YouSaid · the spoken record

MALILE

lines on the record: 281
first: 1974-09-24
most recent: 1989-09-24
sittings or episodes: 9
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We are well aware that, despite everything our people has done in Albania through the labour of its hands and the sweat of its brow, we are not at the end of the road, but the important thing is that we are convinced that our road is the right one and opens up to us the prospect of continued progress. Wishing that the work of this Assembly should be conducted in the most constructive spirit possible and to the benefit of peace, the Albania, delegation will not fail to make its contribution towards attaining this goal.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“It has established and maintains fair, fruitful and friendly relations with the great majority of countries, which is why our country has felt and still feels that it is an integral and active part of the international community. The reality of Albania in the 45 years since Liberation and the changes and progress made in many areas are the happy outcome of the socialist course it has taken. The fact that the population has tripled over these four decades while average life expectancy has increased from 38 years at Liberation to 72 years today is proof of the far-reaching economic and social changes that have been made in my country.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“Albania, which is itself demonstrating the greatest concern to protect the environment within its own territory, including the Adriatic region, joins with those other countries which are rightly demanding that those who are most responsible for pollution should feel obliged to improve the situation and solve the problem. For the Albanian people, which has had a centuries-long struggle for its territory, freedom and existence, the safeguarding of its independence and full national sovereignty is sacred. With the principle of independence at the foundation of its policy, Albania has at the same time made its modest contribution to the cause of peace and security.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“We think that the fight against drugs should not be used as a cover for particular political designs. In our time, ecological problems have become extremely acute, and the danger resulting from the pollution of the environment has increased even more. It is now an acknowledged fact that the most serious ecological damage due to pollution on the world scale is being caused by the super industrialized countries, which are the greatest consumers and processors of raw materials. The concern in this regard is all the greater when one is aware that some of these countries are dumping their technological wastes, some with radioactive content, in developing countries.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“The demands of the developing countries - which are frequently referred to as the "poor men's club" although they represent an overwhelming majority of United Nations Member States - for equality to be established in international economic relations are legitimate, should be heard out and proper answer made to them. The illicit trafficking in and the use of drugs have now become a social problem and social evil in many countries. The phenomenon has never occurred in Albania and is not occurring there now. A healthy tradition and educational measures apart, the State, through strict laws, provides for severe punishments for the illegal use, possession and sale of narcotics. At the same time, Albania has taken steps to block any possible traffic in drugs throughout its territory.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“It is not easy to understand appeals for detente and for the strengthening of international security when some industrialized countries are becoming richer and richer by exploiting developing countries, among others, and the developing countries are becoming poorer every day. Nowadays, when the question of human rights has become a subject for concern and a burning issue to the extent that it has become politicised in the extreme, even in cases which involve individuals, can one really put any faith in the concern expressed when a blind eye is turned to the fate of the millions of people in various parts of the world under threat of famine?”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“An important aspect of the democratisation of international relations which is making itself felt greatly today is that of economic relations or. the world scale. Inequality in trade exchanges, the imposition of protectionist measures and tariff barriers and the widespread use of the loan mechanism by the developed industrial countries have widened the economic gap between them and the developing countries. The fact that this situation persists and is worsening is directly affecting the stability of international relations, in which economic relations - more so today than ever before -- are inseparably intertwined with political relations.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“We regard good-neighbourliness as the expression of mutual obligations and of the desire and interests of our peoples and countries to live in peace aid friendship with one another. Albania, which has sincerely committed itself to the process of Balkan co-operation, regards it as a realistic alternative for strengthening peace in the region. It considers that, as a part of Europe, the Balkans, which has suffered so much from feuds, upheavals and wars, needs peace, tranquillity and stability today more than ever in order to overcome the bitter past and the region's relative backwardness when compared with the rest of the continent, as well as to demonstrate our region's interest in, and contribution to, the development of positive European processes compatible with peace.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“The interests of the peoples of the region require that the bitter legacy of the past be overcome and that no new difficulties be added; instead, real efforts should be made to improve the friendly atmosphere and to strengthen fruitful co-operation. As has been announced, in the autumn of next year the second meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Balkan States will be held in Albania. It is our desire that, through the concerted efforts of all States of the region, facing up to present-day realities, that important meeting will mark a new and more advanced stage in our work towards multilateral co-operation and strengthened relations of good-neighbourliness. We are sure that that will be the case.