SUBJECT: U.N. GENERAL DEBATE CONCLUDES SEPT 29:

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 USUN NEW YORK 000926 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: UNGA ECON PGOV PREL AORC KPKO ER GJ NU NO ID, DJ, CV, VC, MD, GR, DA, SE, PP, VT, BC, TO, ML, SO SUBJECT: SUBJECT: U.N. GENERAL DEBATE CONCLUDES SEPT 29: ERITREA AND DJIBOUTI RIGHT OF REPLY EXCHANGE, CLOSING REMARKS BY GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT TREKI AND OTHERS ¶1. SUMMARY: The final session of the 64th General Assembly general debate focused on non-proliferation, climate change, multilateralism, Security Council reform, the financial crisis, and sustainable development. Several countries reflected on the importantance of preventing piracy on the high seas and ensuring that the situation in Somalia is stablized. The President of the General Assembly Ali Treki (Libya) offered final remarks in which he reflected positively on the role of the United States in the Palestinian-Israeli peace process. A right of reply at the close highlighted tensions between Djibouti and Eritrea. The following countries spoke: Grenada, Nicaragua, Norway, Indonesia, Djibouti, Cape Verde, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Moldova, Greece, Denmark, Seychelles, Papua New Guinea, the Holy See, Batswana, Togo, and Mali. Full text of statements available at www.un.org/ga/64/generaldebate; video archives are at www.un.org/webcast/2009.html. END SUMMARY. ¶2. GRENADA: Minister of Foreign Affairs Peter David condemned the United States trade embargo on Cuba and portrayed the U.S. as responsible for the "failed state" of the Palestinian Authority. He contended that in both situations, the actions of the United States "violate the spirit and letter of international law." He noted appreciation for President Obama's work on nuclear disarmament in the Security Council, but reminded the audience that Grenada's chief concern is small arms trade in the Caribbean. ¶3. NICARAGUA: Minister of Foreign Affairs Lopez praised the leaders from Cuba and Venezuela before criticizing developed countries for problems ranging from the economic crisis to climate change. He expressed support for Puerto Rican independence and called for Israeli withdrawal from Syrian, Lebanese and Palestinian territories. He declared that the invasions into Iraq and Afghanistan were unjustified and decried the "establishment of military bases in Colombia under the pretext of fighting drug trafficking." He noted that Fidel Castro referred to these military bases as the "seven daggers in Latin America" and commented that the objective of the bases is "to salvage the death-bound economic and political system with which capitalism flaunts its power, through hemispheric control of water, oil and biodiversity." ¶4. NORWAY: Foreign Affairs Minister Store focused attention on climate change, stating that "the pace of negotiations must increase" before the Copenhagen Summit. He called on developed countries to set economy-wide reductions of emissions. He reported that Norway would be increasing its Overseas Development Assistance, particularly in the health sector. He bemoaned the effects of rape and sexual violence of women on societies throughout the world. ¶5. INDONESIA: Minister of Foreign Affairs Wirajuda spoke about the economic crisis, climate change and food security. He called for increased regulation and supervision of the world economy and urged more developing country involvement in decision-making, and called for deep cuts in emissions. Wirajuda pointed out that, thanks to investments in agriculture, Indonesia is a net exporter of rice and is playing its part to help increase global food security. He called on Israel to halt the "illegal settlements" and to work toward a two-state solution. ¶6. DJIBOUTI: Permanent Representative Olhaye concentrated his remarks on the Eritrean occupation of Djiboutian territory. He requested the Security Council to resolve the situation via resolution 1862 (calling for Eritrea to USUN NEW Y 00000926 002 OF 004 withdraw its forces). He pointed out the destabilizing nature of hostilities in Somalia. On the Israel-Palestine issue, Olhaye called on Israel to stop its "business as usual" policy of building settlements and its refusal to address the final status issues. He advocated an African permanent seat on the Security Council. ¶7. CAPE VERDE: Permanent Representative Lima condemned the recent killings in Guinea. He bemoaned organized crime in West Africa and increasing regional drug-trafficking. On the financial crisis, he spoke about the effects of declining GDP growth in his nation, which he attributes to causing a rise in unemployment and hunger. On climate change, Lima stated that this is a time for action, echoing similar statements by other island nations on the effects of rising seas. ¶8. ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES: Permanent Representative Camillo Gonsalves agreed with President Obama's assessment that multilateral unity is "rooted in a discontent with the status quo." He characterized St. Vincent as being "globalized, climatized, and stigmatized," having lost its competitive advantage in bananas and its coral reefs and beaches succumbing to climate change. He bemoaned his country's loss of tax haven advantage, which he attributes to the actions of the G-20 and OECD. Gonsalves called for Member States to seal the "right" deal at the Summit on Climate Change in Copenhagen. He urged the United States to end its embargo on Cuba and suggested that Taiwan ought to be included in United Nations activities. ¶9. MOLDOVA: Permanent Representative Alexandru Cujba argued that a reformed United Nations and expanded Security Council - specifically the addition of a non-permanent seat for the Eastern European group - would be better able to react to peace, security, development, and climate change challenges. Cujba advocated for non-proliferation and disarmament. He reported that his country is working on a solution to the Transnistrian secessionist problem through increased negotiation and third party mediation. ¶10. GREECE: Permanent