Monday, 01 October 2018

Distinguished Chair,

Excellencies,

            I am greatly honoured to attend this Peace Summit here in United Nations Headquarters in New York. This all the more so as it is held in honour of Nelson Mandela, exceptional man and the symbol of the struggle for a just world, as well as a great warrior for peace. The Summit, held in the wake of the General Debate of the 73rd session of the General Assembly and in honour of the centenary of the birth of Dr. Mandela, will help us contribute, more than symbolically, to a constructive atmosphere that we need in order to make progress in the realization of the goals of the United Nations, including the most precious amongst them – peace in the world.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

            A successor State of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Serbia is proud of the role played by Yugoslavia in the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement. It stood in the forefront of the struggle against apartheid, for decolonization, while investing efforts to promote the economic and social position of the underdeveloped and developing countries.

            The world may be changing today and rapidly, but many of the goals close to the heart of Nelson Mandela, the stalwart of peace, continue to prevail. Peace, reconciliation, unity, non-discrimination, protection and the promotion of human rights should motivate us, too, in our endeavours as well.

            We continue to be faced with threats and challenges, the world is quickly becoming a different place from what it used to be and crises and their consequences are many and often complex and inter-connected. We should therefore join forces in the quest for global responses. For us in Serbia, the United Nations’ place and role in the international community are unquestionable and the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter valid and indispensable. Equality of States, refrain from the use of force, non-interference in the internal affairs of others States, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, pacific solution of disputes and respect for diversity should continue to underpin our aspirations and endeavours.

            My country supports equitable participation of States in the system of global management and is convinced that, with political will and genuine readiness to work together, as well as with a strengthened role of the United Nations, tailored to address modern needs, we can reach higher in our efforts to build a better world for all.

            Prevention and solution of disputes and crises by peaceful means are indispensable tools to build and maintain international peace and security. Strengthening the culture of peace and dialogue and the pursuit of the policy of compromise and peaceful co-existence, therefore, are key factors in that regard. Confronted with ever more frequent threats and new challenges, we must work together and constructively in order to create conditions for sustainable peace, strengthen institutions and democracy and promote and respect human rights and the rule of law.

            The 2030 Agenda is an historic document and a vision of world development empowering us to build a better future to mankind by eradicating poverty and hunger, ensuring inclusive education and health and reducing increasing inequalities within and among nations.

Excellencies,

            Serbia strongly condemns terrorism and all forms of extremism and radicalism that pose a threat to peace. Along with the leading role of the United Nations and with our partners all over the world, we stand ready to make our own contribution to the suppression of this threat.

            A leader in the region by the scope of its participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations, Serbia considers that peacekeeping is the responsibility of all, just as are continued commitment and engagement, as well as the strengthening of the relevant capacities of the United Nations. The activities of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) are of special importance for us and its status-neutral presence in undiminished scope is essential for stability and the creation of conditions conducive to achieving a lasting and sustainable solution to the question of Kosovo and Metohija.

            Reaching a political solution to this question is a national priority of Serbia. By defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, it defends international law, Charter of the United Nations and international peace and security, as well as its national and historical identity. My country is firmly committed to peace and the dialogue conducted by Belgrade and Priština with the facilitation of the European Union and to the implementation of the agreements reached. In conducting the responsible policy we shall do our best to protect the interests of our people and regional peace and stability.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

            In concluding my statement and paying my respects once again to the great man in whose honour we have gathered together here today, let me reassure you that Serbia will gladly partner all the countries willing and ready to share the responsibility for building a stable, just and prosperous world.