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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 10 USUN NEW YORK 000840 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ECIN PGOV PHUM PREL UNGA
SUBJECT: UNGA 62 GENERAL DEBATE:  SECURITY COUNCIL REFORM, 
IRAN, IRAQ, THE MIDDLE EAST AND MORE 
 
USUN NEW Y 00000840  001.4 OF 010 
 
 
SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED; PROTECT ACCORDINGLY. 
 
¶1. (SBU) Summary:  Representatives from 191 member states 
spoke during the General Debate of the 62nd United Nations 
General Assembly (UNGA) from September 25 through October 3, 
2007 and covered many themes in common.  On Security Council 
Reform, many countries called for a more representative 
Council and suggested several candidates for membership, most 
frequently Japan, Germany and India.  Regarding Iran, leaders 
from Germany, France, UK and Japan took strong stands against 
Iran's nuclear activities, while Iran claimed it had 
fulfilled its IAEA obligations.  On Iraq, many leaders 
acknowledged the importance of a stable Iraq to the region 
and supported the ongoing reconstruction and reconciliation, 
but several criticized U.S. policy in Iraq.  Regarding the 
Israel-Palestinian conflict, most countries encouraged 
dialogue and reacted positively to the upcoming U.S.-proposed 
peace conference.  As events in Burma unfolded, member-states 
expressed support for democratization and called on Burma to 
end the use of excessive force, while Burma's Foreign 
Minister claimed Burma was a victim of a campaign to 
destabilize the country, which he said has since returned to 
normalcy.  On Kosovo, European leaders supported UN Envoy 
Ahtissari's work; Serbia, however, predictably expressed 
concern over what it called violations of its territorial 
integrity.  Discussion on trade focused on inequitable 
practices and calls for a successful conclusion of the Doha 
negotiations, and nearly every leader gave ideas on climate 
change.  End Summary. 
 
¶2. (U) This year's General Debate of the United Nations 
General Assembly took place over the period September 25 to 
October 3 and featured 191 presentations, 70 delivered by 
 
USUN NEW Y 00000840  002.4 OF 010 
 
 
heads of state.  USUN summarizes significant comments on 
major themes.  Positive and negative comments on U.S. 
policies will be reported septel.  Copies of all speeches may 
be viewed at http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/. 
 
------------------------------ 
Reform of the Security Council 
------------------------------ 
 
¶3. (U) Discussion of UN reform concentrated primarily on 
ideas for modifying the composition of permanent and 
non-permanent members of the Security Council.  There was 
broad support among developing and developed states alike for 
increasing the size of the Council, and in particular, 
increasing the number of permanent member seats.  Many 
nations argued that changes to the Council were needed to 
better reflect the realities of today's world and to improve 
the effectiveness and legitimacy of the Council. 
 
¶4. (SBU) Among European states, Germany announced its own 
readiness to become a permanent member; Slovakia lent support 
to Germany and Japan. Spain, France and Russia made no 
reference to Security Council reform at all.  The UK would 
support permanent seats for Germany, Japan, India, Brazil and 
an African nation; however, the UK was not wedded to a single 
model of reform.  Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi said 
that Italy was opposed to any model of Security Council 
reform calling for the expansion of permanent members.  Japan 
voiced support for expanding the Council and increasing the 
body's effectiveness, but made no pronouncement about its own 
readiness to become a permanent member. 
 
¶5. (SBU) Most African nations expressed dissatisfaction with 
 
USUN NEW Y 00000840  003.4 OF 010 
 
 
the Security Council status quo, suggesting that reform is 
needed to better reflect today's geopolitics.  South Africa 
criticized the UN, saying it is "difficult to demonstrate 
decisive progress" because the UN "has not itself transformed 
and designed the necessary institutions of governance 
consistent with noble ideals."  Gambia and Zambia expressed 
support for the Ezulwini Consensus, which proposes two 
permanent and five non-permanent seats for Africa on the 
Security Council. 
 
-------------------------------------- 
2008 - 2009 Security Council Elections 
-------------------------------------- 
 
¶6. (U) Eight countries are competing for the five 
non-permanent Council seats up for election on October 16. 
Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic will compete for the 
seat occupied by Peru; Croatia and the Czech Republic will 
compete for Slovakia's seat.  Libya and Burkina Faso will run 
uncontested for the two Africa seats, currently held by Congo 
and Ghana.  Vietnam will run uncontested to replace Qatar. 
 
¶7. (SBU) In a preview of what might be expected during a 
Libyan term on the Security Council, Foreign Minister Mohamed 
Shalgham spoke at length about a need to put UN 
decision-making power in the hands of all UN members. 
Shalgham said the Council should become a tool to implement 
General Assembly resolutions, adding, "we will overcome the 
obstacles caused by the veto, which puts international 
decision-making in the hands of the permanent members of the 
Security Council and entrenches the resort to a selective 
approach and double standards in dealing with international 
problems."  Libya called for a permanent seat to be given to 
 
USUN NEW Y 00000840  004.4 OF 010 
 
 
the African Union and for five non-permanent and two 
permanent seats to be given to African states.  To achieve 
all this, Libya called for a UN high-level summit meeting in 
Geneva during the 63rd General Assembly dedicated to the 
reform process and expansion of the Security Council. 
 
