YouSaid · the spoken record

Prince MOHAMED BOLKIAH

lines on the record: 106
first: 1985-09-24
most recent: 2010-09-24
sittings or episodes: 12
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

“On the one hand, we can continue to devote our severely stretched finances to deal with what I would respectfully call yesterday's problems. I call them that because many date back to the founding years of the Organization. They are most obvious, of course, in the Middle East, where a just and lasting settlement for the Palestinian people is so long overdue. Others are the lingering concerns of the century before that. A few even go back half a dozen centuries or more. Yet we are still using up many scarce human and material resources sticking temporary patches over these problems. Of course, sadly, that is always going to be part of our work. We have them in every continent, every region and subregion, even today in our own part of the 34 world in South-East Asia.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“I refer to a host of challenges facing us on the eve of the new millennium, problems touching on all aspects of human affairs: overpopulation, migration and diminishing resources; economic and financial problems; social and cultural ones; far-reaching environmental ones; and even transnational criminal ones. These are what I would describe as today's problems. I say this because today we are at a special time when the birth of a new century is bound to provide renewed hope for the people we represent. This means that every one of us here, from the newest Member to the great nations of the Security Council, has a valued contribution to make to our efforts to meet this Organization's overriding future challenge. This challenge, I feel, amounts to a choice between two basic approaches.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“I extend my congratulations to Mr. Gurirab on his election and my warmest respects to his predecessor, Mr. Didier Opertti. My very best wishes go to them both and to our fellow Members, together with my great appreciation to Secretary-General Annan for all his work on behalf of the General Assembly during the past year. I would like to offer a special welcome to our new Members, the Kingdom of Tonga and the Republics of Kiribati and Nauru. They join us at a time when all of us, big and small, are feeling what we might call the “cutting edge” of certain problems. These problems cut very deeply indeed into the lives of the people we all represent. They are the ones the United Nations will be increasingly called upon to address in the coming decades.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“This will place the emphasis in the United Nations on work which will reinforce peace and stability, reject violence and confrontation and strengthen the foundation of social development. In other words, nothing in the interests of ordinary people can be solved by violence and war. If they have to exist, let the violence be directed against despair and the war be made on suffering.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“This is also very much in agreement with the strong appeal we made last year, when, in the context of United Nations reform, we stated that, whatever we do, we have to be sure that nothing weakens what the United Nations does well for ordinary people. By this I mean its work in the field. It is this which gives the Organization meaning to billions. It is the fundamental reason for the existence of the United Nations today, a body founded in the name of “we the peoples”. So, in commending our Secretary-General’s efforts, I would also like to give him our full support in fulfilling the peoples’ need for economic prosperity and social development, and in ensuring that these two concerns remain firmly connected.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“As the Secretary-General has stated, the United Nations is a place where the connection can be made — one which is so often neglected elsewhere — between economic and social development on the one hand and international peace and security on the other. We entirely agree with him. His observations reflect the need for us to address not policy positions, but ordinary people’s problems — jobs, education, food and security — and to address them from their own perspectives and needs. That is why we very much appreciate the fact that the various conferences this body has hosted within the last 12 months have been directed towards recognizing people and their day-to-day concerns.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Above all, I would like to thank him for what I feel is crucial in the developing world today, and that is the call he has made for leadership: leadership in ending local hostilities; leadership in making peace processes work; and, perhaps most important of all, leadership in summoning the political will to translate policies made at the national, regional or global level into day-to-day real benefits for ordinary people. It is leadership, in short, aimed at encouraging two things: first, tolerance in the acceptance of differences and the need to resolve all disputes peacefully, no matter how hard this may be; and, secondly, in placing people at the core of policy-making.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“In trying to answer this question, the Non-Aligned Movement recently spoke of a primary need to voice the suffering of the billions it represents. It also spoke of this Assembly as the only forum in which that voice can be heard with the strength and insistence it deserves. That is why I would like to thank our Secretary- General, not just for attending the Non-Aligned summit, but also for displaying heartfelt concern for the special problems faced by developing nations.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“It is the terror of the innocent victims of bombings; of those who flee from civil war; or of those, such as the people of Kosovo and Rwanda, who have experienced savage inhumanity. It is the despair of our neighbours in China, Bangladesh and Papua New Guinea, stricken by devastating natural disasters. For many, many millions of people, the end of this century is not a time for any millennial celebrations. It is a time of enormous human suffering. As many of us remarked at the recent summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, at a time when technology presents greater opportunity for human development than ever before and when the power of globalization offers us unique chances to work together, how can this possibly be?”