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Malta Statement at United Nations General Assembly (General Debate)
PR1518
01/10/1996
01/10/1996
| Last Friday, Maltese Ambassador Dr. Joseph Cassar, addressed the | 51st Session of the United Nations General Assembly during the General Debate. The statement outlined Malta's policy on various issues, including human rights, solidarity, EU, Mediterranean policy, development, disarmament, and UN reform. |
| Disarmament required "brave bold steps" such as | the indefinite extension of the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the adoption of the Comprehensive Test-Ban Treaty. Malta war among the first to co-sponsor and sign the CTBT. States need to "ensure universal adherence and compliance to these treaties and others" including the Chemical Weapons Convention. Malta supported banning the production, export and use of anti-personal landmines. |
| Ambassador Cassar referred to progress in the structured dialogue | with the European Union and the accession negotiations due to start in the coming months Malta's participation in the European security architecture through the OSCE, the Partnership for Peace and the Council of Europe was a contribution towards democracy, prosperity, social justice and solidarity. He dwelt on Malta's proposal for a Stability Pact for the Mediterranean, and reiterated support for the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. |
| Peace processes in Bosnia-Hersegovina and the Middle East | had "rekindled the hope of settlement" and were examples of the courage reconciliation demands. Recent acts of violence in Jerusalem and Ramallah gave rise to grave concern. Hope for a just and long-lasting solution in Cyprus was expressed. Humanitarian aid to victims of war, famine or exploitation was stressed. Individuals and communities could make a difference with "small pragmatic steps inspired by the innate dignity of each human being". |
| Assessment of the UN's performance should not ignore achievement in | UN peace-keeping, preventive diplomacy and development. International efforts towards sustainable development and environmental protection were essential. Malta contributed to development initiatives through cash contributions and human resource training. Maltese NGO volunteers and members of religious orders in developing countries symbolised a "national commitment to international solidarity". |
| Democracy, rule of law, free and fair elections and the promotion | and protection of human rights were guarantors of peace. Malta participated in international election monitoring teams, most recently in Palestine and Bosnia Herzegovina. |
| Focusing on drug trafficking, illicit arms transfers, money | laundering and organised crime.The Permanent Representative of Malta to the United States stated that the Malta Government "was totally committed in this regard. Legislation adopted has strengthened the arm of the law in apprehending traffickers, halting the flow off drugs and confiscating illegal funds accrued." Malta supported a UNGA Special Session in 1998 to address drug trafficking and related issues. |
| UN reform demanded that Member States act "with the revived | spirit which our times demand". As President of the 45th Session of UNGA and since, the Deputy Prime Minister had called for a "symbiotic relationship between the UN's principal organs", including Security Council reform, the revitalisation of the General Assembly and the Review of the Role of the Trusteeship Council, addressing these issues, Dr. Cassar recalled the resolution tabled by Malta during UNGA-50. "Our common heritage and the welfare of future generations demand that in reorienting the United Nation, we preserve and protect the vision and ideals which gave it birth". |
| Malta believed that current reforms and rationalisation were | important. It was also necessary that all Member States pay their assessed contributions in full, promptly and without conditions. "Finances are undoubtedly a cause of common concern. There is however, another threatening phenomenon which looms - moral bankruptcy. This is by far the greater danger. With the end of the Cold War, a Second Generations UN had to find in its Member States the resolve and commitment to face winds of change ... With steady hand on the rudder and our eyes hitched to that guiding star which inspired the founding fathers, we can still bring ship to port. The fate of humankind is our precious cargo and responsibility. |
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