Annual debate of UN General Assembly concluded

Updated: 2011-09-28 09:45

(Xinhua)

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UNITED NATIONS - World leaders on Tuesday concluded here an annual debate of the 66th session of the UN General Assembly with a call for turning commitments made by the member states into to real practice.

Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, president of the 66th UN General Assembly, said in his closing remarks that the member states now should turn attention to implementation of their commitments.

"In fulfilling our joint responsibilities, we must build consensus and sustainable solutions to global challenges," he said. "I will be steadfast in my commitment to work in close cooperation with each of you, so we may strengthen out efforts through a united global partnership".

Al-Nasser stressed that the role of mediation is clearly more relevant than ever before and he was pleased that many delegations welcomed and reflected on the increasing role of mediation and prevention, which will be a high priority of his work in the upcoming year.

The general debate of the 66th session of the General Assembly kicked off here last Wednesday with the them of "The role of mediation in the settlement of disputes by peaceful means".

During the week-long debate, representatives from 193 member states of the UN including more than 120 heads of state and government delivered speeches focused on achieving the Millenium Development Goals by 2015, dealing with climate change and sustainable development and other global issues.

Calling Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's announcement of having submitted an application to the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for the admission of Palestine to the UN "an historic moment," Al-Nasser said he was impressed to hear that the overwhelming majority of international leaders called for a just and comprehensive peace settlement in the Middle East resulting in two viable, sovereign and independent States-Israel and Palestinians living side by side in peace and security.

"Building on this consensus among nations, it is my hope that during this session we will be able to unite our efforts to seek a comprehensive resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict in accordance with the Terms of Reference and international law," he noted.

In addition, Al-Nasser highlighted the importance of upholding the highest nuclear safety and security standards, which is a vital requirement for realizing world peace and stability.

He encouraged member states to "advance their efforts to revitalize the UN disarmament machinery and, in particular, to initiate negotiations on new disarmament instruments in the Conference on Disarmament."

The president reaffirmed his belief that it is the spirit of friendship and open dialogue that will be key to moving forward the agenda before the international community.

"Coming together is the start; working together will get us to the end," he added.