São Paulo – The Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff said this Monday (28th) in her opening speech at the 70th United Nations General Assembly, in New York, that Brazil is a welcoming, multi-ethnical country that is looking forward to welcoming refugees who leave their countries looking for security and a chance to rebuild their lives.
“Brazil is a welcoming country, a country formed by refugees. We welcome Syrians, Haitians, men and women from all over the world, just as, over a century ago, we welcomed millions of Europeans, Arabs and Asians. Our arms are wide open to welcome refugees. We are a multi-ethnical country that coexists with differences and is aware of their importance to make us stronger, richer, more diverse, culturally, socially and economically speaking,” the Brazilian president said.
Rousseff gave an overview of the achievements and challenges in light of the 70 years of the United Nations. She remarked that issues of gender, race and urban challenges have become priorities. But she also said there are problems the UN needs to address.
She noted that the eruption of regional conflicts and the spread of terrorism show that the UN is “facing a great challenge” and that there is no room for complacency with the barbaric actions perpetrated by groups such as the Islamic State.
“The vast majority of the men, women and children who venture into the Mediterranean waters and wander in suffering along European roads are originally from the Middle East and North Africa, where countries had their national States disrupted by military actions at odds with International Law, paving the way for the proliferation of terror,” said Rousseff.
Rousseff championed a “comprehensive reform” of the United Nations, including the expansion of the UN Security Council. The organization comprises rotating member countries and five nations with veto powers on its decisions. The latter are United States, Russia, Great Britain, China and France. She asserted that “one must not postpone” the establishment of a Palestinian State that will coexist peacefully with Israel, and said the growth of (Israeli) settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories is unacceptable.
In her speech, the Brazilian president also discussed the delicate economic scenario in her country. She said Brazil is not riddled with serious structural problems, and that it is facing “conjuncture” challenges. Rousseff remarked that the Brazilian government has cut spending, “realigned” prices and reallocated its revenues.
“We are at a moment of transition into a new, deeper, more solid and lasting cycle of expansion. In addition to actions designed to encourage exports and achieve fiscal and financial balance, we have also taken incentive measures to draw investment into infrastructure and energy,” the president said, before stating that the Brazilian government and society “do not and will not tolerate corruption.”
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