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“The so-called differentiation, which in fact constitutes isolation, an unprecedented and inhuman moral, economic and political boycott, has affected the best-known intellectuals, academicians and teachers, down to the school-children themselves. Albania has been and remains directly concerned to ensure the stabilization of the situation in Yugoslavia, since the freedom and independence of both countries are linked. Any evil in one country affects the other. The normalization of the situation in Kosovo, the national and economic emancipation of the Albanians in Yugoslavia, where they make up an entity of some 3 million inhabitants, and recognition of their equality of rights with the other national groups and nationalities of the Federation, would serve to strengthen Yugoslavia itself.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“The Albanian Government and people - along with world public opinion, including that of sound Yugoslav circles - have condemned and continue to condemn the killing and imprisonments of hundreds of thousands of Albanians who are calling for equality and for the same rights as are enjoyed by fellow-citizens in their federal state and for the retention of their autonomy, language, culture and national traditions. White papers or yellow literature may be produced, but they cannot justify the fact that the law in Kosovo is made by tanks and policeman or that, following the constitutional amendments, the number of Albanian schools has been reduced aid the Kosovo intellectuals and youth are being persecuted.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“However, prompted by a sincere concern about the fostering of Balkan co-operation and confidence, as well as out of a sense of moral justice and on the basis of democratic and other humane considerations enshrined in the United Nations Charter and in other international instruments, my country cannot fail to mention the tragic events that occurred in Kosovo in the spring of this year, along with the repression of the Albanians and their national democratic rights, events that continue today and that are in defiance of every norm of freedom, of democracy and of social and cultural emancipation.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“We hope and we wish that the other Balkan countries will do likewise, overcoming certain recent developments that run counter to the spirit of understanding and to the commitments undertaken within the context of Balkan co-operation. Albania has never interfered - nor does it intend to interfere - in the internal affairs of other States.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“The meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Balkan States that was held last year has been followed by a number of other activities of a political, economic, scientific and technical character. That process constitutes a positive trend that reflects the fundamental interests of the peoples of the peninsula and the cause of peace in the region and in all of Europe. The peoples of our peninsula aspire to and need peace and understanding, co-operation and friendship, and not destabilization and mutual animosity. The Albanian Government will work tirelessly to ensure that that process does not come to a halt but that it is, instead, advanced and consolidated.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“Multinational States, which are a reality in today's world, cannot speak of genuine democracy so long as they fail to achieve democratic relations among the nations, nationalities and minorities that comprise them, if an aggravation of inter-ethnic relations is being observed today, that shows that in those States ethnic or national issues have not been properly addressed. Albania has always maintained that minorities, wherever they may be, should enjoy equal rights with the rest of a country's population, in keeping with the norms of international law. We have always maintained that minorities should be important factors for rapprochement and friendship between peoples and States. Recently a process of co-operation has begun among the countries of the Balkans.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“The Albanian people support the African countries in their just struggle against imperialist neo-colonialist exploitation. We associate ourselves with the efforts of the Organization of African Unity to strengthen its unity in support of the struggle of the Azanian people to put an end to the hated apartheid regime in South Africa, an anachronism in the modern world that constitutes a challenge to all mankind. Looking back over the development of events in the world since the last session of the United Nations General Assembly, we witness an intensification of internal contradictions in a number of countries, the negative consequences of which extend far beyond national borders.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“The Albanian people has also hailed the positive steps towards the strengthening of unity in the Arab world, which it considers to be a decisive factor in the just settlement of the Palestinian problem and of the Middle East crisis as a whole. Against the background of developments and endeavours to achieve political settlements of conflicts and hotbeds of tension the cease-fire agreement in Angola and the agreement on the granting independence to Namibia cannot fail to have a considerable impact on the over-all situation in the southern part of the African continent. The Albanian delegation condemns the violence and crimes of the South African regime, which continues to persist in its detested colonialist policy of racial discrimination.