General Assembly Session 61 meeting 84

The President

Before proceeding to the items on our agenda, it is my sad duty to pay tribute to the memory of the late Saparmurat Ataevich Niyazov, President of Turkmenistan, who passed away on Thursday, 21 December 2006.

On behalf of the General Assembly, I request the representative of Turkmenistan to convey our condolences to the Government and the people of Turkmenistan and to the bereaved family of His Excellency Saparmurat Niyazov.

May I now invite representatives to stand and observe a minute of silence in tribute to the memory of His Excellency Saparmurat Niyazov.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of Niger, who will speak on behalf of the Group of African States.

Mr. Abani (Niger)

On behalf of the Group of African States, I would like to extend to the Government and the people of Turkmenistan, as well as to the bereaved family of the deceased, our deepest condolences on the demise on 21 December 2006 of His Excellency President Saparmurat Niyazov. May his soul rest in peace.

At this difficult moment, the African Group would like to convey its sympathy and solidarity to the brotherly people of Turkmenistan. This is also the place and the time to pay a well-deserved tribute to President Saparmurat Niyazov for his outstanding work throughout his entire presidency on behalf of his country and international peace and security. The people of Turkmenistan will long remember him as an exceptional leader who supported national unity and who, through his tireless efforts, greatly contributed to their well-being and development.

The African Group earnestly hopes that the people of Turkmenistan can overcome this great loss and continue to pursue development in peace and stability. For its part, Africa remains prepared to continue and strengthen the cooperation and friendly relations it has initiated with Turkmenistan.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of Malaysia, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Asian States.

Mr. Zainuddin (Malaysia)

On behalf of the Group of Asian States, I wish to extend our deep respect to the Government and the people of Turkmenistan on the sad occasion of the passing of His Excellency Mr. Saparmurat Niyazov, President of Turkmenistan.

The late President Niyazov will be remembered by his people for his leadership in making Turkmenistan a proud sovereign nation that is able to stand on its own among independent and sovereign nations today, including in the General Assembly. He brought about change to the lives of his beloved people and country. He was a man of vision -- a vision of a prosperous and progressive Turkmenistan.

It is with profound sadness that I convey the sincere condolences of the members of the Asian Group to the Government and the people of Turkmenistan and to the bereaved family members of the late President Saparmurat Niyazov on his passing. We pray that they find strength in this period of bereavement.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of Croatia, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Eastern European States.

Mr. Muharemi (Croatia)

I stand here on behalf of the Group of Eastern European States to express our sincere condolences to the citizens, the people and the Government of Turkmenistan on the passing away of their President, His Excellency Mr. Saparmurat Niyazov, who was also known as Turkmenbashi.

The late President Niyazov will be remembered as the first President of independent Turkmenistan, since 1991, and as the well known leader of Turkmenistan for more than 20 years. The Group of Eastern European States hopes that the leaders and the people of Turkmenistan will manage to hold peaceful and democratic elections for the new leadership following Mr. Niyazov's sad passing. We also hope that the new leadership will act to promote cooperation with the countries of the Central Asian region and the world as a whole.

All our thoughts remain with the people of Turkmenistan at this sad time.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of Grenada, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States.

Ms. Rouse (Grenada)

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the States members of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States, and to join previous speakers in extending condolences to the Government and the people of Turkmenistan on the sudden demise of His Excellency President Saparmurat Niyazov. We would also like to take this opportunity to extend condolences to the bereaved family of the late President during this time of loss.

The late President will be remembered for leading his country to independence and for promoting and maintaining traditional Turkmen culture. Since joining the United Nations, in 1992, under President's Niyazov's leadership Turkmenistan has contributed to the work of the United Nations, in particular to the peace processes in Tajikistan and Afghanistan.

The Group of Latin American and Caribbean States expresses its wish for a smooth transition of power and for the continued growth and prosperity of the country.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of Malta, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Western European and other States.

