Annual debate of UN General Assembly concludes

UNITED NATIONS - The 67th session of the UN General Assembly concluded here Monday its week-long annual general debate, which drew more than 120 heads of state and government, as well as ministers, to give their statement on this podium.

Vuk Jeremic, president of the 67th session of the UN General Assembly, said in his closing remarks that the views given by the representatives of the UN member states was a clear indication that the UN remained a "center for harmonizing the actions of nations."

One of the topics that the world leaders addressed was how to settle international disputes through peaceful means, and some of them offered concrete proposals, said Jeremic.

This included calls to increase support for UN peacekeeping efforts, introduction of a more comprehensive approach to conflict prevention and resolution, which would encompass in a truly holistic way through both short- and long-term measures, he said.

The general debate kicked off here last Tuesday with the theme of "Bringing about adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations by peaceful means."

More than 100 heads of state or government and over 70 deputy prime ministers or ministers discussed important issues such as the situation in global hotspots, the Millennium Development Goals, climate change and sustainable development.

Concerning the world's increasing geostrategic volatility and unpredictability, a great number of delegations emphasized the "fundamental importance of respecting the basic tenets of international law including the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states," Jeremic said.

As for the implementation of the outcomes of the Rio+20 conference, many speakers underlined the critical role this session of the General Assembly had to play in moving the process forward, which included putting forth a list of sustainable development goals, he said.

Another issue raised by numerous delegations was the Palestinian statehood. "There was resounding support for a two-state solution that would take into account the legitimate concerns of Israelis and Palestinians including viability and security," the president said. "Many called for a resumption of negotiations that would lead to a comprehensive solution."

According to Jeremic, considerable attention was also paid to nuclear issues, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, situation in Sahel and Somalia, fight against terrorism, UN revitalization including the Security Council reform.

Although there were significant differences of opinions on a wide range of issues which remained to be overcome, Jeremic expressed his optimism to bringing about much more common ground among member states.

He called on the member states to work hard with him to be more transparent and efficient in conducting UN affairs and try hard to strengthen trust in each other to help fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the 193 member states of the UN.