YouSaid · the spoken record

MOCK

lines on the record: 246
first: 1987-09-24
most recent: 1994-09-24
sittings or episodes: 8
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

“This decision is in my view a milestone in the history of our Organisation. It will set an important precedent for our future work. Major progress has been achieved during the past 12 months with regard to making our global system of collective security more effective. Austria has actively cooperated with the international community in promptly implementing the Security Council's decisions with regard to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. In this context, Austria allowed coalition forces to fly over and transit through Austrian territory. The liberation of the individual now under way in Central and Eastern Europe is accompanied by the rising quest for national identity. Liberation from an oppressive system must not, however, be followed by renewed subjugation to the destructive forces of nationalism and ethnic hatred.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“Therefore, concerns over human rights violations and inquiries with a view to safeguarding these rights cannot be considered interference in the internal affairs of a State. On the contrary, expressing concern in the area of human rights constitutes an important and legitimate element of international dialogue. Article 1 (3), in conjunction with Article* 55 and 56 of the Charter not only permit* but obliges the United Nations to monitor respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in all parts of the world. The practice of the United Nations to intervene in the case of serious human rights violations as they occur In many countries corroborates that view. The Security Council, in an unprecedented resolution, has thus described the repression of the civilian population in Iraq as a threat to international peace and security.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“Finally, the report of the "white helmets" and the comments of the Government concerned would be inscribed on the agenda of the next session of the Commission, which would decide on follow-up measures. I feel encouraged to make this proposal by the very important address delivered by the Secretary-General at the University of Bordeaux earlier this year. There, as well as in his annual report to the General Assembly, Secretary-General Javier Peres de Cuellar referred to a shift in public attitudes owing to heightened international interest in universalizing a human rights regime. The question of human rights and fundamental freedoms has become essentially international; it is of fundamental importance for the community of nations. Respect for human rights must be one of the pillars of the international order.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“I propose that the Commission on Human Rights adopt an emergency procedure based on a permanent register of experts - who could be called "white helmets" - at the Commission's disposition. Such an international emergency procedure could contain the following elemental Upon the receipt of information on gross, massive human rights violations, the Bureau of the Commission on Human Rights would send a team of "white helmets" into the country in question as quickly as possible, which would be asked to examine the situation rapidly. The team of "white helmets" would submit a report to the Bureau of the Commission together with conclusions and recommendations, in order to initiate speedy action on the basis of existing mechanisms.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“In many societies, we can observe a basic reorientation towards broad participation by the people in decision-making processes, towards a free eco-social market economy and towards democracy and political freedom. Within the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, the principle has been established that interest shown in the safeguarding of human. rights and fundamental freedoms cannot be rejected as interference in the internal affairs of another country. Austria has always vigorously supported this position. We shall endeavour to have this principle applied on a universal level as well. Violations of human rights, wherever they occur, cannot be tolerated. The United Nations should have the possibility to react quickly to serious human rights abuses and to prevent any escalation of such abuses.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“We all still have fresh in our minds the historic events that occurred in Moscow, resulting in what we hope will be a decisive victory of democracy, human rights and pluralism over dictatorship and totalitarianism. The breakdown of totalitarian ideologies offers vast opportunities for shaping a new universal consensus on international cooperation and peace. We are entering a new era in international relations. At the same time, we must respond to new challenges while the world is still bedevilled by old, chronic problems. Human rights and fundamental freedoms have now been generally accepted as central principles for the future institutional evolution of the society of nations.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“Austria takes great pleasure in welcoming seven new Members to the United Nations. Estonia. Latvia and Lithuania displayed admirable courage and persistence over more than half a century and were finally able to recover their independence. We also hope that the joint admission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea to the United Nations - something we had supported for several years - will facilitate the unification process. Similarly, the admission of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia has brought us closer to the ultimate goal of attaining true universality of membership in the United Nations. We seldom have an opportunity such as the one we have today of witnessing profound changer all over the world.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“Indeed, nowadays the human conditions of the peoples of the United Nations is no different from the concept its authors had in mind: war, injustice and poverty are still the scourges of mankind. The United Nations, we all, are constantly called to fight then. Without respect for those fundamental principles I have just referred to and without determination to implement them, we will not have a chance to achieve success in the pursuit of these most noble goals.