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“Standing out in that context is the heroic struggle of the Palestinian people, bearing living witness to the dauntless efforts of a valiant people that cannot be conquered by violence or tanks, nor by the genocide practised by those that commit aggression against it. The Albanian people and Government have always felt close to the fraternal Arab peoples and their just struggle. We regard the proclamation of the Palestinian State and its international recognition as a very important development, offering greater possibilities for the settlement of that key problem in the Middle East. The uprising of the Palestinian people - the intifadah - which has been going on for nearly two years in the occupied territories, enjoys the unreserved support of the Albanian people as a legitimate struggle.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“As a Mediterranean country, Albania considers that any step towards the creation of a favourable political climate in the Mediterranean requires the withdrawal of the super-Powers' fleets and warships. That step would help to make it a sea of peace and friendship among the peoples of the countries that border on it, and a bridge of co-operation with the other regions of the world. When we speak of the Mediterranean, we cannot help thinking of Lebanon, which is living through a veritable tragedy. Israel and the forces of reaction have imposed on it a lengthy fratricidal war with extremely serious consequences. It is for the Lebanese people itself to establish its own national unity in all sovereignty. In the Middle East, the Arab peoples have been fighting against imperialist-Zionist aggression for several decades.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“Thus, it is the parties directly involved and concerned in these conflicts and crises, and not external forces, that should play the decisive roles in settling them. Short-term solutions, especially those imposed from without, cannot endure. In our view, the formula of "national reconciliation", applied under the tutelage of the super-Powers, leaves the door open for interference and destabilization; the case of Afghanistan is an example of that. In the interests of independent development and peace, interference in Central America and South-East Asia must cease, and the solutions to their problems must conform to the aspirations of the peoples concerned. Similarly, the Korean people must not be prevented from achieving the reunification of its homeland free from outside interference.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“As the experience of the past two or three years has shown, the commitment of the United Nations to solving certain critical problems is an indication of the potentials and importance it can have when it plays its true role in accordance with the Charter. We believe that the important problems of our time should not be left for discussion by only a narrow circle of States or to a dialogue by the super-Powers; rather, they must be brought to the United Nations. That would confirm the weight and power of the international community. It is certainly in the international community's interest to avoid regional crises and conflicts, since these constitute hot-beds of tension exacerbated and manipulated by others against the interests of the peoples.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“Prom time to time the super-Powers set forth new theories and political doctrines, as well as ideas and models, which they seek to impose on others, presenting them as almost universal criteria for the development of democratic processes, and which they attempt to establish, in one way or another, as pre-conditions for relations between States. Albania maintains that peoples and States must be free to choose their own paths to sovereign development, to preserve their national identity, and to play their rightful role in the course of world events. Albania is and always has been in favour of a democratisation of international relations that would allow all States, large and small, to make their voices heard. In light of that necessity, the role of the United Nations in international affairs becomes even more significant.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“We believe that the problems of disarmament can be confronted and set on the road to solution through the collective and individual efforts and actions of all States. At a time when the arms race continues, when hot-beds of tension and crisis persist, the interests of peace call for the adoption of effective measures towards disarmament, the dismantling of political and military blocs, the removal of foreign bases and the return of foreign armies within their national borders, and the cessation of all interference in the internal affairs of other States.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“We feel that Albania, by pursuing a fully independent policy outside all blocs and permitting no foreign bases and troops on its territory, has done and continues to serve the cause of security and peace in Europe. In the field of disarmament, too, the agreements between the two super-Powers are minimal and have not affected the enormous arsenals of weapons of every sort in their possession. Declarations of impressive proposals and counter-proposals concerning deep cuts of up to 50 per cent in strategic weapons cannot conceal the arms race, which continues, or the manufacture of new generations of ever more modern and sophisticated weapons. So true is this that we now have good reason to state that the dividing line between the dangers of nuclear arms and the dangers of conventional arms has almost disappeared.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“But past experience and present developments force us to recognize that the present relaxation of tension between the United States and the Soviet Union is no guarantee that threat of war has been eliminated. Today, interference in the internal affairs of others has increased under various pretexts and threatens to upset the balance, with incalculable consequences. Albania is in favour of improving the atmosphere and easing the tension in Europe. It is for peace and the strengthening of security cm our continent. The ways these problems are regarded and the paths leading to their solution may differ from State to State, but it is essential that the policy and concrete actions of each of these States help to attain that goal.