Statement
by
H. E. Mr. Vladimir Drobnjak
Permanent Representative of the Republic of Croatia to the United Nations
General Assembly Fifty-ninth Session
Informal consultations on the report of the High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change
and on the United Nations Millennium Project 2005 report
22 February 2005
Mr. President,
Since Croatia aligned itself with the statement delivered earlier by Luxembourg on behalf of the European Union, allow me to emphasize just a couple of points of particular importance to my country.
While we expect the Secretary-General''''s comprehensive report next month, we view this informal meeting as another opportunity to provide additional national inputs at this crucial moment in preparation for a high-level plenary meeting in September.
I would like to reiterate that both the report of the High Level Panel and Millennium Project Report provide a strong base for further discussion about peace and security, rule of law and development and, in this context, about the reform of the UN.
Our delegation recognizes that security and development are interlinked in more ways than one, but we would also like to emphasize that development is a pillar on its own, and not just a means to achieve security.
Therefore, we would like to stress the importance of looking at both reports simultaneously and to emphasize the connection between the Millennium Development Goals and reaffirmation and implementation of the outcomes of the UN international conferences and summits in the economic, social and related fields, including those from Monterrey, Johannesburg, Beijing, Copenhagen and Cairo. This has to be done in an integrated and coordinated manner.
As far as the High-level Panel Report is concerned, I would only like to point out the following:
There is no doubt that the maintenance of our common security, including the fight against terrorism and transnational organized crime, is among the greatest challenges we face today. There are many answers to this challenge, but few are as important as increasing the transparency, representation and effectiveness of the UN Security Council.
Croatia supports the enlargement of the Security Council in all categories of membership, based on the appropriate regional representation. In that respect, Croatia advocates retaining the current regional group composition. In addition to that we support the request for an additional non-permanent seat for the Eastern European Group. It is of the utmost importance to have in a new, enlarged Council, an appropriate number of representatives of developing countries of the South and better representation of the small countries. However, as a member of the Eastern European Group, we must notice that under both models "A" and "B", foreseen in the High-level Panel Report, the chances of the Eastern European States - which are predominately small countries - of becoming Security Council members are seriously diminished.
Mr. President,
In our view, a particular value of the Millennium Project Report is in its ambition to be a business plan, and try to operationalize Millennium Development Goals and translate them into concrete actions to be pursued by all actors involved. It is also setting out an analytical foundation, combining human and economic determinants of growth and poverty reduction. It contains a great deal of new thinking and innovative approaches towards how the Millennium Development Goals could be achieved.
Croatia supports the Report''''s attention to good governance, promotion of human rights, strengthened civil society and vibrant private sector as essential elements for development. It gives clear guidance for the way forward. Croatia also believes that more emphasis should be given to the protection and promotion of gender equality and the rights of children, women and ethnic minorities in particular.
In principle we also support the idea of "fast-track" countries, but we should have strong criteria for selecting them. Those poorest and the least fortunate must not be left behind. Special attention should be given to the countries emerging from war and undergoing a costly, complex and highly demanding post-conflict management process.
Regarding the "Quick Win Actions", we are of the opinion that many of them are worth further elaboration, but should be looked in a context of a longer-term sustainability and national ownership.
Croatia supports the recommendations of the Report regarding the Official Development Assistance (ODA). We especially support the recommendation that the ODA should be increased to reach its 0.7 per cent of GNP and should be based on actual needs to meet the Millennium Development Goals and country absorption capacity. Additionally, we are of the view that as soon as it is possible, aid should be oriented towards longer term development and in this context other innovative sources of financing for development should be explored.
I would also like to remind you that the Republic of Croatia not only presented its National Report on the Millennium Development Goals last September, but is also in the process of outlining its action plan for their achievement. An interim Report will be produced to this end for the high-level meeting in September.
In this regard, Croatia will continue its active participation in various organs and bodies of the United Nations to help find ways and means to enhance achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in all other regions and countries. We support recommendations of the Report for the strong national ownership to achieve the MDGs and to align them with poverty reduction strategies, which should be all-inclusive and participatory.
Finally, allow me to just shortly reiterate our emphasis on strengthening the General Assembly and Economic and Social Council, as well as to improve cooperation between the main organs of the United Nations. Furthermore, Croatia is of the opinion that the proposed Peacebuilding Commission should have membership both from the Security Council and ECOSOC, and produce joint reports for those two bodies. Conflict prevention and peace building are two areas where these two bodies can most beneficially cooperate.
Let me conclude by reiterating that my delegation stands ready to cooperate with you, Mr. President, and the facilitators that you have appointed in order to move this agenda forward and to strengthen the United Nations.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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