For far too many people, the world has become an unsafe place. The challenges confronting us seem immense, and at times it seems all but hopeless to find solutions to the many conflicts around us. However, all of us here, as politicians, have a choice. The choice is between resignation and engagemen…
The founding of the United Nations 70 years ago cast light on the dark twentieth century. That was a pivotal moment for our world. It came not against a backdrop of glorious sunshine and green pastures, but amid the ruins of the Second World War with its more than 50 million graves. As the winter of…
We have been speaking of the many conflicts haunting the Middle East, especially the terrible Syrian war, now in its fifth year. Yes, there is much we have to do, and there is much we have failed to achieve so far. But let me start with one thing that we have achieved, and that is the nuclear agreem…
The year 2014 is a special one for Europeans — a special year of commemoration. In the summer 100 years ago, European diplomacy failed and the world slid into the First World War. Seventy-five years ago, Germany attacked its neighbour Poland, plunging the world into the Second World War. Twenty-five…
I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting and for inviting non-members of the Security Council to participate.
In Syria and Iraq, we are witnessing the return of barbarism. We are faced with an enemy that is not only a threat for Iraq or Syria or the Middle East, but a threat to all of…
I offer my congratulations to Mr. Miguel d’Escoto Brockmann on his election as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-third session. I wish him every success.
The United Nations mandate to establish and maintain peace and security has lost none of its urgency in 2008. The task remains. Howe…
Please accept my congratulations, Madam, on your election as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-first session. I wish you every success. I should also like to express my sincere thanks to the President of the General Assembly at its sixtieth session for his dedicated work and to wish him…