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“They are characterized by a relaxation of tension in some areas and an increase in others, while the settlement of a problem in one region is accompanied by the emergence and exacerbation of problems in another. The current political dialogue in the relations between the two super-Powers, which has found concrete expression in their agreements on a number of minor arms reductions or in their steps to eliminate certain hot-beds of regional conflict, have led to a relative easing of tension. Efforts are frequently made to portray this as a qualitative change in present-day international relations or as an irreversible trend towards international peace and security, a new era.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“The Albanian delegation, like the delegations of the overwhelming majority of the States Members of the United Nations, has come to this session of the General Assembly with the sincere desire to join its efforts with those of other States for the improvement of the international atmosphere and the promotion of international security. There is no doubt that an open and constructive debate free of reservations and preconceptions about present world developments would contribute to the success of this debate. The Albanian delegation believes that the present-day international situation is complex. In many cases, developments are as contradictory as they are fluid and unstable.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“On behalf of the delegation of the People's Socialist Republic of Albania, I have the pleasure to address to you, Sir, the representative of a friendly African nation, our congratulations on your election to the high office of President of the current session of the General Assembly. I would also extend my congratulations to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Perez de Cuellar, on his efforts and his commitment to strengthening the role of the United Nations in coping with the acute problems of our time in the cause of peace and security.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“It will spare no effort, together with other Member States, to help to ensure that the work of this session will be as fruitful and successful as possible.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“we therefore respect other people and, at the same time, ask for: their respect. Accordingly, we are not afraid to co-operate with other States we desire such co-operation. We see it as Q way to promote our own development and to contribute to the development of international relations and co-operation. It is important also that this co-operation be based on equality and mutual advantage, and that it do no damage to the sovereignty or social system of any country. The delegation of Albania has stated the views of its Government on some of the most basic" questions relating to current developments with the sincere desire of making its modest contribution to the consideration of certain agenda items before the Assembly.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“This is a semi-closed sea and the consequences of this type of pollution are even more serious. My country associates itself with the first steps towards co-operation in the ecological sphere on an approach to problems regarding the protection of the environment in the Balkan peninsula and in neighbouring areas. The People's Republic of Albania pursues a totally independent foreign policy. Its centuries-long history, as well as the history of the past 40 years, has taught the people of Albania to place its freedom, independence and complete sovereignty, which are the basis of our State policy, above all else. Most important of all, it has not considered these assets apart from the context of what goes on outside our country, apart from the freedom and independence of other peoples.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“It is therefore a paradox and unfair that the industrially advanced countries, instead of transferring to the developing countries the technology that would help them to make progress, are offering to transfer waste, including toxic waste. As if not content with the exploitation and other injustices they have imposed on those countries, the big Powers are now committing against them acts that are inadmissible even from the most elementary human standpoint. It is true that the concern arising from ecological problems has now taken on regional, even world-wide, dimensions. The safeguarding of the environmental balance has now become a real concern for the Adriatic and Mediterranean countries. The dumping of industrial waste, particularly from the chemical industry, has caused intolerable pollution, especially in the northern Adriatic.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“On more than one occasion during the past decade the majority of Member States, in particular developing countries, have forcefully raised the question of the transfer of technology as one of the goals of efforts to establish more just and equal international economic relations. Despite everything, these just demands have so far fallen on deaf ears. At the present time we are facing another negative phenomenon. Although by its very nature this problem may seem to be purely ecological, which it is, there is also a marked political overtone. I refer to the covert or overt efforts of some States to rid their territories of industrial waste, including toxic and radioactive waste, and dump it in other countries, primarily the developing countries.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“The mind and intelligence of man have made possible unprecedented progress in discovering the secrets of nature, as reflected in discoveries that have become milestones in science and technology and open up great possibilities for progress in discovering new horizons. We are bound to state, however, that the achievements of science and technology, instead of fully serving the cause of progress for the betterment of mankind are often, because of imperialist policies, used to serve the arms race and preparation for war. It is inadmissible that the achievements of science, instead of being the priceless asset of the whole of mankind, should be made the monopolies or domains of those that use them not only as a source of super-profits but also as a method of exerting pressure on and dictating to others.