Malta intends to convene an international gathering next year to discuss a draft Universal Declaration on Human Responsibilities which would form part of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi told the UN General Assembly in New York this evening.
Such a Declaration would be open for signature by any Member State wishing to subscribe to it.
"We have been encouraged to move forward in presenting this draft Declaration by a number of Member States that share with us the growing need to embrace responsibilities and duties in their international setting," Dr Gonzi said.
"Malta strongly believes that such a Declaration will strengthen that solidarity which our rapidly changing world demands."
In a wide-ranging speech, Dr Gonzi touched on the Palestinian issue but did not directly refer to the application submitted by the Palestinian President for recognition of statehood by the UN.
"A situation of political stalemate persists despite the fact that, from an institutional perspective, the preparations for statehood have been successfully completed. The situation on the ground complicates matters further and undermines the resumption of negotiations and the goal of two viable states living side by side in peace," Dr Gonzi said.
"No effort should be spared to break the deadlock in Israeli-Palestinian talks. Getting Israelis and Palestinians back to the negotiating table with the necessary political will to embark on meaningful and sustainable negotiations remains the overriding goal. Agreement on parameters for negotiations would clearly be a step in the right direction."
LIBYA
Dr Gonzi welcomed the Libyan NTC delegation to the UN.
"The Libyan National Transitional Council's approach over these recent highly charged weeks has undoubtedly enhanced its standing and legitimacy. We welcome the NTC's determination to ensure that it is justice and not vengeance that will be pursued by this brave people. It is important that the process of national reconciliation takes hold as soon as possible, underpinned by the fullest respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all elements of the population," Dr Gonzi stressed.
"The next few months will be a major challenge for the international community and the people of Libya alike. At this defining moment, the Libyan people deserve the fullest international solidarity on the political, economic and financial fronts. My Government supports UN leadership in the international community's programme of action and endorses the three fundamental principles under which the UN intends to operate: Libyan national ownership; rapid response and delivery; and effective coordination," Dr Gonzi said.
The prime minister reiterated Malta's call for the international community to do its part to stem illegal immigration.
He also augured that the European Union's Asylum Support Office which opened in Malta last June, will contribute to the task of streamlining asylum policies in the European Union and its Member States and improve cooperation between authorities.