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Obama calls for 'hard diplomacy' in Syria in final address to UN general assembly – live Obama calls for 'hard diplomacy' in Syria in final address to UN general assembly – live
(35 minutes later)
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An interesting spot on Twitter by the New York Times’ UN correspondent Somini Sengupta: the Russian foreign ministry tweeted that, held up by US president Obama’s motorcade, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov got out and walked the rest of the way to the General Assembly.
Manhattan traffic was blocked because of @BarackObama motorcade. #Lavrov decided not to wait in traffic jam & headed to @UN by walking pic.twitter.com/L4XVBsvU1d
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Hollande continues:
No county can say that it is immune to the threat of Islamic terrorism, which has claimed lost individuals within our countries and radicalised them.
No wall can stop ... this scourge. Terrorism prospers from open conflicts that have for too long not been solved. Its brought a wave of refugees. It’s shaken the established order. ... the collective security that was the very principles of the UN. In the face of these dangers, France once again turns to the United Nations.
If we want to eradicate terrorism, if we want to act, then we need to take decisons. We can’t just talk about solidarity, we can’t just show passion. We need to take action.
He says that
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French president François Hollande is speaking now.
He is calling for a “2020 agenda for Africa” to bring electricity to all Africans to encourage sustainable growth and development, and reducing migration which, he says, produces instability in the countries to which the migrants go.
Then he moves on to Syria.
The Syrian tragedy will be seen as a disgrace to the international community if we do no tend it soon. Aleppo is a martyrd city. Thousands have died in bombing. Humanitarian convoys have been attacked. Chemical weapons have been used. I have one thing to say here: this is enough.”
The international community must compel the regime to peace, he says, or they will be complicit in the tragedy.
France has four requests, he says. First, impose the ceasefire. Then ensure the immediate sending of aid to Aleppo. Then ensure that political negotiations resume; and finally punish the use of chemical weapons. “That is an issue of justice,” Hollande says.
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Nicky Woolf here, taking over from my colleague Haroon Siddique.Nicky Woolf here, taking over from my colleague Haroon Siddique.
Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to speak later today. Currently, Argentinian president Mauricio Macri is addressing the chamber.Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to speak later today. Currently, Argentinian president Mauricio Macri is addressing the chamber.
He calls the refugee crisis a “major challenge”.He calls the refugee crisis a “major challenge”.
“Though a year ago we made a commitment to not leave anybody behind, today the images we see pain us,” Macri says. “Reality calls for us to do more.”“Though a year ago we made a commitment to not leave anybody behind, today the images we see pain us,” Macri says. “Reality calls for us to do more.”
He pledges that Argentina will ramp up the number of Syrian refugees it will take.He pledges that Argentina will ramp up the number of Syrian refugees it will take.
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After that speech, in which he urged wealthy nations to do more to help refugees, Obama will be hosting a summit in New York dedicated to that very subject, where he hopes other countries will pledge more help.After that speech, in which he urged wealthy nations to do more to help refugees, Obama will be hosting a summit in New York dedicated to that very subject, where he hopes other countries will pledge more help.
He stressed throughout his speech that it was only through co-operation that the world’s greatest challenges could be addressed, whether climate change, ending conflict or addressing the refugee crisis. In tandem he warned of the dangers of nationalism, intolerance and isolationism.He stressed throughout his speech that it was only through co-operation that the world’s greatest challenges could be addressed, whether climate change, ending conflict or addressing the refugee crisis. In tandem he warned of the dangers of nationalism, intolerance and isolationism.
Obama also made it a robust defence of his record in office and that of the US generally, describing it as a rare superpower that has been prepared to work not only in its own interests.Obama also made it a robust defence of his record in office and that of the US generally, describing it as a rare superpower that has been prepared to work not only in its own interests.
Not everyone will agree with that analysis but his references to the dangers of building walls may well have been intended as a warning of how he things might change if he is succeeded in the Oval Office by Donald Trump.Not everyone will agree with that analysis but his references to the dangers of building walls may well have been intended as a warning of how he things might change if he is succeeded in the Oval Office by Donald Trump.
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Obama says the US has been a “force for good”, a rare superpower in human history that has been able to think beyond narrow self interests.Obama says the US has been a “force for good”, a rare superpower in human history that has been able to think beyond narrow self interests.
He refers to more threats, nuclear proliferation, the Zika virus.He refers to more threats, nuclear proliferation, the Zika virus.
Obama says it is worth giving up some freedom of action to bind countries to international rules.Obama says it is worth giving up some freedom of action to bind countries to international rules.
