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.