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“I extend my congratulations to Mr. Opertti on his election and my appreciation to the former President for all his work over the last year. In looking back over the year, I think we would agree that it has been extremely disturbing for most developing nations. At best, it has been one of troubling uncertainty and a deep sense of frustration. At worst, it has seen terror and despair. It is the uncertainty felt by millions in our own region, caught unprepared by the process of globalization and ending up unemployed. It is the frustration experienced by those like the current, third adult generation of Palestinian refugees who declare with understandable defiance that they have suffered enough.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“One thing, however, is beyond question, I feel: the world is even more than ever in need of the moral force of United Nations principles to guide it. May I assure you, Mr. President, that in its efforts to remain strong and effective and credible, the United Nations has the lasting support and commitment of the Government and the people of Brunei Darussalam.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“This is that the increasing gap between the North and the South in terms of development and the possibility of making progress must be closed. The Secretary-General has suggested an important shift in emphasis for the United Nations — from politics to global economic development. I think the Secretary-General is quite right. It is essential that the United Nations move in this direction. Peace-keeping, though much valued, is a costly, short-term response to global peace. The longer-term solution is widespread economic development. What we do ask, however, is that this be done urgently as time is not on the side of developing nations. We naturally cannot predict what form the United Nations will take in the next half century of its existence.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“But it should also mean that everyone accepts that it is unthinkable for nuclear weapons ever to be used again. The ultimate aim now is the abolition of all such weapons. If this is indeed accepted, then the idea of nuclear weapons as a deterrent cannot be logically sustained; nor can the need to continue testing such weapons. Instead, the logic of the post cold war period applies and leads us to the more modern concept of security. In other words, we should be doing everything we can to take advantage of the peace dividend and work together to solve the great environmental, social and economic challenges we all face. There is one more lesson I believe this early post cold war period has taught us. It is perhaps the most urgent of all.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“We are still hopeful that the peace process there will reach a just and comprehensive conclusion. However, what has been shown in Palestine is what was also evident in Cambodia: peace negotiations and even peace treaties require more than just formal recognition by the international community; practical assistance from us all is needed if the result is to be lasting peace. The third recent lesson I see for us lies in recognizing to the full that the end of the cold war has made us aware of many other aspects of security which lie deeper than just military defence. Next year, we hope that a comprehensive test ban treaty will be in effect. Among other things, it would be a most appropriate way to acknowledge the reminders we have had this year of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“The first of these arises from the crisis faced by the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina since 1991. Certainly, we are pleased to see welcome signs of hope in that country. However, I think it will be very difficult for most of us to forget how badly United Nations personnel have been treated. Nor do we wish ever again to experience the frustration we have felt over our representatives’ inability to implement Security Council resolutions. The Bosnian tragedy has obviously raised a great number of questions. But, above all, I feel, we have been taught one extremely important thing: if the United Nations is to be involved in a future situation like this, its 21 representatives must be given all the resources they need, so that they can carry out their tasks effectively. A second lesson can be drawn, from the Middle East.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“So perhaps the most encouraging feature of international affairs today is that in every part of the world countries are trying very hard indeed to respond to this new challenge. I also think it is fair to say that whatever can be done by individual countries or regional association is being attempted. Having said that, however, I must add that there is one thing we cannot do: no country or regional group on its own can make the whole world stable and peaceful. For this, we rely on the United Nations. It is the only mechanism which can deal with the basic causes of instability. Therefore, I would like to suggest that this is the most important responsibility of the United Nations today. If it is to carry it out successfully, however, I also suggest that there are a number of useful lessons to be learned from recent experiences.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“The very worrying signs of what could lie ahead are already quite clear. There are humanitarian problems on a vast scale. We face social and environmental issues which affect the whole world. There is instability in world financial affairs. Trade disputes disrupt the peaceful conduct of international commerce. There is also what we believe is the most serious concern of all: the development gap between the North and the South is growing wider and wider. This all means that the United Nations has an extremely challenging agenda as it starts out on the next 50 years of its existence. An international situation now exists in which it is essential that we recognize the stake each of us has in the welfare of all the others. We all have to reaffirm our commitment to working very closely together as United Nations Members.