General Assembly Session 63 meeting 9

The Acting President

The Assembly will now hear an address by the President of the Republic of Tajikistan.

The Acting President

On behalf of the General Assembly, I have the honour to welcome to the United Nations His Excellency Mr. Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, and to invite him to address the Assembly.

President Rahmon (Tajikistan)

First of all, allow me to congratulate Mr. D'Escoto Brockmann on his election to the office of President of the General Assembly and to express the hope that, under his leadership, the General Assembly at its sixty-third session will achieve its goals, the most important of which are the further strengthening of the United Nations system for the sake of peace and international security and addressing the global issues that are becoming the challenges of the twenty-first century.

This year, humankind has faced a number of interrelated crises, including the energy, food, climate and financial crises that have combined to cause a general development crisis. The consequences of those newly emerged challenges have had the most severe impact on the social conditions of millions of people in the developing countries and on States with transitional economies, my country among them.

However, people have not lost their hope for a more just and fruitful world. They pin their hopes on a powerful and efficient United Nations capable of mobilizing and focusing its resources on solutions to the most urgent issues of the day. We believe that there is an urgent need to efficiently develop dialogue and cooperation among all the entities of this multipolar world and to avoid applying double standards in international relations. It is equally important not to allow people of different races, religions, continents and regions to be set against one another.

No single country in the world, not even the most powerful, is capable of meeting single-handed the challenges of our time, which range from climate change to the necessary uncompromising fight against international terrorism. Today more than ever before, the new generation of global issues requires a collective response and the United Nations, entrusted with a broad mandate, is the only existing instrument capable of addressing them.

One example of the new generation of global issues is the human right to an adequate food supply. The dramatic rise in the cost of food and energy has called into question the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The food crisis has affected the poorest populations in the most negative way. In Tajikistan, 93 per cent of whose entire territory is mountainous and only 7 per cent suitable for agriculture, the food crisis has affected two thirds of all households. Additional coordinated efforts and efficient measures are called for if we are to avert a further degradation of the situation of global food security. In the present circumstances, the use of food for biofuel production is inhumane and immoral.

Our hope is that donor States will undertake all the necessary political, financial and economic measures to prevent a worsening of the food crisis. If they do not, millions more could suffer further impoverishment. We also expect that official international assistance will be increasingly allocated to the development of agriculture and that artificially created barriers in trade will eventually be removed.

It is quite obvious that the United Nations should play the key role in addressing the food crisis and related world agricultural policy. Tajikistan supports the activities of the United Nations High-level Task Force on the Global Food Security Crisis mandated to design urgent response measures to the food crisis. The efforts of the Task Force should also be focused on assistance and on developing joint agreed long-term approaches to ensuring food security throughout the world. The High-Level Conference on World Food Security in Rome and the resulting adoption of a declaration were important steps in that direction.

Within the Food and Agriculture Organization, it is necessary to revitalize activities in the transfer of advanced technologies and seeds and in the provision of financial and technical assistance to developing countries. We call for enhanced support for the assistance programmes being implemented through the World Food Programme.

The lives of millions of men, women and children on Earth depend on their ability to exercise their human right to an adequate food supply. That issue requires not protracted discussions, but resolute practical action, since the food crisis, which deprives human beings of their dignity, is no less of a threat than terrorism itself. We believe that the world's leading countries should act more responsibly to mitigate the consequences of the global energy, food, climate and financial crises, particularly with regard to the poor and developing States, which are most affected by the devastating consequences of those phenomena.

Tajikistan, which has fertile soil and is rich in water resources, can make its own contribution to the resolution of that problem. More than 55 per cent of all water resources in the Central Asia region originate in Tajikistan. Not only is that amount of water sufficient to meet the freshwater needs of agricultural irrigation and related economic sectors in the region; it can also serve as a major source for the generation of ecologically sound electrical energy. Tajikistan's hydropower capacity, in particular, is estimated at 525 billion kilowatt-hours, and only 5 per cent of that capacity is currently being utilized.

It is only by taking a comprehensive and mutually beneficial approach to the use of hydropower and other natural resources that the States of Central Asia can ensure sustainable development in the region and help to resolve its food and environmental problems, notably through the efficient use of those resources. Only mutually beneficial cooperation aimed at such use can bring well-being to the peoples inhabiting that vast region. We hope that our plans will be supported by the Bretton Woods institutions and by United Nations partners in the private sector.