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“Full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by all are a prerequisite for a life in dignity and the wall-being of every individual. Austria regards the promotion and protection of human rights as corner-stones of its constitution and foreign policy. The full realisation of human rights set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Sights and other important international instruments is a permanent obligation accepted by the global community. As a member of the Commission on Hunan Rights, Austria will support every effort to prevent human rights abuses and will contribute to constructive and effective work by the Commission. In view of the contemporary world as we see it, Austria expresses its satisfaction at the resonance of the Charter of San Francisco.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“I hope this initiative will contribute to the efforts being undertaken to address this new, complex challenge to international peace and co-operation. The current session of the General Assembly will have to take crucial decisions with regard to international co-operation against the illicit production, supply, trafficking and distribution of drugs and psychotropic substances and against the demand for then. Any decision taken with respect to a new United Nations drug structure should reflect the fact that the social aspects of drug abuse, therapies, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, as well as the interdependence between drug abuse and crime, require cross-sectoral activities within institutions dealing with drugs and social policies.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“We must acknowledge that the demands on environmental resources and the requirement to conserve then will both continue to increase. As a result, conflicts over the development and use of resources could become more frequent, and could even threaten international peace. Last year, I proposed to the Assembly that a corps of “Green Helmets” should be established, that is, a system to deal with the prevention and settlement of environmental disputes. On the basis of the covenants received, we have developed a more specific set of ideas, which have been submitted to the second special session of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Program· (UKBP) and to the Preparatory Committee of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, which at in Nairobi in August this year.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“We would be grateful for comments and observations. The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, to be held in 1992, could be the most important diplomatic event for the international community before the year 2000, its effects reaching far beyond this date. This Conference will be instrument in expediting progress in respect of global environmental problems and will result in a new global strategy for achieving sustainable development, and, beyond that, in a new form of economic and social thinking: the output of the free market economy must meet social requirements and environmental needs. Only such a concept of the market economy is consistent with human dignity. In the future environmental diplomacy will become ever more important and difficult.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“A special conference as part of the follow up to the United Nations Conference on environment and Developing could lead to a strengthening of inter-State co-operation in order to meet the new energy and environment challenge. This conference could also reconsider the role of the United Nations in this field. In my view, the task of the United Nations would be to supplement and support all developments stemming from private initiatives, which could be carried out under free market conditions, they are all required to encourage the efforts made to assure the reliability of new methods of energy production and to attain higher levels of efficiency in the use of the energy currently at our disposal. My delegation has prepared a memorandum on international energy policy which will be conveyed to the other delegations.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“The global aspects of conventional energy supplies require close international co-operation in order to adjust national energy policies to the new environmental challenges. At its fifth session, the Intergovernmental Committee on the Development and Utilisation of New and Renewable Sources of Energy decided to convene, in 1991, a group of experts to assess the implementation process of the Nairobi Plan of Action. We welcome this initiative, as well as the efforts made to prepare a significant contribution to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. We hope that this will lead to a strengthening of the efficiency of the existing institutional framework.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“A number of nongovernmental organisations, such as BUSO-SOLAB, are increasingly demanding that the issue of the development and more appropriate use of renewable sources of energy should find expression within a high, institutional framework within the United Nations system. The development and dissemination of new technologies have not yet received adequate attention. Indeed, in some countries, funds dedicated to research and development in this field have suffered substantial cutbacks. This is deplorable and short-sighted. I would propose, therefore, that we should listen more attentively to the warnings of scientists. This would lead us to look for means by which Governments could jointly review their energy policies, in particular, in the light of the threats to our environment.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“The year 1991 will mark the tenth anniversary of the United Nations Conference on Kew and Renewable Sources of Energy. The Programme of Action adopted in Nairobi and its institutional follow-up have led to pertinent conclusions and to improved co-ordination within the United Nations system. The potential of new and renewable sources of energy is known to be enormous. Under different circumstances, renewable sources of energy could already be contributing to the world's energy supply to a much greater extent. The still abundant supply of conventional energy should not blind us to the fact that we are wasting irreplaceable resources.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“We know that sustainable development is not only an issue of value structures and behaviour patterns in our society; it is, above all, a challenge to resource allocation. A major issue in attaining sustainable development is, however, related to the use of energy resources. Studies undertaken at the Vienna-based International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis sketch some eerie scenarios in respect of climatic changes. One of the most urgent priority measures - one to be undertaken in the immediate future - is reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and other greenhouse gases. Energy policy has become so important for our societies, developing and industrialised alike, that it is high time for political leaders of the world to take a closer look at our options.