YouSaid · the spoken record

John Briceño

lines on the record: 78
first: 2000-09-24
most recent: 2022-09-24
sittings or episodes: 5
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

“Still the United Nations endured, for the principles of the Charter will reverberate as loudly tomorrow as they do today and did yesterday. Our right to live peaceful and dignified lives holds as true today as it did in 1945. Two years ago world leaders assembled here in New York in an effort to rejuvenate the United Nations. This resulted in the Millennium Declaration and brought forth the Millennium Development Goals. In these instruments we acknowledged the growing abyss between the few with plenty and the many with nothing. We made new commitments and reaffirmed old ones. We renewed yet again our ultimate goal of the improvement of humanity, a goal which we undoubtedly hold as sacred. Since then we have held many meetings and conferences where we have merely recycled ideas and visions.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“On 21 September 1981 Belize joined the community of nations as an independent country, and we the people of Belize enthusiastically embraced our role as a partner in the community of nations. The United Nations played a pivotal role in securing Belize's right to self-determination, and, as we commemorate our independence, we express our appreciation and continued support for the work of the Organization. Since its inception in 1945 our United Nations has, like all of us, been grappling with the constant changes in our world. In its imperfection it has endured the problems of infancy, puberty and adolescence. Each adjustment provided occasions for learning and opportunities for growth. No, we have not always grown for the better; and we have suffered the cost of our mistakes.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Let us grasp the opportunity given to us through this process to work together as equal partners in this global community, seeking to understand our common objectives while respecting our differences. The Millennium Declaration recognizes the existing inequalities in our world. Likewise, it offers a comprehensive formula for greater prosperity for all. It directs us towards a collective responsibility through greater partnership among the countries of the world. At this time, when we are faced with new global realities, let us make this Declaration meaningful by accelerating our efforts to achieve the just objectives of lasting peace and prosperity for all of our peoples.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Enhanced by globalization, our actions impact others immediately, creating new realities that require more openness and greater sensitivity to the differences among us. In our country, where seven languages or dialects are spoken and diverse ethnic populations live together peacefully, my delegation welcomes the prospect of increased dialogue among civilizations, one inclusive of all peoples, that will improve upon the understanding of who we are and where we came from. The Secretary- General, in his report on the United Nations Year of Dialogue among Civilizations, noted the importance of ensuring that the process of globalization be comprehensive and fair.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“In this light, we continue to appeal to this Organization to consider the right of the 23 million people of the Republic of China on Taiwan and allow their voices to be heard in this world institution. Equally, we must continue to advocate recognition of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, including the right to their independent State. With respect to our commitment to the development of peace and security, Belize is pleased to report the continuation of dialogue with our neighbour, the Republic of Guatemala. We continue to support all efforts to peacefully resolve our differences. This year has been designated the United Nations Year of Dialogue among Civilizations. The recently concluded debate on this agenda item produced meaningful discussion on the advantages of diversity and its benefits to human progress.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“For two consecutive years, Belize has been struck by category-four hurricanes, magnifying the need to protect our environment and minimize our vulnerabilities. It is imperative that we gear our efforts towards creating the necessary mechanisms to reverse and curtail negative actions that contribute to the deterioration of the state of our environment. For this 16 reason, Belize, along with its partners in the Caribbean region, continues to seek the support of the United Nations for a special regime for the Caribbean Sea. If we are to speak of shared responsibility for development and the maintenance of peace and security, this year especially we must ensure that everyone be allowed to participate in this global forum.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“The commitments made by the international community for the protection of the environment have not been implemented, and if they are not addressed urgently, the consequences will impact negatively our small dependent economies, as well as the economy of the global community. We attach great importance to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and welcome the successful results of the recently concluded meeting in Marrakech, hoping to see more States ratify the Kyoto Protocol. In the Central America and the Caribbean regions we perpetually suffer from the effects of natural disasters, with the number and intensity of hurricanes increasing over the last decade. This has been attributed to the effects of climate change caused by global warming.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“The inclusion of civil society, as well as the private sector, contributed to the effectiveness of the conference and remains critical to the success of any programme to eradicate HIV/AIDS. We welcome the decision of the Secretary-General to reach out to the entire world community to assist in the establishment of the Global HIV/AIDS and Health Fund, in an effort to help alleviate the suffering of the millions of people afflicted by the scourge. The protection and preservation of our environment is a major concern to the developing world, as so many of us depend on our natural resources for our survival.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“(spoke in English) The twenty-sixth special session of the General Assembly on HIV/AIDS, held last June, brought the international community together to collectively affirm the urgent need for critical action on the part of all stakeholders to combat this pandemic. For us in the Caribbean, the Conference was of special importance. Ranked the second highest region in rate of HIV/AIDS infection after sub-Saharan Africa, Caribbean States are working with their international partners to combat the spread of this deadly disease. Any progress made during the HIV/AIDS special session must be attributed to the collaborative spirit displayed by all those involved, at both the political and technical levels.