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Le Canada et l’ONU > Newton Bowles Reports Ce document est disponible seulement en anglais.
European Union Austria, as President of EU Council. This comprehensive statement was accompanied by a 67-page memorandum detailing the EU's position on most matters before the Assembly. With 8% of the world's population, the EU provides 60% of development aid and 50% of humanitarian aid. For the UN, the EU contributes 36% of the regular budget and 39% of the peacekeeping budget. As a permanent member of the Security Council, the United States has a special responsibility. "We . . . hope that Washington will soon settle its arrears and live up to the legitimate expectations of member states of the United States' role in the World Organization." The European social market economy may be a "third way" to harness economic forces in today's turbulent world. An enlarged EU with a common currency will be a strong partner for the U.N. EU supports integration of human rights into all UN activities. Children require special protection (sexual exploitation, soldiering, labour). Supports declaration on human rights defenders. On conflicts, emphasize prevention and post-conflict rehabilitation. EU now contributes one-third of UN Peacekeeping personnel. UN personnel must be protected. Disarm mass weapons and small arms. EU has code of conduct on small arms trade. Need good follow-up of the major thematic conferences, with focus on poverty. Germany (Vice-Chancellor Klaus Kinkel) "The age of globalization is the age of the United Nations." "The regional groupings are the components of a new global order under the roof of the United Nations." Kosovo: "Most of the responsibility lies with . . . Milosovic." Bosnia: ". . . genuine peace will not return until . . . Karadzic and his lot have been brought to trial in the Hague." "Violations of human rights are no longer an internal matter of States . . . Any group which, like the regime in Kabul, denies women their basic human rights places itself outside the international community of common values." Sweden Poverty feeds conflict and is a poor base for democracy. Poverty must be eradicated. Only four countries, including Sweden, meet the U.N. aid target of 0.7% of GNP. Respecting human rights makes stable societies. Repression breeds violence. Concerning the death penalty, "Primitive expressions of public vengeance have no place in a civilized legal system." The International Criminal Court can close the impunity gap. How can U.N. better promote democracy. Disarmament, especially nuclear, urgent. Security. Early action best to prevent conflict. "There are strong
forces at work which obstruct early action -- forces hiding behind arguments
about sovereignty, public opinion and national interest; forces defining
security as stability and order, rather than dealing with the underlying
causes of conflict." |
