MANILA: The government’s efforts to advance the peaceful settlement of international disputes have received the support of the head of the United Nations General Assembly, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported.
During a meeting with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario last September 27 at the UN headquarters in New York, UN General Assembly president Vuk Jeremic firmly expressed his “utmost attentiveness and energy to the Philippine initiatives at the United Nations on the peaceful settlement of disputes,” according to the DFA.
Del Rosario welcomed Jeremic’s statement, saying “this will further draw attention to the duties and obligations of states to settle their disputes in a peaceful manner as enshrined in the charter of the United Nations and in international law.”
The DFA chief cited Jeremic’s choice of the theme “Adjustment or Settlement of International Disputes or Situations by Peaceful Means” for the 67th session of the UN General Assembly.
He said the theme reflects a “keen awareness of crucial issues that confront our world today and a deep and principled understanding of the way forward” and provides an opportunity for a “synergy of actions by stakeholders to advance the peaceful settlement of disputes at the United Nations.”
“The Philippines is confident that President Jeremic will be able to steer the General Assembly towards the achievement of the goals we all share as responsible members of the international community and we are encouraged by the clarity of President Jeremic’s vision for the General Assembly,” Del Rosario said.
In his speech at the opening of the assembly, Jeremic outlined the main focus for this year’s session and emphasised the peaceful settlement of international disputes.
“I hope this framework will usefully serve the noble cause of preventing gathering conflicts and resolving existing ones,” Jeremic said.
Malacañang earlier said that the country is just as eager and determined as China to work for a peaceful and diplomatic solution to their territorial dispute over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
Chinese Ambassador Ma Keqing last week aired her government’s desire to pursue peace and openness, as China prepares for a once-in-a-decade leadership change.
Del Rosario stressed the need for rules-based approach in resolving the territorial row with China, saying this is the only legitimate and viable way to address the issue.
Meanwhile, Del Rosario and fellow foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) also met with United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
They discussed “wide-ranging issues,” including regional peace, stability and security, the peaceful settlement of disputes and maritime issues.
DFA said the meeting was held on the sidelines of the session.
The Philippine Star