--------------------------- 
Tough Talk To and From Iran 
--------------------------- 
 
¶8. (SBU) European leaders sent a strong message to the UNGA 
on Iran, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel telling 
governments not to fool themselves about the disastrous 
consequences that would result if Iran acquired a nuclear 
weapon, adding, "the world does not have to prove to Iran 
that Iran is not building a nuclear bomb."  She cautioned 
that there should be no doubt as to the dangerous nature of 
Iran's nuclear program, which contradicts the demands of the 
IAEA and UN, ignores the UN Security Council and is 
"blatantly threatening Israel."  Merkel said that Israel's 
security was "non-negotiable" for Germany and added that 
Germany favored a diplomatic solution, but warned that if 
Iran does not respond to diplomacy, Germany would favor 
harsher sanctions.  France said that a nuclear Iran is an 
unacceptable risk to regional and global stability and the 
United Kingdom called on Iran to cease its support for 
terrorist groups and its defiance of three Security Council 
resolutions on its nuclear program.  Japan also called for 
Iran to suspend its enrichment-related activities.   Russia 
said urgent steps were needed to strengthen the 
non-proliferation regime, but defended the right of states to 
access the benefits of peaceful nuclear energy.  China also 
defended the right to civilian nuclear technology and called 
 
USUN NEW Y 00000840  005.4 OF 010 
 
 
for diplomacy to solve the Iranian issue peacefully.  Israel 
called Iran a "radical regime" and blamed it for causing 
trouble in Iraq, Palestine, and Lebanon. 
 
¶9. (U) Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad retorted that 
Iran has been very cooperative, transparent, and fulfilled 
its obligations under the IAEA, adding that Iran has spared 
no effort to build confidence only to be deprived of its 
rights.  Ahmedinejad said that the nuclear issue is now 
closed but Iran will always be willing to talk. 
 
--------------------------------------------- 
Concern Over Security and Development in Iraq 
--------------------------------------------- 
 
¶10. (SBU) The ongoing security situation in Iraq was a 
concern raised by most member states.  Generally, nations 
were supportive of efforts for national reconciliation and 
reconstruction.  Iraq stated it is fighting to keep its young 
democracy, and that this "New Iraq" is what the terrorists 
are targeting.  Speakers acknowledged the detrimental effect 
an unstable Iraq would have on the entire Middle East. 
Several states -- including Qatar, Oman, Libya, and Kuwait -- 
called on the broader international community to step up 
efforts, as Iraq should not, as Qatar put it, "remain 
confined to one State or an alliance of States of converging 
interests." These states considered the UN's new expanded 
involvement on Iraq a positive step.  The United Kingdom 
called for ongoing support for the development of Iraqi 
security forces.  A small number of states, including Yemen, 
expressed support for non-interference in Iraq's internal 
affairs and Syria called for "withdrawal of all foreign 
forces in Iraq because this measure will contribute to 
 
USUN NEW Y 00000840  006.4 OF 010 
 
 
curbing the violence."  Pakistan stated the importance of 
preserving Iraq's territorial integrity.  However, several 
nations used the subject of Iraq as an opportunity to 
criticize the United States.  President Ortega of Nicaragua 
referred to the war in Iraq as "a war imposed by Empire in 
the economic and oil interests of the Empire."  Malaysia 
attributed many of Iraq's current problems to foreign 
occupation and argued that Iraq should be given the 
opportunity to determine its own future.  Iran joined the 
criticism, accusing the U.S. of not having the courage to 
"declare defeat and exit Iraq." 
 
--------------------------------------------- ----- 
Israel-Palestinian Conflict: Positive reactions to 
U.S. peace conference 
--------------------------------------------- ----- 
 
¶11. (SBU) Most countries called for solving the 
Israel-Palestinian conflict through dialogue, the Roadmap, 
and the Quartet's plans, with the result being a two-state 
solution.  Many states reacted positively to the U.S. 
initiative to convene a peace conference in November.  Jordan 
said that the Palestinian question is at the heart of the 
Middle East crises, and "the region will be swept into 
extremism and anarchy if the Palestinian issue is not 
solved."  Malaysia said, "Palestine is the single most 
important issue in the way of peace and fraternity between 
Islamic and Western countries."  A recurrent theme among Arab 
states was for the international community to "observe 
international and humanitarian law," including limiting 
Israel to its pre-1967 borders, affirming the right of return 
for Palestinian refugees and designating Jerusalem as the 
capital of Palestine.  Syria asked whether Israel or 
 
USUN NEW Y 00000840  007.4 OF 010 
 
 
Americans still have the will to make genuine peace, when 
"actions and realities suggest otherwise." 
 