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“"The State of the World Environment" - a report of the United Nations Environment Programme - provides shocking reading about the staggering tragedy of a resource base that is dwindling owing to deforestation, soil erosion, reduced soil fertility, desertification, the loss of bio-diversity, the contamination of rivers, lakes and oceans, reduced ozone-layer protection, and climatic change - to name but a few factors. Although our planet's environmental tragedies are sometimes more visible in third-world countries, the industrialised countries must be aware of their special responsibility in this field. With respect to population growth, two factors - responsible behaviour by parents, and the economic and social situation of the countries concerned - must be taken into account to ensure sustainable development for those countries.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“Let us take note of the fact that the developing countries have themselves played an active role in this process of reorientation. The African Priority Programme for Economic Recovery and the Final Act of UNCTAD VII reflect the changes in perception of, and the criteria used by, the leaders of these countries. The unleashing of internal market forces presupposes favourable external relations. To this end, new financial resources and the opening up of the markets of the industrialised countries are as necessary as the creation of regional markets by means of regional integration. The success of the current GATT negotiations will have a positive influence on external conditions in that it will make them conducive to more dynamic development.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“Although, in some countries, the debt problem has been alleviated to a certain extent, for many - in particular the least developed countries - it is still a major obstacle to their regaining development momentum. I hope that the principles recently adopted in the final document of the Paris Conference on the least-Developed Countries will give impetus to the search for solutions to the serious problems of those countries. The strengthening of private initiative and entrepreneurial skills offers hope for a return by some countries to sustained development. Structural adjustment and the adjustment of economic policies have been necessary in many cases. However, the social cost of these policies must be kept within certain limits.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“The international community looks forward to finalisation, in the course of nest year, of a treaty on chemical weapons. Let see recall, in this respect, that Austria has submitted its candidacy to be the host country for the future organisation for the prohibition of chemical weapons. The economic imbalances between industrialised countries and developing countries have been only partly reduced over the years, despite the growing disparity in standards of living in many cases. As certain United Nations reports have underscored, the "lost 1980e" have tended to worsen the situation for developing countries and for those sectors of developing societies that have not been able to free themselves from the vicious circle of poverty, underdevelopment, indebtedness, environmental destruction and pressing population growth.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“The progress that has been made in the resolution of regional conflicts in Asia, Africa and Latin America, and in regard to co-operation and integration in Europe, will release resources and, we hope, focus attention on the ever-more-pressing global issues of human survival that must be addressed. In this contest, we entirely support the endeavours of the Soviet Union and of the United States to reduce their nuclear-weapon arsenals, and hope that all categories of nuclear weapons will be dealt with in the near future. As regards conventional disarmament, considerable progress has been made in the talks on conventional forces in Europe. We hope that soon an initial agreement will be signed at the summit meeting of the CSCE countries, which would open the way to negotiations on further, more far-reaching disarmament measures.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“I welcome Nicaragua’s return to democracy and hope that the internal peace and well-being of the Nicaraguan people will thereby be assured. Austria notes with satisfaction the fact that several regional conflicts appear to be moving towards solution. We have tried to contribute to this trend. Austrian battalions are participating in the United Nations peace-keeping forces in Cyprus and on the Golan Heights, and Austrian officers are among the United Nations military observers in Pakistan, in the Middle East, in Iran and in Iraq. The United Nations police force in Namibia has included Austrians, and Austrians have served as election observers in Nicaragua. These activities reflect our firm commitment to the cause of this international Organization and its sustained efforts for peace.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“Nelson Mandela, and has entered into a dialogue with representatives of the black majority. We strongly hope that that Government will take the necessary steps as soon as possible to create the required conditions for genuine negotiations leading to a new, democratic Constitution based on the principle of political pluralism. We welcome the new consensus in South Africa to renounce violence, and to give a chance to negotiations. The international community can only support these developments. The successful United Nations operation in Nicaragua augurs well for the broader issue of peace in Central America. Co-operation between the countries of the region concerned and the support given by the entire international community have proved to be effective elements in the resolution of conflicts.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“We strongly support the endeavours of the Secretary-General to initiate a peaceful solution to that conflict. We hope that the aid programme carried out within the framework of "Operation Salaam" will be of benefit to all areas of the country as a supplement to those peace-making efforts. History will show that the successful completion of the independence process in Namibia has been one of the most positive chapters in the annals of the United Nations. It will doubtless have an impact on the political options perceived by the people of South Africa in moving towards the abolition of apartheid. As a matter of fact the South African Government baa started in 1990 dismantling a major part of apartheid. It has finally realised several opposition leaders, in particular Mr.