Page 24 - DIVA_4_2009

GSD CONFERS HONORARY DOCTORATE IN

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS TO H.E. YANG JIECHI,
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF CHINA

By Alfred de Zayas*

ve challenges to the Charter of the United
international com- Nations, the UN Framework
munity. The interna- Convention on Climate
tional financial crisis Change, the WHO global
is spreading to every public health programs
corner of the world (WHO Director General Dr.
and affecting the Margaret Chan was present),
development agenda the peaceful settlement of
of all countries. New disputes: "We have always
uncertainties have stood for the complete prohi-
emerged in regional bition and thorough destruc-
hotspot
issues,
tion of nuclear weapons and
impacting the evolu- firmly opposed the prolifera-
tion of the internatio- tion of WMD and their
nal security situation. means of delivery. We are
Global issues such as ready to work with other
climate
change,
countries for the early reali-
security,
energy
zation of a nuclear-weapon-
environmental free world... We urge the
degradation, worse- various factions in Darfur to
ning poverty, spread come to the negotiating table
of communicable and conclude a peace agree-
The Château de Penthes is a ye future-oriented lecture by diseases and proliferation of ment at an early date. We
particularly beautiful place Dr. Murphy: "The world weapons of mass destruction strongly support and actively
any season of the year, with needs China and China are becoming increasingly participate in all internatio-
its spectacular view of Lac needs the world". Important acute ... As countries are nal efforts that are conducive
Leman and the Mont Blanc, issues of international law, more than ever interdepen- to peace in the Middle
its venerable trees and slo- international peacemaking, dent with their interests clo- East..."
ping gardens . Wednesday disarmament, economic sely interconnected, no one
morning 12 August, it was cooperation, human rights can expect to achieve true The speech ended on a posi-
especially busy, teeming and environmentalism were development and prosperity tive note, an old Chinese
with in isolation, or secure dura- saying: "Amity between
distinguished
lucidly addressed -- all sub-
Ambassadors, Directors jects taught at GSD. ble peace and stability on people holds the key to
General of international Dr. Murphy then proceeded one's own.. .Thirty years of sound relations between
organizations, Geneva per- to confer upon the Chinese reform and opening-up have States". The audience
sonalities, and, of course, Foreign Minister the title of brought historic changes in applauded the speaker and
security personnel. Doctor of International China's relations with the the procession moved back
Relations honoris causa, world, and China's future to the Château de Penthes,
Under benevolent blue skies praising his initiatives in and destiny are now closely everyone in a good mood.
and a light summer breeze world affairs and handing tied to those of the world. No
Dr. Colum Murphy, him the impressive diploma, matter how the international Even in high summer, when
President of the Geneva which he read out in full. situation may evolve, China many Geneva residents are
School of Diplomacy and H.E. Yang Jiechi then delive- will always stand for peace, away on vacation, important
International Relations, wel- red a magisterial speech - not development and coopera- events continue to happen in
comed his Excellency H.E. just a pro forma diplomatic tion, pursue an independent and around the United
Yang Jiechi, Minister of thank you - in which he foreign policy of peace, and Nations. The Château de
Foreign Affairs of the spoke of the challenges of stick to its diplomatic vision Penthes offered a beautiful
People's Republic of China globalization and China's of upholding world peace cadre to this uplifting cere-
to the GSD campus. The role as a reliable partner, its and promoting common mony.
academic procession of the continuing reforms and com- development."
GSD faculty got under way mitment to peace and human
*OHCIIR retired, professor
In impeccable
punctually at 11 a.m., and a rights. of international law at GSD
An audience of more than
few minutes later, under the English he said: "The ever two hundred guests listened www.genevadiplom.acy.com
great white tent overlooking deepening globalization has attentively as Mr. Yang
the Château, the ceremony brought both rare opportuni- Jiechi addressed the purpo-
was opened with a percepti- ties to mankind and extensi- ses and principles of the
22 4 2009 Diva

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