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Similarly, the imperialist, racist policy of the South African regime, which imposes inhuman oppression and violence on the Azanian and Namibian peoples and is a permanent threat to the countries of southern Africa, is fraught with consequences for the peoples and countries of Africa. The Government. and people of Albania supports unreservedly, and will continue so to support, the struggle of the Azanian people for freedom, the struggle of the Namibian people for national and social liberation and the struggle of all African peoples against racism, apartheid and neo-colonialism. The People's Socialist Republic of Albania also supports the efforts of the Korean people to bring about the independent reunification of its homeland. Humanity is at the threshold of the twenty-first century.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“The economic situation in Africa is of concern to the United Nations, which in May of 1986 held a special session of the General Assembly devoted to this question. Quite rightly Africa continues to be concerned with the gravity of this situation, which in many cases has amounted to destitution and in which a disquieting shortage of food is threatening whole regions with real famine. The causes of this situation must be sought in brutal colonial domination and in the present neo-colonial exploitation, which, in the most diverse forms and ways, devours the rich resources of the continent and its cheap commodities, guaranteeing ever-higher profits for the exploiters.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“When minorities and nationalities enjoy all rights without discrimination, they become cohesive factors within a country, elements of rapprochement and friendship between peoples and countries of the region. Just as the extension of multifaceted relations between States is to their advantage, the democratization of relations between various nationalities within each country, equality between nations, nationalities and minorities, their promote friendship between them. We believe that the peoples and States of the cultural and economic emancipation help to bring people closer together and to Balkans, which cannot fail to have learned from their past and present history, are capable of achieving that.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“They should prevail over a present that is sometimes full of prejudice and actions fraught with consequences. One of the most acute problems, one that continues to be of concern to the States of our region, is that of the nationalities and minorities living in the territories of various countries. In the treatment of this rather thorny problem, on which the level of relations between Balkan countries has often depended, it would be necessary to proceed without undue emotion, but with wisdom, political wisdom, in a spirit of justice, keeping in mind specific historical facts, free from any narrow spirit of nationalism. This policy would help to strengthen understanding and trust between neighbouring countries. It would help to lessen and eliminate tension and to pave the way towards bilateral and multilateral cooperation.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“In our view, the existence of different political and social systems in the Gulf countries should not become an obstacle to the development of State relations. Recognition of this fact and respect for it constitute an important premise for Balkan co-operation. We welcome the meeting of the foreign ministers of the Balkan States as a positive development, one that is helping to establish a spirit of understanding, trust and co-operation in our region. We are convinced that joint efforts could lead to steady progress in this positive process. Of course, the Balkans have problems. These are basically of a bilateral nature, but they also affect the region as a whole. However, common sense and realism should prevail over the sad past, dominated by heated emotion.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Albania not only proclaims the advantages of, and the need for, a policy of good-neighbourliness, but by implementing it in practice has done its utmost to establish a political climate favouring understanding, trust and true co-operation among the countries of this area. The Albanian Government has never sought conflict in the Balkans. It deems it its duty to work towards the establishment of stability in our region and the constant improvement of the situation. Destabilization of any Balkan country would harm the balance of that area and peace in general. We believe that those primarily concerned with the security and stability of the Balkans are the peoples and States of the region themselves. They cannot fail to appreciate the importance for them of keeping foreign elements at bay.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“As a Mediterranean country, we cannot fail to be concerned about the persistent presence of the war fleets of the super-Powers in the Mediterranean and we cannot fail to stress the danger it involves. Their presence has not only made the sea one of those militarized zones in the world, but has also more than once created a dangerous situation. The most recent proposals for the so-called demilitarization of the Mediterranean also seek to justify the balanced presence of the fleets of the super-Powers. In order for the Mediterranean to become a sea of peace and co-operation, the war fleets must be withdrawn and the bases and foreign troops eliminated. The development of friendly relations between our States and the Balkan States is a basic, ongoing tenet of the foreign policy of Albania.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“The uprising of the Palestinian popular masses which broke out on the West Bank and Gaza against the Israeli occupiers and which has been resolutely carried on for more than a year now has created a new situation and the immediate task at hand is for the Palestinian people to achieve their legitimate national aspiration for their own land. Doubtless, a lasting solution to the problems of the Middle East is impossible without a solution being found to the Palestinian problem. The Government and people of Albania, consistent in its support of the just cause of the Arab peoples, will continue, as we have done in the past, to support unreservedly the struggle of the suffering people of Palestine and that of all fraternal Arab peoples, to oust Israeli aggressors from the occupied territories.