The United Nations (UN) summit in New York ends on a bittersweet note. A lot of member countries had hoped that the extension of the UN security council – from 15 to 25 members – would be on the agenda but it has not been discussed.

In his speech as president of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the prime minister, Navin Ramgoolam made a plea in their favour and reiterated that Africa would have to be better represented on the security council.

The PM stressed out that international aid is highly necessary for SIDS. They should be recognised as vulnerable countries and, thus given a different approach. “The ‘one fits all’ approach doesn’t apply to the SIDS.”

He asked for the coordination of aid programmes especially in the case of natural catastrophes. He also highlighted the need for prevention of such disasters and asked that the Declaration of Mauritius signed last January be followed by concrete actions.

Navin Ramgoolam recognised the efforts made by the G8 to help the poorest countries by cancelling their debts. But, on the other hand, he made it clear that a lot remains to be done to achieve sustainable development. Only a fairer international environment could help achieve it.

<B>More control</B>

He showed himself strongly in favour of more control by the international community. Some countries, such as Mauritius, are faced with the end of their trade preferences as well as fierce competition. But these countries are also requested to allow foreign firms to access their markets. The PM thinks this trend could become dangerous for vulnerable countries, if it is not properly controlled.

The summit was also the occasion for Mauritius to reiterate its will to fight nuclear terrorism. The prime minister ratified the international convention for the suppression of international terrorist acts. This will allow international cooperation for enquiries, prosecution or extradition of people committing terrorist acts with nuclear or radioactive material.

The PM has had a heavy agenda on his visit to New York. He seized the opportunity to meet some heads of state and government – and more particularly British PM Tony Blair. Last night, Navin Ramgoolam as prime minister of Mauritius, addressed the plenary session of the UN general assembly.