DOCSLIB.ORG

Hon.Rufus Bousquet GA 09.09

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Hon.Rufus Bousquet GA 09.09 United Nations A/64/PV.12 General Assembly Official Records Sixty-fourth session 12th plenary meeting Monday, 28 September 2009, 3 p.m. New York President: Mr. Ali Abdussalam Treki ........................... (Libyan Arab Jamahiriya) The meeting was called to order at 3.10 p.m. consensus reached by the political parties of Mauritania and enshrined in the Dakar Accord. This Agenda item 8 (continued) agreement provided for the elaboration of an electoral agenda supervised by a Government of national unity General debate in which minority parties in Parliament enjoy half of The President (spoke in Arabic): I call on Her the number of seats, including among the sovereign Excellency Ms. Naha Mint Mouknass, Minister for ministries, such as the Ministries of Home Affairs, Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Islamic Information, Defence and others. Republic of Mauritania. The normalization of the constitutional process Ms. Mint Mouknass (Mauritania) (spoke in led to the election of Mr. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz as Arabic): I should like at the outset, on behalf of the President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. He Islamic Republic of Mauritania as well as on my own received 53 per cent of the votes during the first round account, to congratulate you, Sir, on your election to of the elections held on 18 July and all national and preside over the General Assembly at its sixty-fourth international observers attested to the transparency and session and to wish you every possible success in your fairness of this election. serious and noble mission. I have a great deal of On behalf of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, confidence that your efforts will bear fruit and enable I convey my special gratitude to the International the Organization to continue to achieve the success Contact Group, and especially to the President of the attained under the presidency of your predecessor, African Union, the Leader Muammar Al-Qadhafi, who Father Miguel d’Escoto Brockmann. was one of the first to call for a domestic solution, thus I should also like to convey my gratitude and enabling Mauritanian stakeholders to normalize the appreciation to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for the political situation in their country. I also convey my efforts he has devoted to consolidating peace and gratitude to His Excellency Abdoulaye Wade, President security throughout the world, to achieving the of the brotherly country of Senegal, who accompanied Millennium Development Goals and to promoting the the signing of the Dakar Accord and ensured its fight against climate change. follow-up implementation. This session is being held at a time when my Mauritania, under the presidency of country is extricating itself from a political and Mr. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, is determined to institutional crisis that lasted for a few months and was consolidate democracy and institutions and uphold the resolved, with the help of the efforts of the rule of law in a spirit of calm and stability, thereby International Contact Group on Mauritania, through a This record contains the text of speeches delivered in English and of the interpretation of speeches delivered in the other languages. Corrections should be submitted to the original languages only. They should be incorporated in a copy of the record and sent under the signature of a member of the delegation concerned to the Chief of the Verbatim Reporting Service, room U-506. Corrections will be issued after the end of the session in a consolidated corrigendum. 09-52604 (E) *0952604* A/64/PV.12 providing for the progress and well-being of the people low income countries. I pay tribute to all of those steps of Mauritania. from this rostrum. Aware of the need to integrate peoples and States, The economic, social and environmental Mauritania reiterates its attachment to the Arab dimensions of development are all closely interlinked. Maghreb Union as a strategic choice for the people of For that reason we call upon all countries to fight the region. It also affirms its attachment to joint work against climate change. My country is one of the ten within the framework of the League of Arab States, as countries most affected by global warming, which well as its commitment to the African Union and to could lead to a rise in sea level. Here, we request that United Nations purposes and principles, industrialized States limit their greenhouse gas emissions. We also welcome the meeting on climate We reiterate our support for efforts aimed at change that was convened by the Secretary-General reforming the United Nations, especially the expansion and await the outcome of the international conference of the Security Council, where a permanent seat should on climate change to be held in December in be granted to the African continent and another to the Copenhagen, with great interest. Arab Group, whose people make up more than 11 per cent of the world population. My country follows the issue of the Western Sahara with great interest and reaffirms its backing for The tremendous efforts undertaken during the the efforts of the Secretary-General and his Special sixty-third session of the General Assembly are Envoy aimed at finding a final solution to this issue, praiseworthy, whether we are referring to the Doha which would strengthen security and stability in the Review Conference or the conference on the world region. financial and economic crisis and its impact on development. Despite these commendable efforts, the The Arab-Israeli conflict is a source of ongoing world continues to be wracked by a stifling financial tension and a threat to international peace and security crisis that has undermined development efforts, in a sensitive and vital region of the world. For that especially in the least developed countries (LDCs). The reason, we support peace efforts aimed at finding