Algerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, has emphasized the need for reforming the United Nations system, stating that it is no longer a luxury but an imperative. Speaking at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Attaf highlighted the world's current state of tensions, conflicts, and mistrust in international institutions. He advocated for a more just, representative, and equitable international order.
Attaf stressed that the UN reform is crucial, citing the profound changes the world has undergone. He called for strengthening the role and authority of the General Assembly and reforming the Security Council to make it more representative, just, and effective. This, he believes, will help end selectivity and double standards in applying international law. Algeria, he added, supports the African common position, seeking a permanent and equitable African representation on the Security Council with full prerogatives.
The Algerian minister emphasized that restoring trust in the international order requires respect for and application of international law to all. He warned against the risks of declining multilateralism and the return of the logic of force and selectivity in applying international rules. Attaf also expressed Algeria's total and unconditional support for the legitimate and inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.
Regarding the Western Sahara conflict, Attaf welcomed direct negotiations between Morocco and the Polisario Front, under UN auspices, with US support. He reaffirmed Algeria's stance in favor of the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination, based on the conviction that decolonization issues are not resolved by the policy of fait accompli but by allowing peoples to exercise their rights under international law.
Attaf also discussed the Sahel-Saharan region, stating that security and development are two sides of the same coin. Algeria advocates for an approach that supports the security of countries in the region, accompanies their development efforts, and promotes reconciliation and dialogue. He emphasized the importance of respecting states' sovereignty and territorial integrity.
On Libya, Attaf reiterated Algeria's support for a peaceful, comprehensive, and Libyan-led political solution, as well as the UN's efforts. He stressed that ending foreign interference is essential to creating conditions for reunifying the country and building a stable and unified Libyan state. Algeria also supports the legitimate authorities in Yemen and Sudan.
Finally, Attaf highlighted Algeria's commitment to sustainable development, citing progress made in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He called for investing in African human capital, strengthening scientific and digital capacities, and making artificial intelligence a development lever, not a factor widening the North-South development gap.
Key points
- Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf calls for UN reform to address global challenges and promote a more just and representative international order.
- Attaf emphasizes the need for a stronger General Assembly and a reformed Security Council to ensure equitable representation and effective international law application.
- Algeria supports African common position, seeking permanent and equitable African representation on the UN Security Council.