¶12. (SBU) Israel said extremists are entering democratic 
institutions in the Islamic world in order to strengthen 
their non-democratic agenda, especially regarding religion 
and education, and said Hamas and Hizbollah must choose 
between violence and legitimacy.  Israel criticized the Human 
Rights Council for its "wildly disproportionate focus on 
Israel" and called for Arab and Muslim states to assist any 
new Palestinian state economically and politically.  The 
Palestinian Observer called for mutual understanding and 
dialogue and said that "the defense of Islam, the religion of 
moderation, love, and human brotherhood, falls on the 
shoulders" of the "vital and responsible forces in the Middle 
East that represent the conscience of its peoples and their 
desire for liberty, progress, and democracy." 
 
------------------------------- 
Regional Crises:  Burma, Kosovo 
------------------------------- 
 
¶13. (U) Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia criticized 
the use of excessive force in Burma, urged Burmese leaders to 
move towards democracy, and called for the release of 
activist Aung San Suu Kyi.  Burma neighbors India, Vietnam, 
Laos and Cambodia did not mention Burma in their speeches. 
Mauritius applauded President Bush's decision to impose 
sanctions on Burma and Georgia's President Saakashvili called 
for support of "Myanmar's Saffron Revolution for its 
inevitable march of liberty," which he said echoed the Rose 
and Orange revolutions.  Burmese Foreign Minister U Nyan Win 
told the UNGA on October 1 that his country is being 
 
USUN NEW Y 00000840  008.4 OF 010 
 
 
subjected to a neo-colonialist attempt to spread 
disinformation, impose sanctions, and create unrest with an 
aim to invade, causing conflict and suffering for his people. 
 He said "political opportunists" had taken advantage of a 
small protest by Buddhist monks to create "a political 
showdown aided and abetted by some powerful countries."  He 
concluded that "normalcy has now returned in Myanmar." 
 
¶14. (U) The future status of Kosovo also received significant 
attention in the General Debate.  Albania gave a long 
presentation in support of Kosovo independence and 
self-determination and tried to downplay concerns that 
Albania's support was tied to an effort to create a "greater 
Albania," calling such concerns xenophobic.  Serbia exercised 
the right of reply by giving prepared remarks arguing that by 
advocating for the independence for Kosovo, Albania was 
calling for the violation of Serbia's territorial integrity 
and sovereignty.  German Chancellor Merkel, echoing the view 
of EU countries, called for more active EU and NATO roles and 
hailed the work of UN Special Envoy Ahtissaari.  However, 
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov underlined the Russian view 
that a "unilateral" approach to the crisis would not 
contribute to a lasting peace. 
 
-------------------------------------- 
Need to Push Ahead with the Doha Round 
-------------------------------------- 
 
¶15. (U) General Debate discussion of trade issues centered on 
unfair trade practices as perceived by developing states and 
on bringing the Doha Round to an early, successful 
conclusion.  Leaders of developing nations argued that a more 
equitable trade system would bolster sustainable development 
 
USUN NEW Y 00000840  009.4 OF 010 
 
 
efforts, access to renewable energy resources and access to 
markets.  There was general support among delegates to push 
ahead with the Doha Round and conclude negotiations as 
quickly as possible.  German Chancellor Merkel, voicing the 
general sentiment of EU countries, called for talks to 
concentrate on improving transparency in financial markets, 
guaranteeing intellectual property rights and establishing 
minimum social and legal standards for trade.  Developing 
countries such as Brazil, Ghana, Honduras and the Dominican 
Republic criticized farm subsidies in developed nations, 
especially in the EU, and endorsed Doha as a chance to 
correct what they view as a system that perpetuates poverty 
and severely disadvantages developing nation economies. 
 
--------------------------------------------- 
Seeking a post-2012 climate agreement by 2009 
--------------------------------------------- 
 
¶16. (U) Leaders enthusiastically praised SYG Ban's September 
24 High-Level Event on Climate Change and made similar 
remarks regarding the adaptation, mitigation, technology and 
financing efforts needed to address this problem.  Major 
themes throughout included:  favoring common but 
differentiated responsibilities for mitigation measures 
between developed and developing nations; paying attention 
immediately to the most vulnerable nations-mainly Small 
Island Developing States and Africa-that are the most 
affected by climate change; and developing a binding 
commitment to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions after 
the expiry of the Kyoto Protocol's first commitment period. 
Many see this UNGA as building momentum for the December 
COP/MOP climate conference in Bali with the aim to conclude a 
new post-2012 climate agreement by the 2009 UN climate 
 
USUN NEW Y 00000840  010.4 OF 010 
 
 
meeting in Copenhagen. 
KHALILZAD