YouSaid · the spoken record

Uladzimir Syanko

lines on the record: 42
first: 1995-09-24
most recent: 1996-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
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 is precisely the purpose of the upcoming popular referendum in Belarus, which is being held at the initiative of President Alyaksandr Lukashenka. The fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations has also breathed new life into its ideals and strengthened our belief that the United Nations is a unique and genuinely integral part of international life. I am convinced that the fifty-first session of the General Assembly can and must become a starting point for effectively reforming the United Nations, which will be possible only through the joint efforts of all Member States of the Organization.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“Given that the reforms now under way are of immediate concern to each and every citizen of our country, we are fully aware of their significance at this crucial juncture in the development of international relations. Comprehension of the importance of that factor enabled Belarus to secure public law and order, stability and peace in its territory. Yet sometimes it is not so easy for the major political actors to achieve a coordinated approach to tackling the intricate problems facing Belarus at this transitional juncture in its history. Thus, it has become of vital importance today to find an efficient balance between the legislative, the executive and the judicial branches of power and to ensure their stable interaction.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“Excessive rates of assessment for the United Nations regular budget and for peacekeeping 20 operations has now resulted in one of the founding States of the United Nations being unable, for objective reasons, to fulfil its financial obligations to the Organization. In view of this, we support all-round measures aimed at reforming the entire financial system of the United Nations and the search for fair forms of financial cooperation between the Organization and the Member States, in particular those whose arrears have accumulated due to a number of reasons beyond their control. Finally, the wide-scale reforming of the United Nations system coincides with the democratic transformations taking place in a number of States, Belarus being one of them.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“At the same time Belarus is deeply concerned over the fact that, alongside the ongoing discussion related to the closure of the Chernobyl reactor, the problem of mitigating the medical and environmental after-effects of the Chernobyl catastrophe — the main burden of which has been borne by our young State — are being pushed aside. We are deeply concerned over the financial situation of the Organization. Admitting that Belarus now finds itself among the States with the biggest debts to the United Nations, we cannot but underscore that this situation has emerged as a result of objective financial and economic difficulties experienced by Belarus at this complex stage of its development, as well as of the unjust distribution of United Nations expenses among the Member States.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“Our Republic does not possess nuclear energy, but more than any other State in the world it is interested in the implementation of effective preventive measures in the field of nuclear safety that would make it impossible for new Chernobyls to occur in the future. Belarus is in favour of the comprehensive strengthening of the nuclear- safety regime, including development and adoption of the appropriate international convention with concrete and strong commitments under international control. The initiative to establish a global fund for environmental protection deserves most serious consideration. My country is grateful to the United Nations for its valuable efforts in coordinating, initiating and discussing Chernobyl-related issues. This is extremely important to us.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“I believe that the establishment, under the aegis of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, of a permanent regional centre on migratory problems and refugees for the countries of Eastern Europe could make a considerable contribution to the process of complete and effective implementation of those decisions. We propose that such a centre be headquartered in Minsk. Taking urgent measures to combat terrorism, illicit drug trafficking and organized crime is yet another demand of the moment. Proceeding from this premise, we welcome the initiative announced from this rostrum by Poland to introduce a draft United Nations framework convention against organized crime.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“Decisions adopted at six world summits, held in Rio de Janeiro, Vienna, Copenhagen, Beijing, Cairo and Istanbul, have prompted the needed and long-overdue adoption of a global programme of assistance to the countries that have embarked on the road of market reforms. The problem of refugees, displaced persons and repatriates is also very acute today. Our Republic welcomes the results of the Geneva regional conference on refugees, displaced persons, other forms of forced movements and repatriates in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“I am convinced that the results of the conference will prove a valuable contribution to the five-year review of the implementation of Agenda 21, at the special session of the General Assembly next June. The activities of the United Nations in the social and environmental fields have a particular significance for Belarus. The problems in these areas are extremely acute due to the negative impact of a number of factors that emerged in the course of complex economic transformations. The leadership of Belarus is undertaking considerable efforts to improve the quality of life of its citizens. At the same time, we are not always able to resolve acute social problems by our own means alone.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“At the same time, the removal of trade and other economic barriers exposed the vulnerability of countries with less-developed economies. Many of those countries find it difficult to keep pace with the rapid transformations now under way and to break the vicious circle of backward development. That is why the countries with economies in transition, Belarus included, have every reason to expect that special measures will be taken by the United Nations in order to facilitate their integration into the world economic and trade systems and to help them join existing and emerging multilateral economic institutions and mechanisms. We reiterate our intention to host an international conference on the sustainable development of countries with economies in transition, to be convened in Minsk in May 1997.