a impact of the financial crisis on the economies of the solution to the conflict that will, on the one hand, LDCs is disastrous. While the rich countries of the guarantee the brotherly Palestinian people all of their North have achieved economic and social progress rights, including the establishment of an independent during these past few years, the least developed Palestinian State, with East Jerusalem as its capital, countries will face many obstacles that will have an and the right to live in peace and security side by side impact on programmes aimed at achieving their with Israel; and on the other hand, will restore all Millennium Development Goals. occupied Arab territories, including the Syrian Golan and the Lebanese Sheba'a farms. The international community must act rapidly to confront this disaster that threatens the global Turning to the situation in the Sudan, we wish economic order. It must take concrete measures aimed here to underscore our categorical rejection of the at restoring confidence, achieving economic progress International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for the and creating jobs. Commerce, trade and investment Sudanese President, because it undermines peace must be revitalized to provide the necessary financing efforts under way in that country and runs counter to to poor countries and to maintain achievements made international norms. thus far in the fight against poverty and in The culture of peace, tolerance, justice and strengthening the role of the United Nations respect for peoples and civilizations is the best possible Development Programme in countering the economic way to uphold international peace and security. crisis and its adverse impact on development. Outstanding issues are still without an available In this respect, we urge rich countries to fulfil the solution; the chasm between the rich and the poor and commitments made in London in early April towards the turbulent international economic infrastructure financing development in developing countries, and have led to tension, extremism and terrorism. Here I their pledges to allocate $1 trillion to revitalize the reaffirm that the Islamic Republic of Mauritania rejects global economy, including $50 billion devoted to the terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reiterates its commitment to Islamic values, which 2 09-52604 A/64/PV.12 reject violence and extremism and call for tolerance effects of global recession and economic turbulence and fraternity. We believe that it is the duty of the and to limit the impact of the crisis on those in greatest international community to consider seriously the need. Once again, the United Nations provides a causes of this phenomenon and to devise ways to framework for the development of collective responses confront it and eradicate it once and for all. and solutions. Fulfilling the commitments that the international The summit of world leaders hosted by Secretary- community made in creating this Organization will General Ban Ki-moon in New York last week on only be possible if all peoples and all countries share climate change displayed the strength of international the available resources and possibilities for successful commitment on this issue. The Secretary-General has development, and if the policies of the countries of the been a powerful advocate of collective action to tackle North are rooted in a vision of dignified, free and equal this major threat to our planet and our future existence for all. In my view this is the only way to generations. It now falls to us, the Member States, to reach the objectives that this Organization was created redouble our efforts to ensure a successful outcome to for. the Copenhagen Conference in December. The President: I now call on His Excellency The promise that the United Nations embodies to Mr. Peter Power, Minister of State for Overseas tackle all these global threats can only be realized Development of Ireland. through continuing efforts to make this a stronger and more effective Organization.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • African Union Addressed • S/2002/979 (29 August 2002) Was Peace and Security in Africa
    SECURITY COUNCIL REPORT 2011 No. 2 10 May 2011 SPECIAL RESEARCH REPORT This report and links to all of the relevant documents are available on our website at www.securitycouncilreport.org Working TogeTher for Peace and SecuriTy in africa: The Security council and the AU Peace and Security council TABLE OF CONTENTS 9. The AU PSC-UN Security This Special Research Report 1. Introduction .................................1 Council Relationship ................23 responds to a growing interest in 2. Historical Context .......................3 10. Trying to Put Things in how to improve the joint efforts of 2.1 UN Chapter VIII Relationships ......3 Perspective .................................26 both the UN Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council 2.2 The AU Comes into Being ............4 11. Council and Wider Dynamics ...28 to prevent and end violent conflicts 3. The AU Structural Design ..........5 11.1 Political Perspectives from in Africa. For almost six years SCR 4. The AU’s Peace and Security the Past ........................................28 has been analysing these efforts in System ..........................................6 11.2 Current Political Dynamics .........30 country-specific situations and at 4.1 The PSC’s Structure and 12. The Way Ahead ......................... 32 the thematic level. But with the tenth Working Methods..........................6 13. UN Documents ......................... 33 anniversary of the AU inauguration 4.2 The Continental Early 14. AU Documents.......................... 37 just over a year away it seemed Warning System ............................7 Appendix ................................... 38 clear that the relationship still had 4.3 The Panel of the Wise ...................7 many problems and was very far 4.4 The African Standby Force away from realising its potential for being an effective partnership.
