RP CHAMPIONS DEMOCRACY, ADVOCATES MEASURES BEFORE UN TO
STRENGTHEN NEW OR RESTORED DEMOCRATIC NATIONS 

UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK, 5 November 2007 – The Philippines today reaffirmed its advocacy of the democratic process and submitted to the United Nations specific proposals to promote and consolidate new or restored democracies throughout the world. 

Speaking before the 62^nd United Nations General Assembly, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto G. Romulo recalled that the first few years of the post-Cold War era were defined by the immutable gust of democratic wind that lifted many nations to democratic heights, and cited the vital role of the Philippines in helping spread democracy around the globe. 

The democratic momentum of the period led to the creation of the International Conference on New or Restored Democracies (ICNRD), an initiative of the Philippines, which hosted the first conference in Manila 1988.   

In his statement, Secretary Romulo said that after the Manila Conference, five other meetings have been held, and discussed how each had built on historic democratic gains as well as actively addressed emerging global issues and challenges.   

“This movement remains strong and eager to further invigorate its cooperation with the United Nations,” the Secretary pointed out. 

In line with this international collaboration, the Philippines co-sponsored a draft resolution calling for the support by the UN system to promote new or restored democracies, and reiterated key recommendations to enrich and strengthen the ICNRD process. 

Citing the importance of migration and development in the ICRND, the Secretary said “Citizens of new or restored democracies are found beyond their borders, and their potential to promote development should be recognized and harnessed in tandem with the respect for and protection of their rights.” He called on the UN to mainstream migration and development in their partnership with the ICRND, and further invited the UN system and member states to join the Second Global Forum on Migration and Development to be held in Manila next year. 

The Secretary also emphasized the Philippines’ Debt-for-Equity proposal, saying this innovative development financing option would enable new or restored democracies burdened by debt to convert 50% of all scheduled payments into equities in projects related to the UN Millennium Development Goals.  “This can strengthen the resolve of poor indebted countries to fight poverty and create the needed fundamentals for democracy and sustainable development” said Romulo. 

The Foreign Secretary likewise highlighted the Philippines’ Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation initiatives as a means of fostering the spirit of reconciliation required to ensure durable peace among new or restored democracies.   The Philippines also invited the UN to set up a Trust Fund for New or Restored Democracies in order to afford the ICNRD adequate resources and allow its process to fully prosper. 

/Gary