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Genuine sustainable development requires inclusive and transparent trading practices that allow for the participation of developing countries in the global economy. The geographical location of Belize enables us to participate in the Caribbean Community and the Central American Integration System, which gives us the opportunity to offer different perspectives in the fight against poverty. At the same time, it increases our possibilities for greater participation in all entities concerned with developing innovative mechanisms to efficiently integrate our economies into the global economic system. In this respect, we consider that equitable and participatory cooperation in which our concerns and vulnerabilities will receive the attention they deserve is fundamental.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“We confirm our support for the Agenda for Development. As a small State working to provide greater opportunities for its people, especially those who live in poverty, meaningful sustainable development is critical and can be achieved only through partnership with the international community. Regional and global cooperation are fundamental components for progress and necessitate a universal acceptance of our shared responsibility to create opportunities for growth and development. Please allow me to say a few words in Spanish. (spoke in Spanish) Globalization amply demonstrates our interdependence and the importance of cooperation with the rest of the world based on the principle of mutual respect.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“For us, securing a better future for the millions 15 who live in poverty continues to be our most noble of challenges. To meet this challenge, the United Nations must remain true to its task as set forth in the Charter and reaffirmed just over a year ago when our heads of State and Government gathered here and adopted the Millennium Declaration. That Declaration outlines various issues critical to the realization of a world with less poverty, death and despair, exhorting the values of freedom, equality, justice and tolerance. We must not allow the events of 11 September to cause us to lose our focus on this righteous undertaking — we must stay the course. For Belize, the path to fulfilling the goals of the Millennium Declaration begins with addressing the issues of development and poverty eradication.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“As we joined in mourning the loss of innocent lives, including some of our own nationals, the international community moved swiftly to adopt a number of resolutions here at the United Nations. Through these actions we forcefully condemned acts of terrorism and reached out to the United States of America in solidarity, firm in our support to uphold the principles of justice and the maintenance of peace. Today, despots feast in the raging rivers of desperation, seeking refuge among the weak, preying upon the vulnerabilities of the less fortunate. Those who are caught in the sweeping currents of poverty, forced to live in a world were a dollar is a luxury, find little hope for a better future and are often abused by those who manipulate them for selfish and destructive reasons.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Foreign Minister Han Seung-soo, on behalf of my delegation, I extend congratulations to him on his election as President of the fifty-sixth session of the Assembly. The manner in which he has guided our work thus far is outstanding and worthy of our recognition. We wish him continued success as he presides over this Assembly. To the Secretary-General and to the United Nations, we extend congratulations on being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Before I proceed, please allow me, on behalf of the Belizean people, to extend to the President and the people of the United States of America, especially to the people of New York City, our heartfelt condolences on the tremendous loss suffered on 11 September. For most of us, the immediate reaction to this tragedy was one of shock and disbelief.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“We understand that an American Airlines flight to the Dominican Republic has gone down in Queens. We extend the condolences and the support of my Government to the United States and the Dominican Republic. That we have forged ahead with the fifty-sixth session of the General Assembly and that political leaders have assembled for the general debate mark an extraordinary accomplishment, one that brings great credibility to the United Nations. I applaud and thank all who reside in this great city for continuing their work. Today, more than ever, our efforts and energies should focus on implementing the purposes and principles of our Charter and should inspire hope and confidence in all humanity.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“We must find new ways of thinking to help us reform these institutions, which create inequality and therefore divide us. Let us commit ourselves to reducing redundancy, eliminating waste and refining our responsiveness to Member needs, but let us do it quickly. The United Nations is our truest form of global representation. It possesses the capacity to elicit the best from all of us. Together, our ability to accomplish these ideals set out in the Millennium Declaration is possible. Let us rededicate ourselves to its fulfilment.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“We continue to support the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. Likewise, we call upon this Organization to recognize the desire of the 23 million people of the Republic of China on Taiwan for the opportunity to contribute and participate in the work of this Organization and other international bodies. The Millennium Declaration, adopted by our heads of State and Government, reminds us of our responsibility to protect those fundamental values such as freedom, equality, solidarity, tolerance, respect for nature and responsibility. It calls for collective action to be undertaken by developed and developing nations to advance the cause of peace, protect our children and preserve the planet for future generations. These are goals that can be achieved through greater inclusion and genuine concern for each other.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“These successes, however, should not distract us from the suffering and injustices still being endured by millions of people. In Africa the situation in Angola, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of the Congo concerns us. The spread of the HIV/AIDS virus is alarming; we must do what is necessary to assist those afflicted. We are troubled by the situation in Timor. The recent events, which resulted in the death of United Nations peacekeeping personnel, were tragic. We also learned of the death of another United Nations official in Guinea. We condemn these acts, and join with the Secretary-General in expressing our condolences to the families of those who gave their lives for the cause of peace. Belize joins others in support of the Middle East peace process.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Together with local non-governmental organizations, we are seeking an adequate balance between the protection of our natural resources and the fulfilment of the development needs of our people, while agreeing that our environmental protectionism must work in harmony with our developmental needs. Much has been accomplished over the past year. On social issues, we reaffirmed our commitment to the development of women during the Beijing + 5 conference. The Copenhagen + 5 conference addressed the need for greater social development and, together with our partners in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Belize actively participated in the Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons 3 (NPT). Belize continues to push for an end to the shipping of nuclear waste through the Caribbean Sea.