Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to be back in The Netherlands at this time, to participate in the Centennial Anniversary of the Peace Palace. This morning’s ceremony was very meaningful and moving, while we are witnessing many difficult situations here and there around the world, particularly in Syria.

Before I say something I would like to thank His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, and Her Majesty Queen Máxima, for their warm welcome and for their outstanding engagement in the United Nations.

I am also grateful to Prime Minister Rutte and Foreign Minister Timmermans.

We had very good and productive meetings on our shared goals and concerns. I met Prime Minister Rutte this morning.

Even though I am here for the 100th anniversary of the Peace Palace, my visit coincides with a very serious and deteriorating situation in Syria, so let me say just a few words about Syria which you may be interested in.

We have reached a most serious moment in the conflict. The latest escalation has caused horrendous casualties. It has also raised the spectre of chemical warfare. The use of chemical weapons by anyone, for any reason, under any circumstances would be an atrocious violation of international law. Any perpetrators should be brought to justice, for accountability.

At this time, it is essential to establish the facts. That is why the United Nations investigative team is on the ground to do just that. They have completed, as of this moment, the second day of investigation. Just days after the attacks, they have collected valuable samples and interviewed a number of victims and witnesses. The team needs time to do the job.

That’s why earlier today, right here in the Peace Palace, I said: Give peace a chance. Give diplomacy a chance. Stop fighting and start talking.

Of course, Syria loomed large in all my meetings here. But we also reviewed the situation in Mali, and other areas where the United Nations is making a great contribution.

And we also discussed the need to accelerate progress on the Millennium Development Goals and also to define a future sustainable development agenda.

The Netherlands has long been a leader in development cooperation. I count on the country’s continued strong participation in our efforts to eradicate poverty and usher in an era of sustainable development and human dignity for all.

Thank you.