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“This is now over, but it seems to have left behind a situation in which there is great potential for instability in the rest of the world. Much of this, of course, is the result of the changes which have taken place in 50 years. The centres of power have moved, and the danger spots have shifted. We all depend on each other a lot more for peace, security and development. The changes are so profound that many of us feel they may call for an equally profound reform of this Organization. Brunei Darussalam is a fairly new Member, but we tend to think there is a strong case for this. We believe the United Nations has to adapt to change. We also hope this can be done soon. The future could hold some very serious problems, and they will require a United Nations which is well prepared to handle them.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“Given all the recent changes which have taken place in world affairs, our fiftieth anniversary comes at a critical period. I would therefore like to offer a few thoughts on the approach we in Brunei Darussalam would like to see the United Nations taking in the future. Fifty years ago, at the first session of the General Assembly, President Truman’s opening address described the purpose of the United Nations as being “to provide the means for maintaining international peace in the future”. (Official Records of the General Assembly, First Session, Plenary Meetings, 34th meeting, p. 682) The approach the United Nations took at that time was successful. It certainly stopped great Powers from making war on each other in Europe. However, it also led to the cold war.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“At the same time, I would like to look outside our Organization and thank our hosts. Here I am referring to the people of New York and all the other cities around 20 the world who for 50 years have accepted the demanding responsibility of being a United Nations venue. Their support and good will have been crucial, and I would like to say how much we appreciate this. With that, may I now turn to current business and offer the President my congratulations on his election. I am sure he will guide us well during what we hope will be a most successful year. I would also like to thank the outgoing President, His Excellency Mr. Amara Essy, for his contribution to our work over the past year and to convey my best wishes to the Secretary-General and his staff.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“As we will soon be commemorating half a century of United Nations work, may I start by presenting warm fiftieth- anniversary greetings from Brunei Darussalam to all our fellow Members. Also, before commenting on our present situation, I would like to take this brief opportunity to thank two groups of people who do not receive much publicity and who I hope will not be overlooked in the general celebration. First, I think it would be most appropriate at this time to mention those who have served this Organization in the field as representatives of our various agencies or as part of our peace-keeping operations and special missions. Their work has always been at the heart of United Nations efforts. It has given people throughout the world a chance to look ahead with hope, and we wish all who are engaged in this work much continued success.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“In this way, I believe we can make considerable progress towards establishing what the Secretary-General has described as a workable international system.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“These are intended to give confidence to Members that United Nations decisions reflect the widest possible spectrum of world opinion. If they also assist in solving the world body’s deep 8 General Assembly - Forty-eighth session financial problems, I see merit in considering them favourably. We all have our different views on how the United Nations should best operate. Whatever they are, I hope we will make every effort to encourage our regional and subregional associations to play a crucial supporting role. Ideally, each region will be working on its own agenda for peace and development which will complement the work of the world body. The more this is done, the more the United Nations will be able to act in the way in which it is most effective - as the authority of last resort.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“However, these efforts and the fact that conflict has not been allowed to spread outside the regions concerned should not divert our attention from the deep matters of principle involved. That is why we wish to express our strong support for the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We believe that the United Nations Charter would be severely compromised if the Organization became a party to any arrangement which forces a sovereign nation and fellow Member of the United Nations to submit to aggression. Not only would this condone terrorism - it would reward it. In seeking to ensure that the United Nations does not become merely another factor in a local political equation, there are a number of proposals for reform.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“I feel that we can continue to turn them into positive developments if we note carefully the circumstances under which the United Nations appears to achieve its greatest successes. These occur when the special responsibilities of national Governments, non-governmental organizations and regional associations are recognized and agreed upon before the world body is asked to act. Where those responsibilities have been in confrontation with each other, the effectiveness of United Nations operations has been hindered. This is clearly illustrated in Somalia and in Bosnia. In those countries, the United Nations initially acted in order to guarantee safe and effective humanitarian assistance. There have been considerable successes in these operations, and I thank those who have achieved them for their humanitarian work.