United Nations General Debate Assembly
The General debate of the seventy-second session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) commenced on 19 September 2017 and ended on 25 September 2017. Leaders from a number of member states addressed the UNGA.
Organisation and subjects.
The order of speakers is given first to member states, then observer states and supranational bodies. Any other observers entities will have a chance to speak at the end of the debate, if they so choose. Speakers will be put on the list in the order of their request, with special consideration for ministers and other government officials of similar or higher rank. According to the rules in place for the General Debate, the statements should be in of the United Nations official languages of Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian or Spanish, and will be translated by the United Nations translators. Each speaker is requested to provide 20 advance copies of their statements to the conference officers to facilitate translation and to be presented at the podium. Though there is no time limit for speeches, a voluntary guideline of 15 minutes is requested. The president's chosen theme for this year's debate was chosen by President Miroslav Lajcak as "Focusing on People: Striving for Peace and a Decent Life for All on a Sustainable Planet."
Speaking schedule.
19 September.
Right of Reply.
Member states have the option to reply to comments on the day (or even to the days prior), but are limited to 10 minutes for the first response and five minutes for the second response. All speeches are made from the floor, as opposed to the podium for the General Debate.
Iran used its turn to respond (through a translator) to Israel in saying that the "representative of the Israeli regime made unfounded allegations by trying to deceive the world to distract public opinion from [the] hideous actions of his regime. The nature of the regime that is founded on occupation, violence, and terror can in no way be covered up by accusing others." He said that Israel has "weapons of mass misinformation but in this information age it is becoming useless day-by-day. Instead of trying to deceive he should explain to the Assembly why it has invaded all of its neighbours and even beyond the region. It has waged over 15 wars in its lifetime. Why does it ignore tens of resolutions of this Assembly, as well as over 100 resolutions? [As] he spoke today...why does the state sponsor of terrorism continue such acts, including of supporting ISIS by providing arms and assistance...sure this regime has an exceptional capability in committing all crimes, including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and crimes of aggression, including oppression. It is exceptional in barbarity. It has an exceptional capability in killing women and children, destroying homes, schools, and hospitals. It has an exceptional capability in terrorism. He claimed his regime saves live around the world but why does it oppress Palestinians daily. Why does it jail and arrest thousands of Palestinians and why does it carry out a blockade against millions in the Gaza Strip. Does he think that by wearing white he can cover up his red hands? Does he think the world forgets the Sabra and Shatila massacre? He did not explain why the regime, despite its arsenal of conventional weapons, does it have chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. Why is it not a party to end weapons of mass destruction, in particular the NPT. Why does it reject the establish of a nuclear-free Middle East despite repeated calls by the UN, the international community and this Assembly over the past 30 years? One question he was expected to answer is why his regime which is the only nuclear weapons possessor in the Middle East, hides behind the doctrine of strategic ambiguity. He shamelessly lectures the world on non-proliferation and accuses Iran, whose [non-military] nuclear capability has been approved by the IAEA. He tried to abuse this Assembly by only accusing others. He also tried to create anxiety over the JCPOA."
The session was then ended for the day.
21 September.
Right of Reply.
Ukraine responded to Russia in saying that it would be brief due to the late hour (about 22:45). The representative said that the "last thing the General Assembly needs is to get into different exchanges. Russia is recognised by the United Nation as an occupying power in Ukraine. [This is] recognised by the General Assembly, the most representative UN body. Russia has no moral right to lecture on Ukraine until it returns sovereignty."
India then responded to Pakistan in criticising its "defence of terrorism. It is odd that the state that sheltered Osama bin Laden and Mullah Omar should have the gumption to suggest terrorism. Thus this august Assembly and the world knows that efforts to create history does not change [reality]. Pakistan's name from the land of the pure [has changed] to pure terror. Pakistan is Terroristan. [It has harboured] Hafeez Sayyeed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Its counter terrorism strategy has involved it being a haven to terrorists. It protects terrorists. Pakistan must understand that Jammu and Kashmir will always remain an integral part of India. However it ramps up terror, this will not change. Pakistan spoke of its supposed counter terrorism efforts, [but] having diverted international aid to infrastructure of terror, Pakistan is now talking of its suffering from terrorism. The world does not need lectures on democracy and human rights from a state defined as a failed state. Terroristan...if it is committed to civilisation the world may still understand."
Afghanistan responded to Pakistan in referring to "safe havens of terror in Pakistan. Pakistan diverts attention from [its] failure to take action against groups with sanctuaries in its territory. Those in Pakistan constitute the main source of instability to Afghanistan and the region. Efforts to this end, from this platform, have yielded nothing. Pakistan prevents a constructive approach to peace and stability in the region and the world. Where was Osama bin Laden killed? Near the capital, Islamabad. Where did Mullah Omar die? In an hospital in Karachi. Where was his successor Mullah Akhtar Mansour found and killed by foreign forces? Quetta in Pakistan. Which passport did he have to travel? Pakistan. From what country has almost every terrorist group entered Afghanistan? From Pakistan. Incessant support for extremist groups by Pakistan...[the] so-called civil war in Afghanistan has been so by the use of proxies for political purposes in Afghanistan. Now the time has come for Pakistan to adopt a constructive approach to promote peace in the region. Lastly Abbasi admitted in an interview a few days ago that the truck used in a bombing might have come from Pakistan to Afghanistan. We will use dialogue to ensure stability for our people. In this context, our resolve to defeat terrorism is unwavering, as is shown by our security forces everyday."
