Latvia, 2013

The three pillars of the

United Nations — peace and security, sustainable

development, and human rights — are interlinked and

mutually reinforcing. Respect for universal human

rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law is a

cornerstone of international peace and stability.

Fragile, conflict-affected and least developed

countries face the biggest difficulties in ensuring

sustainable development. Growing evidence shows that

progress on the Millenium Development Goals in those

States is impossible without first achieving peace and

security. That leads us to one of the cornerstones of

the new post-2015 vision: peace and security are basic

conditions for a decent life and for the enjoyment of

human rights.

The priorities of the Assembly’s sixty-eighth

session are topical and very pertinent. The new

development framework for post-2015 will remain high

on the United Nations agenda for the next two years

and beyond. It should set out a comprehensive and

coherent framework around a single set of global goals,

driving action in all countries. A set of peacebuilding

goals should be high on the post-2015 agenda, in which

the United Nations should continue to play the leading

role in promoting the settlement of disputes by peaceful

means.

The Middle East stands at a crossroads. Events there

have global impact, and the international community

must take decisive actions.

We deplore the continuing humanitarian

catastrophe in Syria. The easing of human suffering

is the immediate goal, and we commend international

efforts to that end. I would especially like to thank the

neighbouring countries for hosting Syrian refugees.

The detailed report by the United Nations inspectors

confirms the use of chemical weapons against civilians

on 21 August. Those who committed war crimes

and crimes against humanity in Syria must face the

International Criminal Court. The agreement reached

by the United States and Russia on the framework to

eliminate Syria’s chemical weapons should be reflected

in a Security Council resolution with the clear indication

that Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations

would be invoked in case of non-compliance.

We encourage the new Iranian leadership to

address the concerns of the international community.

We welcome the stated determination of the new

Iranian Government to resolve the nuclear issue, thus

building confidence in the peaceful nature of its nuclear

programme.

Latvia welcomes the reopening of direct Middle

East peace negotiations. Latvia praises the role

of the United States as the mediator. Negotiations

should demonstrate the commitment of both parties

to a peaceful settlement. We anticipate a two-State

solution — Israel and Palestine living side by side in

peace and security.

Latvia is convinced that the resolution of protracted

conflicts in Moldova, Georgia and Nagorno Karabakh

should remain high on the international agenda. Efforts

to resolve the conflicts should be increased.

Latvia accumulated extensive experience during

its transition to a free, just and democratic society. As

a European Union member State with that extensive

experience, we share it with countries in the European

Union’s Eastern Partnership and Central Asia. Latvia

will continue to offer its expertise in such areas as

the rule of law and fundamental freedoms, thereby

contributing to good governance and further economic

development in those countries. However, it is essential

to keep in mind that national ownership is fundamental

in any reform process, .

Latvia is stepping up development assistance for

Afghanistan and the Central Asian States, particularly

in the areas of transportation and customs. We see

potential for the further integration of those countries

into the global economy by developing international

trade routes. The Northern Distribution Network already

connects the region with Europe through Latvia. We

are confident that it can also become a commercially

viable long-term transit corridor after 2014.

We are approaching an important turning point in

Afghanistan. In order to secure the progress achieved,

the international community must remain committed

to the country’s long-term development. Latvia will

continue to support civilian policing and to train

military personnel. We will also provide financial aid

to the Afghan National Security Forces as of 2015.

Sustainable development and prosperity go hand

in hand. During times of recession, structural reforms

and budgetary discipline, accompanied by economic

stimulus, bring results. While we can observe signs

of global economic recovery, there is no room for

complacency.

To ensure robust economic growth, we need to

ensure that the young generation contributes to it.

Quality education is the key to empowering people;

it should reach all. Everybody should have lifelong

learning opportunities. Quality education is the

foundation on which peaceful, prosperous and dignified

societies are built.

Following the economic downturn in 2008, Latvia

has been the fastest growing European Union economy

for the past two years. We expect to maintain that strong

growth trend at the level of at least 4 per cent annually

for the coming years. Latvia is now ready for further

integration into the global economy by introducing

the euro in 2014 and by joining the Organization for

Economic Cooperation and Development.

An empowered civil society is a key engine of

sustainable development. We are proud that the people

of Latvia are actively engaged in the decision-making

process at all stages. In the twenty-first century the

public involvement’s must be ensured both directly and

on line. Latvia has been working actively to protect

and promote Internet freedom as an important element

of freedom of expression for an open and democratic

society.

Latvia stands ready to contribute to the most

fundamental goals that should figure on the post-2015

agenda, namely, promoting peace, human rights and

fundamental freedoms. Therefore, we have put forward

our candidacy for the elections to the Human Rights

Council in 2014 and the Security Council in 2025.

Latvia counts on the support of Member States and

gives its assurance that it will contribute to the work of

those bodies in a responsible manner.