I wish to congratulate the
President and his country, Qatar, on his election to the
presidency of the Assembly at this session. With his
wisdom and experience, I am confident that he will
successfully steer the proceedings of the Assembly. I
assure him of my delegation’s cooperation and support.
I also congratulate His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-moon
on his reappointment as Secretary-General.
I commend the President for choosing the role of
mediation in the settlement of disputes by peaceful
means as the theme for this debate. The peaceful
settlement of disputes, as provided for in Chapter VI of
the United Nations Charter, is an important principle
that the international community should uphold in
seeking solutions to conflicts throughout the world.
Our Government recognizes the legitimacy of
peaceful demands for democratic changes in sister
countries such as Tunisia and Egypt. However, we
believe that the demands for democratic change should
be locally driven. They should not be used as a pretext
to undermine the fundamental principle of sovereignty
and non-intervention in the internal affairs of
independent States.
We are concerned that all efforts by the African
Union to find a peaceful negotiated solution in Libya
were ignored and undermined. Never in the history of
the United Nations has the sanctity of the principle of
non-intervention been so compromised as we have
witnessed recently in Libya. The military intervention
by a foreign Power reminds Africa of the infamous
Berlin Conference of 1884, when Africa was carved up
by imperial Powers.
In the aftermath of the recent political changes in
some African countries, it is important to underscore
the need to promote genuine national reconciliation
and unity and to begin urgently to address the
challenges of poverty and unemployment, especially
among the youth of the world. Respect for justice,
fundamental human rights, the rule of law and good
governance should be preconditions for lasting peace.
Following successful negotiations, the Republic
of South Sudan attained its independence on 9 July
2011. This demonstrated the statesmanship and wisdom
of the leaders of the Sudan and the Republic of South
Sudan, who chose the path of peace and mediation. We
call on the two countries to resolve all outstanding
issues through peaceful means. I wish His Excellency
President Salva Kiir Mayardit success as he leads the
people of South Sudan in building a united and
prosperous nation.
Namibia calls for the immediate implementation
of the United Nations settlement plan and relevant
United Nations resolutions calling for the holding of a
free and fair referendum in Western Sahara.
With regard to Palestine, I reaffirm our full and
unequivocal support for the legitimate struggle of the
Palestinian people to achieve their inalienable right to
self-determination and national independence. Namibia
supports the admission of Palestine to the United
Nations as a full Member.
The overwhelming majority of the Member States
of the Assembly have for many years expressed serious
concern over the continuing economic, commercial and
financial embargo against the Republic of Cuba.
Namibia calls for the immediate and unconditional
lifting of this embargo.
Namibia welcomes the recent signing of the road
map by the Malagasy political stakeholders with the
facilitation of the Southern African Development
Community mediator. It paves the way for bringing an
end to the political crisis and returning Madagascar to
constitutional order and democratic rule. The United
Nations and the international community should
provide adequate financial support to that country and
become actively engaged in the ongoing mediation
efforts to ensure the full implementation of the road
map.
11-51185 20
The people of Somalia are faced with not only
political uncertainty but also a severe drought and
famine, which have resulted in a human catastrophe.
Namibia has joined the international community in
contributing food supplies to the people of Somalia as
part of the international effort to address the crisis.
The effects of climate change are real and are
acutely felt in every part of the globe. For the past
three consecutive years Namibia has experienced
devastating floods, which negatively impacted our
development plans. I take this opportunity to once
again thank members of the international community
who responded to our emergency appeal for assistance.
Now more than ever before, all Member States
should work towards the successful conclusion of the
seventeenth Conference of the Parties to the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change,
which will take place in Durban, South Africa, later
this year. This should set the tone for the United
Nations Conference on Sustainable Development,
Rio+20, to be held in Rio de Janeiro next year.
The reform of the United Nations system,
especially the Security Council, has been painfully
slow. I underscore Namibia’s firm conviction that a
reformed Security Council should be democratic,
representative and transparent in its working methods.
That is consistent with the African common position. It
is incumbent on all Member States to work together to
strengthen the Organization in order to guarantee
international peace and security and to advance
sustainable economic and social development for a
fairer and more just world for all.