I believe that we need to create an economic mechanism for the transfer of water and energy resources, which would serve the interests of both upstream countries, which are rich in water resources, and downstream countries, most of which are rich in hydrocarbon raw materials.

The problem of climate change is already affecting our region, in particular its water resources. As a result of global warming, Tajikistan's glaciers have diminished in size by more than 30 per cent. That has produced low water levels in our rivers over the past three years, which in turn has caused grave social and economic problems by triggering drought, a locust invasion and other difficulties. Without the implementation of hydropower projects, our country will be unable to achieve the MDGs or arrive at sustainable growth, as shown clearly last winter, when weather of unprecedented severity revealed all the difficulties of the transitional period. Next winter and summer are expected to be even more challenging.

Obviously, water is an essential resource, because it is needed not only to sustain human life, but also for industrial purposes, environmental protection and the entire development process. Addressing urgent water-related issues and promoting international cooperation in meeting the water challenge are the goals of the International Decade for Action, "Water for Life", 2005-2015, which was initiated by the Republic of Tajikistan. I invite Member States to designate representatives to participate in the International Freshwater Forum, to be held in Dushanbe in 2010, to review the practical implementation of the internationally agreed water agenda.

Despite the many water-related events held throughout the world at various levels in recent years, the issue of water remains urgent. For that reason, in order to ensure that water issues are comprehensively addressed and that efforts taken at the national, regional and global levels are strengthened, the Republic of Tajikistan proposes that a special session of the General Assembly be convened to review progress made in achieving the goals set for the Water Decade and identify areas for further action.

Today, in addition to the general debate, a high-level event on the Millennium Development Goals is being held at United Nations Headquarters. My country regards timely achievement of the MDGs as a priority issue. The Government of Tajikistan has been implementing its national development strategy up to 2015. The strategy, developed at the initiative of the United Nations and with its direct involvement, reflects a largely new approach to development. It takes into account global experience in the area of development, the implementation of similar strategic documents, lessons drawn and conclusions reached during the previous stages of the country's development, current realities and development prospects. However, I must note that the federal financing of the country's social progress is limited by the growth rate of our economy.

It is obvious that, in many respects, achievement of the MDGs depends on the approach taken by the international community to the provision of assistance to developing countries and the timely mobilization of internal and external resources. In that respect, Tajikistan associates itself with the appeals made to the donor community to double its development assistance, which is vital for the support of sustainable growth and for the achievement of internationally agreed goals.

The proposal that debts accrued by developing countries be relieved in exchange for the implementation of national projects in the area of sustainable development remains relevant. The soaring costs and, in many cases, artificially inflated prices of hydrocarbon raw materials and food have considerably worsened and complicated the financial situation of poor and developing countries. Even partial cancellation of their debt would help, since it would release funds that could be invested in education and the entire social sector, environmental protection, the fight against HIV/AIDS and other areas.

The forthcoming Follow-up International Conference on Financing for Development to Review the Implementation of the Monterrey Consensus, to be held in Doha, will provide a good opportunity for the further development of effective measures to provide the resources needed to achieve the MDGs. Our hope is that the Doha Conference will provide new impetus for the implementation of the Monterrey Consensus and that it will enhance the spirit of global partnership and solidarity.

The situation in Afghanistan, which has been devastated by a long period of conflict and violence, is a source of grave concern. Afghanistan needs not only a larger military presence on its territory, but also targeted economic, technical and humanitarian assistance. Experience has shown that military action against terrorist groups is often far less effective than carefully thought-out non-violent political and economic measures. We must, as a matter of urgency, realistically consider involving other influential regional actors, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, in resolving the Afghan issue.

Strengthening international cooperation in the fight against terrorism is inseparable from counteracting the trade in illicit drugs. It is essential that we assist the Government of Afghanistan in destroying the technological and financing links of the modern illicit-drug industry. Consolidated efforts to that end will enhance the achievement of the goals set out in the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the Paris Declaration.

The global system of fighting terrorism, transnational organized crime and illicit drug trafficking which is currently being shaped cannot be built without support from regional organizations. In this regard, Tajikistan salutes the efforts of the United Nations to expand its cooperation with relevant regional organizations. These are powerful structures, and involving them in addressing global issues will prevent modern challenges and threats from taking on undesirable dimensions.

