Latvia, 2010

Allow me at the outset to

congratulate Mr. Deiss on assuming the post of

President of the General Assembly at the current

session. I pledge him Latvia’s full support.

Sixty-five years ago, the United Nations was

created on the ashes of the bloodiest war in the history

of mankind as an international forum where all nations

meet as equals, willing to address international

challenges and to prevent the scourge of war. Since

then it has become the most broadly representative

body of nations focused on promoting security, peace

and prosperity all over the world.

This year also marks the twentieth anniversary of

Latvia’s freedom, regained after 50 years of Soviet

occupation, oppression and injustice. Latvia’s story

shows that the values enshrined in the Charter are

universal and, with the people’s persistence and

common vision, can come alive, even if it takes

decades. It also shows that it is possible to overcome

even the deepest of divisions. It shows that, while

honouring our history, we can extend a hand of

cooperation and look into the future with hope.

There are many global issues that need our real

attention and require urgent action. Just a few days ago

we renewed our commitment to development at the

High-level Plenary Meeting on the Millennium

Development Goals (MDGs). While important

improvements have been made globally, progress

towards achieving the MDGs by 2015 has not been

sufficient. If we are serious about achieving the

Millennium Development Goals, we need to show

commitment and action.

A new consciousness is emerging from the

awareness of the negative impact of climate change.

Climate change is a fact. We are witnessing a rising

number of storms, excessive rainfall and atypical

temperatures, which lead to flooding, forest fires and

crop failures. All those disasters have an immense

material cost and claim people’s lives, and therefore

they should be treated as a serious security threat. The

response must be twofold. We have to adapt to the

changes already in place and to those we will face in

the coming decades. And most importantly, we have to

work on preventive measures, such as the reduction of

emissions.

We have a road ahead of us on the issue of

climate change, and every country has to contribute if

our actions on it are to be successful. Within the

framework of the Copenhagen Accord, Latvia, among

other European Union member States, is providing

assistance that, along with financial contributions from

other key players, helps developing countries fight

climate change. We must make the next step in

Cancún. We have to agree on global action to address

climate change. The future of the next generation is at

stake.

While we are working for long-term goals, we

also have to address immediate crises wherever they

occur. The international community, with the United

Nations in the leading role, has been addressing

humanitarian needs following the devastating flooding

in Pakistan, which has affected more than 14 million

people. This year we also witnessed a terrible

earthquake in Haiti. Latvia, despite its economic

challenges, was able to respond to those international

emergency humanitarian needs, both through the

United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund and

through additional pledges of €150,000 for Haiti’s

recovery. We will continue to help countries affected

by such tragic disasters.

Latvia has always supported the strengthening of

the United Nations as the only truly global

international organization. However, in a time of

globalization and rapid development, the need for

reform is an inevitable reality. We must therefore

continuously seek maximum effectiveness and

efficiency in the work of the United Nations in order to

deliver results worthy of this Organization. A Security

Council that reflects the realities of the twenty-first

century would be a significant step towards a more

effective United Nations. We sincerely hope for a faster

pace for the reform process.

We commend the work of the United Nations in

the promotion of gender equality and welcome the

creation of a unified gender entity. I would like to

congratulate the new head of the United Nations Entity

for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women,

the former Chilean President Mrs. Michelle Bachelet,

on her appointment and to wish her every success in

that highly important post.

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This fall we also mark the tenth anniversary of

Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women and

peace and security. We see it as an opportunity to

review implementation of the resolution with a view to

identifying best practices and challenges, particularly

regarding equal participation of women in decision-

making and the eradication of all types of gender-based

violence, especially in conflict situations.

At this session we have a very important task

ahead of us: reviewing the work of the Human Rights

Council. The Council has already shown itself capable

of addressing many human rights situations and of

advancing human rights. I particularly wish to

highlight the independent work of the special

procedures and the establishment of the universal

periodic review mechanism. However, improvements

are still necessary. I am confident that with goodwill,

and with participation and input from all of us, the

review process will lead to a strengthened institution

with increased credibility and greater impact on the

improvement of human rights.

Latvia has always placed the promotion of human

rights among its top priorities. We have therefore put

forward our candidacy for the Human Rights Council

for the year 2014.

The role of the United Nations in maintaining

international peace and security is irreplaceable. We

must continue to work with all the means at our

disposal to create a more stable world. Latvia

appreciates the positive momentum that was created at

the Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference

earlier this year. Stabilizing and strengthening a

nuclear non-proliferation regime is a shared

responsibility of all United Nations Members. As a

member of the international community, Latvia

expresses the hope that every diplomatic opportunity

will be used to find a comprehensive long-term

solution to the Iranian and North Korean nuclear

issues.