    [Show full text]
  • School of Arts and Social Sciences
    NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES COURSE CODE: INR 462 2 CREDIT UNITS COURSE TITLE: AFRICA IN REGIONAL AND GLOBAL SECURITY 1 COURSE GUIDE INR 462 AFRICA IN REGIONAL AND GLOBAL SECURITY Course Developer/Writer Dr. John Tor Tsuwa Department of Political Science Benue State University Makurdi, Benue State. Course Editor: Prof. Hakeem I. Tijani Director Study Center National Open University of Nigeria Abuja, FCT. Course Coordinator: Dr. Ebele A. Udeoji Department of Political Science Faculty of Social Sciences National Open University of Nigeria Team Leader: Dr. Aminu Umar Department of Political Science Faculty of Social Sciences National Open University of Nigeria 2 NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA National Open University of Nigeria, Headquarters, 14/16 Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos. Abuja Office, 5 Dar es Salaam Street, Off Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja. e-mail: [email protected] URL: www.nou.edu.ng Published by: National Open University of Nigeria Printed 2018 ISBN: 978-058-951-1 All Rights Reserved 3 CONTENTS Introduction ………………………………………………….........................................................v Course Aims …………………………………………………........................................................v Course Objectives ……………………………………………........................................................v Working through the Course ………………………………….......................................................vi The Course Materials ……………………………………………….............................................vi Study Units …………………………………………………….....................................................vi
    [Show full text]
  • United Nations Private Sector Forum on the Millennium Development Goals
    MEETING REPORT UNITED NATIONS PRIVATE SECTOR FORum on the Millennium Development Goals 22 SEPTEMBER 2010, NEW YORK 2 UN Private Sector Forum Organizing Committee Members: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), International Finance Corporation (IFC), International Fund for Agricultural Develop- ment (IFAD), International Labour Organization (ILO), Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM, part of UN Women), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations Foundation (UNF), United Nations Global Compact Office, United Nations Office for Partnerships (UNOP), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), World Bank, World Food Programme (WFP). Photos: © UN Global Compact/Michael Dames 3 Table of Contents Executive Summary 6 Commitments to Development 8 2010 Commitments 8 Tracking 2008 Commitments 9 Welcome and Opening Addresses 12 Luncheon Keynote Remarks 15 Thematic Discussions – Advancing Solutions through Business Innovation 16 Poverty and Hunger 18 Maternal and Child Health and HIV/AIDS 20 Access to Education through Innovative Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) 22 Innovations for Financial Inclusion 24 Empowering Women and Achieving Equality 26 Green Economy 28 Closing Addresses 30 Appendices 31 Accelerating Private Sector Action to Help Close MDG Gaps – Key Messages 31 Bilateral Donors’ Statement in Support of Private Sector Partnerships for Development 33 Agenda 35 Participant List 39 4 “ An investment in the MDGs is an investment in growth, prosperity and the markets of the future — a win-win proposition.” – H.E.
    [Show full text]
  • A Central Asian Perspective of Security in Afghanistan
    A Central Asian Perspective of Security in Afghanistan By Matthew Stein The views expressed are those of the author and do not represent the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. government. A Central Asian Perspective of Security in Afghanistan In the ten years since the start of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) the five Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) contributed support for International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) operations by granting overflight rights and use of airfields for transit or search and rescue operations, and allowing overland logistics of non-lethal supplies.1 The drawdown of forces in 2014 from Afghanistan will affect the conduct of regional affairs and regional security, particularly for the countries of Central Asia. However, Central Asian perspectives of the future of Afghanistan are often overlooked. There are a number of articles by security analysts and academics in Central Asia that offer detailed and candid perspectives of ISAF operations and security in Afghanistan, though these may not be noticed or well received by policy-makers in the United States. A brief examination of articles by one such author, Dr. Viktor Dubovitsky, can help better understand the Central Asian perspective of security in Afghanistan. It is also worth comparing Dubovitsky’s thoughts with an official perspective. Dr. Dubovitsky is the Deputy Director of the Institute of History of the Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan and has written several articles that present a Central Asian perspective of operations in Afghanistan and the withdrawal of combat forces from there in 2014.