Pakistan then responded to India (and added a response to Afghanistan) by saying "that it is unfortunate India criticises Pakistan. The oppressed people of Kashmir [have suffered] by Indian occupation forces. The people of occupied Kashmir look to the international community to carry out a free and fair plebiscite to determine their future. The misconceptions India creates is such that only yesterday Indian forces on the Line of Control in Kashmir killed 10 people where many, including women, lost their lives. The strategy of offense-defense is flouted blatantly by India...[this] will never succeed. Commander Kulbhushan Yadav was caught red handed in Pakistan for spreading [propaganda] and espionage. For our Bangladesh brothers and sisters...we have to come out of hate. The 1971 war issues were resolved by the signing of a tripartite agreement. We have to move on."The representative then responded to Afghanistan in saying that "instead of blaming others, [they] should focus on eliminating terrorists in places it cannot control."
The session was then closed for the day by the president of the General Assembly.
22 September.
Right of Reply.
Serbia responded to Albania in saying that "as the General Assembly searches for numerous challenges the world is faced with...the same is for Serbia. In order to achieve this, Serbia seeks regional cooperation. We share the western Balkans working together. During the 72nd session of the General Assembly numerous dignitaries underlined sovereignty. Albania again used this august body to call for the independence of the Serbian southern province, so-called state of Kosovo. This is against the charter and the principles of the UN. [Rama] contended that the dialogue is between two states and not Belgrade and Pristina...outstanding issues are being addressed in Brussels by the European Union between Belgrade and Pristina. What the prime minister of Albania said may jeopardise the future. [Amongst] my government's priorities is to reach a solution that is acceptable to all taking into account all communities in Kosovo-Metohija. Kosovo is not independent nor a UN member state. Serbia will use all its means to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity."
Qatar responded to the UAE (through a translator) in criticising the "allegations and false claims by the UAE against Qatar which faces an illegal siege and encroachment on its national sovereignty. [We] face an attempt to defame Qatar and trying to hurt its relations with other countries...[to] impose an unjust and unlawful siege. We face actions against our media. [This] violation of good neighbourliness and of the charter of the GCC is thus rejected by many countries. Many countries talked of the negative impact of the siege. The unity of our people [and] solidarity with countries around the world [will prevail]. We believe these measures hurt, [but] despite many attempts to defame Qatar, the international community knows the objective of this campaign. [It has] failed to prove what they sought. The record of Qatar in confronting terrorism is known to all and our partners in this fight. [It is] better than the record of those stating what is contrary to that. Qatar is also working through bilateral mechanisms to fight terror and dry up its source of funding. Whether freezing assets or prevent travelling...the state of Qatar will always be firm in confronting [terrorism]...we all bear collectively responsibility in the charter and [its] perspectives...respect for sovereignty and human rights. This is the best forum to defend international law. UAE must put an end to all violations perpetrated against Security Council such as in Libya. [This will be] leading to[wards] more terrorism as a result of failed policies."
Albania responded to Serbia's reply "in response to his excellency Edi Rama. We regret at this hour to take the stand but to set the record strait. Let me remind [them] that Kosovo is an independent state. Since 2008 Kosovo is recognised by [111] member states. [It] proved to be a contributor to peace. Kosovo is member of regional groups in south east Europe. It has signed cooperation deals with the EU and is working towards future EU membership. [This has] brought clear benefits and an improve[d] atmosphere in the region. Facilitate[d]...youth in particular. Based on this record, the UN and other groups only benefit by recognition of Kosovo. Based on what my prime minister Edi Rama said, [this] move[s] towards stability...[and is] good for all countries, Serbia included. Serbia and Kosovo engage in dialogue which brought the two countries together to engage issues for the good of its citizens. [This is the] best investment for them to work towards reconciliation. This is what both need...for peace and the future in Europe."
The UAE responded (through a translator) to Qatar's response in saying that "we regret to see the state of Qatar has once again sought to distract the representatives here. Four countries took measures against the state of Qatar claiming to fight terrorism, but [against] those [who] genuinely fight terrorism in line with international law...To break relations was not difficult but a direct response to Qatar's own actions which destabilise the region. The state that meddles in other Arab states. In point of fact, Qatar "is" in violation of international law and resolutions of the UN. We will continue with measures taken because we found no other way against Qatar's hostile actions. They can [either] choose to be a rogue state against international law or work in cooperation [with others]."
Egypt then also responded (through a translator) to Qatar in saying "we do not find it odd that the delegation of state of Qatar is using allegations to defend [itself]...Saudi Arabia,