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“The new co-operation between the five permanent members of the Security Council has yielded positive results in Cambodia as well. The document on a United Nations-monitored peace plan that was recently adopted signals that there is realistic hope of ending the civil war and thereby the long-lasting suffering of the Cambodian people and of establishing a truly legitimate and democratically elected Government. I hope that the Supreme National Council will facilitate the peace process and national reconciliation. As President of the International Conference on Kampuchea I am at the disposal of all the concerned parties to contribute to that process. Unfortunately, hostilities in Afghanistan are continuing, although the differences on the principles of a political settlement have narrowed.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“As we continue to strengthen the authority of the world Organisation and its resolutions with respect to the Gulf crisis - and here, as the President of the United States has pointed out, no other problem should be allowed to deter us - we must at the sane tine display our determination with regard to the implementation of other resolutions adopted by the Council. We accordingly support the proposal made by, inter alia, the President of the French Republic and the Foreign Minister of the USSS regarding the convening at an appropriate tine of an international conference on the Middle East, under the auspices of the United Nations. The international efforts to find a peaceful political solution to the Cambodian problem have intensified since the last session of the General Assembly.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“I should like to pledge Austria's support for the efforts initiated by the Secretary-General to reach a negotiated settlement with Iraq. There can be no doubt that the action taken by the Security Council has strengthened the authority of the United Nations and its organs, for the first time in its history the Security Council not only has adopted decisions but has also authorised enforcement measures for their implementation. At the sane tine, this determination to take action, far more manifest than in the past, also increases the significance of other Council resolutions, even when not accompanied by such enforcement measures. Of course, as the President of France stressed before the Assembly a few days ago, law is indivisible.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“Although we stand ready, together with other States, to draw the necessary conclusions, we are at the same time determined to maintain the predictability and credibility of our policy of neutrality. Only full implementation by Iraq of Security Council resolution 660 (1990) will lead to a peaceful settlement of that conflict. Austria therefore appeals again to Iraq to withdraw its forces immediately and unconditionally from Kuwait, to restore the legitimate authority, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Kuwait and to release all foreign citizens. In view of the highly explosive situation, which could easily lead to enormous bloodshed, we urge all States to explore all possibilities for a peaceful solution of this crisis.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“It is primarily those countries that are not major Powers that have a vital interest in full compliance with international law, which is so often trampled underfoot. Should Austria, which has submitted its candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the Council for the period 1991 to 1992, be elected, it will commit itself even more to the realisation of that principle. We may be witnessing a qualitative change is international relations that entails the political relaxation of the noble concept that lies at the heart of the United Nations Charter, namely, collective security for all. This evolution, provided it persists, will most certainly have profound repercussions on concepts of sovereignty, independence and even neutrality.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“Austria also condemns every violation of the privileges and immunities of diplomatic liaisons and representatives as an aggression against the essential foundations of peaceful relations between States. That is why Austria, together with other concerned countries, called for an urgent meeting of the Security Council on the subject. Compliance with the embargo enacted by the Security Council in the relevant resolutions will be an important test of how truly united the nations of the world Organisation are in defiance of law and of the sovereignty and independence of its medium-sized and smaller Members. Austria welcomes the decisions taken by the Security Council in favour of Kuwait because they confirm the principle that small and medium-sized States have the same right to independence as larger countries.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“We have condemned the unlawful measures taken by Iraq against foreign citizens and diplomats, and we have fully supported all the sanctions against Iraq as decided upon by the Security Council in resolution 661 (1990). Furthermore, in the spirit of solidarity, neutral Austria has granted over-flight rights over its territory for aircraft carrying reinforcements and food supplies to the troops stationed in Saudi Arabia. In the same spirit of solidarity, we immediately released funds for the benefit of those countries most severely affected economically by the crisis, that is to say, Egypt and Jordan, funds we are determined to increase substantially.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“The way the entire world has been reacting to this action proves that the overcoming of East-West antagonisms has not only benefited Europe but strengthened a far-reaching sense of solidarity. As far as Austria is concerned, this crisis has clearly shown that the status of permanent neutrality does not prevent us from participating in actions of international solidarity. Since the beginning of the crisis Austria has taken a firm stand, guided also by our own bitter historical memories. We have denounced the illegal occupation and annexation of Kuwait, a sovereign and independent country with which Austria maintains friendly relations.