    [Show full text]
  • Compendium of Central Asian Military and Security Activity
    WL KNO EDGE NCE ISM SA ER IS E A TE N K N O K C E N N T N I S E S J E N A 3 V H A A N H Z И O E P W O I T E D N E Z I A M I C O N O C C I O T N S H O E L C A I N M Z E N O T Compendium of Central Asian Military and Security Activity MATTHEW STEIN Open Source, Foreign Perspective, Underconsidered/Understudied Topics The Foreign Military Studies Office (FMSO) at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, is an open source research organization of the U.S. Army. It was founded in 1986 as an innovative program that brought together military specialists and civilian academics to focus on military and security topics derived from unclassified, foreign media. Today FMSO maintains this research tradition of special insight and highly collaborative work by conducting unclassified research on foreign perspectives of defense and security issues that are understudied or unconsidered. Author Background Matthew Stein is an analyst at the Foreign Military Studies Office (FMSO) at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. His specific research expertise includes “Joint military exercises involving Central Asian militaries and security forces,” “Incidents of violence and civil unrest in Central Asia,” “Extremist and Terrorist Groups in Central Asia,” and “Border issues in Central Asia.” He has conducted briefings and participated in training events for units deploying to the Central Asia region and seminars for senior U.S. Army leaders. He has an M.A.
    [Show full text]
  • Permanent Missions to the United Nations
    Permanent Missions to the United Nations ST/SG/SER.A/300 Executive Office of the Secretary-General Protocol and Liaison Service Permanent Missions to the United Nations Nº 300 March 2010 United Nations, New York Note: This publication is prepared by the Protocol and Liaison Service for information purposes only. The listings relating to the permanent missions are based on information communicated to the Protocol and Liaison Service by the permanent missions, and their publication is intended for the use of delegations and the Secretariat. They do not include all diplomatic and administrative staff exercising official functions in connection with the United Nations. Further information concerning names of members of permanent missions entitled to diplomatic privileges and immunities and other mission members registered with the United Nations can be obtained from: Protocol and Liaison Service Room NL-2058 United Nations New York, N.Y., 10017 Telephone: (212) 963-7174 Telefax: (212) 963-1921 website: http://www.un.int/protocol All changes and additions to this publication should be communicated to the above Service. Contents I. Member States maintaining permanent missions at Headquarters Afghanistan.......... 2 Czech Republic..... 71 Kenya ............. 144 Albania .............. 3 Democratic People’s Kuwait ............ 146 Algeria .............. 4 Republic Kyrgyzstan ........ 148 Andorra ............. 6 of Korea ......... 73 Lao People’s Angola .............. 7 Democratic Republic Democratic Antigua of the Congo ..... 74 Republic ........ 149 and Barbuda ...... 9 Denmark ........... 75 Latvia ............. 150 Argentina ........... 10 Djibouti ............ 77 Lebanon........... 151 Armenia ............ 12 Dominica ........... 78 Lesotho ........... 152 Australia............ 13 Dominican Liberia ............ 153 Austria ............. 15 Republic ......... 79 Libyan Arab Azerbaijan.......... 18 Ecuador ............ 81 Jamahiriya ...... 154 Bahamas............ 19 Egypt..............
    [Show full text]
  • The J Oumal Of
    The Joumal of Gemmological Association and Gem Testing Laboratory of Great Britain 27 Greville Street, London EC1N 8TN Tel: 020 7404 3334 Fax: 020 7404 8843 e-mail: [email protected] Website: www.gem-a.info President: Professor A.T. Collins Vice-Presidents: N. W. Deeks, A.E. Farn, R.A. Howie, D.G. Kent, R.K. Mitchell Honorary Fellows: Chen Zhonghui, R.A. Howie, K. Nassau Honorary Life Members: H. Bank, D.J. Callaghan, E.A. Jobbins, H. Tillander Council of Management: T.J. Davidson, R.R. Harding, I. Mercer, J. Monnickendam, M.J. O'Donoghue, E. Stern, I. Thomson, V.P. Watson Members' Council: A.J. Allnutt, S. Burgoyne, P. Dwyer-Hickey, S.A. Everitt, J. Greatwood, B. Jackson, L. Music, J.B. Nelson, P.G. Read, P.J. Wates, C.H. Winter Branch Chairmen: Midlands - G.M. Green, North West - D. M. Brady, Scottish - B. Jackson, South East - C.H. Winter, South West - R.M. Slater Examiners: A.J. Allnutt, M.Sc, Ph.D., FGA, L. Bartlett, B.Sc, M.Phil., FGA, DGA, S. Coelho, B.Sc, FGA, DGA, Prof. A.T. Collins, B.Sc, Ph.D, A.G. Good, FGA, DGA, J. Greatwood, FGA, G.M. Green, FGA, DGA, G.M. Howe, FGA, DGA, S. Hue Williams MA, FGA, DGA, B. Jackson, FGA, DGA, G.H. Jones, B.Sc, Ph.D., FGA, Li Li Ping, FGA, DGA, M.A. Medniuk, FGA, DGA, M. Newton, B.Sc, D.PWL, C.J.E. Oldershaw, B.Sc. (Hans), FGA, DGA, H.L. Plumb, B.Sc, FGA, DGA, R.D.