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“The results of the summit, I am convinced, will prove to be a solid basis for enhancing coordination between the United Nations and the OSCE, as well as for better distributing between them the functions of ensuring regional security in Europe in order to help create a comprehensive security model for Europe in the twenty-first century and to further the efforts towards concerted actions by European States aimed at strengthening stability on the continent. Globalization of the world economy made it possible for the States to considerably expand their markets, as well as the flow of goods, services, finance and technologies, to adjust economic relations and to improve the economic and social well-being of their populations.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“It is worth noting that a considerable part of the population of Belarus no longer considers NATO a hostile organization. Yet, being realistic, we must admit that much more time is needed to transform that attitude into a sympathetic stance. It would be appropriate to expect that such large and drastic transformations in the European security system to evolve gradually. In these new circumstances, the role of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe 19 (OSCE) acquires new significance. In all confidence, we pin our hopes on the forthcoming OSCE summit in Lisbon.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“Equally significant is the fact that Belarus submitted to the Secretary-General of the United Nations in July 1996 its ratification instruments on joining the Chemical Weapons Convention. Located in the geographical centre of Europe, my country has set itself the goal of preventing dangerous tensions from evolving in the region which, more often than any other part of the planet, has been a seat of world wars, in order to help prevent the emergence of new lines of separation, curtains, walls and other constructions that seemed gone for ever. From that perspective, we must bring to the Assembly’s attention the concern of the Belarusian people regarding the eventual rapid expansion of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the deployment of its military infrastructure in close proximity to our borders.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“In the search for an efficient arms control regime, the delegation of Belarus intends to initiate further consideration at this session of the General Assembly of the item on prohibition of the development and manufacture of new types of weapons of mass destruction and new systems of such weapons. Ecologically safe destruction of weapons, conversion of military enterprises, legal aspects of the transfer of sensitive advanced technology and of their impact on the development of science and technology stand high on the list of our priorities. From this lofty rostrum I am proud to say that, despite the formidable economic, social and financial constraints we have had to overcome, Belarus has completely fulfilled all its obligations under the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“This brings into particular prominence the initiative put forward by Alyaksandr Lukashenka, President of Belarus, to establish a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Central and Eastern Europe. Efforts aimed at setting up and consolidating nuclear- weapon-free zones in various regions of the world are gaining momentum. Hence, we consider it illogical for Europe to remain the only continent where no practical steps have been taken in this direction. We strongly believe that setting up a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Central and Eastern Europe would further enhance the spirit of trust, mutual respect and partnership in that part of the European continent and would serve as a solid contribution by the European nations to nuclear non- proliferation.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“Given their particular significance, concerted international efforts in the field of disarmament are required in shaping the global security system that would befit the twenty-first century. We consider it a great privilege and honour that our practical actions and initiatives in this domain have been recognized and supported through the election of a representative of Belarus to the post of Chairman of the First Committee at the current session. This year has been marked by momentous events in Belarus. Very shortly the last nuclear missile will leave the territory of our Republic, thus making the entire territory of Central Europe, from the Baltic to the Black Sea, a nuclear- weapon-free zone.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“Belarus emphasizes the key significance of restoring close economic, scientific and cultural ties between the States of the region for the normalization of the situation in the Balkans. That is why we support the idea of making the decision of lifting the economic and trade embargo against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia a permanent one. Belarus attaches great significance to the process of a peaceful settlement in the Middle East, based on respect for the right of all States of the region to live in peace within internationally recognized borders. As regards the ways and means to further perfect the Security Council’s activities, Belarus would like to emphasize the principle of balanced representation for all regional groups of Member States, in particular the Eastern European group, in a renewed and expanded Security Council.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“The New Testament reads, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God.” (Matthew, 5:9) Today’s efforts by the United Nations to maintain peace are noble indeed. Belarus supports actions to further perfect peacekeeping operations as an important practical instrument at the disposal of the United Nations. 18 A crystal-clear understanding of peacekeeping operations as a specific means used in conflict settlement, aimed at maintaining peace rather than imposing it and at preventing highly explosive situations from emerging, is a sure guarantee that such operations will be successfully implemented. We note with satisfaction a substantive breakthrough in the peaceful settlement of the conflict in the former Yugoslavia.