UN must be credible,democratic - Kagame

USA - President Kagame yesterday delivered his address to the UN General Assembly and said that member states should help the organisation to adapt rapidly in order to serve all members equally. He pointed that only concerted efforts of all nations will effectively address major global threats to world peace like the financial crisis, climate change, terrorism, and poverty. Kagame acknowledged the UN’s unique position in mobilising all nations for the common good, but said the organisation would deliver more efficiently on its mandate if there was mutual understanding and shared values among all member states, as opposed to double standards currently manifested in many international issues. “It has become clear that the UN has evolved into a two-tier organisation, reflecting a world that seems to be divided into two major categories: one with inherent laudable values, rights and liberties, and another that needs to be taught and coached on these values,” the President said. Kagame called for a frank debate in order to urgently regain the noble founding ideals of the United Nations, particularly in the area of international justice and the rule of law“Rwanda subscribes to the principle that everyone and every state is accountable to laws and that the rule of law should govern us all. But these laws must truly be equally enforced and independently adjudicated”. President Kagame said the impetus for reinforcing global governance structures of the UN was to ensure that they are equipped to manage current challenges, and secure a brighter future for all the citizens of the world and ensure that the UN does not become a tool for the powerful to protect their interests, enhance their influence, or use it in subjugating others. “When there are no avenues to appeal international rulings, when there is an accountability deficit in key global institutions, and when ordinary citizens feel that the UN cannot deal adequately with the issues affecting their daily lives, the UN cannot be seen as credible, relevant and democratic.” Kagame said that Rwanda was keenly aware of the importance of peace and security as key prerequisites for the country and region’s development and was committed to maintaining this stability. “We will continue to work in partnership with our neighbours, international and regional organisations and the African Union, to ensure that peace and security prevail and that Africa fully realises its potential,” he told the world gathering. The President also participated in a High-Level Meeting on Sudan convened by the UN Secretary General to mobilise international support for the Sudanese parties’ full and timely implementation of the final phase of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). Participants at the meeting stressed that while the referendum on the self-determination of the people of Southern Sudan is an important benchmark, it does not mark the end of the CPA parties’ obligations to work together for a peaceful transition. Ends

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UN must be credible,democratic - Kagame