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The countries in the Gulf region are also in a position to work towards peaceful solutions to the remaining areas of difficulty. In the Middle East, current developments should start a process that will restore all legitimate Palestinian rights and should lead to a comprehensive settlement in the region. In terms of the world economy, objectives have been set. What we hope to see now is equally clear progress in strengthening linkages between the North and the South and in creating conditions that promote cooperation and sustainable growth. To do this, we need to improve the existing mechanisms for preventing economic disagreements from turning into open conflict. Each nation has a responsibility to promote fair trading arrangements throughout the world. Today’s overall situation presents many challenges.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“It has also maintained its peace- keeping operations in a number of problem areas. The United Nations has also organized important international conferences where nations have been able to exchange views on many matters of international concern. This represents a considerable contribution to preventive diplomacy and peace-building. In each case, I hope these achievements will be consolidated by national and regional authorities. In Cambodia, we wish the new Government every success as they go about the task of bringing lasting stability to their nation. Like all the countries in our region, we look forward to seeing the Cambodian people enjoying peace and prosperity again. In South Africa, I believe conditions now exist for national leaders to encourage restraint and seek consensus.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The success of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia has shown what can be done through responsible regional efforts and patient multilateral action. In South Africa, national, regional and international efforts in support of United Nations resolutions have brought new hope. In the Middle East, the United Nations has been a positive influence in reducing tension after the Gulf War. We also welcome the agreement between the Palestine Liberation Organization and Israel. This is the first step towards a peaceful settlement of the Palestinian question. There have also been several initiatives aimed at improving the world economy and developing better trading arrangements in regions. At the same time, the United Nations has continued to give essential assistance to people in developing countries.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“At the same time, it has continued to take up the challenges presented by the many far-reaching social, humanitarian and Forty-eighth session - 6 October l993 7 environmental problems of our day. These have proved more and more difficult to contain within national or even regional boundaries. The United Nations responsibilities have often been undertaken under most unfavourable conditions. I am therefore pleased that our Secretary-General and the countries representing the United Nations have always responded positively to the situations they have faced. I hope that they will continue to do this, even after such distressing events as those which have occurred in Somalia this week. I say this because the past year has seen so many valuable achievements.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Before making my statement I should like to take this opportunity to express my country’s deepest sympathy with the Government and people of India as they mourn the thousands of lives lost during last week’s earthquake. I wish to congratulate you on your election, Mr. President; to thank the outgoing President for his contribution to the work of the United Nations; and to welcome all the new Members of our Organization. Much has been expected of the United Nations in the past year. Its priority has been to ensure that the profound political and economic change does not result in global conflict. This has sometimes meant coordinating international efforts. On other occasions the United Nations has had to take the lead in these operations.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“He can indeed create a situation whereby individual Member nations see solutions to problems in terms of collective security. Brunei Darussalam will lend its fullest support to all moves designed to encourage such a process.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“He should accept that common global problems require unified action. He should not have to wait for bilateral or regional differences to be settled before taking such action. Responsible regional organizations can be of great assistance in deciding what form it should take. This situation, however, can only be brought about if nations demonstrate their political will when it comes to supporting international principles. If this is done, a climate of cooperation and negotiation can truly emerge from a common perspective. I contend that the welfare and security of all people are increasingly served by a strong United Rations in which regional organizations play vital supporting roles. I believe that the means I have outlined are available to us.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“There are of course many other areas of pressing concern. I think that countries can contribute much towards improving them through their various regional or international associations. I feel that it is important to recognize that regional dialogue serves to increase the sense of security felt by all parties. It will certainly help to ensure that one nation's security concern does not become another's security threat. In summary, I believe that a situation whereby regional bodies assert increasingly important roles in support of United Nations objectives is a realistic vision. Today I have offered some thoughts on problems which are still outstanding security concerns despite a new political climate. In their light I have also stressed that we have already in place some practical means of addressing them. We need to use them.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“In particular, we welcome recent developments in Cambodia as the parties and countries concerned with the conflict work towards its final comprehensive settlement. In Korea, we believe that the regional framework for International cooperation which has promoted North-South dialogue has been most valuable. In South Africa, we have seen how countries and international organisations finally persuaded the Pretoria regime to set about removing apartheid. Similarly, in the Middle East, the initiatives taken by the United States, together with the actions of the International community and regional institutions, have brought us some renewed hope. We feel that a lasting peace and a just settlement within the terms of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) may ultimately be achieved.