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“We appreciate the steps taken by the two countries to put an end to a war that has serious consequences for the two neighbouring peoples and which is fraught with danger for overall peace and security. We hope that this wisdom and this determination will characterize the negotiations now under way between the two countries. We cannot fail to stress that peace in this region is still threatened by the presence of foreign fleets in the Persian Gulf. Peace cannot be preserved by the gunboats of the super-Powers; it can be preserved only by the peoples of the Gulf States themselves. For all those who have sent warships into the region the question of the withdrawal of the fleets will be the real touchstone of their true devotion to international peace and security. This year the Middle East has witnessed some very important events.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Those who committed aggression, as well as those who have constantly fanned its flames throughout the conflict, are now posing as the saviors of the situation, acting as guarantors of the Afghanistan agreement. But what kind of guarantors can these two super-Powers, the United States and the Soviet Union, be, if even after the agreement they continue to support and encourage the adversaries, in order to impose on the Afghan people a government that would defend the interest of one or both of them? The Afghan people should be free to decide their own future without any foreign interference. The Albanian people and its Government welcomed the cease-fire between Iraq and Iran, which was welcomed by freedom-loving people throughout the world.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Similarly, we believe that it is just as important that the main contributions to these settlements should come from the States of the region where the conflict is taking place since they are the ones most interested in having a cease-fire in seeing peace established. We cannot disregard the fact that, frequently, conflicts are kindled or extinguished depending on relations between the United States and the Soviet Union - in most cases, even at their instigation. Therefore, to allow them then to become the arbiters of these conflicts would be to let the seed of discord and conflict remain. This can be seen very clearly from what is now taking place in Afghanistan.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Albania has always been against regional conflicts and in favour of a negotiated settlement of discards. These conflicts, which have brought suffering and poverty to the countries involved, have always been exploited by the imperialist Powers to the detriment of peoples and of peace. The Albanian Government welcomes the steps taken recently by the parties directly involved in the conflicts to extinguish these hotbeds of tension. In our judgment, when it is a matter of putting an end to regional conflicts, it is important to define settlements that are acceptable to the parties involved, and not short-term solutions imposed from above.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Life has shown us that the policy of blocs - the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Warsaw Pact - and the military presence of the super-Powers limit the national sovereignty of other States that are members of them and kindles and increases the spirit of distrust and confrontation. By its totally independent policy outside of blocs, Albania has, in its own way, made its modest contribution to the cause of peace in the Balkans and in Europe. Peace, international security and co-operation are one and indivisible. There can be no peace on one continent while there are tensions and conflicts in other parts of the world. There can be no true security in Europe if the Middle East or other areas are in flames and in a state of insecurity.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“The economic situation and at the same time the political situation are indicators of the fragility of current international security. Without underestimating the value of any initiative taken to lessen tension, in the opinion of my delegation, the Treaty between the United States and the Soviet Union on Euro-missiles does not yet mean that peace in Europe and the world has become more secure. As long as there is still confrontation between the two political and military blocs on the continent of Europe and as long as the concept of security is based on the balance of power, it will be difficult to talk about true security.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“However important their role may be in view of their economic and military potential, it cannot in any way replace the role of the international community, in which all States must have an opportunity to state their views and to decide jointly on questions relating to the destinies of peoples and humanity and to international peace and security. The world economic situation is a source of real concern and cannot be divorced from the political situation. Unbalanced international relations continue to penalize primarily the developing countries, as a result of which most of them become increasingly impoverished and experience grave and widespread backwardness. Therefore the establishment of international economic relations on the basis of equality has now become a matter of great urgency.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Outside the United Nations, as Members are aware, the two super-Powers, the United States and the Soviet Union, have reached an agreement on missiles which they hailed as a new stage in the process of disarmament, whereas here at the United Nations at a special session of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament, the voices of reason of Member States on the problem were ignored. This shows that the super-Powers consider questions of disarmament as matters exclusively within their Competence and interests and that they minimize the role of other States in this area, deeming it negligible. This tendency to monopolize world affairs and to exercise diktat over 'international relations is a real danger for sovereign peoples and States.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)