The United Nations and peacebuilding are inseparable. We appreciate the devotion of those who selflessly worked at the United Nations Tajikistan Office of Peacebuilding and pay tribute to those who lost their lives while performing their professional duty. The settlement model for the inter-Tajik conflict, involving assistance from the United Nations and guarantor States, has been acknowledged as a unique example of both peacebuilding and preventive diplomacy.

We support the Secretary-General's initiative to reform the peacekeeping machinery, and we believe that it is essential to continue providing the relevant political, financial and logistical support to peacekeepers in order to help them cope with their difficult missions.

Tajikistan endorses the priority attention given by the United Nations to enhancing the effectiveness of assistance to countries that have endured internal conflicts and supports the activities of the Peacebuilding Commission, which is mandated to contribute to ensuring coordination and enhancing the effectiveness of international assistance to such countries. In order to strengthen peace and stability, countries that have suffered internal conflicts need not only humanitarian assistance but also concrete help in dealing with their economic and social problems, along with support for their efforts to establish the foundation that is essential for a transition to sustainable development.

This year the international community celebrated the 1,150th anniversary of the birth of Abuabdullohi Rudaki, the founder of Tajik-Persian literature. The essence of his moral philosophy can be described as praise for such eternal spiritual values as kindness, beauty, tolerance and mutual assistance. Centuries later, the poetry of Rudaki continues to call for strengthening friendship among nations and expanding dialogue among civilizations; it sings a hymn to humanism and harmony. As noted by the Secretary-General,

"Rudaki's timeless and profound writings provide an inspiration for the Alliance of Civilizations, our initiative to counter extremism and heal the divisions that threaten our world". (Press release SG/SM/11646)

I am confident that the common human values praised by Rudaki are in harmony with the objectives pursued today by the United Nations worldwide. I am very optimistic about our ability to make the world a better place and to meet the aspirations and hopes of our peoples.

The Acting President

On behalf of the General Assembly, I wish to thank the President of the Republic of Tajikistan for the statement he has just made.

The Acting President

The Assembly will now hear an address by the President of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

The Acting President

On behalf of the General Assembly, I have the honour to welcome to the United Nations His Excellency Branko Crvenkovski, President of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and to invite him to address the Assembly.

President Crvenkovski (former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia)

It is a great honour and pleasure for me to have the opportunity to address this distinguished gathering of statesmen from United Nations Member States. Despite past and continuing challenges, this Organization remains an irreplaceable forum where the representatives of many nations can exchange opinions concerning the most pressing issues facing the world we all live in.

Allow me at the outset to welcome the election of Mr. Miguel d'Escoto Brockmann of Nicaragua as President of the Assembly at its sixty-third session. I convey to him our unwavering readiness to cooperate during the year of his mandate. At the same time, allow me to congratulate the previous President, my compatriot Srgjan Kerim, on his contribution to the work of the world Organization over the past year, during which numerous issues of global importance were considered. Through his engagement, my country, the Republic of Macedonia, has confirmed in the best possible way the values for which we stand and the principles in which we believe when it comes to international relationships, namely, multilateralism as the key tool for cooperation and for the promotion of the fundamental values of peace, democracy and human rights and freedoms.

I take this opportunity also to welcome the efforts of the Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, who contributed greatly to the useful and functional operation of the Organization over the past year.

In 2008 we enter the second half of the term envisioned for the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals. The results accomplished thus far are not to be underestimated, but they are still far from satisfactory. Furthermore, even the Goals that have already been achieved are now jeopardized by the new challenges and problems we are facing: the surge in oil and food prices and the adverse effects of climate change.

During this year, a slowdown in economic development has been noted in many countries; that is confirmed by numerous indicators forecasting regional and global recession. It is therefore of the utmost importance to devise new stimuli for the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals. Our debate should thus focus on issues such as development and the implementation of effective concepts for sustainable development, as a crucial part of any agenda for the maintenance of long-term peace, stability and security in the world.

Speaking of issues related to the sustainability of peace and security, we have unfortunately to note that here there are not many reasons for satisfaction. We are still facing numerous crisis situations and old and frozen conflicts, as well as a series of recent turbulent incidents and tensions in several regions of the world. Terrorist acts continue to occur with worrisome frequency, yet Member States remain unable to reach consensus on a truly necessary global counter-terrorism convention. Such recalcitrance has rightly led some people to question the relevance of the United Nations in the present context, as well as the true meaning and scope of multilateralism and the selective implementation of international law and principles.

