Muscat: Oman has called on the United Nations to be more effective in its global political and peace negotiations.

Saeed Badr Bin Hamad Bin Hamood Al Busaidi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during his address on Tuesday at the 65th session of the United Nations General Assembly, urged the permanent members of the Security Council to reorganise the role of the UN, in terms of expanding its administrative base.

“In the heart of this new role, there is a need for a fair management of interests in world trade, in a way which will make member states feel that it is an organisation for all,” Al Busaidi was quoted by Oman News Agency as saying.

Oman’s representative to the UN session wants to see the international community conduct a comprehensive review of the requirements for international peace and security, in view of all the lessons learned both from past wars and those that are happening today.

He touched upon the recent natural catastrophe in Pakistan, the volcano in Iceland and the H1N1 epidemic. “These are recent phenomena that have highlighted just how interconnected we truly are. They demonstrate the important need for international cooperation. What affects one corner of the world can truly have sweeping impacts across the globe.”

On the problems being faced by the people of Palestine, Al Busaidi said, “We wish to point out our strong belief in the absolute necessity of finding a solution to the conflict in the Middle East. Although we support the direct negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis, facilitated and sponsored by the United States of America, we still feel that the Israeli policy is vague, in accepting her responsibility towards the requirements of peace, and that is the establishment of an independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and the withdrawal of Israel from all Arab land to the borders of June 4, 1967.”

Referring to the social development and economic resurgence experienced by Oman in the last 40 years, Al Busaidi said the role of the Omani citizen is central to the country’s development.

He added that this socio-economic scenario stems from the conviction of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, who is largely credited with transforming Oman. He believes in the right to freedom and that free expression is the seed of creativity, which in turn fuels development.

This clear vision of His Majesty means that the Sultanate of Oman is moving towards the future with firm determination, he said, stressing the importance of discussion between governments.

“We believe dialogue between governments, which differ in their perspectives on issues, will lead to a clearer system of global partnership and co-existence, embraced by development and prosperity.”