Oostenrijks EU-voorzitterschap bespreekt hervormingen binnen Verenigde Naties met VN-leiders (en)
President of the UN General Assembly received by Foreign Minister Plassnik
Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik had a working meeting today with the President of the sixtieth session of the UN General Assembly, Mr Jan Eliasson of Sweden. The main topic of discussion was the ongoing reform process of the United Nations and Vienna as host city.
"The reform of the United Nations is a major task. President Eliasson is very skilfully conducting these difficult negotiations. Austria and the European Union attach great importance to United Nations reform", said Plassnik, who is also discussing the future reform timetable with President Eliasson. "The establishment of the Peacebuilding Commission is an important success of the reform. It will support countries on the path from armed conflict to the phase of reconstruction and peace consolidation", the Minister said.
With regard to the planned new Human Rights Council, Plassnik stated: "Now that agreement has been reached in principle on establishing the council, we must work hard to get this new and important UN human rights instrument up and running. The Austrian Presidency of the EU is actively involved in the negotiations on its precise mandate and composition. This standing council will strengthen cooperation on human rights issues and permit an effective and speedy reaction to acute human rights violations".
In her talks with President Eliasson, the Foreign Minister also stressed the increasing importance of the Vienna headquarters for global security: "The UN headquarters in Vienna has developed into a veritable security centre over the years: nuclear safety, disarmament, the fight against drugs and crime are the main focus of the activities of the UN bodies in Vienna". She also drew attention to the initiative launched in May to provide offices for the duration of major conferences to countries not permanently represented in Vienna: "This gives all States the opportunity to participate in the work of the UN and further strengthens Vienna in its role as host city", the Minister added.
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