Summary: July 21, 2000: Statement by H.E. Mr. Jean-David Levitte, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations. Unofficial plenary consultations on the millennium assembly (New York)
Mr. Chairman,
1. Thank you, Mr. President, for preparing the draft document. This document is remarkable in view of the difficulties involved, i.e. being able to cover in a few pages the challenges arising for mankind at the dawn of the 3rd millennium and the means to take up such challenges for the common good.
The EU would like the final document of the Millennium Summit to be short and to the point. These qualities, which are present in the draft, should be retained and, if possible, strengthened by September, but certainly not watered down.
The EU considers that the structure of the document is apposite. The EU is of the opinion that, if the text is to retain its nature and its main objective, it should, as is the case at present, avoid any comments on local or regional situations.
We feel it is right and proper to note that globalization is a key theme in the development of the present world; right and proper as well to want to ensure that the benefits that can be expected triumph over the disadvantages that globalization brings with it; right and proper to ask that its benefits, and in particular, new technologies, are fairly shared out. However, it is no doubt difficult at this stage to prejudge the effects of the current developments on a particular group of
countries.
The EU agrees on the list of six fundamental values contained in paragraph 5. It feels that these values should be considered essential to international relations in the XXIst century and be endorsed by the Heads of State or of Government of the Member States of the United Nations. Of these values, particular attention could be focused on the need to ensure that globalization does not lead towards cultural and linguistic standardization but promotes instead the diversity of mankind. The EU
would also point out that human rights constitute one of the fundamental values of the life of peoples.
2. The EU attaches great importance to all the aspects addressed in the draft. I would like to make a few brief comments on some of them.
- Firstly, the eradication of poverty and development are a priority task as is rightly stated in the draft document.
The EU is anxious to emphasize the importance of the concept of sustainable development and of its application both in national policies and in action on an international scale. It would like more account to be taken of this. We also consider that emphasis on this principle is particularly important for environmental issues.
It also seems appropriate to us that all the international objectives of development are expressly rehearsed and quoted.
The EU then takes the view that better account should be taken of the social dimension of development, in particular Copenhagen + 5.
Likewise, the EU would refer to the sensitivity of debt burden issues. Precise pledges have been given - especially as regards the HIPC initiative - and the consequences of the objectives set out in the draft document, notably as regards middle-income countries, should therefore be carefully assessed before being taken on.
A reference to the problems of ageing populations would also be useful.
- Secondly, the EU is grateful to the President of the GA for having included in the draft document a chapter on human rights, democracy and good governance - and I would emphasize this order which is preferred by the EU. For the EU, this chapter is the absolute minimum for what can and should be said in this respect. There is no need to recall the importance it attaches to this dimension. Respect for and the promotion of universal human rights constitute an essential basis for life together,
both at national and international level.
Reference is appropriately made to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. A reference to the covenants on civil and political rights and on economic, social and cultural rights and to the need for universal acceptance of such rights would also be appropriate.
The rights of women should be mentioned in this chapter, rather than in that given over to vulnerable people, from the dual aspect of equal participation of men and women in public life and of the fight against all forms of violence against women.
The EU also thinks that reference should be made to the need to combat all forms of racism and xenophobia as well as torture.
The EU points out that it is the responsibility of the countries in receipt of aid to create the conditions vital to development by promoting good governance and by taking action against corruption.
- Thirdly, the EU considers that global threats, of a non-military nature and which unfortunately are increasing rapidly, could be taken into account in a more comprehensive fashion. In addition to drug trafficking and terrorism which are mentioned in paragraph 8, this covers trafficking in human beings, international organized crime, money laundering, the criminal use of new technologies and the need to combat all these forms of criminal activity which do not stop at the border.
- In the area of peace and security, the EU would emphasize the importance of preventing conflicts and of means of achieving this. The European Union is unable to support the proposal that an international conference on nuclear risks be convened.
- Finally, the EU fully supports the objective of strengthening the United Nations so that it is better able to assume its responsibilities faced with the challenges of this new millennium.
The EU supports the continuation of the reform process which was launched several years ago.
The various United Nations bodies must perform their role in full in compliance with their respective powers as defined by the Charter. They must, each using appropriate ways and means, be able to adapt to a changing world and to increase their effectiveness in the exercise of their responsibilities.
This requirement also applies to the agencies, funds and programs involved in development aid and in the humanitarian response to crises and conflicts.
The EU fully endorses the desire to bestow adequate and programmable resources on the United Nations, its specialized institutions as well as its funds and programs.
3. In conclusion to these few remarks, I would make some suggestions regarding the principles and methods which should guide us in our further discussions on this draft document which, I would repeat, constitutes a remarkable piece of work.
- Firstly, due account should be taken of the results obtained and the pledges given in negotiations which were at times long and complex on a number of topics raised in the draft, in particular as regards development, social rights, environmental protection, debt burden as well as in the nuclear field. A final document from the Millennium Assembly should undoubtedly be forward-looking and bold but it cannot ignore everything that has been achieved in recent years. Relying on texts which have
been finalized at great length is the best way of avoiding any reopening of difficult discussions only a few weeks before the Summit.
- The EU will not encourage the President of the GA to subject this draft to a negotiating and collective rewriting exercise which might well tear it to shreds and deprive it of any cohesiveness. The Member States should, however, be given the possibility of voicing their reactions, comments and suggestions over and above the initial comments made today. The aim is to get to the nub of the matter. It would then be for the co-Presidents, at the next stage, to incorporate these comments and
suggestions in a way they deem appropriate so that this draft reflects the Member States' views as accurately as possible. We should also bear in mind that this draft document will have to receive the approval of all the Heads of State or of Government and that they may wish to add their personal stamp to it.
- Furthermore, I take this opportunity to add that the members of the EU support the European Commission's wish to be able to take the floor at the Millennium Summit.
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