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Deputy Secretary Robert addresses the 60^th Plenary Session of the UNGA

New York, 23 September 2005 (FSM Information Service): September 23, 2005 - The Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs Lorin Robert addressed the 60^th session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, on Friday afternoon (September 23, 2005), as the plenary continued its general debate.

Speaking on the last day of the general debate, Deputy Secretary Robert addressed a number of issues of significance affecting the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). They include issues ranging from climate change and its adverse impacts; reform of the United Nations; physical presence of the United Nations systems in Micronesia, and sustainable development, among many others.

On climate change and its adverse impacts, Mr. Robert reiterated the FSM Government's appeal to those countries that have not ratified the Kyoto Protocol to do so. He said that for Micronesia, this issue is one of security and survival.

Mr. Robert also called for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations to make it effective and efficient and to reflect present day realities. He added: "For the sake of our Organization's credibility and sustainability, and for the millions of people around the globe that pin their hopes in the United Nations, this Organization must be reformed."

He also touched on the reform of the United Nations Security Council and reiterated the FSM's support of the inclusion of Japan, Germany and India on an enhanced Council. "I would only reiterate our call for the inclusion of Japan and Germany, from among the developed countries, to be permanent members of the Council," and "we also support India, as a developing country as a permanent member of the Security Council," he said.

The role of the United Nations system in the FSM's development process, he said, was crucial, and reiterated the call made by President Joseph Urusemal during the High-level Plenary meeting for the United Nations system's physical presence in the FSM.

"We cannot accept the notion that our country is un-deserving of the UN substantive presence," he said.

The Deputy Secretary stressed the urgent need for the international community to fully and effectively implement the Mauritius Strategy for the further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States. He refers to the Strategy as crucial for SIDS's ability to achieve sustainable development and in meeting the Millennium Development Goals.

The escalating fuel cost and the negative impact it has on the FSM was as an additional misery, he said, to an already long list of problems affecting the FSM's development efforts. The fuel crisis, he said, should be an impetus in accelerating research and development and the sharing of technologies in the areas of renewable and alternative sources or energy, and called for the international community's assistance in this area.

On a brighter note, Mr. Robert commended the historic disengagement of Israel from the Gaza and parts of the West Bank, and urged for continued negotiation for a peaceful settlement of the dispute. He urged the parties to

Deputy Secretary Robert left New York immediately for Washington, D.C., where he is also attending a joint meeting of the World Bank/International Monetary Fund.