Germany

Seldom has people’s yearning for freedom, dignity and self- determination played such a dominant role as it has this year. Until now, we have experienced globalization 49 11-51384 first and foremost through the ever-greater integration of the world economy. Today, we see that globalization means so much more; that it has also brought about a globalization of values. Those are the values enshrined in the United Nations Charter, the inalienable rights contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In North Africa and in the Arab world, millions of people have shaken off the shackles of decades of oppression. They want freedom, democracy and human rights, as well as better lives for themselves and their families. That road is anything but easy. A new political system must mature in order to become stable. That takes time and patience. However, even the longest road begins with the very first step. This is a year of momentous steps. We have not forgotten the moving images of people who won dignity and self-respect by their own efforts, the proud faces on Bourguiba Boulevard in Tunis and in Tahrir Square in Cairo. Those people want to shape their own future, and their yearning is by no means limited to the Arab world. In Belarus, too, people long for an end to repression and tyranny and for the opportunity to fully develop their individual personalities. With the fall of the Berlin Wall and reunification more than 20 years ago, Germany experienced for itself the joy of a peaceful revolution. Today we have a fundamental interest in the success of the political awakening in the southern Mediterranean region. We Germans offer our support for the reforms in Morocco and Jordan, the political awakening in Egypt and Tunisia, and the fresh start in Libya following the overthrow of the dictator. Every country and every society will find its own way into the modern world, either through revolution or through reform. We want to provide advice and support. We want to help create an independent judiciary, a pluralistic media landscape, and a vibrant civil society. We want to help people come to terms with their past and we want to support the constitutional process. Above all, however, we want to assist in the crucial process of building a new social and economic order, for we all know that the success of social change largely hinges on economic success. People who take to the streets for freedom and self- determination must see first-hand that they, too, can succeed with the help of their ideas, their creativity and their commitment. Germany is therefore working not only for close partnerships but for increased market access. We want to foster change through increased trade. We are offering investments, especially in the small and medium-sized enterprises that form the backbone of an open and successful society. Most important of all, however, will be to offer young people education and training so that they can make the most of their opportunities. That is of key importance to successful transitions and fresh starts in those countries. The courageous men and women of Syria deserve a clear sign of our solidarity. The Syrian Government has responded to the legitimate demands of the Syrian people with brutal force. Germany will continue to press for a Security Council resolution. This is not only about showing solidarity with the Syrian people; it is also about the credibility of the international community. If the repression continues, we Europeans will further tighten sanctions against the regime. The Syrian people should be free to shape their own future. This week has been dominated by the unresolved conflict in the Middle East. On Friday here in New York, President Abbas expressed the Palestinians’ expectations and understandable frustration with the lack of progress made (see ). On the same day, Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s justified desire to exist in peace within secure borders (see ). Both sides have legitimate interests. However, these interests are certainly not irreconcilable. They can be overcome if the parties involved are willing to do so. Germany is backing a two-State solution. We support a Palestinian State that will allow the Palestinians to live in dignity and self-determination and that is independent, sovereign, contiguous and democratic, as well as politically and economically viable. Over the past few years, we have been heavily involved in the practical development of this statehood by helping to build an administration, infrastructure and vocational training, as well as politically, in the German-Palestinian Steering Committee. And we do not want that State to be founded sometime in the distant and indeterminate future. Let there be no doubt, however, that the security of Israel is and will continue to be part of the raison d’être of the Federal Republic of Germany. Peace 11-51384 50 between Israelis and Palestinians is possible. A Palestinian State is possible. Two States existing peacefully side by side are possible. However, they can be achieved only through negotiations. The statement issued by the Middle East Quartet on Friday identified the milestones along the way. Germany worked hard for that Quartet statement and staunchly supports it. The confrontation of words here in New York must not be allowed to lead to an escalation in violence in the Middle East. I therefore call on both sides, Palestinians and Israelis, to enter into direct negotiations without delay. On Friday, the two sides reaffirmed their desire for a negotiated peace. The task now is to channel the energy and pressure of recent days into a constructive process. The two sides have been called on to come forward within three months with comprehensive proposals on territory and security, and to refrain from all provocative actions. The international community will continue to support the difficult road to peace. This includes the Moscow conference as part of the negotiating timetable for the coming months. I would like to express my appreciation to all who have worked so hard in the past few days to create this opportunity for a constructive solution. As a European, I would like to extend my special thanks to the European Union’s High Representative, Lady Ashton. Let us make use of the impetus provided by the intensive efforts here in New York for the benefit of the people of Israel and the Palestinian territories. The international community has worked tirelessly for years to ensure that Afghanistan ceases to harbour a threat to international peace and security. Many, indeed too many people have already lost their lives as a result of that threat. On 5 December in Bonn, under Afghanistan’s chairmanship, we will discuss the way forward. The Conference will focus on three major issues. The first is the complete handover of responsibility for security. This summer saw the start of a process whereby the Afghans are to gradually assume responsibility for security in their country by 2014. This is a responsible handover of responsibility. Secondly, the international community will remain engaged in Afghanistan after 2014. Afghanistan will continue to need economic initiatives and more regional cooperation to help strengthen its sovereignty. The New Silk Road initiative, which we launched here in New York last week, is intended to serve this aim. Thirdly, Afghanistan’s internal reconciliation and support from States in the region are critical to lasting peace. The brutal murder of former President Rabbani shows that the reconciliation process will continue to suffer setbacks. Nevertheless, it must and will go on. Germany will play its part on the road to Bonn. While people are seizing the opportunity to build a better future for themselves in freedom and self- determination in a growing number of countries around the world, millions in the Horn of Africa are struggling to survive. The United Nations has played a valuable role in providing swift humanitarian assistance. Germany is doing everything in its power in this and many other crises to alleviate the suffering. The collapse of State authority and the impact of climate change are aggravating the already disastrous situation. Germany will continue to be in the vanguard of the fight against climate change. As with disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation, as well as the protection of human rights, the fight against climate change is an integral element of preventive diplomacy. It is part of a farsighted peace policy. By the end of this year, our planet will have more than 7 billion inhabitants. In that world, Germany will place its hopes in a strong United Nations as a forum for political consensus-building, a source of rules with international legitimacy, and a player in the crisis regions of this world. The United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights offer more people than ever before the direction and inspiration they need to strive for a cooperative world order and a fairer global community. However, the United Nations has to adapt to our changing world. Only then will the decisions made here gain political force, effectiveness and acceptance. New centres of power are emerging in global politics. Their economic dynamism has prompted them to demand political participation. The sixty-fifth session of the General Assembly considered United Nations reform, but no real progress has been achieved so far. We welcome the fact that the new President intends to again personally champion this reform. We will do everything we can to him. In September 38 years ago, two German States were admitted to the United Nations. At that time, my predecessor in office, Walter Scheel, stated before the Assembly: 51 11-51384 “Where there is a question of international cooperation, of preserving peace and of protecting the rights of man, there the Federal Republic of Germany will always be found. If there is anything we have learned from our own bitter experience it is this: man is the measure of all things”. Man is the measure of all things. Germany remains committed to this principle.