Mr. President,

I have the honour to introduce, on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, the draft resolution on the "Implementation of the recommendations contained in the report of the Secretary-General on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa", contained in document A/65/L.62/Rev.1, under Agenda item 62 (b).

The Group would like to thank the following countries which have joined the list of co-sponsors: Australia, Finland, Germany, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
 

The G77 and China would also like to express its warm thanks to the Delegation of Sweden for its skill and competence in conducting the deliberations on this draft resolution.

Mr. President,

We are of the view that development, peace, security and human rights are interlinked and mutually reinforcing.

In that regard, we stress that the responsibility for peace and security in Africa, including the capacity to address the root causes of conflict and to resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner, lies primarily within African countries. However, we also recognize the need for support from the international community and the United Nations, taking into account the responsibilities of the United Nations in this regard, according to the Charter.

Mr. President,

We would like to note that, despite the positive trends and advances in obtaining durable peace in Africa, the conditions required for sustainable development have yet to be consolidated throughout the continent and that there is therefore an urgent need to continue developing African human and institutional capacities, particularly in countries emerging from conflict.

We welcome the progress made, in particular by the African Union and subregional organizations, in the prevention, management and resolution of conflict and in post-conflict peacebuilding in a number of African countries.

Moreover, we call on the United Nations and the donor community to intensified and increase efforts, in a coordinated manner, to support ongoing regional efforts to build African mediation and negotiation capacity with a view to achieving further progress towards the goal of a conflict-free Africa.

Mr. President,

The G77 and China hopes that this draft resolution would be adopted by acclamation during this session.

I thank you.