Representative Anastassis Mitsialis affirmed Greece's support for the Millenium Development Goals, a comprehensive climate change agreement, non-proliferation, and expanded human rights. He highlighted four specific goals: 1) the establishment of neighborly relations, 2) full integration of South Eastern European countries into European organizations, 3) deepening of regional cooperation, and 4) strengthening cultural interaction and bonds with neighboring states. Mitsialis criticized Macedonia for its choice of name and Turkey for interfering in Cyprus, but went on to note that Greece is "the most sincere supporter of Turkey's accession to the European Union." ¶11. DENMARK: Permanent Representative Carsten Staur listed three main goals for the December 2009 Summit on Climate Change in Copenhagen: 1) agree on targets for CO2 emission reduction, 2) agree on a roadmap for achieving these targets, and 3) develop appropriate policies and measures to reach set goals. He welcomed United States/Russian Federation cooperation on disarmament and noted support for non-proliferation and disarmament. Staur called on Iran and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to enter negotiations and for an immediate halt of their nuclear programs (as per Security Council mandates). He expressed the need for a peaceful resolution of the election process in Afghanistan, democracy in Pakistan, a strengthening of the Middle East Peace Process, and Security Council reform. USUN NEW Y 00000926 003 OF 004 ¶12. SEYCHELLES: Seychelles Permanent Representative Ronald Jumeau focused his speech on piracy and climate change. He proposed strengthening the rule of law in Somali, ensuring that piracy is not economically viable, and providing adequate military deterrence in the region. He likened the battle against climate change to a battle for survival and said Copenhagen would only be a success if an agreement establishes stringent measures for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. ¶13. HOLY SEE: Permanent Observer Archbishop Celestino Migliore urged the United Nations to find a "prompt solution" to the situation in Honduras, but never directly registered support for the Zelaya government. Migliore urged leaders to take a firm stand on climate change and emphasized that the issue, "requires that environmental issues are taken as a moral imperative and translated into legal rules." He also pushed for the United Nations to engage in "responsible development", to fulfill its goal of protection, and to consider structural reform, including within the Security Council. ¶14. BOTSWANA: Permanent Representative Ntwaagae noted the importance of development and poverty alleviation, but cautioned the audience not to engage in work that "could endanger the very lives we want to uplift." He stressed the importance of combating HIV/AIDS and urged countries to provide the necessary resources to allow global eradication efforts to have a maximum impact. He stressed the need for leaders to hammer out meaningful climate change measures in Copenhagen. He discussed regional conflicts, emphasizing the importance of the crisis in Somalia, while commending Burundi and Uganda for their peace-keeping efforts. Ntwaagae noted support for the decision of the Southern African Development Organization to suspend Madagascar's United Nations membership, and condemned the various coups in Honduras, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, and Mauritania. ¶15. TOGO: Permanent Representative Kodjo Menan asked leaders to support multilateralism and to strengthen the United Nations institutions through Security Council reform. He urged the European Union and the Bretton Woods Institutions to help Togo's economic recovery. Menan noted Togo's support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Menan also discussed his country's tireless efforts to strengthen the rule of law and bring about constitutional reform. Menan emphasized the importance of youth, educational programs, human rights, and development efforts. ¶16. MALI: Chairman of the Delegation Oumar Daou spoke on the themes of development and poverty alleviation. He bemoaned the difficulties that Mali faces as a land-locked country and urged leaders to "revive global partnerships, to ensure conditions for poverty reduction, better health care and education, and gender equality." He stressed the need to reform financial institutions. Daou praised Libyan President Gaddafi for his speech and referred to him as a leader "committed to just causes." ¶17. PRESIDENT OF THE ASSEMBLY'S CLOSING WORDS: Following the end of the general debate, President Ali Treki offered a few closing remarks, inviting leaders to embrace the opportunity of multilateralism and noting that "I am encouraged by the efforts of the President of the United States to promote a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the conflict in the Middle East." He called on leaders to support the critical role of the United Nations in building peace and security, commenting on the disarmament agenda as central to its mission. He emphasized the importance of building USUN NEW Y 00000926 004 OF 004 effective development schemes, addressing the financial crisis, strengthening institutions, and reforming the Security Council. ¶18. ERITREA/DJIBOUTI RIGHT OF REPLY EXCHANGE: Delegates from Eritrea and Djibouti sparred during two right of reply exchanges. The delegate from Eritrea rebutted earlier claims, stating that Eritrea had not occupied Djibouti and had no territorial ambitions there. He also requested a United Nations fact finding mission into the charge. The delegate from Djibouti accused Eritrea of inciting regional hostilities. He said that the "facts speak for themselves" and stated firmly that "my country has always been convinced that no nation can disrespect international law." He affirmed interest in having a dialogue with Eritrea on the issue, implying that Eritrea has not shown much willingness to do so. However, he did go on to say that the Eritrean delegate's language encouraging calm and dialogue might imply a change of direction. Wolff