    [Show full text]
  • Gustavocarbonarorodri
    UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO ESCOLA DE COMUNICAÇÕES E ARTES GUSTAVO CARBONARO RODRIGUES Narrativas brasileiras: identidade e discurso diplomático no governo Lula São Paulo 2015 GUSTAVO CARBONARO RODRIGUES Narrativas brasileiras: identidade e discurso diplomático no governo Lula Dissertação apresentada à Escola de Comunicações e Artes da Universidade de São Paulo para a obtenção do título de Mestre em Ciências da Comunicação. Área de Concentração: Interfaces Sociais da Comunicação Linha de Pesquisa: Políticas e Estratégias de Comunicação Orientador: Prof. Dr. Paulo Roberto Nassar de Oliveira São Paulo 2015 Autorizo a reprodução e divulgação total ou parcial deste trabalho, por qualquer meio convencional ou eletrônico, para fins de estudo e pesquisa, desde que citada a fonte. Catalogação na publicação Serviço de Biblioteca e Documentação Escola de Comunicações e Artes da Universidade de São Paulo Dados fornecidos pelo autor Rodrigues, Gustavo Carbonaro. Narrativas brasileiras: Identidade e discurso diplomático no governo Lula / Gustavo Carbonaro Rodrigues. -- São Paulo: G. C. Rodrigues, 2015. 283p. Dissertação (Mestrado) - Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Comunicação - Escola de Comunicações e Artes / Universidade de São Paulo. Orientador: Paulo Roberto Nassar de Oliveira Bibliografia 1. Discurso diplomático. 2. Identidade nacional. 3. Mito Nacional. 4. Narrativa de país. 5. Novas narrativas. 6. Política Externa. I. Nassar, Paulo II. Título III. Título. Nome: RODRIGUES, Gustavo Carbonaro Título: Narrativas brasileiras: identidade e discurso diplomático no governo Lula Dissertação apresentada à Escola de Comunicações e Artes da Universidade de São Paulo para obtenção do título de Mestre em Ciências da Comunicação. Aprovado em: _____/_____/ 2015 Banca Examinadora Prof. Dr.: __________________________________________________________________ Instituição: __________________________________________________________________ Julgamento: _________________________ Assinatura: _____________________________ Prof.
    [Show full text]
  • General Assembly Official Records Sixty-Fourth Session
    United Nations A/64/PV.93 General Assembly Official Records Sixty-fourth session 93rd plenary meeting Friday, 11 June 2010, 10 a.m. New York President: Mr. Ali Abdussalam Treki........................... (Libyan Arab Jamahiriya) The meeting was called to order at 10.15 a.m. I would like to congratulate His Excellency Joseph Deiss, former President of the Swiss Agenda item 4 Confederation, on his election as the President of the sixty-fifth session of the General Assembly. Election of the President of the General Assembly I would also like to take this opportunity to Election of the President of the General acknowledge and welcome the presence of the Minister Assembly for the sixty-fifth session for Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation, Her The President (spoke in Arabic): In accordance Excellency Ms. Micheline Calmy-Rey. with rule 30 of the rules of procedure of the General I am sure that Member States appreciate the Assembly, I now invite members of the General wealth of knowledge and experience that Mr. Deiss Assembly to proceed to the election of the President of brings to this high office, which will enable him to the General Assembly for the sixty-fifth session. carry forward our collective endeavour and further May I recall that, in accordance with paragraph 1 advance the important work of the General Assembly. of the annex to General Assembly resolution 33/138, of His perspective as a result of having served as Minister 19 December 1978, the President of the General of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Economy of Assembly for the sixty-fifth session should be elected Switzerland will certainly guide and benefit the from among the Group of Western European and other discussions related to the whole host of issues and States.