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“Allow me first of all to congratulate you, Sir, on your election to the post of President of the General Assembly at its fifty-first session. General debates over a number of years have already clearly indicated that virtually all Member States consider it of vital importance to transform the United Nations into an Organization with enhanced potential in the service of peace and security in the world. Belarus advocates a pragmatic approach to the reform of the United Nations based on a realistic assessment of the Organization’s ability to enhance the practical efficiency of the entire United Nations system along the strategic lines of its activities. One of these is peacemaking, which in the aftermath of the cold war acquired new substance and quality.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“For its part, the Government of Belarus, in spite of the utmost economic difficulties, fully aware of the depth of the United Nations financial crisis and sincerely striving to fulfil its financial obligations to the Organization, has decided to transfer about $2 million dollars to the United Nations budget. 9 In his fifties, a person is no longer at the peak of his physical capacities, but acquires considerable life experience and wisdom. I would like to express a wish that the United Nations, once its 50-year threshold has been crossed, will remain full of strength and health and unsurpassed in wisdom in all its deeds.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“We note with deep satisfaction the special decision to relocate the Republic of Belarus to group C for the apportionment of peace-keeping expenses which was taken during the resumed forty-ninth session of the General Assembly. On behalf of the Government of Belarus, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the delegations of all countries that displayed a spirit of understanding and cooperation during the consideration of this issue. I address my special words of gratitude to the Government of Portugal, whose consent voluntarily to relocate to group B opened the way for the adoption of the aforementioned decision. I am confident that such actions are an important contribution to the governance of principles of justice in the work of the Organization, which in itself is very significant on the eve of its golden jubilee.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“In March 1996, an international conference will be convened in Minsk, with the active participation of UNESCO and the European Commission, to commemorate the lamentable tenth anniversary of the Chernobyl accident. We express our hope that this representative forum will help to step up joint efforts to study the after-effects of the radioactive fallout and make more effective the efforts aimed at mitigating the fatal consequences of the catastrophe, on the basis of the experience accumulated by Belarus. Finally, the manifold and unfair increase in the Belarus rate of assessments to the United Nations regular budget and to peace-keeping operations — caused by the fact that Belarus, along with the economically most advanced countries, was related to group B — has resulted in the rapid growth of our arrears.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“We are glad to note the important catalysing role played by the General Assembly and its specialized agencies in drawing the attention of the donor countries and of the international organizations to the Chernobyl problems. As the day of the catastrophe recedes into the past, the nature of the after-effects of Chernobyl also changes, requiring a strengthened role on the part of the United Nations in the development of Chernobyl-related bilateral cooperation. On its part, Belarus is ready to sign bilateral memoranda on Chernobyl cooperation with the World Health Organization, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and other agencies of the United Nations system.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“For more than nine years now, the Belarusians have been living under the conditions of an ecological disaster — that of the Chernobyl nuclear-power plant catastrophe. The Republic spends annually more than 20 per cent of its national budget to mitigate the economic, ecological and medical after-effects of the Chernobyl accident. But most horrible is what is happening to the health and psyche of the people. The incidence of thyroid cancer in children has increased manifold. The birth rate has fallen 50 per cent since the period preceding the accident. Genetic diseases are conspicuously on the rise in the most contaminated areas. As time goes by, it becomes more and more evident that the Chernobyl catastrophe has infringed the most sacred of human rights — the right to life.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“The undisputed achievement of the international community is the adoption of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, the consistent implementation of which will be conducive to securing universal respect for justice, the supremacy of law and human rights. Unfortunately, the path to full implementation of human rights is strewn with many obstacles which, in our opinion, are raised by imperfect social relations rather than by a lack of will to exercise these rights. We are convinced that it is high time today to think of, and act for, the benefit of tomorrow not only by strengthening in every possible way the mechanisms of protection of human rights, but by taking concrete measures to study and expand the list of fundamental universal and categorical human rights.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“The new economic and political conditions in which these countries find themselves require large-scale economic transformations and the social adaptation of all population groups. Without effective international support, the achievement of this goal would be delayed for an indefinite period. It is for this reason that Belarus is interested in continuing all programmes initiated by the Organization in the social sphere. The promotion of universal respect for, and the protection of, human rights and fundamental freedoms is one of the goals stipulated in the United Nations Charter as well as an important component of international security. At this jubilee session, it is appropriate to note that significant success has been attained in this field since the inception of the Organization half a century ago.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“One of the most important directions of the activities of the reformed Organization is, in our opinion, the development of economic dialogue within the framework of the United Nations aimed at the exchange of experience, the strengthening of the multilateral trade system and facilitating non-discriminatory access to world markets. In this connection, we consider that the speedy granting of membership in the World Trade Organization to our country would testify to a fair attitude towards a founding Member of the United Nations with an economy in transition. One cannot but note that, in countries with economies in transition, the effectiveness of tackling 8 social problems is directly linked with the fate of democratic reforms.