He says a peaceful resolution to the disputes in the South China Sea is far greater than “arguing over rocks and reefs”.Russia’s nationalism and interference in the affairs of its neighbours will “diminish its stature and make its borders less secure”.He says a peaceful resolution to the disputes in the South China Sea is far greater than “arguing over rocks and reefs”.Russia’s nationalism and interference in the affairs of its neighbours will “diminish its stature and make its borders less secure”.
We have to open our hearts and do more to help refugees who are desperate for a home ...We have to do more, even when the politics are hard.We have to open our hearts and do more to help refugees who are desperate for a home ...We have to do more, even when the politics are hard.
Obama says there is “a much darker and more cynical version of history we can adopt”.Obama says there is “a much darker and more cynical version of history we can adopt”.
Each of us has leaders, as nations, can choose to reject those who appeal to our worst impulses and choose those who appeal to our best impulses. We have shown that we can choose a better history.Each of us has leaders, as nations, can choose to reject those who appeal to our worst impulses and choose those who appeal to our best impulses. We have shown that we can choose a better history.
He says his own family is made up of cultures, flesh and faith from different parts of the world just as America is built from immigration from different shores.He says his own family is made up of cultures, flesh and faith from different parts of the world just as America is built from immigration from different shores.
I believe I can best serve my own people, I can best look after my daughters, by actively seeking what is best for all people ...All of us can be co-workers with God.I believe I can best serve my own people, I can best look after my daughters, by actively seeking what is best for all people ...All of us can be co-workers with God.
And that is the end of Obama’s last address to the UN general assembly as president.And that is the end of Obama’s last address to the UN general assembly as president.
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Obama says:Obama says:
We must reject any forms of fundamentalism, or racism or a belief in ethnic superiority that makes our differences irreconcilable with modernity.We must reject any forms of fundamentalism, or racism or a belief in ethnic superiority that makes our differences irreconcilable with modernity.
He talks about protests against cartoons of the prophet Muhammad, then he takes direct aim at Vladimir Putin.He talks about protests against cartoons of the prophet Muhammad, then he takes direct aim at Vladimir Putin.
We see Russia trying to capture lost glory through forceWe see Russia trying to capture lost glory through force
The world is too small for us to be able to resort to “old ways of thinking”, says Obama. We have seen this in the Middle East where leaders persecuted political opposition or minorities/sects. He says they have helped fuel the growth of Isis.The world is too small for us to be able to resort to “old ways of thinking”, says Obama. We have seen this in the Middle East where leaders persecuted political opposition or minorities/sects. He says they have helped fuel the growth of Isis.
Our international community must seek to work with those who seek to build, rather than destroy.Our international community must seek to work with those who seek to build, rather than destroy.
On Syria, Obama says we must provide aid to those in need and engage in “hard diplomacy”. There is no ultimate military victory to be won.On Syria, Obama says we must provide aid to those in need and engage in “hard diplomacy”. There is no ultimate military victory to be won.
A look at the #Syria delegation in #UNGA audience as @POTUS speaks about the tragic five-year civil war in that country. pic.twitter.com/eBisO5aurRA look at the #Syria delegation in #UNGA audience as @POTUS speaks about the tragic five-year civil war in that country. pic.twitter.com/eBisO5aurR
He calls for progress on Israel-Palestine, saying Palestinians must reject incitement and Israel must realise it cannot criminally occupy Palestinian land.He calls for progress on Israel-Palestine, saying Palestinians must reject incitement and Israel must realise it cannot criminally occupy Palestinian land.
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For the small fraction of what we spent on war in Iraq we could invest money in fragile states to ensure they don’t collapse in the first places, says Obama. That’s why we must act on climate change and help the poorest countries “leap-frog” damaging sources of energy.For the small fraction of what we spent on war in Iraq we could invest money in fragile states to ensure they don’t collapse in the first places, says Obama. That’s why we must act on climate change and help the poorest countries “leap-frog” damaging sources of energy.
We need new models of the global marketplace, models that are inclusive and sustainable.We need new models of the global marketplace, models that are inclusive and sustainable.
There is a growing conflict between libertarianism and authoritarianism, says Obama. He stresses he is not saying that the US model is the only right model but says that he will always come down on the side of libertarianism against authoritarianism.There is a growing conflict between libertarianism and authoritarianism, says Obama. He stresses he is not saying that the US model is the only right model but says that he will always come down on the side of libertarianism against authoritarianism.