    [Show full text]
  • A Different World Cannot Be Built by Indifferent People
    Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations DIPLOMACY AND ARTS: ITALY AT THE UNITED NATIONS Italian Army - United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) AN OVERVIEW OF THE ITALIAN ACTIVITIES AT THE 64th GENERAL ASSEMBLY (2009 – 2010) DIPLOMACY AND ARTS: ITALY AT THE UNITED NATIONS AN OVERVIEW OF THE ITALIAN ACTIVITIES AT THE 64th GENERAL ASSEMBLY (2009 – 2010) Editorial staff : Silvia Cioce Michael Moore Angela Carabelli Riccardo Chioni Francesca Lorusso Caputi Printed by Hermitage Press, Inc., Trenton NJ A publication of the Italian Permanent Mission to the United Nations – www.italyun.esteri.it Edition December 2010. 2 3 “Il linguaggio e’ stato lavorato dagli uomini per intendersi tra loro, non per ingannarsi a vicenda”. (Alessandro Manzoni) “Men created language to understand, not to deceive each other”. (Alessandro Manzoni) 4 Copyright © 2010 by the Italian Permanent Mission to the United Nations Editorial, photographs and design by Silvia Cioce, Michael Moore, Angela Carabelli, Riccardo Chioni, and Francesca Lorusso Caputi All rights reserved No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the authors. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review. The Italian Permanent Mission to the United Nations www.italyun.esteri.it Printed in the United States of America First Printing: December 2010 5 INTRODUCTION Security Council reform; fight against organized crime; peacekeeping and peace-building operations; combating abuse and violence against women and children; UN approval of a universal moratorium on the application of the death penalty; climate change and sustainable development.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 4 Nato Post-Cold War: Search for a New Identity
    CHAPTER 4 NATO POST-COLD WAR: SEARCH FOR A NEW IDENTITY I. INTRODUCTION This chapter seeks to highlight the relevance of NATO after the end of the Cold War. It is divided into three parts: (I). Disappearance of the U.S.S.R, (II). New Challenges and (III). Evolution of a New Framework. PART I: DISAPPEARANCE OF THE U.S.S.R Throughout history, military alliances have formed to balance either countervailing power or the perceived threat thereof. They have collapsed when the need for a balance disappeared as a result of either power crumbling or threat perceptions changing. While the origins of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation can be found in its members’ perceived need to balance rising Soviet power in the aftermath of the Second World War, the collapse of Soviet imperial rule in the late 1980s did not lead to NATO’s demise. For that reason, NATO is often referred to as the most successful military alliance in history. Not only did it prove to be the key instrument in defending its members against Soviet attack or subversion and in helping to speed Soviet disintegration, the Atlantic Alliance survived and at times, thrived in the decade since the disappearance of the Soviet threat robbed NATO of its main raison d’etre. If success is measured by longevity, then NATO has rightly earned its historic designation. For a full half century-with forty of the fifty years just ended dominated by the Cold War. NATO has served as a foundation stone of Euro-Atlantic peace and security, many deeming it in fact the ‘cornerstone’.
    [Show full text]
  • The Afghanistan Conflict As a Power Resource for Central Asia?
    In: IFSH (ed.), OSCE Yearbook 2014, Baden-Baden 2015, pp. 301-313. Sebastian Schiek The Afghanistan Conflict As a Power Resource for Central Asia? Analyses of the significance of the conflict in Afghanistan for Central Asia regularly contain two contradictory theses: On the one hand, the conflict is presented as a security problem for Central Asia. On the other hand, it can also be concluded that the Central Asian states profit from their neighbour’s chaos, with the instability of Afghanistan acting as a key source of legitimacy and power for their own regimes, and strengthening their position vis-à-vis the major powers. Turning to the first thesis: Several attempts have been made to provide it with an empirical underpinning, although these analyses have come to dif- fering conclusions. A number of authors have argued that the situation is best seen in terms of an “internal security dilemma”. In contrast to classical theor- ies of security, this views the main danger for weakly institutionalized re- gimes such as those of Central Asia as lying not abroad, but in the domestic sphere. Consequently, those countries’ threat perceptions foreground not at- tacks from foreign powers but coup and revolution. It is argued that even the return of the Taliban need not imply that Central Asia will be attacked, as their ideological and practical focus is entirely on Afghanistan. If violence does continue in Afghanistan, or even escalates, there is a danger of regional contagion, yet this risk is reduced by the existence of relatively effective se- curity apparatuses in Central Asia.
    [Show full text]