| Statement by New York, 29 September 2005
Once again we have assembled to review and discuss the work of the United Nations over the last year to attain the objectives of the Charter. In this regard, I want to express my appreciation for the efforts of the Secretary-General to provide us with a comprehensive report on the work of the Organization. Before continuing, let me align my delegation with the statement of the distinguished Permanent Representative of Jamaica on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. As we are all aware, the Secretary-General’s report comes after the historic High-level Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly. One may be inclined to think that there is nothing importance left to be said. But the report of the Secretary-General indicates otherwise. Therefore, his report deserves our full and careful consideration. Having that in mind, there are values that must not be compromised in any way. Our efforts to maintain international peace and security, to achieve international cooperation in solving global problems, and to promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms without any distinctions, must remain high on the global agenda. Mr. President, The report makes clear there are many social, economic and political issues that should engage our attention as we move forward. Moreover, it gives us a timely reminder that there is a larger development agenda that needs our attention by making reference to many important conferences and summits in the economic and social fields whose outcomes are yet to be fully implemented. Against this background, the outcomes
of major United Nations conferences and summits must be faithfully
carried out. Financing for development must flow to developing countries.
Their exports must gain access to markets based on a universal, rule-based,
open, non-discriminatory and equitable international trading system.
The best solution for the problem of debt affecting developing countries
must be found. International cooperation through partnership on sustainable
development must be enhanced. Indonesia looks forward to the essential role of the Special Envoy for Tsunami Recovery, H.E. Mr. Bill Clinton, who will maintain sustained global attention and cooperation in the process of rehabilitation and reconstruction of the affected areas. Let me also take this opportunity to express my delegation’s deepest sympathy on the plight and suffering of the victims of Hurricane Katrina and stress also the important role of the United Nations in these matters. To safeguard the global environment, Indonesia fully supports the implementation of agreements on global climate change based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. Without a doubt, stronger efforts must be made to encourage all countries to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. We share the concern that disempowerment of women and discrimination against people living with HIV have led to social exclusion and have also contributed to a worsening of AIDS epidemic. It is therefore our common responsibility to address these unfortunate facts. We are deeply concerned that the target of providing 3 million people living with HIV/AIDS in developing and middle-income countries with life-prolonging antiretroviral treatment by the end of 2005 will unfortunately not be achieved. Extra efforts are urgently needed to further accelerate the achievement of the next target. In dealing with development, the report makes no mention of South-South cooperation. In this regard, the positive impact of South-South cooperation as a complement to North-South cooperation on the global development process deserves our continued support. Mr. President, On the subject of achieving peace and security, the report, predictably, identifies both “progress and setbacks” for the United Nations and the world in the year under review. In this regard, Indonesia’s foreign policy is always to promote peace. Wherever possible we foster dialogue and reconciliation. In the same spirit of reconciliation, Indonesia and Timor Leste, as an important neighbouring state, have reached out to each other so that both nations may together bring about closure to a difficult episode in our shared history. Indonesia and Timor Leste together have established a Commission of Truth and Friendship assigned to bring about exposure of the truth concerning the human rights violations committed prior to and immediately after the popular consultations in Timor Leste in 1999. The Commission started working last August. We are convinced that this is the way to go because it not only seeks the truth, it supports reconciliation in full conformity with the principles on which the bilateral relationship is being developed, namely forward-looking and reconciliatory. A matter of particular interest to Indonesia is the report’s reference to Aceh. In it, the Secretary-General expresses the hope that the peace talks between the Government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement would succeed. We are pleased to point out that the Government of Indonesia signed a final agreement with the Movement last month which is now being implemented. Monitoring mechanisms which involve the European Union and ASEAN have been put in place. De-commissioning of the armed wing of the Free Aceh Movement has made significant progress as well as the withdrawal of non-organic Indonesian armed forces from the province in accordance with the peace deal. Peace and development in Aceh are in fact the fruits of reform and democratization which are pervading all of Indonesia. Mr. President, The report observes that during the year, new challenges and threats heightened international concern about weapons of mass destruction, an uncanny foreboding of the High Level Plenary Meeting outcome document that spoke volumes about this subject by not saying a word. Months before, the Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in May 2005 failed to reach agreement on any substantive issues, an unfortunate landmark which attracted the attention of the Secretary-General who notes that a golden opportunity was lost to address the most pressing problems of both non-proliferation and disarmament more broadly. On this point, we are also reminded that the Conference on Disarmament and the Disarmament Commission lamentably remain deadlocked, a point that Member States must address speedily. Let me make one more point on peace and security, because it strongly represents a point in which we deeply believe. On the subject of terrorism, the Secretary-General cautions that no cause or belief justifies terror and indiscriminate violence against civilians. Calling for international cooperation to defeat terrorism, he stresses that this menace “is not the product of any particular religion or ideology, nor is it directed only at certain countries or people.” This underlines the imperative of addressing the root causes of terrorism. We would recommend the use of interfaith dialogue and cooperation as a means of empowering the moderates and as a useful tool to combat terrorism and to promote understanding, tolerance and peace in general. Mr. President, With regard to the Strengthening of the Organization, Indonesia looks forward to further discussions on all issues pertaining to management and secretariat reform in accordance with the relevant General Assembly resolution and within the appropriate committee. We fully support the need for greater transparency, accountability and efficiency but hope that these changes will not affect the priorities of developing countries in different fields. Concerning the staff buy-out, Indonesia is of the view that more detailed information should be provided to justify such action and to indicate what the likely costs will be and we hope that it will not create imbalances in geographical representation. Thank you.
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