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“As the Persian Gulf war has shown, the end of the cold war will not mean the end of regional disputes which affect international peace. More positively, however, it has demonstrated the need to cooperate. It has shown that we are capable of working together towards United Nations goals when a common threat to our global community arises. It has also shown that we can do that even though bilateral and multilateral disputes may continue to disrupt regional peace. In this regard, I think that regional Institutions have a most Important role to play in making aura that regions remain stable. Over the past two years we have been pleased to observe this taking place in Europe, America, Africa, Asia and the Pacific.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“Every Member of this body should take an active part, in helping to define its role. In this way, we can be confident that the United Nations will not see solutions to problems from limited perspectives. The post-cold-war period is a time to call upon Member States to do everything possible to reach a shared understanding on how bilateral and regional problems are to be resolved. It is perhaps our most urgent need. Without it there can be no agreement on what must be done to address the problems of social and economic development; there can also be little common ground when it comes to deciding what we must do to protect the environment. Other moves call upon us to recognize that the scope of our current problems demands a broad approach. To this end, we must encourage better understanding, cooperation and interdependence.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“I think that the recent announcements made by the Presidents of the United States and the Soviet Union about reducing nuclear arms are most welcome initiatives. So are the encouraging responses given by other nuclear Powers. They indicate that a new process is under way. I believe that it may start to answer the repeated calls for action in this area which have been made by many United Nations Members. I fun also particularly glad about the way in which the United Nations has become involved in trying to help solve regional conflicts. I am pleased to see us beginning to address global Issues together. However, the final success of the United Nations depends on the attitude of its Member countries and organisations. It is up to all of us to contribute to building up the type of United Nations we want to see.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“These issues represent security problems which are just as dangerous as any act of open hostility. They reflect a disturbing level of uncertainty. Despite positive global changes, they add up to a host of problems which no one country can solve alone. They are all likely to lead to disputes. The only way we can stop these turning into open war, I believe is for us to act in unity. Therefore we need to identify security concerns in a global context. If that can be done, then we must work together to find solutions. I see those two needs as crucial. As I have said, I do not overlook the positive developments we have seen in the post-cold-war period. They have offered signs that it is possible for us to move forward together.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“The cold war may indeed be over, but we can see that many nations are still very worried about their security. Noted political gains must be balanced against continuing violence, social unrest and grave civil strife in several regions. Moreover, three specific global issues present themselves. I refer here firstly to the risk that certain development programmes may lead to great environmental damage. Secondly, I note that the drug menace is presenting a lasting threat to the welfare of the young people who constitute the productive sector of all nations. Finally, I add to these our ever-increasing ability to cause human and material destruction. I am worried most of all by the fact that we do not seem to have found a way to control the development and spread of such technology.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“However, we have seen a number of problems which demand early solution. We cannot put them off until a later date. They are bound to affect the positive trends which have started to bring about a new order in Europe. Unless we can try to do something about them urgently, they are going to become very grave indeed. We can see that there is already much uncertainty in many parts of the world. The start of a new world order has perhaps helped to remove some of the outward signs of long-term problems; but it has not. yet shown us how to go about dealing with the problems themselves. Their basic causes are still with us. I am very much encouraged by the many positive efforts which have been made to create a peaceful and stable world. Nevertheless, I also think that there is a real need to prevent old problems recurring.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“Sir, I should like to congratulate you upon your election as President of the Assembly at this session. I am very pleased to see such a distinguished office held by a representative of our close friend, Saudi Arabia. May I also express my appreciation to the outgoing President, Guido de Marco. At the same time, I particularly wish to thank the Secretary Genera] for the excellent work he has done, often under very difficult circumstances. Brunei Darussalam would also like to welcome seven new Members of the United Nations: the Republic of Korea, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Brunei Darussalam still maintains what I described here last year as "cautious optimism".”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“The United Nations is the forum in which all States, big and small, can make their contribution to fostering peace, security and well-being in the world.