Francophone Body’s Broad Experience Will Help in Addressing North African

 

Challenges, Secretary-General Tells Informal Ministerial Conference

 

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, at the Informal Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie in New York on 20 September:

I thank Switzerland and the International Organization of La Francophonie for organizing this informal ministerial meeting.

The Arab Spring has had some of its most dramatic impacts among the member countries of the Francophonie.  This gathering demonstrates the readiness of your organization to join the United Nations and other international partners, such as the African Union, the League of Arab States, the European Union and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, in helping to advance democratic governance and respect for human rights where such transitions are under way.

This Conference is also an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of cooperation between the United Nations and the OIF [Organisation internationale de la francophonie], as well as the commitments set forth in the Bamako Declaration for the promotion and consolidation of democracy in French-speaking countries.

The people of Tunisia have displayed immense courage and determination in their efforts to bring about a new democratic order.  They have also had to absorb heavy fallout from the crisis in Libya as hundreds of thousands of people have crossed into Tunisia as the first leg of their transit to other destinations.  I commend the Government and people of Tunisia for their hospitality.

In Egypt, I am encouraged by the efforts of the transitional authorities to fulfil their commitments, and I will continue to advocate for a greater participation of the civil society in the transition process.  The upcoming elections are crucial, and the United Nations stands ready to provide technical assistance.  Egypt has made enormous contributions to the promotion of peace and stability in the world, and I hope it will continue to play this important role.

In Libya, I welcome the authorization by the Security Council of my proposals for a United Nations Support Mission to help the transitional authorities and the Libyan people during this critical post-conflict phase.  My Special Adviser, Ian Martin, is currently consulting with Libyan authorities on three priorities:  elections; policing; and transitional justice.

The challenges in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya will require increased support from all partners.  The experience of la Francophonie in human rights, good governance, electoral processes and reconciliation will be particularly useful.

The United Nations, for its part, will do everything possible to promote transitions that respond to widely held aspirations for peace, democracy and opportunity.  We are prepared to assist in key areas such as security, the rule of law, constitution-making, institution-building, human rights, transitional justice and economic recovery.  It will be especially important to engage women and young people.

Let me reiterate the strong commitment of the United Nations to working closely with la Francophonie on the theme of today’s round table, and across a far broader agenda of common concern.

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For information media • not an official record