, this tragic incident and its repercussions required a broad, sustained, and global response. Thailand fully endorses his call for the international community to use multilateral institutions effectively to respond to the global scourge of terrorism. In condemning terrorism, Thailand, on the one hand, supports all United Nations actions against terrorism. On the other hand, the Thai Government is determined to push ahead with the steps needed in terms of domestic legislation and regulations to enable Thailand to become Party to all international conventions relating to terrorism…

… The uncontrolled spread of small arms and light weapons and the proliferation of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction are growing threats to world peace and security. The mandatory role of the United Nations to maintain international peace and security must gain support from every member of the community.

To prevent proliferation of these weapons of mass destruction and pave way for their reduction and eventual elimination, the multilateral security system must be effectively complied with. In this regard, we urge Iraq that it has the responsibility to comply with the relevant Security Council resolutions unconditionally and unreservedly. At the same time, we are just as convinced that diplomatic efforts through the UN framework is the most effective and desirable means to reach the best solution to prevent the escalation of this crisis. Therefore, while we view as a positive development the letter to the Secretary-General yesterday undertaking to allow UN inspectors back to Iraq, we