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“The escalation of the nuclear arms race, both in amount and in type, has heightened the risk of the outbreak of nuclear war. It has led to greater insecurity and instability in international relations. As a small nation mindful of our responsibility and conscious of our vulnerability, we welcome the continuation of bilateral negotiations between the United States of America and the Soviet Union. We are concerned over the outcome of the negotiations and we hope that those negotiations will produce concrete and effective agreements to prevent an escalation of the arms race and the beginning of an arms race in outer space. I wish to conclude by reaffirming that Brunei Darussalam will always support this Organization.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“It entails criminal activities which could threaten the stability of States. It is now becoming more urgent for concerted international action to combat the threat that drug abuse and illicit trafficking pose to the international community. We welcome the proposal of the Secretary-General before the plenary meeting of the Economic and Social Council that a world conference on narcotic drugs be convened at ministerial level in 1987. Such a conference would provide the added impetus and necessary political mandate for accelerated action in combating the international drug problem. I cannot end this statement without mentioning the greatest peril facing the world today, that of the threat to the survival of mankind from nuclear war.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“We believe that the direct contacts could lead to a reduction of tension in the peninsular and hence contribute to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region. The people of North and South Korea must be allowed to resolve their own problems in their own way. In keeping with the principle of universality, they could, if they so desired, become Members of the United Nations, without prejudice to reunification. The world is also beset by problems of a non-political nature. Drug abuse and illicit trafficking is one such problem; indeed, it has become a global problem. The security implications are serious. It causes suffering to individuals, particularly the young, it weakens the social fabric of nations. It represents direct and indirect economic costs to Governments.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“I should fail in ray duty today if I did not mention the question of the Palestinians. We have always supported the principle of the inalienable right of a people to have a home. We therefore continue to lend our support to the call for recognition of the Palestinians' right to establish their own independent and sovereign State in their own territory. The Palestinians problem, we believe, can be solved only by the unconditional withdrawal of all Israeli forces from the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967, including Jerusalem. In spite of all these gloomy situations, there are some encouraging signs in other parts of the globe. Brunei Darussalam welcomes the recent developments and the many contacts between North and south Korea.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“We support the call of the international community for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Afghanistan. The war has caused untold misery and suffering to the people of Afghanistan. Millions of them have been forced to seek refuge in the neighboring countries. This in turn causes immense problems for the countries concerned. Closely associated with the problem in Afghanistan, is the repeated incursions of foreign forces into Pakistani territory. Those violations are in direct contravention of the very principles we all value and cherish, the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter: respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations. Brunei Darussalam therefore joins other nations in calling for an immediate halt to those incursions.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“South Africa must see, and be made to see, that it cannot suppress those legitimate aspirations by force for ever. The international community condemns the practice of apartheid. Change is inevitable. Apartheid has no place in the world anymore. It has to go. Talking of freedom and democracy also brings our attention to the struggle for independence of the Namibian people. We have always supported the people of Namibia in their struggle for liberation. The occupation of Afghanistan by foreign forces which enters its sixth year is also a matter which is always attracting attention. Brunei Darussalam always believes in the principle that foreign intervention of a sovereign country cannot be condoned. Nor can we tolerate foreign aggression.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“high goals is a necessary precondition in order that their pursuit and attainment is worthwhile. It remains a challenge to us all. The Charter speaks of freedom and sovereign equality. It speaks of fundamental human rights and it also speaks of tolerance and living together in peace with one another as good neighbors. Speaking of freedom, we know that this is where we fall far short of our objectives. We need to put pressure on those who refuse to respect this fundamental aspect of the principles of the Charter. Speaking of freedom and equality, we immediately focus our attention on South Africa. The aspirations of the majority for freedom, equality and democracy cannot be suppressed. The racist South African regime must realize that the whole international community is against it.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“Despite all these, Viet Nam repeatedly claims that it sincerely desires to live in peace with its neighbors. But it appears that its words are different from its deeds. Indeed> if Viet Nam is genuinely serious, then it should act in accordance with the spirit and the principles of this body. It should immediately take steps to implement the various United Nations resolutions on Kampuchea. Many who have spoken before me said that the creators of the United Nations have created a set of goals and ideals far too high for it to be achieved. But the men and women who set up this Organization 40 years ago this month are among the great statesmen of the century. They have set the goals knowing full well that the world's nations probably would fall short of those high ideals. They must also have known and realized that the setting of the.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)