Having invented writing and thoroughly debated the various principles of universal law and order in the Code of Hammurabi, these ancient people were struck suddenly with the most dreadful and debilitating disease imaginable: boredom.

Mr President, the right to asylum is a sacrosanct principle of universal law which is acknowledged by all the civilised people in Europe and in the world, but it must be regulated thoroughly if it is not to lose its importance and meaning.