Mr. Camilleri (Malta)

I should like, on behalf of the Group of Western European and other States, to convey our condolences to the Government and the people of Turkmenistan on the death of their President, Mr. Saparmurat Niyazov. Our condolences go also to the members of his family grieving at his loss.

Mr. Niyazov had been the President of Turkmenistan since it gained independence, on 27 October 1991. Starting from humble beginnings and orphaned at an early age, Mr. Niyazov moved forcefully forward towards the leadership of his country, both before and following independence in 1991.

The people of Turkmenistan have a long history, a proud culture and great economic potential. In recent years Turkmenistan has sought to play a role in the promotion of stability in its region of Central Asia, including through its policy of permanent neutrality. It is an active member of the international community in such key institutions as the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. As the Secretary-General has recalled, Turkmenistan has made important contributions to the United Nations peace processes in Tajikistan and Afghanistan.

We hope that, once their period of mourning is over, the people of Turkmenistan will find renewed opportunities to pursue their road to development in freedom, peace and the rule of law, thereby contributing also to the further promotion of security and stability in their region and beyond.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of the United States, who will speak on behalf of the host country.

Mr. Melrose (United States)

The United States extends its condolences to the family of the late President and to the people of Turkmenistan on their loss. We look forward to continuing our relations with Turkmenistan, to build a stable, democratic and prosperous future that provides justice and opportunity for the people of Turkmenistan.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of Kazakhstan, who will speak on behalf of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Mr. Kazykhanov (Kazakhstan)

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to honour the memory of Saparmurat Niyazov, President of Turkmenistan, who, to our deep grief, passed away on 21 December 2006. Mr. Niyazov will remain in our memory as an eminent political leader and statesman, and as a man with unwavering vital energy and tireless optimism.

President Niyazov played a key role in establishing and strengthening the statehood of an independent Turkmenistan and in developing the country's economic potential. His policy of neutrality helped to determine Turkmenistan's place in the contemporary system of international relations and his country's involvement in international economic relations, as well as in establishing multilateral cooperation based on the principles of mutual security and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Turkmenistan and the States of CIS are linked by a common history and cultures, as well as by political and economic interests. Developing relations of friendship, peace and mutually beneficial cooperation is in the vital interests of the peoples of our States and benefits the cause of peace and security.

On behalf of the members of the Commonwealth of Independent States, I would like to express our sincere condolences to the people and the Government of Turkmenistan and to the family and friends of President Saparmurat Niyazov.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of Ukraine, who will speak on behalf of the Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Moldova group.

Ms. Martina (Ukraine)

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the States members of the Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Moldova group (GUAM).

The GUAM States would like to express their deepest condolences at the death of the President of Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Ataevich Niyazov. We pay tribute to a leader whose role in the development of Turkmenistan was a historic one. A statesman of outstanding personality, he was our countries' good friend. It is our strong belief that the ancient wisdom of the people of Turkmenistan will help that brotherly nation to overcome this loss with dignity, thereby paving the way to democracy and remaining a stable and reliable partner to many countries.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of Turkmenistan.

Mrs. Ataeva (Turkmenistan)

First of all, on behalf of the Government and the people of Turkmenistan, I would like to express our deep appreciation to the Chairpersons of the regional groups, Permanent Representatives of United Nations Member States and heads of missions of international organizations to the United Nations for the words of condolence they have addressed to the people of Turkmenistan and to my country's Government at this difficult time. We deeply appreciate the support and solidarity of the international community. I am grateful to everyone gathered today in this Hall to share our grief and pain.

The people of Turkmenistan have suffered a great loss. On 21 December at 1.10 a.m., cardiac arrest quickly resulted in the death of Saparmurat Niyazov, President of Turkmenistan. Mr. Niyazov was the leader of Turkmenistan for 21 years. Our people's new era -- one of reborn statehood -- is inextricably associated with our leader. A true leader, President Niyazov was able to carry out our ancestors age-old dream of establishing a united and independent State.

