UN General Assembly Hears Attaf Call for Systemic Reform
Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs Ahmed Attaf recently spoke at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he advocated for the reform of the UN system and the strengthening of multilateral cooperation. Mr. Attaf underscored the imperative of these actions to establish a more equitable, representative, and fair international order. He observed that the world stands at a critical juncture, characterized by escalating tensions, widening conflicts, and an erosion of trust in global institutions.
During his address, Minister Attaf emphasized the necessity of making respect for international law a shared commitment among nations, thereby reaffirming Algeria's profound attachment to the existing world order. Political analyst Professor Mohamed Salah Jedi praised the Minister's speech, describing it as robust and comprehensive in its coverage of current global conflicts and issues across various continents. The speech, according to Professor Jedi, highlighted the profound transformations worldwide, a decline in confidence, and the resurgence of force over dialogue, which necessitates a revamp of the United Nations system, particularly by enhancing the role and authority of the General Assembly.
Furthermore, Minister Attaf called for a reform of the Security Council to ensure it becomes more representative, just, and effective, thereby curbing selectivity and dual standards in the application of international law. He also addressed several critical developments, including dangerous situations in the Gulf and Middle East regions, violations of state sovereignty, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in occupied Palestine. Algeria's position on the Western Sahara issue was also highlighted, reaffirming its principled support for the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination as a matter of decolonization, stressing the need for bilateral dialogue between the concerned parties.
The Minister's address further underscored Algeria's commitment to African solidarity by supporting the common African position for permanent and equitable representation in the UN Security Council. Mr. Attaf also brought attention to the challenges faced by the Saharo-Sahel region, emphasizing the importance of Algeria's comprehensive approach that integrates security, development, dialogue, and respect for the sovereignty of states.
