United Nations Back in Session By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger
The United Nations General Assembly is now in its 66th session which began on September 19th, 2011. Dignitaries from all over the world are meeting to discuss ‘the role of mediation in the settlement of disputes by peaceful means’.
President Obama addressed the opening session of the United Nations General Assembly last week with an optimistic vision for a world without war. For decades, that has been the overriding mission of the United Nations. But as Obama delivered his speech, he felt that we are closer to peace because of steps taken to advance dignity, security and prosperity of every individual. It is so much closer as US troops begin to withdraw from Iraq and Afghanistan. Freedom is the driving force. The President declared, “nations standing together for the sake of peace and security; individuals claiming their rights”. Perhaps the toughest moment was explaining the United States stance on Palestinian statehood. As Obama sees it, ‘Middle East peace will come from direct bilateral negotiations with the Israelis’. What holds true is that the Palestinians believe they can advance their aspirations through the UN General Assembly. President Obama briefly touched on Syria. Obama requested enabling the World Health Organization to work against bio-security threats, whatever forms they may take. He left an impression but there are still many unanswered questions.
Although the speech was delivered with peaceful assertion, one day later Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad blasted the United States foreign policy and blamed the US for the global financial crisis. Rather than opting for delivering a constructive speech, he went with a destructive speech. Unfortunately, his aggression led American, French, British and other delegates to walk out of the session. Ahmadinejad believes his country is the “new model for life to the world”. He would like to strike a deal with the United States to give Iran 20% enriched uranium and then in his words, “we will cease the domestic enrichment of uranium of up to 20% this very week”. His country only wants it for domestic consumption and will cease enrichment if it is given according to international law.
Last week, many high officials addressed the UN Assembly inclusive of the Turkish Prime Minister, British Prime Minister, the South African President, Bahrain’s King, Ivory Coast’s new President and Israel’s Prime Minister.
Meetings and discussions will continue at the United Nations through September 30th.
To learn more, go to:
United Nations Website
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