I believe the road of true democracy remains the better path.I believe the road of true democracy remains the better path.
In Europe the progress of the eastern-bloc countries who embraced democracy have progressed much faster than those who didn’t, says Obama.In Europe the progress of the eastern-bloc countries who embraced democracy have progressed much faster than those who didn’t, says Obama.
He rejects the idea that what happened in Ukraine was the result of a foreign plot but says it happened because of what Ukrainian citizens saw happening around them.He rejects the idea that what happened in Ukraine was the result of a foreign plot but says it happened because of what Ukrainian citizens saw happening around them.
Those of us who believe in democracy need to speak out forcefully because the facts and history are on our side.Those of us who believe in democracy need to speak out forcefully because the facts and history are on our side.
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The answer is not a rejection of global integration but working together so that the benefits of integration are broadly shared, says Obama. The cultural impacts of integration must be squarely addressed.The answer is not a rejection of global integration but working together so that the benefits of integration are broadly shared, says Obama. The cultural impacts of integration must be squarely addressed.
It starts by making the global economy work better and not just for those at the top.It starts by making the global economy work better and not just for those at the top.
Often those who have benefited the most from globalisation have often used their powers to undermine workers, says Obama. He refers to $8tn stashed away in tax havens.Often those who have benefited the most from globalisation have often used their powers to undermine workers, says Obama. He refers to $8tn stashed away in tax havens.
A world in which 1% own as much as wealth as the other 99% will never be stable.A world in which 1% own as much as wealth as the other 99% will never be stable.
The US president says trade wars, market subsidies, an over-reliance on natural resources rather than innovation will make us poor.The US president says trade wars, market subsidies, an over-reliance on natural resources rather than innovation will make us poor.
We do not have to submit to “a soulless capitalism that benefits only the few”. The rights of workers must be respected, people should be invested in and there should be a strengthening of the safety net. Obama says he has pursued these policies in the US with “clear results”.We do not have to submit to “a soulless capitalism that benefits only the few”. The rights of workers must be respected, people should be invested in and there should be a strengthening of the safety net. Obama says he has pursued these policies in the US with “clear results”.
Last year, poverty in this country fell at the fastest rate in nearly 50 years.Last year, poverty in this country fell at the fastest rate in nearly 50 years.
It is not about punishing wealth but curbing the excesses of capitalism, says Obama.It is not about punishing wealth but curbing the excesses of capitalism, says Obama.
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By many measures the world is safer and more prosperous than ever before says Obama, and yet there is much strife.By many measures the world is safer and more prosperous than ever before says Obama, and yet there is much strife.
We must recognise that the same forces of globalisation that have pulled us together have also exposed deep fault lines.We must recognise that the same forces of globalisation that have pulled us together have also exposed deep fault lines.
We must go forward and not backward.We must go forward and not backward.
As imperfect as they are the principles of open markets, human rights, democracy are vital. The integration of our global economy as made things better for billions of people.As imperfect as they are the principles of open markets, human rights, democracy are vital. The integration of our global economy as made things better for billions of people.
It means children have enough to eat, mothers don’t die in childbirth.It means children have enough to eat, mothers don’t die in childbirth.
A person born today is more like to be healthy, live longer and have access to opportunity than at any time in history, says ObamaA person born today is more like to be healthy, live longer and have access to opportunity than at any time in history, says Obama
Despite the areas where “freedom remains in retreat” the number of democracies has increased. Social media has given people more ways to express themselves and hold leaders to account, the US president continues.Despite the areas where “freedom remains in retreat” the number of democracies has increased. Social media has given people more ways to express themselves and hold leaders to account, the US president continues.
He condemns nationalism, also crude populism - sometimes from the far left but mostly from the right - and tribalism.He condemns nationalism, also crude populism - sometimes from the far left but mostly from the right - and tribalism.
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Here is Barack Obama, to applause.Here is Barack Obama, to applause.
He begins by recounting progress over the past eight years:He begins by recounting progress over the past eight years:
He also refers to progress in Colombia and Myanmar.He also refers to progress in Colombia and Myanmar.
Obama highlights the framework to protect the world from climate change.Obama highlights the framework to protect the world from climate change.
This is important work that has made a real difference to the lives of our people. It could not have happened without us working together.This is important work that has made a real difference to the lives of our people. It could not have happened without us working together.
And yet, he goes on, there is the global refugee crisis, a break down of “basic order” in the middle east, too many governments muzzling critics.And yet, he goes on, there is the global refugee crisis, a break down of “basic order” in the middle east, too many governments muzzling critics.