The New START treaty between the United

States and Russian Federation sets a powerful and

remarkable example of real steps to reduce the threat of

strategic arms and to engage other Powers in fulfilling

the goals of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Latvia firmly

supports the nuclear security discussion initiated by

President Obama. Promising signs on the international

agenda have positively influenced European security

and fostered the debate on conventional regimes in

Europe. An ambitious road map is before us, and

together we should all move forward to strengthen

security around the world.

Stability and security in a number of regions

remain on the international agenda. In the Middle East,

the international community must encourage the parties

to move towards real compromises leading to a

comprehensive settlement of the conflict. Common

efforts of the international community, including the

Quartet, and the unity of Arab States are decisive to

ensure continuation of the peace process with a very

clear final aim of establishing an independent,

democratic and viable Palestinian State living side by

side in peace with the State of Israel.

We welcome the launch of direct negotiations

between Israel and the Palestinian Authority and

commend all involved partners for their efforts.

Sustainable and durable solutions for Gaza, Palestinian

reconciliation, and extension of the settlement

moratorium are crucial for the Palestinian State-

building process. We sincerely hope that the talks will

continue in a constructive manner and be supplemented

by negotiations on the Israel-Syria and Israel-Lebanon

tracks towards comprehensive peace and stability in

the Middle East.

A week ago the people of Afghanistan voted for

their new parliament. The elections showed that the

Afghanis are determined to build a peaceful and

prosperous country that is at peace with its neighbours.

We commend the work done by the Independent

Electoral Commission. The elections were conducted

in a difficult security and political environment. It is of

the highest importance that the Government of

Afghanistan corrects the irregularities caused by the

harsh environment.

The international community plays a substantial

role in coordinating civilian efforts in Afghanistan. The

work of the Secretary-General’s Special Representative

must be commended. The recently released Mid Year

Report 2010 Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict

is worrisome and shows how much work remains to be

done to improve the situation.

To be successful in Afghanistan, one should not

forget the regional aspect of the issue. Stability in

Central Asia is an important factor for success in

Afghanistan.

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We are satisfied to see that the Kabul process is

under way and that the Government of Afghanistan is

resolved to act in order to regain the trust of the

Afghan people and to align the support of the

international community behind the goals of national

development. A well-coordinated effort is necessary to

follow up the Kabul commitments so that in 2014 the

Government of Afghanistan will be able to take full

responsibility for the governance of the country. Latvia

is therefore putting more emphasis on training Afghan

security forces, both army and police. In June, Latvia

carried out a training project for Afghan police officers

in the field of criminal investigation.

Another important task is to foster Afghanistan’s

economic and social development. Regional

cooperation can be very useful in that effort, especially

with regard to energy and transport infrastructure.

Latvia envisions multiple transport corridors

connecting Afghanistan to the neighbouring region, as

well as to Europe.

I would like to refer to the European Union as an

important partner of the United Nations. The United

Nations and the European Union share the same

fundamental values — freedom, democracy, rule of

law, human rights, equality and tolerance. It is our duty

to work together to ensure that those values are not just

words but something to be enjoyed daily by everybody.

The European Union has been changed through

the Lisbon Treaty. We hope that that change will give

the European Union a clearer voice in relations with

our partners, including the United Nations. I hope that

agreement will soon be reached to ensure the European

Union’s effective participation in the work of the

General Assembly.

Finally, I would like to touch on the economic

slowdown in the global economy during the past

couple of years. Latvia was one of the countries hit

hardest by the crisis. Now Latvia’s economy is

showing signs of recovery. We have seen positive

trends in macroeconomic indicators since the

beginning of the year. We are on the way up.

The reason for our recovery is the tough fiscal

adjustment that Latvia has demonstrated since 2008. I

am certain that other countries will need to go through

considerable budgetary consolidation soon. Our

experience shows that it is possible, but only with the

full understanding and support of the population.

Latvia has carried out large-scale reforms, and we are

ready to share our experience. That is one of the

reasons why Latvia has put forward its candidature in

this year’s elections to the Economic and Social

Council.

Prudence will be a key element to prevent future

economic crises, but not the only one. Global financial

governance will be another such element. Latvia

commends the role and leadership shown by the Group

of Twenty (G-20) countries. Financial governance

should be global, and we highly value the initiatives

put forward towards that end by the G-20, international

financial institutions and other forums.

The world is entering the second decade of the

twenty-first century, and there are challenges to

security, peace and prosperity. They can be met only by

a common effort and the unity of mankind. I wish us

all the wisdom and courage to maintain the higher

interest in the common good. Latvia looks forward to a

fruitful sixty-fifth session of the General Assembly.