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“We must admit that there is a risk that our joy over the tumbling of economic and political wells in Europe may distract our attention from other regional affairs and from the growing complex web of mutual interdependence that today characterises our multipolar world. European unification has, however, never been seen as a substitute for global partnership. On the contrary, peace, stability and co-operation in any region are the prerequisites for tackling those global issues which will inevitably be on the long-term agenda of the community of nations. Iraq's aggression and illegal annexation of the sovereign State of Kuwait provide a formidable challenge to the new global partnership that is emerging after the end of the East-Heat cleavage.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“This positive attitude on the part of the Italian Government shows once more that minorities must be considered a dynamic and enriching element, not a burden. This is an opportunity, both to settle the conflict concerning South Tyrol and to arrest such developments as we nay observe in Eastern European countries today, where old nationality conflicts threaten to reappear once ideological coercion has collapsed. Italy's settling in the near future of the last outstanding questions mentioned not only would resolve a long conflict within the framework of the United Nations but could also provide a positive example to other States with similar problems through the specific provisions agreed to and, even more so, through the experience gained.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“This statement of figures requires some remarks on the quality of the actual situation. Italy has shown increasing understanding for the concerns of the South Tyrolean people. This can be seen both in the implementation of the first part of those measures aimed at establishing equal standing for the Italian and German languages and in the considerable financial allocations for autonomy. Even more significant, however, is the confidence that Italy places in the South Tyrolean minority in general and in its frontier-straddling activities in particular. Italy has thus made it possible for the South Tyroleans to exercise faithfully the noblest task that could be assigned to that minority, that of serving as a cultural, social and economic bridge between Italy and Austria.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“The identity of these minorities is to be safeguarded and preserved. Austria is therefore particularly pleased to mention, in this contest, the substantial progress achieved in the implementation of the Austro-Italian Agreement on South Tyrol of 6 September 1946. As I have already been able to report, during the forty-fourth session of the General Assembly, relations between Italy and Austria have reached an excellent level. However, in order that Austria may declare this conflict - which has been before the United Nations for 30 years - settled, three of the 137 measures agreed upon with Italy in 1969 have yet to be implemented, and a further six questions which arose at a later date and which concern the consensual practice and effectiveness of the Agreement of 6 September 1946 still remain to be resolved.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“Such co-operation, which is developing so naturally, proves that even after four decades of separation, centuries-old abilities to communicate remain. The Pentagonal Initiative has also provided a platform for the exchange of views among those five countries and for the definition of common positions on regional issues. Enriched in their culture by more than 25 different nationalities and national minorities. The Pentagonal countries took an important common initiative on the protection of national minorities at the Copenhagen Meeting on the Hunan Dimension of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe. In it the participating States agreed to adopt, where necessary, special measures for safeguarding the rights of minorities without discrimination and in full equality before the law.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“Austria, located in the centre of Europe, has been participating actively in the various processes shaping new focus of regional and subregional co-operation. We are convinced that neutral Austria, having applied for membership of the European Community and thanks to its historical experience and its relations with neighbours in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, can make a special contribution to the building of a new Europe. An example of the new dynamism of subregional international co-operation is the Initiative of the Pentagonal, which comprises Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Italy, Yugoslavia and Austria. This Initiative provides for technical co-operation in areas such as the environment, energy, transport, science and technology, culture and tourism.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“For the first time in this century, European peoples are rallying round common values of human rights, pluralist: democracy, the rule of law, a market economy with a social and ecological dimension. Those are the foundations on which the new Europe is being built. The forthcoming Paris summit of Heads of State or government of states participant in the conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) will mark the end of the post-war era and will set in place important guideline for a future European "architecture", encompassing pan-European structures and institutions. Next week's New York meeting of CSCE Foreign Ministers will assess the scope of the preparatory work being carried out in Vienna and will take note of the treaty on a final settlement concerning Germany, which governs the external aspects of Gorman unity.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“I want to pay a tribute to the many silent heroes of change: to the suffering of all those who have been arrested, beaten, persecuted or exiled; to the writers of underground literature – admiration to the believers; to the intellectuals; to the farmers; to the workers. They are a source of inspiration and optimism for us all. Their steadfast perseverance has brought about a new awareness of the dignity of the human race and the inalienable value of human rights. Only one year has passed since I stood with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Hungary and symbolically cut the barbed war along our common border. For decades that barbed war had symbolised the division of Europe. That era is coming to a close; the gradual unification of the continent of Europe based on a lasting system of security and co-operation is under way.