H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General his first annual debate of the General Assembly this morning with a call to global leaders to back his efforts to bolster the United Nations in the interests of the world.
“Our changing world needs a stronger UN,” Mr. Ban declared in a wide-ranging speech. “My vision is an administration focused on results – efficient, directed, pragmatic and accountable, an administration representing excellence, integrity and pride in serving the global good.”
He acknowledged the need for a fresh approach, and, borrowing from the theme of a high-level event he convened yesterday to address the problems caused by greenhouse gas emissions, said: “We need an internal climate change at the UN.”“We need an internal climate change at the UN.” the Secretary-General pledged to “leave no stone unturned to end the tragedy in Darfur,” calling on the Government of Sudan to honour its pledge to join comprehensive peace talks and implement a ceasefire.
Middle East, he called for an end to violence, an end to occupation, the creation of a Palestinian State at peace with itself and Israel, and a comprehensive regional peace between Israel and the Arab world. “With renewed leadership from the Arab world and the United States, coupled with the efforts of Quartet Representative Tony Blair, the elements for a renewed push for peace are being brought together,” he said. The Quartet comprises the UN, European Union, Russian Federation and US.He said the UN has an important role in promoting political negotiation and national reconciliation in Iraq, as well as in providing humanitarian assistance to the country’s people.
The Secretary-General also called for stepped-up efforts to deal with drug trafficking and the financing of terrorism in Afghanistan.
He repeated his call on the authorities in Myanmar “to exercise utmost restraint, to engage without delay in dialogue with all the relevant parties to the national reconciliation process on the issues of concern to the people of Myanmar.”
Pointing to recent progress on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Mr. Ban, a former foreign minister of the Republic of Korea, voiced hope that the forthcoming inter-Korean Summit “will create a historic momentum, to bring peace, security, and eventually a peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula.”
He voiced confidence in reaching a negotiated solution with Iran.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said debate over Tehran's nuclear programme was "closed" and the issue was now in the hands of the UN's nuclear watchdog.
Earlier, France's president said a nuclear Iran could threaten the world.Other issues raised by world leaders included Darfur, climate change, protests in Burma and human rights.
Columbia's president, Lee Bollinger, in his introduction of Ahmadinejad: "Mr. President, you exhibit all the signs of a petty and cruel dictator." and Iran president said "We are friends of all the nations," he said. "We are friends with the Jewish people. There are many Jews in Iran living peacefully with security."
Lee Bollinger defended the prestigious university's decision to go forward with the speech this year, saying it was a testament to the freedom of speech guaranteed under the U.S. Constituion.
