We knew the Syrian situation was complex and there were lots of divisions, particularly on the side of the opposition... This is a tough job... It can perhaps be done if you stand united and work with me in putting sustained pressure on the protagonists or the parties to come together and seek a political settlement.

We often hear a lot about subsidies, because it's often the powerful talking about the poor; the poor don't have enough voice to question the privileges.

If tolerance, respect and equity permeate family life, they will translate into values that shape societies, nations and the world.

I think we can make a difference in the lives of the poor, and the millions.

The US-led invasion of Iraq was an illegal act that contravened the UN charter.

Not only do these abominable weapons lie buried in silence and in their millions waiting to kill or maim innocent women and children; but the presence or even the fear of the presence of a single landmine can prevent the cultivation of an entire field, rob a whole village of its livelihood, place yet another obstacle on a country's road to reconstruction and development

I think that peacekeeping can do quite a lot, if they are given the right mandate with the commensurate resources to get the job done.