Sarkozy calls for UN-led 'new world order'

DPA | Sept. 26, 2007

New York - The United Nations should avail itself as an instrument for a "new world order of the 21st century," French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Tuesday in his first address to the General Assembly. Sarkozy, who won the presidency this year on a strong reform platform to modernize France, urged the world body to embark on programmes ranging from equal wealth distribution to fighting corruption in his speech full of references to France's past revolutionary ideals.

"In the name of France, I call upon all states to join ranks in order to found the new world order of the 21st century on the notion that the common goods that belong to all of humankind must be the common responsibility for us all," he told the General Assembly.

The UN should ensure access for all human beings to vital resources, such as water, energy, food, medication and knowledge, he said. He called for "more morality" in "financial capitalism" and a fairer distribution of profits, earnings in commodities, raw materials and new technologies.

"There must be a change of mindset and behaviour," Sarkozy said in a long list of demands to the international community.

Known for his admiration of the United States and its culture, Sarkozy said France will remain loyal to its friends and the values it shares with them.

But he warned that loyalty should not be equated with submission, a reference to Paris' disagreement with the US-led war in Iraq.

"What I want to say to the world is that France, faithful to its friends, stands ready to talk to all people, on every continent," he said.