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“We in Belize understand that we have a global responsibility to protect our natural resources. That is why we are signatories to the Framework Convention on Climate Change and are in the process of signing the Kyoto Protocol. However, our efforts can be effective only if others are equally committed. We encourage our developed partners to continue to honour the commitments they made in Rio to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a timely manner. Currently, over 40 per cent of Belizean land is under protected status, our precious coral reefs are closely monitored and our tropical rain forests carefully managed.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Developed countries must commit themselves to a process of globalization that is not only free, but fair. Just as they request the opening up of our markets, such institutions and the administrators of globalization must be more open, democratic and representative. Thus, just as we work with civil society to help us to deal with our political and social needs, they must work together with the international civil agencies so that the needs of the poorest can be provided for. We will never achieve the objective of just world if poverty continues to affect our people. The eradication of poverty is our moral duty. (spoke in English) We agree that true sustainable development cannot occur without the protection and preservation of our environment. This must be a path that combines the efforts of all nations.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“We enjoy a vibrant and working democracy where 85 per cent of our voting population exercise their franchise to vote; we have an open economy where all are encouraged to participate; and we have formed partnerships with civil society to address social needs and protect our precious environment. We have been responsible, yet all we see of globalization is the threat of the elimination of our current economic sustenance. If this is the legacy of globalization, then those of us who have suffered at the hands of this new order must ask if globalization today is responsible, if it is good. We continue to believe that it can be. (spoke in Spanish) In the current economic order, small economies such as ours can aspire to a productive future only if the architects of this new modality provide us with the necessary assistance.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“It is not sustainable because those who lead the way seek only the advancement of their personal interests. The proponents of globalization advised that market liberalization would lead to prosperity. We were encouraged to transform our economies and create more effective and efficient government. We have tried, and continue to try, to do so. However, our call for assistance with this transformation has not always been heard. However, much of what has been asked of most of us, we have done. The fact that today in Central America and the Caribbean every nation is legislated by a democratically elected Government and that we have opened our borders, markets and lifestyles to others, demonstrates our commitment to transparency and effective governance. In Belize, we have done our part to ensure equitable development.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Belize adheres to the principle of the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and in this spirit continues to work with Guatemala to arrive at a negotiated and peaceful resolution of our differences. Belize will comply with the recently agreed framework established through the Organization of American States. For some time now, this institution has engaged in a conversation on development for the future and, more specifically, on globalization. For developing countries, globalization, as it exists today, poses serious concerns that seem to fall on the deaf ears of those who continue to push us along what is obviously a destructive path. While we welcome the promises of this new economic order, we continue to fear globalization in its current form, for what we have seen so far is neither responsible nor sustainable.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Our forces must protect innocent women and children; provide refuge to those who seek to promote principles of democracy; and rise up against rogue individuals and organizations that threaten to undermine democratic Governments. To achieve this, let us first commit ourselves to reinforcing the preventive capacity of the United Nations peacekeeping forces. 2 Belize regards peacekeeping operations as an important component of the United Nations. We agree that for our forces to be effective, they must be well equipped and capable of defending themselves. We continue to meet the financial commitments assigned to Belize based on the principle of capacity to pay. We welcome the recent Brahimi report, which is progressive and takes a comprehensive look at our peacekeeping efforts. My delegation supports the recommendations it advances.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Despite the many advances we have made, many of us continue to allow our differences to lead to conflict, which results in overwhelming suffering and hinders human development. We must avoid these costly conflicts, for without peace we cannot grow. At its inception, this institution recognized that peace and the elimination of war were essential to human development. Although we seem to have reduced the likelihood of another global conflagration, we continue, at the regional and local levels, to allow our differences to divide us, resulting in overwhelming suffering, which further hinders progress and development. As a global institution, we must actively work to end all conflict. Our peacekeeping efforts must therefore be proactive and efficient.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“In his brief address to the Summit, my Prime Minister stated: “we are called to a new appointment with history: to bring democracy to global governance, to share a better and more productive future where all can live in dignity and peace.” (A/55/PV.3) Together with the goals put forward in the Declaration, this sets before us an agenda for our way forward. In moving forward, we must begin by rededicating ourselves to upholding the fundamental principles of our Charter, principles which seek freedom from fear and want in a world where discrimination and hate are eradicated and the right of all people to live peaceful, quality lives is realized. These ideas are as relevant today as they were 55 years ago.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“On behalf of the Belize delegation, I extend my congratulations to you, Sir, on your election to the presidency. Your vast experience in international affairs will greatly aid in our deliberations during this fifth-fifth session of the Assembly. We are enriched by the presence of our newest Member, the Republic of Tuvalu; we welcome Tuvalu to our United Nations family with the assurance of Belize's cooperation and support. The recently concluded Summit, which produced a progressive and far-reaching resolution, has set the pace for our deliberations during this general debate. Although the goals are ambitious, their achievement is crucial to the future of the United Nations.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)