The general debate this year has been more focused than previously.

The debate, in other words, was as confused and confusing as it is today.

That is the debate that the Obama administration is leading in the US today.

Having said that, let me turn to the matter under discussion today.

My hope is that that discussion will draw upon the richness of the debate we have had today and that, over the course of next week, we can move to finalize and adopt a text.

Hence the current debate aimed at making the Council more responsive to today's realities in world affairs.

Members will recall that the President informed the Assembly yesterday that he hoped to conclude the discussion today.

We had a very constructive and in depth debate at that time, and I do not want to repeat that discussion here today.

A bit of intellectual history is helpful in putting today s debate in context.

But these are not the main grounds upon which the torture debate is being fought out in the US today.

Let me thank the panellists for their informative and illuminating introductory presentations this morning.

The closure of the list would be set at 6 p.m. on the day before the opening of the debate on that agenda item.

Religious persecution was common in previous centuries, and still occurs in some countries today.

In comparison to young people of previous generations, today's youth enjoy more diverse opportunities and face more complicated challenges.

Mr. De La Sablière (France) (spoke in French) My delegation thanks you, Sir, for having organized the debate on Security Council reform that has begun today.

Over and above the work of the CTC under discussion today, everyone is mindful of the recommendations of the High Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change.

My overall impression of this morning's candid discussion is that our shared assessment of the summit is that it is a success.

On the proposal of its Chairman, the Committee decided to close the list of speakers in the general debate on the same day, at 6 p.m.

educational program in the year previous to enrollment in primary school in the duration of three hours per day, in accordance with the program,

Today s discussion focuses less on the danger that banks pose to their customers than on the risks they create for taxpayers.

Behind the issues under discussion today are hundreds of thousands of human beings in grave need and, in far too many cases, in mortal danger.

Many women today earn significantly more than women in previous generations, she writes.

The text that I am introducing today is little different from that of resolutions adopted in previous years.

Discussion

Today, Global Voices is launching a new website with Reuters that opens a window on the global conversation about the 2008 presidential election in the USA.

In Afghanistan today, they have an opportunity to reject that precedent and act on their mutual interest in stability.

On behalf of those countries, I would like to express our appreciation to Romania for having convened this open debate on women, peace and security a priority issue for the Network and to thank the panellists today, who have spoken with such conviction.

We are also grateful to Under Secretary General Abe for his comprehensive briefing and introduction of the report of the Secretary General on the subject, and to the former Japanese Foreign Minister for her important statement in this debate.

Yet today s debate in France over the German model reminds one eerily of the discussions that followed France s defeat in the Franco Prussian War.

Given the gravity of the situation, as described by the Special Representative, Mr. Otunnu, in his moving statement, I believe that today's debate is indeed timely.

With respect to today's debate, we acknowledge the efforts of the sponsors of the draft resolution to take the debate forward, both in terms of the composition of the Security Council and of its working methods.

Mr. Akram (Pakistan) Today, the Assembly is considering two important subjects in this joint debate on agenda items 42 and 43.

Our position on the topic under discussion today was fully reflected in the statement made earlier by the representative of the United Kingdom on behalf of the European Union.

Discussion panels

General discussion

Panel discussion

Indian Council of South America

As Americans debate their readiness to accept a woman such as Hillary Clinton as president, India has already done so, with the election of Pratibha Patil.

This debate is at the cutting edge of today s globalization, yet it is clouded by a healthy dose of national self interest.

Nevertheless, today s debates about how to achieve sustainable, inclusive growth are too narrowly focused on the role of governments and policymakers.

(f) In accordance with the views and suggestions expressed during the debate, the Working Group will meet as of the third working day of the session to elaborate draft decisions and recommendations.

The President It is a special honour for me to open today's plenary debate on the issue of strengthening the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations.

Mr. Rock (Canada) Let me say at the outset how much the Government of Canada appreciates the opportunity to take part in this discussion today.

The Presidency's discussion paper has been useful in guiding the debate.

Despite earlier differences on how to deal with Musharraf, Pakistan s leading political parties are now united against him.