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“The past year has been marked by significant progress in the reduction of international antagonisms, the development of new forms of co-operation and the strengthening of international peace at the regional and the world levels. These developments have been particularly spectacular in Europe, but peace efforts have finally borne fruit, after long and often painful years, in some other regions as well. But the new conflict in the Middle East reminds us again that it is illusory to believe in the advent of everlasting peace. In Europe, we honour all those whose courage has made dreams come true.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“Javier Peres de Cuellar, whose devotion and outstanding service have made a significant contribution to the new esteem the United Nations enjoys and to the growing role of multilateral diplomacy. These advances are particularly important in the light of the regional crises and world-wide challenges we face today. We take great pleasure in welcoming Namibia for the first time to a regular session of the General Assembly. We also a warmly welcome to the Assembly the Principality of Liechtenstein, with which Austria has bonds of deep and intense friendship deriving from the fact that we are neighbours, that we are both neutral countries, and that we share a common history.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“I am pleased, Sir, to congratulate you on your election to the presidency of the General Assembly. I am certain that under your able leadership the Assembly will be most efficient in its important deliberations. The Republic of Malta has shown the international community that a small country can make an effective contribution to international co-operation. I wish also to convey my sincere appreciation to your predecessor. Ambassador Joseph Garba, former Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations. We led our deliberations skilfully during the forty-fourth session of the General Assembly. Let me pay a special tribute to the Secretary-General, Mr.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“We are confident that on the basis of the implementation of all remaining measures we shall soon be able to make a declaration to the United Nations stating that we consider the dispute with Italy settled. The recent developments in the relationship between the two super-Powers, the success achieved in solving several regional conflicts, the progress in the implementation of human rights and the general trend towards more openness in international relations, whatever the shortcomings of the existing world order may be, give us reason to be optimistic and encourage us to make further active contributions towards achieving a better world.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“We are particularly satisfied with the formal implementation of measures aiming at the equality of the Italian and German languages. This is of fundamental importance for the protection of the German-speaking population. The major part of the measures still to be implemented concerns issues where the Government of Italy has already been active on the basis of the 1969 agreement. However, in view of certain developments in the legal field in Italy, additional commentary measures are now necessary in order to assure the protection of the German-speaking population of South Tyrol in a way agreed upon with Austria. Austria is convinced that the present Italian Government is fully aware of the problems and dangers inherent in a further delay in the full implementation of the 1969 agreement.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“In conclusion, permit me briefly to touch upon the implementation of the Austro-Italian Accord on South Tyrol of 6 September 1946, which has been the subject of General Assembly resolutions 1497 (XV), the basis of these resolutions agreement was reached in 1969, between Austria and Italy concerning the regulation of regional autonomy by means of 137 concrete measures. Full implementation of these measures is the precondition for a complete settlement of this dispute. Last year I was able to report to the Assembly for the first time, after years of stagnation, that significant and substantive progress had been made and that relations between Austria and Italy had reached excellent levels. This positive trend continued during the past 12 months.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“The Vienna Concluding Document of the conference on security and co-operation in Europe has strongly promoted cooperation among European nations. Austria's relations with the other countries of Western Europe are characterized by common values and close economic ties. Austria is a member of the Council of Europe. As a member of the European Free Trade Association we intensified our relationship with the European Community by concluding a free trade agreement in 1972. In July of this year Austria applied for membership in the European Community. We are firmly convinced that participation in the process of European integration is compatible with our status of permanent neutrality.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“The continuous dialogue between the United States and the USSR has facilitated further progress in the area of disarmament and arms control. It presents an unprecedented chance for cooperation in the economic, scientific, cultural and humanitarian fields. A sentiment of mutual interdependence and common responsibility is growing. We welcome the reform process generated by perestroika, which provides a historic opportunity for a new quality in East-West relations. The strengthening of human rights, -the democratisation of public life and the introduction of a socially-oriented market economy constitute essential elements of this reform process. The era of confrontation should be replaced by an era of co-operation.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“Austria therefore welcomes the decision of the forty-third session of the General Assembly, based on a proposal by Poland and other countries, to observe an International Year of the Family. Such a year could help to highlight the central function of the family in society. Peace and stability ultimately begin in the home. While in some societies families still provide social and economic security to its members, in others families require public financial support in order successfully to perform their functions, which ultimately benefit everyone. The equality of men and women generally enshrined in international as well as in national legal instruments still needs better translation into the reality of society. Family structures sometimes mask violence against women and children, a fact which requires decisive measures at all levels.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)