This year we commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and it is only proper to ask ourselves whether universal respect for its provisions is possible. Human rights problems will certainly not decrease if there continue to be different interpretations of the provisions of the Declaration or if those provisions are only partially implemented. Acceptance of the entire body of human rights is the basis of the rule of law and fundamental to resolving bilateral and international conflicts. Only if those provisions are universally accepted and sincerely supported by all of us will humanity be able to proceed on the path towards progress.

Solutions to problems should be sought within the framework of respect for agreed norms and through equitable dialogue and cooperation. In that context, the United Nations has a specific and valuable role that should not be neglected. It is therefore especially important to develop the Organization further so that it may become more efficient and more relevant in a broader sense, as well as more responsible for the people on whose behalf it acts. I am deeply convinced that our differences are among the greatest values that we possess and that each Member State, regardless of its size, has a valuable contribution to make. It is therefore necessary to overcome our existing differences for the sake of a more efficient United Nations that will serve the world in the twenty-first century in the best possible way.

Over the past few years, South-East Europe and the Balkans have begun moving in the right direction. Although it is certain that not all open problems and issues have been resolved, the tendency of the region towards closer integration with international bodies is clearly discernable. The activities of my country, the Republic of Macedonia, are directed towards continuing participation in and support for regional projects and the consistent promotion of comprehensive regional cooperation with all neighbouring countries. We do not doubt that only together with the rest of the Balkan countries will we be able to contribute to the accelerated integration of the entire region into the European and Euro-Atlantic structures.

At the domestic level, the Republic of Macedonia is continuously working towards the sustainability of its specific model of functional multi-ethnic democracy. We believe that our model has broad and positive regional implications because it has shown that it is possible for different nations and cultures to share the same territory and coexist productively.

Two strategic goals that have enjoyed our highest priority for years are integration into the European Union and NATO. In recent years, we have invested significant resources and focused all our efforts on the accomplishment of those goals. Unfortunately, at the NATO summit held in April 2008 in Romania, an international precedent was set when the narrow national interests of one country were presented as being more important than the established principles of international law.

Despite the obvious absurdity of the issue, my country is participating actively and constructively in the negotiating process with the Republic of Greece, mediated by the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, Ambassador Matthew Nimetz. At the same time, we have consistently respected our legal obligations and affirmed our constructive role by making numerous suggestions and concessions during the long-standing process.

I recall that, at the time of Macedonia's admittance to the United Nations in 1993, the first major legal precedent was set. A decision was adopted on that occasion to the effect that, instead of using the name which my country had chosen, other Members would address us as "the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia".

Unfortunately, I am forced to conclude that in that time the other party has not demonstrated the same level of dedication to its agreed obligations, as confirmed by its flagrant breach of the Interim Accord signed by both countries in 1995. According to that document, the Hellenic Republic is legally bound not to object to Macedonia's application for membership to international, multilateral and regional institutions and organizations in which the Hellenic Republic is already a full member. Contrary to the agreed obligations, at the NATO summit held in April 2008 in Bucharest, Greece objected to the invitation to admittance to NATO extended to the Republic of Macedonia and insisted that, prior to integration, a mutually acceptable solution to the dispute must be reached. The very logic of the negotiations was seriously undermined by that act, while at the same time the principles of the United Nations Charter were derogated. Taking advantage of its status as a standing member, the Hellenic Republic has begun obstructing our integration into the European Union, using similar arguments.

Let me take this opportunity to highlight once again before the Assembly our position, which has been openly expressed on numerous occasions. As a responsible country fully aware of its internationally agreed obligations, the Republic of Macedonia is ready to accept a fair compromise and a reasonable solution that will not deny our national and cultural identity. It is understandable that we are not ready to consent to just any kind of solution in a case of such national importance. If our integration into international institutions is to help stabilize our State, then we should not allow ourselves to be humiliated and internally destabilized by an unsatisfactory compromise.

To conclude, allow me to reiterate the well-known fundamental position in which we, as a State, believe and intend to firmly uphold in the years to come. The principles and values enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations are the highest goals around which we should all unite. Respect for those principles and for the full equality of States and peoples is the sole guarantee for the noble mission of creating a more dignified and just world.

