On the Participation of Mr. Vladimir Makei, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, in the 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

28 September 2013

On September 27, 2013 within the framework of the 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly Mr. Vladimir Makei, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, made a statement at the Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement.

In his statement Mr. Vladimir Makei drew attention to the need of unity among NAM Member States for preventing the use by Western countries of human rights to exert pressure on independent states. Belarus stated assurance that the so-called resolutions on human rights which Western countries try to impose on the Human Rights Council or the UN General Assembly are in the first place the instruments for promotion of their own political and economic interests at the expense of the countries which such resolutions target.

Minister also made a statement during the 8th Conference on Facilitating the Entry into Force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty.

Mr. Vladimir Makei drew attention of the international community to the important landmark which is the 20th anniversary since Belarus’ accession to the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty. He noted that by denouncing the possession of the nuclear weapon at good will and without any conditions, Belarus aimed to support the dynamics of the international disarmament which at that time would inspire hope for the establishment of a more secure world. «Today the expectation of progress in nuclear disarmament are much modest than 20 years ago, while hopes are cautious» – emphasized the Belarusian Minister. Mr. Vladimir Makei expressed serious concern at the fact that the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty has not yet entered into force.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus also had a meeting with Mr. John Ashe, President of the 68th session of the General Assembly, and discussed with him possible interaction on the issues, which Belarus considers as priority at a current session, including post-2015 development agenda as well as combatting human trafficking.

Mr. Vladimir Makei also had bilateral meetings with ministers for foreign affairs of Namibia, Nicaragua and Sweden to discuss the current state of as well as perspectives for cooperation of Belarus with these countries.