According to Babiš, the covidu-19 pandemic showed that cooperation between the countries of the world has a number of weaknesses. He criticized in particular the World Health Organization (WHO), which he said failed to make clear recommendations to help countries fight coronavirus.
–
He also stressed that the coronavirus crisis must not push into the background other problems of the world, such as the situation in Belarus, where people should have the right to decide on their future in democratic elections.
–
We should not pretend that everything works perfectly. The global system has weaknesses. It is clear that fundamental reform is needed.
—
Due to the pandemic, statesmen are not attending the introductory general debate at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly this year, and videos with their speeches are being broadcast at the World Organization’s New York headquarters. Babiš’s performance in English was also pre-recorded.
–
The world has changed, fundamental reform is needed
“Since the (founding of the United Nations) in 1945, the world has changed. Today we are facing an extraordinary pandemic situation that has become a stress test of our ability to coordinate, multilateral cooperation … We should not pretend that everything works perfectly. The global system has weaknesses. fundamental reform is needed, which is why I see the current health crisis as an opportunity – an opportunity to push through ambitious reforms, “Babiš said.
–
Confusing WHO recommendations
The Czech Health Organization, which is one of the UN agencies, has become the main target of criticism from the Czech Prime Minister. The WHO has not reacted decisively enough to the outbreak of coronavirus disease in the Chinese city of Wu-chan and has failed to help countries sufficiently prevent the spread of the infection, protect it and how to proceed with the outbreak, Babis said. “The WHO’s confusing recommendations on wearing veils are just one example of the WHO’s controversial role in recent months,” he added.
–
One of the areas that Babiš says deserves better coordination at the global level is the development of a vaccine against covid-19. “We call on the UN to take on the role of coordinator in this matter and to ensure that the individual initiatives are complementary and do not clash,” said the Czech Prime Minister.
–
“I myself was a successful entrepreneur and I understand business opportunities. But sometimes the business perspective is not the most important thing, “he added. He also called for more investment in scientific research to better prepare humanity for future crises.
–
The solution is investment
According to Babiš, the economic effects of the coronavirus crisis show that the World Trade Organization (WTO) will also require reform and that the whole of Europe will have to redefine its role in the world. “In the European Union, we have agreed on an unprecedented recovery plan to help Member States deal with the current crisis, which is economically comparable to the crisis of the 1930s. And just like 90 years ago, investments are still the best way out of the crisis, Babiš said.
–
“If we want to succeed on a global scale, Europe must become a leader in advanced technologies, which is a very difficult task in the current competition, especially from American and Chinese companies,” he added.
–
The pandemic also overshadowed many problems that have not disappeared on our continent, the prime minister reminded. Finally, Europe will have to address the issue of illegal migration, Brexit and security, where, according to Babiš, it must take on more responsibility in order to be able to act more independently.
–
Mali and Belarus
Babiš also pointed to a number of political problems outside Europe, including the ongoing wars pushed into the background by the pandemic. Among other things, instability in the North African Sahel and the Middle East raises concerns, where the Czech Republic is involved in, among other things, military training missions in Mali and Iraq and funds programs to eliminate the causes of migration.
–
In the Middle East, Babish welcomed the recent agreement to normalize relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates as a contribution to strengthening peace.
–
The Czech Prime Minister also recalled the events in Belarus. “I believe that every society should be able to decide on its future in free and democratic elections. Independent media and civil society are key because they provide up-to-date information, document electoral fraud and the brutality of security forces. The only way to resolve the crisis in Belarus is through internal dialogue. Its logical outcome should be new elections, “Babiš said.
—