The Acting President

On behalf of the General Assembly, I wish to thank the President of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia for the statement he has just made.

The Acting President

The Assembly will now hear an address by the President of the Republic of Seychelles.

The Acting President

On behalf of the General Assembly, I have the honour to welcome to the United Nations His Excellency Mr. James Alix Michel, President of the Republic of Seychelles, and to invite him to address the Assembly.

President Michel (Seychelles)

I have come to this gathering of nations as a representative of one of the smallest nations on the planet. Seychelles is but a speck on the globe, home to some 87,000 people -- a people that believes in justice, freedom and fairness. In this concert of nations, every country great or small has a voice. Our voice comes from the heart of a people that, like countless others, lives in trepidation. I have come here neither to beg nor to accuse, but to reach out to the conscience of all who have gathered here at the United Nations. I ask them to feel the heartbeat of humanity.

When this great institution was founded over six decades ago, its architects were motivated by noble and just ideals: human freedom and dignity, justice, human rights, peace, security, harmony and development. Those ideals are values that we hold dear, timeless values that are the soul of the United Nations. I have faith in those values. So do the people of Seychelles.

Have we lived up to those values? Yes, we have averted many wars. We have resolved many conflicts. But in this age of relative peace and security, new enemies are staring us in the face: hunger, pandemics, underdevelopment, poverty, economic turmoil, environmental degradation and the inequity of the global trading system. Those are the enemies which, if not overcome, will shatter the foundation of civilization. Those are the enemies that we have to battle and conquer to create a better world for our children and their children. Those are the battles that we have to win to save our planet. Those are the issues that the modern United Nations has to grapple with and overcome.

Can it succeed? I believe it can. It can if we endow it with a new vision -- a vision in which hope for mankind goes beyond rhetoric; a vision that provides for bold leadership, clear commitments and targets so that we can focus on the greater good for humankind; a vision in which leaders come together, setting aside petty differences and charting a new course for the United Nations, a new road map to resolve the climate crisis and an appropriate framework for the energy and food crisis; a vision in which appropriate institutional reforms are put in place and adequate resources mobilized to achieve the Millennium Development Goals; a vision that encompasses justice and fairness in trade and in which the specificities of small island developing States are not only recognized but accepted as criteria for aid to further development.

I believe in that vision. We can all share it; we can all help to make it a reality. Our deeds have to be governed by firm commitments to and perseverance in finding sustainable, pragmatic and equitable solutions to the complex issues that threaten our very existence.

We should abandon solutions that continue to enrich the rich and impoverish the poor and the vulnerable. When it comes to world trade, for example, it seems acceptable to some that wealthy countries are allowed to give subsidies to their farmers, as a result of which exports from developing countries become uncompetitive, but that developing countries are obliged to follow World Trade Organization rules to the letter, even if they undermine domestic economic policies formulated to protect vulnerable sectors of society.

We offer facilities to foreign investors to exploit our natural resources, which are traded for high profits on the international market, while we receive a pittance in licensing fees. It is like taking a bowl of food from the poor and giving them back a spoonful as a generous donation. For instance, of the total value of tuna -- our "blue gold" -- caught and trans-shipped in our waters by foreign fishing vessels every year, Seychelles receives only 7 per cent in revenue, comprising licensing and trans-shipment fees. That situation is, to my mind, unacceptable. I ask whether it is unreasonable to fight for a better share of the proceeds.

On a separate but related note, while the prevailing situation of insecurity in international waters off the coast of Somalia is of grave concern to the international community, it is of graver concern to Seychelles, whose exclusive economic zone borders that maritime zone of hazard. A little more than a week ago, some 40 European fishing vessels lay idle in Port Victoria as a result of an act of piracy on one of their own. Such acts can have a serious impact on the lifeline of the second pillar of our economy at a time when we are engaging with the Bretton Woods institutions in a process of economic reforms. I wish to thank all our partners and friends -- in particular France -- for all the efforts they have deployed against that scourge.

The skewed nature of the global trade regime is not the only impediment to development. I return to the case of my country. The fact that we have a high human development index, ranked fiftieth in the world, and that we fall in the middle-income group of countries excludes us from access to grants and soft loans that would have helped our country to develop even further and faster. And that is despite the fact that donor organizations have confirmed that all aid, grants or loans that have been given to Seychelles have been properly and accountably utilized for the benefit of our people. It is as if we were being penalized for our success in raising the standard of living of our people. We have fallen into the so-called middle-income trap.