This is the paradox that defines our world today.This is the paradox that defines our world today.
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Another important segment from Ban Ki-Moon’s final address to the UN general assembly was the regret he expressed over sexual abuse by UN peacekeepers in Central African Republic and an outbreak of cholera in Haiti.Another important segment from Ban Ki-Moon’s final address to the UN general assembly was the regret he expressed over sexual abuse by UN peacekeepers in Central African Republic and an outbreak of cholera in Haiti.
He said that these two matters had “tarnished the reputation of the United Nations and, far worse, traumatised many people we serve.”He said that these two matters had “tarnished the reputation of the United Nations and, far worse, traumatised many people we serve.”
The United Nations has promised to crack down on abuses after dozens of accusations of sexual abuse and exploitation by peacekeepers in Central African Republic, where UN troops assumed authority from African Union troops in September 2014. Ban said:The United Nations has promised to crack down on abuses after dozens of accusations of sexual abuse and exploitation by peacekeepers in Central African Republic, where UN troops assumed authority from African Union troops in September 2014. Ban said:
The despicable acts of sexual exploitation and abuse committed by a number of U.N. peacekeepers and other personnel have compounded the suffering of people already caught up in armed conflict, and undermined the work done by so many others around the world. Protectors must never become predators.The despicable acts of sexual exploitation and abuse committed by a number of U.N. peacekeepers and other personnel have compounded the suffering of people already caught up in armed conflict, and undermined the work done by so many others around the world. Protectors must never become predators.
In Haiti, Ban is working on a new response to an outbreak of cholera. The country was free of cholera until 2010, when UN peacekeepers dumped infected sewage into a river.In Haiti, Ban is working on a new response to an outbreak of cholera. The country was free of cholera until 2010, when UN peacekeepers dumped infected sewage into a river.
Ban said:Ban said:
I feel tremendous regret and sorrow at the profound suffering of Haitians affected by cholera. Let us work together to meet our obligations to the Haitian people.I feel tremendous regret and sorrow at the profound suffering of Haitians affected by cholera. Let us work together to meet our obligations to the Haitian people.
He called it the “moral responsibility” of the UN to do so. A 2011 study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said U.N. peacekeepers from Nepal, where cholera is endemic, were the likely cause of the outbreak.He called it the “moral responsibility” of the UN to do so. A 2011 study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said U.N. peacekeepers from Nepal, where cholera is endemic, were the likely cause of the outbreak.
Since then, more than 9,000 people have died of the disease that causes uncontrollable diarrhea and 800,000 people have fallen ill, mostly in the first two years of the outbreak.Since then, more than 9,000 people have died of the disease that causes uncontrollable diarrhea and 800,000 people have fallen ill, mostly in the first two years of the outbreak.
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And here he is:And here he is:
Better late than...#UNGA pic.twitter.com/3TFGktvt3SBetter late than...#UNGA pic.twitter.com/3TFGktvt3S
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Here is the fashionably late president:Here is the fashionably late president:
POTUS arriving now at #UNGA pic.twitter.com/KM5QgZhrOYPOTUS arriving now at #UNGA pic.twitter.com/KM5QgZhrOY
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The United Nations and Arab League envoy to Syria, Staffan de Mistura, has echoed John Kerry in saying the ceasefire is not dead but warned that it is “in danger”.The United Nations and Arab League envoy to Syria, Staffan de Mistura, has echoed John Kerry in saying the ceasefire is not dead but warned that it is “in danger”.
UN envoy de Mistura on #Syriaceasefire 1/ The ceasefire is not dead. That I can tell you. It was confirmed by everyone around the table....UN envoy de Mistura on #Syriaceasefire 1/ The ceasefire is not dead. That I can tell you. It was confirmed by everyone around the table....
De Mistura: 2 The ceasefire is in danger. The ceasefire has been seriously affected but the only ones who can announce the ceasefire is deadDe Mistura: 2 The ceasefire is in danger. The ceasefire has been seriously affected but the only ones who can announce the ceasefire is dead
De Mistura 3/ are the two co-chairs and they have today not done so. They want to give it another chance.De Mistura 3/ are the two co-chairs and they have today not done so. They want to give it another chance.
And here are Julian’s thoughts:And here are Julian’s thoughts:
#Syriaceasefire now continues a zombie existence in the hotel lobbies of New York, having died violently in Syria.#Syriaceasefire now continues a zombie existence in the hotel lobbies of New York, having died violently in Syria.