Statement By The Honourable Alva R. Baptiste Minister for External Affairs, International Trade And Civil Aviation toThe General Debate of The 69th Session Of The United Nations General Assembly

Mr. President, exactly one year ago, September 30th 2013, I had the unsurpassed glory of delivering my maiden address to this august assembly, and utilised that occasion to pay homage to those great architects of world peace who fostered the birth and initial dynamics of our United Nations. In so doing, Mr. President, I used the principles contained in the UN Charter as a ready compass to set my course as I navigated the issues, which occupied the forefront of our attention at that time.

Mr. President, the issues, which commanded the attention of the International Community, then, included global terrorism and the tensions in the Middle East and the Korean peninsula. These were compounded by concerns around geopolitical conflicts and unresolved trade issues, as well as trade and macroeconomic approaches that favoured Industrialised countries to the detriment of developing nations.
Mr. President, given that in nature IS irreversible onward march, unresolved problems are brought forward and compounded by succeeding problems, this year's General Assembly has convened at a time of increased turmoil. Since our discussions last September, it is undoubtedly the case that dissension and conflict has increased in the Middle East: the arena which inevitably sets the price for petroleum and its associated products, which are utilized by the peoples of the global community ~ rich or poor!

On the other hand, what were perceived benefits to be derived from the end of the Cold War, with the potential for normalizing relations on the European continent and in lands and regions far from that location, now seem to be doubtful of fulfillment, as signs, tensions and pressures once associated with the Cold War are evolving with renewed concerns for the international community as a whole.