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“This proposal, once realized, would be an important contribution to the preparation of the special session of the General Assembly in 1997 to review the implementation of the agenda for the twenty-first century. Belarus places ardent hopes in cooperation and interaction to implement this initiative, first of all with the European Union, the European Commission, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and other European regional and subregional organizations, as well as with interested partners. We also hope that the United Nations Development Programme and the Economic Commission for Europe will provide their competent assistance in preparing and convening the conference.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“We stand for the inclusion in this document of substantive issues related to economies in transition, a notion which would fully reflect present realities. Belarus takes a profound interest in supporting United Nations system-wide activities to promote the integration of these countries into the world economy. We are sure that, in today’s world, such an integration is advantageous to all and in the interests of all. In this connection, I should like once again to recall the Belarusian proposal — supported by the Commission on Sustainable Development at its third session and approved by a decision of the Economic and Social Council at its substantive session — to convene in 1997 an international conference on the sustainable development of countries with economies in transition.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“Our Republic attaches paramount importance to the development of international cooperation in the economic, social and environmental spheres in the interests of the sustainable development of all countries. In this context, we attribute special significance to the series of world forums held under the auspices of the United Nations in Rio de Janeiro, Vienna, Cairo, Copenhagen and Beijing to consider problems in such spheres as those of the environment, social issues, population and human rights, and to search for ways to solve them. It is important that the decisions and recommendations of these forums be duly taken into account and efficiently utilized in elaborating “An Agenda for Development”, which is to determine the avenues and the programme of human development for years to come.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“Therefore, we appealed to our Western European partners for assistance. For a long time our appeals were unanswered, which led us to suspend the elimination process temporarily. That decision was made due to a lack of financial resources, and had nothing to do with issues of global and regional policy. I am glad to say today that an understanding of our problems has recently begun to emerge. Our reaction has been immediate and fully adequate. As is known, the President of Belarus has declared that our country is resuming the elimination of conventional weapons in accordance with its obligations under the Treaty. I would also like to point out that, by special Presidential Decree, Belarus has declared a moratorium on the export of anti-personnel land-mines for the period from September 1995 until the end of 1997.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“In this connection, I should like to touch upon the problems concerning the fulfilment of our obligations under the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe. Having assumed obligations under a Treaty in whose elaboration it did not participate, Belarus has been guided by the wish to assist in the consolidation of European and international security. From the very first days of the implementation of the Treaty we spent a considerable amount of resources on its implementation and on the creation of appropriate structures and industrial capacities for the elimination of huge stockpiles of armaments and equipment produced not for Belarus, but for the then super- Power, the Soviet Union. But as time passed it has become clear that for the young Belarusian State the elimination of those weapons was a burden beyond its strength.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“Belarus confirms its non-nuclear-weapon status and is determined to implement the provisions of the Agreement on the withdrawal of nuclear weapons from its territory in full and on time. I am pleased to inform delegations that at the beginning of this year the Belarusian Parliament ratified the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons 7 and on their Destruction. We call upon all signatory countries to the Convention to ratify it as soon as possible, and we again declare our support for the comprehensive ban on chemical weapons. Belarus has always believed that, next to nuclear disarmament, the limitation of conventional weapons is of enormous importance for the consolidation of international peace and security.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“That is why our country, having clearly determined its position at an early stage, became a sponsor of that draft decision. At the same time, it is necessary to remember that the decision on the indefinite extension of the Treaty was adopted as a package. It envisions the strengthening of control over the implementation of its provisions and the realization of the approved principles and aims of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. It is a duty of the nuclear-weapon States to confirm in practice their adherence to their obligations. The most important criteria of such adherence, in our view, are further progress towards nuclear disarmament, a comprehensive ban on nuclear tests and the inclusion of positive and negative security assurances to the non-nuclear-weapon States in an instrument of international law of binding character.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“Belarus stands for the broadening of interaction between the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) not only in the sphere of conflict settlement on the territory of the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), but also in the fields of disarmament, protection of the environment and the eradication of terrorism and organized crime. Against a background of heightened confrontation in some regions of the world, one cannot but rejoice at significant achievements in the consolidation of international security. We welcome the adoption by the 1995 Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons of the historic decision on the indefinite extension of the Treaty. Belarus has been and remains a supporter of the strengthening of the non-proliferation regime.