Furthermore, no account is taken of the fact that Seychelles falls into the category of highly vulnerable countries as defined by the Commonwealth vulnerability index. Why should our relative success be the reason for the denial of access to special development funds, especially those addressing education, water, sanitation and health? Is that the price we have to pay for improving the quality of life of our people? Is that the price we have to pay for dedicating over 50 per cent of our territory to environmental conservation for the benefit of the whole world?

Our natural environment is our future, our treasure trove of biodiversity. We attach the highest importance to its preservation, not only for ourselves, but also for the rest of the world.

Like many other small island States, Seychelles remains vulnerable to the threats posed by global warming, climate change and rising sea levels. These phenomena are linked to human activity on our planet that, collectively, the nations of the world have the power to influence -- if only we had the will to do so.

It is not right that small island States should have to run the risk of being submerged by rising sea levels while some nations refuse even to acknowledge their responsibility for the high levels of environmental pollution now threatening the planet's resources.

Despite our small size, we shall continue to lead. And we shall lead by example. By our example, we have shown and will continue to show to all that sustainable development and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are achievable in our present generation.

Through our efforts and with the support of international NGOs, we have started a global movement -- the Global Island Partnership -- to get all small islands and nations with islands to devote part of their natural resources to environmental resilience and sustainability. And, more recently, Seychelles set up the Sea Level Rise Foundation to galvanize global action to address the devastating impact of climate change on our planet.

Are those worthy causes not deserving of international support, especially in the International Year of Planet Earth? We are running out of time, and we must combine our resources and know-how to avoid the physical damage and social and economic toll that threaten us.

Some of the greatest afflictions of humankind today are hunger, starvation and malnutrition. Today, food security is our foremost concern. The challenge for many Governments is to bring food to ordinary people at affordable prices. The dramatic increase in grain prices has led to huge increases in the price of bread, milk, meat and other commodities. The hungry are getting hungrier, more desperate and angrier. The divide between rich and poor is widening day by day. We are faced with the looming threat of starvation on a global scale and, with it, the prospect of violent upheavals.

We can act to resolve the food crisis. First, there must be political commitment. Secondly, subsidies given to farmers by the industrialized countries have to be removed. Thirdly, the industrialized countries should make available to the South much-needed resources to improve our infrastructure. Give us the resources, technology and infrastructure to produce more food and there will be no need to help us feed ourselves.

Mankind has had a hand in most, if not all, of the crises we face today. We gather here every year in the name of freedom, human rights, democracy and sustainable development to deliver eloquent speeches. In the process, we procrastinate and bury solutions to our problems in reams of resolutions and declarations.

Can we honestly say that we have got our priorities right? Can we say that we live in a just world, where every man, woman and child enjoys the same rights? Are we, as leaders, living up to the noble goals for which the United Nations was set up? Let our conscience provide us with the answers.

A revamped United Nations system is best placed to facilitate progress in all the areas I have mentioned: food security, trade, climate change and energy. I am asking for a clear action plan. Multiple conferences and talk shops are not the solution. We need a fresh and effective approach to global governance and I am convinced that with the right level of resources, and with the political will and commitment, we can start to tackle the fundamental flaws in our global governance and trade regimes. I am asking the rich nations to support that endeavour and assume their collective global responsibility.

Let those of us who believe in freedom and dignity show solidarity among ourselves. Let us help each other to overcome the obstacles in our path. Let us focus on a global vision for the betterment of every nation.

In conclusion, I leave members with this note of reflection: "History to the defeated May say Alas but cannot help or pardon ..." W. H. Auden's words will define the future of humanity, in terms of its history. The time for action is at hand. We must change, or be redefined by history, like many great civilizations of the past.

The Acting President

On behalf of the General Assembly, I wish to thank the President of the Republic of Seychelles for the statement he has just made.

The Acting President

The Assembly will now hear an address by the President of the Republic of Armenia.

The Acting President

On behalf of the General Assembly, I have the honour to welcome to the United Nations His Excellency Mr. Serzh Sargsyan, President of the Republic of Armenia, and to invite him to address the Assembly.

President Sargsyan (Armenia)

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