By Holy See Mission
Statement of H.E.
Archbishop Celestino MiglioreApostolic Nuncio,
Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United NationsBefore the Plenary of the 59th General
Assembly on Items 38 (a) and (b),“NEPAD: progress in
implementation and international support”and 46, “Decade to
Roll Back Malaria in Developing Countries” New York, 19 October 2004Mr. President,
My delegation is glad to
intervene on this item on
the progress in implementation and international support for NEPAD.
The context is that of the duty of the international community,
especially the more powerful countries, of redressing the economic
imbalances that penalize Africa and of helping it to resolve its
regional and national conflicts, beyond the mere discussion of their
causes. The conflicts in Africa are well known. The reasons for them
however are complex and the actors or motives behind them are due
not only to African States or factions, but are also found beyond
Africa and its interests.
My delegation wishes to
recognize that, with regard
to peace building, common security, prevention of conflicts,
peacemaking and peacekeeping, Africa is doing more and more,
notwithstanding the many adversities it faces and the lack of means
to overcome them. The Report of the Secretary-General on the
Promotion of Durable Peace and Sustainable Development in Africa
(A/59/285) gives a good overview of the results of the effective
ongoing political and military cooperation between the UN, the AU
and subregional agencies, such as the Economic Community of West
African States (ECOWAS), the Intergovernmental Authority on
Development (IGAD) and many other organizations. Management of
conflicts in Western Africa also deserves special mention. The
current trend in harmonizing international, regional and subregional
levels is not only a measure of the success achieved by the members
of the African Union; it is a success that contains valuable lessons
for the solving of crises in other parts of the world and for the
reform of the UN itself.
Similarly, at the national
level, it must be
acknowledged that there are many examples of good governance, rule
of law and the fight against corruption under the impulse of APRM
(African Peer Review Mechanism), the African self-monitoring
mechanism established by the African Union in order to further the
realization of NEPAD, to which a number of countries have already
adhered. This management in solidarity of Africa’s affairs by
Africans will allow important advances in the provision of basic
necessities – clean water, food, housing, access to healthcare and
reduction in the spread of malaria and HIV, not to mention a safe
environment to live, work and bring a family into the world.
Parallel to the regional cooperation for peace, the helpful role
APRM can play in promoting sound national policies and practices is
an example and a precedent for other regions of the world.
The adoption of the July Pack
of the WTO, which
reopened the negotiations of the Doha Development Round, is to be
welcomed, especially since it has taken on board some of the
difficulties expressed by African nations. The realization of
economic policies suitable for Africa, for the well-being of urban
and rural families alike and for the preservation of African values,
is surely an urgent international obligation. And so it is
regrettable that the recent Councils of Governors of the IMF and of
the World Bank, as well as the meeting of the Ministers of Finance
of the G-7 which preceded them, failed to agree on the total
cancellation of debt of the 27 poorest countries. At least it can be
said that consensus was reached for the first time in history on the
necessity of eliminating such a debt.
On another front, the
management of natural resources
deserves further attention, both from Africans and from the
international community. As conflicts come to an end, the durability
of peace will depend greatly on the capacity of each Government to
take control of its natural resources and manage the wealth of the
nation in a transparent manner that will benefit all the people.
Moreover, the international community should increase its support
for mechanisms that prevent the introduction of war-fuelling
products on international markets. In this regard, the Kimberley
Process on the trafficking of diamonds is both a significant
achievement and an important precedent which should be extended to
other strategic or high value products.
Much has still to be done to
rebuild trust among the
peoples and ethnic groups in each country so that a new framework of
solidarity can pave the way towards development. The evidence of the
active role of Africans themselves in the resolution of conflicts
recently, shows that African solutions to African problems have
started to emerge. The rich patrimony of friendship and of family
solidarity in Africa could, if allowed to flourish, also play a role
in solving conflicts and building peace. The promotion of greater
cooperation among religions in Africa could also be a decisive
factor in peacebuilding and peacekeeping.
Mr President, my delegation
sincerely hopes that the
collaboration for peace accomplished by the UN, the AU and other
regional and subregional groups, as well as the NEPAD initiative,
will become a true alliance, founded on a common sense of
responsibility. Africa’s present difficulties, which are not any
different from what other regions of the world have also undergone,
should be seen as a window of opportunity to create a new paradigm
of global solidarity. The UN should seize this chance to demonstrate
that it is indeed a family of Nations, ready to assist those in
need.
Thank you, Mr President.
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