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Foreign ministers of world nations Saturday urged the international community to cope with the migration crisis at the general debate of the UN General Assembly as the annual event is coming to its end.
"Our own history as a people forms the enduring backdrop to our foreign policy agenda," said Foreign Minister Charles Flanagan of Ireland. "That part of our past is unfortunately the tragic present for others."
The island nation is traditionally known for its emigrants.
"The origins of the migration crisis are complex and diffuse -- many migrants and refugees are fleeing from conflict and violence; many others are fleeing from poverty and deprivation," said Flanagan.
"The vast scale and sustained nature of the movement is, at times, bewildering and threatens to overwhelm our rules-based migration systems," he said.
"It confronts us with a wide array of problems to overcome at the same time: the harrowing violence in Syria; the barbarism of Da'esh (or IS); the collapse of order within Libya; the practices of ruthless people smugglers," he added.
Pasquale Valentini, foreign minister of San Marino, an enclaved microstate surrounded by Italy, said his nation is "well aware of the extreme seriousness of the world situation and of the need for each international stakeholder to play its part ... to address the present humanitarian emergency."
Besides providing financial contributions to international programs, San Marino has joined a local project to establish humanitarian corridors and has hosted some migrants, "a small contribution provided by our micro-state with great determination," said Valentini.
Somalia, which has produced an uncountable number of refugees, is evolving and aware of the widespread diaspora, said Somali Foreign Minister Abdusalam Omar.
"We are positively contributing to the stability, progress and development of our region, continent and the world through partnerships," said Omar.
"Through diverse partnerships, we are also working on successfully returning Somali refugees home from Kenya voluntarily and with dignity to actively participate in the rebuilding efforts of their nation," he said.
"Somalia, more than any other nation today, recognizes the importance of peace building to avert the international refugee crisis and appreciates the valuable contribution refugees make to their new and old homes through remittances and cultural education which is crucial for tolerance," he added.
He also said the his nation is determined to save vulnerable lives at sea and reverse the brain drain that can hold back national progress.
Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moualem accused some countries of exploiting the humanitarian tragedy and suffering of Syrians, "especially in terrorist-held areas," to achieve goals that have nothing to do with humanitarian principles or the interests of Syrian people.
Syria is still suffering the throes of war and the displacement of its people.
"Some countries continue to shed crocodile tears over the situation of Syrians in some areas, accusing the Syrian government of employing a policy of sieges and starvation," said Moualem.
"All the while, these same countries continue to support and arm the terrorists that besiege civilians in these areas from the inside and use them as human shields and prevent the delivery of humanitarian aid or confiscate it," he said.
"Ladies and gentlemen, make no mistake: no one is more committed than the Syrian government to ending the suffering of Syrians and providing them with a life of dignity wherever they may be and without exception," he added. "This is a duty and not a favor."
(APD)
