UN General Assembly: Obama Talks "Common Values" And Qaddafi Calls Security Council The "Terror Council"
Amidst a packed room full of security guards, press and dignitaries, President Obama spoke about global responsibilities and shared values among peoples in the world. This speech received a warm applause juxtaposed to a tepid reception to his United States action plan to tackle climate change at the UN Climate Summit held yesterday.
Obama identified four key pillars where the United States will focus in the coming years: 1) non proliferation, 2) promotion of peace and security, 3) preservation of the planet, and a 4) global economy that advances opportunity for all people.
"When America acted unilaterally--this fed into reflexive anti-Americanism--I will never apologize for defending my nation and people--but it is my belief that in 2009-the interests of people are shared."
He emphasized the use of technology to interconnect the world's common goals, interests and responsibilities. He added now is the time for all the world to interconnect on a shared global response to genocide, mass atrocities, melting ice caps, persistent poverty and pandemic disease.
"Now, like all of you, my responsibility is to act in the interest of my nation and my people, and I will never apologize for defending those interests. But it is my deeply held belief that in the year 2009 -- more than at any point in human history -- the interests of nations and peoples are shared. The religious convictions that we hold in our hearts can forge new bonds among people, or they can tear us apart. The technology we harness can light the path to peace, or forever darken it. The energy we use can sustain our planet, or destroy it. What happens to the hope of a single child -- anywhere -- can enrich our world, or impoverish it."
Obama said he was mindful of the tough challenges ahead and was determined to lead the United States in the right direction. He added that political differences have caused many in the world to view Americans with skepticism and mistrust.
"On my first day in office, I prohibited -- without exception or equivocation -- the use of torture by the United States of America. I ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed, and we are doing the hard work of forging a framework to combat extremism within the rule of law. Every nation must know: America will live its values, and we will lead by example."
UN Secretary_General, Ban Ki-Moon underlined that now is the time to act to put "united" " back in the United Nations and to recognize green growth is the lifeline in the 21st century."
The Secretary-General also touched on promoting democracy in Myanmar:
"We need friends and neighbors to do much more in the interest of its people so elections to be held next year will be seen as credible and open to all."
The Secretary General has held a miserable record on Myanmar--many of the key government representatives have refused to meet with him upon his previous visits to the country.
The new 64th UN General Assembly President, Libyan Ali Abdussalam Treki said the question of the Arab and Israel conflict still remained unresolved and there is now "universal recognition that with rapidly deteriorating conditions in the Occupied Territories, the situation has become unbearable."
Following Obama and his fellow Libyan, Muammar Qaddafi, shocked General Assembly hall participants--over 190 countries represented. He held up a copy of the United Nations Charter and slammed the preamble--citing hypocrisy and massive contradiction. He underlined the UN was created with the goal of preventing another World World II.
"We were not present at the time" he added. Now, "... You are like a decor. Like Hyde Park. You make your speech and then disappear. The General Assembly is the parliament of the world."
Qaddafi underlined that the United Nations is tailored to the three countries that created the United Nations-namely the United States, United Kingdom and the Soviet Union. "We are rejecting the UN charter and veto the charter. Since the preamble, 65 wars have broke out with millions of victims. And the Security Council members enjoy a veto given to themselves and not by election. Of the five permanent members--(US, UK, France, Russia and China)--only China was democratically elected."
Qaddafi called for a full reform and breakdown of the Security Council and to turn the power over completely to the over 190 members of the General Assembly. "The Security Council is terrorism. We cannot leave it to the superpowers, this is terrorism in itself."