In heading the country and determining the true role of the Turkmen people in world history, President Niyazov ensured that the entire world knew of the heroism of our ancestors and the contribution of the people of Turkmenistan to the development of world civilization. The glorious years during which Mr. Niyazov led our country confirmed his gift of vision and skill in determining true priorities, his uncommon abilities in leading a State and people and his talent as a diplomat and wise and humane person.

Once Turkmenistan achieved independence, Mr. Niyazov developed the major principles upon which to build our State. The thoughtful and consistent domestic and foreign policy of Saparmurat Niyazov ensured that we would have the major conditions and opportunities for the successful development of an independent State. The goals he set epitomized the interests of the people. Our major accomplishments were in keeping with the spirit of the people, and were heartily embraced by every citizen of Turkmenistan. Mr. Niyazov restored and successfully developed the nearly moribund spiritual and cultural life of our people, of which we are so proud: its glorious history, its priceless literary heritage, its ancient mother tongue and its illustrious ceremonies and traditions.

Mr. Niyazov was equally respectful of the representatives of all nations and peoples living in Turkmenistan. He affirmed in the country the principles of unity, solidarity and mutual trust. He raised human dignity in Turkmenistan to a high level and was a major treasure of our society.

Under his leadership, we accomplished a tremendous amount with regard to our economy and raised the standard of living of our people. As a result of Turkmenistan's peaceful relations with States throughout the world, we were able to gain a place of authority in the international arena. Through the initiative and leadership of President Niyazov, Turkmenistan declared and carried out a foreign policy of permanent neutrality, which was recognized by the international community through the adoption of General Assembly resolution 50/80 A on 12 December 1995.

President Niyazov made an outstanding contribution to the achievement and strengthening of peace, security and stability in the Central Asian region. Through his initiative, and in close cooperation with the United Nations, several rounds of negotiations were held in Turkmenistan in 1995 and 1996 that made it possible to reach a peace settlement to the civil conflict in Tajikistan. President Niyazov made a tremendous personal contribution in organizing and carrying out in Turkmenistan, under the auspices of the United Nations, direct talks between the warring parties to the conflict in Afghanistan. Subsequently, through his decision, Turkmenistan made available its territory and infrastructure, as well as the necessary technical and logistical support, for the transport of international humanitarian cargo to the Afghan people. That continues today.

At this difficult time, the people of Turkmenistan, being committed to the principles of Turkmen national statehood established by President Niyazov as the foundation of an independent State, will continue to follow the political course of our leader. Our country's domestic and foreign policy will remain intact, based on the principles of peace, humanism and justice. Turkmenistan will also continue to follow its policy of neutrality based on good-neighbourly relations, mutual respect, equality and mutually beneficial cooperation with all State around the world, while at the same time fully meeting its obligations under the Charter of the United Nations through bilateral and multilateral agreements, treaties and conventions to which we are a party.

The Turkmen people's faith in and love for President Niyazov is limitless and unchanging. The people of Turkmenistan wholeheartedly live by the vows of our leader. We will be dedicated to him and to what he has done as a great man. We shall continue what he has begun.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of Qatar to introduce draft resolution A/61/L.51.

Mr. Al-Sulaiti (Qatar)

I have the honour to report to the General Assembly on the successful outcome of the Sixth International Conference of New or Restored Democracies, which was organized by the Government of the State of Qatar from 29 October to 1 November 2006, in cooperation with the United Nations. More than 100 Member States participated in the Conference, together with parliamentarians representing 69 countries and representatives of 100 civil society organizations.

I now have the honour to introduce draft resolution A/61/L.51, entitled "Support by the United Nations system of the efforts of Governments to promote and consolidate new or restored democracies". Let me express the deep appreciation and profound gratitude of the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to Her Excellency Sheikha Haya Rashed Al-Khalifa, President of the General Assembly, whose distinguished presence, active participation, warm friendship and effective support at the Doha Conference enriched and added depth to its deliberations.

