United Nations: Pahor Says Slovenia Supports Multilateralism, Rule of Law & Human Rights

By , 26 Sep 2018, 14:20 PM Politics
United Nations: Pahor Says Slovenia Supports Multilateralism, Rule of Law & Human Rights From President Pahor's Twitter account

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STA, 26 September - Addressing the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, President Borut Pahor expressed Slovenia's strong support for multilateralism, the rule of law and human rights. 

Noting that this 70-year-old system is being challenged in today's multi-problem world, he said "Slovenia stands firmly in defence of multilateralism with the UN at its core".

He also supported Secretary General Antonio Guterres's efforts to reform the UN to make it "stronger and more efficient" so that it could respond to the most pressing problems.

Making a case for adhering to international law, Pahor said the respect for international law and the rule of law is a precondition for life in peace and security.

Here he stressed "international law and judgements of international courts" should also be respected to facilitate reconciliation in the Western Balkans region.

"Recognising and accepting historic facts no matter how painful they are, is the basis for stability and progress", he said, noting that Slovenia supported the region's prospects to join the EU and NATO.

Turning to human rights, Pahor noted that as the current chair of the Human Rights Council, Slovenia remained a strong supporter of human rights for all.

"Human rights should be fully respected, or else there can be no peace, security or development", he said adding that was absolutely no excuse for violations of human rights.

Turning to the Security Council, the president said efforts should be made by all "to ensure the Council's credibility and better effectiveness".

He hopes "the US, a traditional promoter and supporter of respect for human rights throughout the world, will remain committed to the promotion and protection of human rights".

Pahor also urged effective and comprehensive measures to fight against violent extremism and terrorism, which must also target root causes of radicalisation.

He moreover reiterated Slovenia's strong support for the International Criminal Court, pointing to the importance of effective cooperation with it and inviting the states that have not yet ratified the Rome Statute to do so.

The president called for continuing efforts for non-proliferation based on the Non-Proliferation Treaty, noting Slovenia supported diplomatic and peaceful means.

He reiterated Slovenia's support for the Iran nuclear deal as long as Iran honours its obligations, and said Slovenia welcomed developments related to the Korean Peninsula.

He also thanked all countries supporting the demining activity of the Slovenian-based ITF Enhancing Human Security organisation, which celebrates the 20th anniversary this year.

Pahor said the country was involved in a number of projects designed to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as it values international development cooperation.

Speaking to reporters after addressing the session, Pahor said he consciously decided not to mention border arbitration in his speech, but stressed the need to respect international law and decisions by international courts.

He believes that those who are interested in this issue already know what it is all about, and he would also not want Slovenia to be seen as a country focused on only one problem.

"I also believe Croatia should be brought to the point of accepting and implementing the arbitration agreement with a clever policy," Pahor said.

He noted he had discussed this issue with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Croatian counterpart Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović last week in Romania.

Asked by the STA whether he expected Grabar-Kitarović to discuss the border arbitration in her address to the session as did Croatian PM Andrej Plenković last year, Pahor would not give a clear answer.

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