Denmark
H. E. Mr. Carsten Staur, Chairperson of the Delegation
29 September 2008
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Statement Summary
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CARSTEN STAUR (Denmark) said global challenges called for global responses and it was best to employ effective and strong multilateral action through a strong United Nations system. As French President Sarkozy, the current President of the European Union, stressed last week, continued reform was crucial to improve the Organization’s ability to solve problems, which was one of its core duties. Member States needed to make sustained progress on system-wide coherence and the “Delivering as One” agenda. Regarding Security Council reform, Denmark welcomed the agreement to initiate intergovernmental negotiations and backed Iceland’s candidature for membership, representing all Nordic countries.
Climate change needed to be addressed as an integral part of sustainable growth and development in the poorest countries. The security risks posed by climate change also needed to be addressed. Economic growth and environmental protection were fully compatible and the challenge was to create a framework for low-carbon growth in which increased energy efficiency; greater use of renewable energy sources; carbon capture and storage; and the development of a global carbon market were vital elements. Denmark was set to host the next Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2009. The goal was to reach a successor pact to the Kyoto Protocol and make it a truly global instrument.
He hoped this Assembly would finally agree to a comprehensive convention on international terrorism and focus on due process and sanctions. It had become increasingly clear that the lack of adequate due process hampered the efficiency of the sanctions system.
While the United Nations had played a major part in reducing the number of armed conflicts around the globe, he said several bloody and difficult conflicts remained. The United Nations should play a much stronger role in coordinating the international engagement in Afghanistan. A lack of success would have serious regional ramifications.
Turning to Africa, several factors had delayed the deployment of UNAMID. Those responsible for the grave crimes in Darfur had to be held accountable. Compliance with Security Council resolution 1593 (2005) was necessary, and Denmark supported the International Criminal Court. He hoped the recent power sharing agreement would pave the way for a return to democracy and the rule of law in Zimbabwe. And in Somalia, he said, common efforts to fight piracy were needed by international players as they worked to improve the deplorable situation on the ground, and the prospects for a long-term political solution.
On the Middle East, Denmark urged the parties involved to honour their Road Map commitments and settle their differences in accord with international agreements and the Arab Peace Initiative. He strongly condemned the unacceptable remarks made by the Iranian President that called for Israel’s destruction. Regarding the war that erupted in the South Caucasus last month, he urged all parties to live up to the conditions of the six-point and Moscow agreements, and reach a long-term solution that respects Georgia’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He acknowledged that the international community was not on track to meet the Millennium Development Goals, but it also was not “sidetracked”. An extra effort was vital for the Goals’ success. A special focus on the empowerment of women and increased investments in women were essential. The Danish Government had initiated a specific call to action on gender quality and the empowerment of women, and to help sub-Saharan Africa meet its goals, created an international, high-level commission on effective development cooperation with Africa, he said.
[Source: GA/10758]