The International Conferences of New or Restored Democracies began a distinct movement to promote democratic values, stimulate a new brand of international cooperation in favour of democratization. They bring a new focus to the international development agenda. The previous five important International Conferences were held in Manila, Philippines; Managua, Nicaragua; Bucharest, Romania; Cotonou, Benin; and Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

The Sixth International Conference of New or Restored Democracies reaffirmed the core principles and values of democracy and offered new perspectives and dimensions regarding the need to promote, preserve and consolidate the democratization process throughout the world. The Conference had two main objectives: to enhance the linkages among democracy, peace and social progress on the global development agenda and to initiate systematic implementation and follow-up measures to consolidate the achievements and recommendations resulting from the previous important International Conferences of New or Restored Democracies, the first of which was held in 1988.

A major feature of the Sixth International Conference of New or Restored Democracies was its interactive dialogues, round tables and forums, which brought together Government representatives, parliamentarians and representatives of civil society organizations. The Conference had three substantive outcomes: the Doha Declaration, adopted by the Governments; a Joint Statement of Government representatives, parliamentarians and representatives of civil society; and a final report to be prepared by the United Nations.

The Doha Declaration reaffirmed the resolve of numerous United Nations Member States to adhere to universally relevant democratic values, principles and standards. It also reflected the support of concerned member States of the Conference for the establishment of follow-up steps to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the International Conference movement. The Doha Declaration requested the Chair of the Sixth International Conference to take the necessary measures to guarantee appropriate implementation and follow-up of the recommendations of the International Conferences, with the assistance of an advisory board, over a three-year period.

The Joint Statement of Government representatives, parliamentarians and representatives of civil society organizations announced the commitment to cooperate and build effective partnerships among those three prominent groups in pursuit of core democratic values and principles. The Joint Statement welcomed the Doha Declaration and called for the establishment of a democracy advisory commission and an international steering committee to implement the recommendations of the Parliamentary Forum and the Civil Society Forum, respectively. The final report of the Conference is being prepared in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme and the Department of Political Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat.

The Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations recently submitted several communications to the Secretary-General, the President of the General Assembly and all Permanent Missions to the United Nations. On 14 November 2006, the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar sent a letter to the Secretary-General (A/61/581) transmitting the Doha Declaration and the Joint Statement. On 16 November 2006, the Permanent Mission sent a letter to the President of the General Assembly (A/61/235) requesting the inclusion of an additional item in the agenda of the sixty-first session of the General Assembly. That request was approved with the addition of agenda item 157, entitled "Support by the United Nations system of the efforts of Governments to promote and consolidate new or restored democracies". Finally, the text of a draft resolution was transmitted on 29 November 2006 to all Permanent Missions, and several informal consultations were held earlier this month with many Permanent Missions. We are grateful to our partners for their support.

The draft resolution before members today, entitled "Support by the United Nations system of the efforts of Governments to promote and consolidate new or restored democracies", draws on agreed language, particularly from General Assembly resolutions 60/253, 58/13 and 58/281. The draft resolution has four objectives: to provide information about the concrete outcomes of the Sixth International Conference, that is, the Doha Declaration and the Joint Statement; to emphasize the close cooperation in that regard between the United Nations and Governments, as well as among parliaments, civil society and Governments; to highlight the special focus of the Sixth International Conference, which was the need for systematic implementation of the recommendations of the International Conferences; and to request the Secretary-General to include in his report to the General Assembly at its sixty-second session a summary of the outcomes of the Sixth International Conference under the item entitled "Support by the United Nations system of the efforts of Governments to promote and consolidate new or restored democracies".

The Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar would like to express its deep appreciation and gratitude to all those Governments that participated in the Doha Conference and to those who cooperated with us in preparing the draft resolution. I should like to announce that, since the introduction of the draft resolution, the following countries have joined the list of sponsors: Albania, Andorra, Angola, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, the Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Maldives, Mali, Malta, the Republic of Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Nicaragua, the Russian Federation, San Marino, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Tajikistan, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Republic of Tanzania. I thank all the countries that have become sponsors of the draft resolution.

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/61/L.51. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt the draft resolution?

The President

I shall now call on the representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, who wishes to speak in explanation of position on the resolution just adopted. May I remind delegations that explanations of position are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.