SSN/Shari Nijman
October 3, 2012 - Vuk Jemeric, President of the 67th General Assembly held his first press conference at the United Nations on Wednesday, where he recalled some of the issues discussed during the previous week of General Assembly consultations.
Jeremic said he thought the GA debate was “successful at least from the procedural point of view.” “The United Nations remains the centre for harmonizing the actions of Nations,” Jeremic further said.
He however underscored that many of the statements during the General Assembly debates revolved around violence and intolerance. “Strong condemnation of terrorism was there…condemnation of blasphemous insults, to religious favours and beliefs, as well as the ensuing violence from those insults,” the President of the GA said.
As the PGA recalled, there was “a resounding support for democratic changes that are taking place in the Middle East” among the member states. “ There were very strong concerns and very well formulated concerns for Syria’s deteriorating security and human rights situation.”
Not only Syria, but also the ongoing conflict between Israeli and Palestinian leaders, as well as issue of nuclear activity in the Middle East, were at the centre of the General Assembly debate, the PGA said.
“ Some delegations put emphasis on the legitimate right for the peaceful use of nuclear technology…some people made their emphasis to adherence of the non proliferation treating.” However, the PGA said he saw a “concurrence of views on effect that conflict prevention, durable peace and security and sustainable development can only be achieved through an integrated approach.”
The President of the General Assembly also briefly touched upon the changing role that the G20 plays within the UN and the world, and their connection with the rest of the countries.
“I think its worth putting together efforts and thoughts towards as to how a consultative mechanism between those countries…and the rest of the world,” Jeremic said. “ So that the rest of the world can present their views and thoughts on the global economic issues, so that their voice can be heard and their idea can be heard.”
Jeremic ended his statement by emphasising his confidence in the team of experts and advisors that will stand by his side during his term as president of the General Assembly.
The Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia succeeded Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser as President of the General Assembly and took office at the beginning of the 67th General assembly earlier this month.