Latvia

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. 37 10-54965 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. 10-54965 38 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.