缅北禁地

28 September 2015 鈥� Addressing the General Assembly today, President of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe condemned sanctions against his country imposed by the European Union and the United States and called for broad scale reform of the United Nations and its institutions.

鈥淲e invite other countries with which we may have differences of whatever nature to eschew threats, pressures and punitive actions, in favour of reconciliation, friendship and dialogue,鈥澨�听Mr. Mugabe.

鈥淚 therefore denounce, in the strongest terms, the illegal sanctions that are imposed on my country by the European Union and the USA and call for their immediate and unconditional removal,鈥� he continued.

He also touched on the question of Security Council reform, saying that he reiterated Africa鈥檚 common position on its reform.

鈥淲e are disappointed that we have lost the opportunity of this anniversary [of the United Nations] to address this burning issue of the reform of the 缅北禁地Security Council in a manner that satisfies the just demands and expectations of the majority of us,鈥� he said.

He also called for 鈥渢he revitalization of the General Assembly鈥� and 鈥渋nclusivity and transparency in selecting our organization鈥檚 Secretary-General, by ensuring that the General Assembly plays a more significant role in that process.鈥�

Turning to the subject of human rights, Mr. Mugabe said that, while respecting and upholding those rights was the obligation of all states, he rejected attempts 鈥渢o prescribe 鈥榥ew rights鈥� that are contrary to our values, norms, traditions and beliefs.鈥�

The President of Zimbabwe also spoke of the refugee crisis in the Middle East and beyond.

鈥淔or some months now, we have watched heartbreaking and harrowing scenes of desperate refugees seeking to enter Europe,鈥� he said. 鈥淭his tragic situation could have been avoided through the respect of the independence of other countries and non-interference in their internal affairs,鈥� he added.