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“The present developments in this region are fraught with the risk of large-scale military activities in Europe. The unresolved conflicts within the post-Soviet territories are still acute. From this lofty rostrum I should like once again to emphasize the unequivocal renunciation by Belarus of force to solve existing problems and the need to search for ways to settle conflicts peacefully by political means. This leads me to the conviction for the necessity of further strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and European regional and subregional organizations and agreements, especially the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“We consider it very important not to go beyond the limits to violence and ruthlessness that are incompatible with the nature of the Organization. Our delegation notes with satisfaction the progress made in the settlement of the Middle East conflict. We believe that the continuation of the direct dialogue between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) will finally lead to a comprehensive solution providing for respect for the right of all States of the region to live in peace within internationally recognized borders. We deeply regret the terrorist acts that are periodically carried out in the region and which considerably hamper the peace process. Such acts must be severely condemned. The Balkan conflict is of special concern to us.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“I am sure that the United Nations will be able to adapt itself fully to the present realities, as well as duly to respond to the demands and foreseeable global challenges of the twenty-first century. Among the most serious problems the world community is facing nowadays are regional conflicts. Such conflicts are not a new problem, but in their present dimensions they represent a new challenge for the United Nations. We are fully convinced that, in striving for their settlement, the United Nations should not yield to the temptation to use military force to accelerate the process. Peace-keeping and peace enforcement are two different and in many respects exactly opposite methods, and not links in the same continuing chain of crisis resolution.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“This will enable the 6 Organization to reflect the diversity of the contemporary world, the interdependence of States, the equality of great and small and the security and development of all. The reform of the United Nations should result in a more effective Organization as a whole. The reform of the Security Council may be carried out only on the basis of a reasonable increase in the membership of the Council, with strict respect for the principle of the equitable geographical distribution of additional seats among all the regions of the world. The Belarusian delegation is convinced that the allocation of an additional seat for a non-permanent member of the Council to the Eastern European regional group is fully justified and will ensure a new, emerging balance of interests.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“The tasks that the United Nations is facing today seem to be much more complicated than those of the past, when they were dictated by the pernicious but understandable logic of confrontation. Today it is necessary to solve the challenges of the future world order; and this implies the necessity to reform the United Nations system. Reform of the United Nations, including that of the Security Council, one of its principal organs responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security, is the watchword of the day, and is in many respects an extremely complicated matter. But each State can and should make its own contribution to the formation of the renewed United Nations.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“The contribution of the United Nations to the process of the peaceful settlement of many conflicts is well known. One of the most important achievements of the United Nations is that the world has rid itself of such odious phenomena as apartheid and is close to a complete eradication of colonialism, another no less odious remnant of the past. It is also appropriate to note the role of the United Nations in elaborating and adopting universal documents in the sphere of human rights, as well as in establishing the supremacy of international law. The hopes and expectations of the peoples associated with the United Nations are convincing evidence of the important role of the Organization at this stage.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“That honourable right was a testimony to the international recognition of the contribution made by the people of Belarus to the defeat of fascism during the Second World War, the homage paid to the millions of Belarusians who gave their lives in the struggle for liberty and of the right of the Belarusian people to exist as a nation with its own history, culture and future. Emerging from the ashes of the Second World War, the United Nations has experienced the most serious crises and conflicts, the cold war and détente, considerable changes in the political map of the world and the break-up and formation of unions and blocs of States. The Organization has coped creditably with these challenges. Thanks to the United Nations humankind, for the first time in its history, has acquired the opportunity to live for half a century in peace.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“First of all I wish to congratulate Mr. Diogo Freitas do Amaral on his election to the distinguished post of President of the General Assembly at its fiftieth, jubilee session. I am sure that his personal and professional qualities will serve as a solid guarantee that during this particularly important session the United Nations will achieve new concrete steps in its search for ways to meet the complicated challenges facing humanity. I wish to express our gratitude to his predecessor, Mr. Amara Essy, and to the Secretary-General of the Organization, Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali. We are proud that Belarus was at the origin of the creation of the United Nations and became one of the founding Members of the Organization, having signed the Charter of the United Nations at San Francisco.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)