YouSaid · the spoken record

Jigmi Yoser Thinley

lines on the record: 44
first: 1998-09-24
most recent: 2002-09-24
sittings or episodes: 4
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

“While I am fully aware that Bhutan is certainly not unique in its pursuit of happiness, I express the hope that more among us will join in that search with a greater sense of seriousness.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“We believe that it is the responsibility of the Government to create an enabling environment within which every citizen would have a reasonable opportunity to find happiness. Towards this end, all our development strategies must subscribe to strengthening of the four pillars of gross national happiness, which are: first, the ensuring of equitable and sustainable socio-economic development; secondly, conservation of our fragile mountain ecology; thirdly, promotion of basic human values and culture; and fourthly, the strengthening of good governance. It is my belief that those are the pillars on which the happiness of our human society can be firmly established.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“I wish to acknowledge the contributions of the United Nations and bilateral donors to the development of my country. We are grateful to our partners not only for the substantial amount of assistance we have received over the years, but for the acceptance of our insistence on being the master of our own destiny. Our partnership is characterized by a frank and open political dialogue of high intensity, while the cooperative arrangements at all levels are marked by a notable degree of transparency. My country continues to be guided by our goal of promoting gross national happiness' as opposed to simply targeting the enhancement of our gross national product as the end of development.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“In this context, Bhutan welcomes the endorsement of the New Economic Partnership for Africa's Development by the high-level plenary meeting of the General Assembly and hopes that the international community will provide the necessary support to this programme. This is particularly significant for those countries emerging from conflict, in which the rehabilitation of social and economic infrastructure is vital if peace is to be sustained. There is no lack of vision and strategies to overcome the socio-economic maladies that confront the global community. The Millennium Declaration Goals provide clear targets and strategies to reduce poverty, achieve sustainable development and reverse the devastating trend of HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. What we need is greater political will.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Without timely and adequate assistance to fill the resource gap to meet their basic development priorities, many of the developing countries will continue to suffer from marginalization. Clearly, there is a need to create a fair and equitable trading environment without prejudice to the flow of adequate Official Development Assistance. In particular, the special needs and vulnerabilities of least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing states must be comprehensively addressed to enable them to effectively integrate into the global economic system. In Africa, the international community must lend its full support to extricate the continent from the malaise of underdevelopment and to prevent its further marginalization.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“It is imperative that in our battle against terrorism, the norms and principles of this hallowed institution are not undermined. Our war on terrorism must continue to unite us. The realization of a new economic order that is inclusive, equitable and sustainable remains the most pressing challenge of the United Nations. The scourge of poverty and disease continue to afflict millions of people around the world. My delegation is compelled to reiterate its concern over the decline in official development assistance (ODA) and the parallel emphasis on market efficiency and trade as an engine of growth. We realize that trade underpins equal partnership and should represent the ultimate goal of economic development strategies. However, not all countries 12 have the necessary capacity to take advantage of the global trading system.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“The loss of lives and untold suffering and destruction wrought by the senseless acts of 11 September have united all of humanity against the evil of terrorism in all its manifestations. No clear orientation towards international peace and development is possible without uprooting this disease that has been allowed to afflict many of our societies. The United Nations must continue to play a central and decisive role in directing our collective resolve and efforts to eradicate terrorism. While in our own countries we must each take all possible measures to rid ourselves of this menace, we know that it is through the multilateral framework that our national, regional and global efforts can be effectively and rightly coordinated.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“My delegation takes great pleasure in welcoming the Swiss Confederation and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste as they take their rightful place in our family of nations. While we welcome the admission of Timor-Leste as a newly independent State, it is with a sense of deep satisfaction that we appreciate the decision of the Swiss people. It is an affirmation of their faith in the relevance and indispensability of the United Nations. They, more than any other people, have observed and studied with active participation the workings of this world body. As a country for which the United Nations will always be critically important, Bhutan is indeed deeply heartened.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“We have before us an array of issues that are as compelling and daunting as ever before. Many of these threaten to widen further the divides that separate us and deepen more the wounds that pain us. They challenge ever so severely our resolve to live in peace and harmony. But we remain hopeful. Under the President's leadership and guidance, we are confident that our deliberations will be purposeful and productive. Toward this, I assure the President of the full cooperation of my delegation. I take this opportunity to express our gratitude to His Excellency Mr. Han Seung-soo for his stewardship and contribution to the work of the fifty-sixth session. His presidency, at a most challenging time in the history of the United Nations, has enhanced the esteem of the international community for him and the Republic of Korea.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Without fair representation, the Council will risk emasculation — faltering on making decisions that are implemented feebly. The serious humanitarian, political and economic consequences of the terrorist acts demand unity of thought and action on the part of all nations. Terrorism must be rooted out. Yet, as in the conduct of our everyday life, there is a need for balance and moderation. Just as the reasons for soul-searching and doubt in ourselves as civilized beings are compelling, it is my earnest hope that the success of this session will be marked by the profundity of collective wisdom and commitment to restore lasting security, peace and normality.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“How does one give beyond the bounds of disposable surplus? As the representative of a developing country, I say this without wishing to undermine the greater importance of raising domestic revenues and devoting them to meeting the targets set. In this context, the defining moment will be offered at the International Conference on Financing for Development, to be held next year in Mexico. Now more than ever it is necessary to reform the Security Council. We cannot continue to procrastinate on this vital issue. The Council has to be a truly representative body if it is to be relevant, respected and effective. That is not possible when vast continents and significant populations in the world are left out of crucial decision-making processes on international peace and security.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“There are other disturbing uncertainties. Clearly, there is a need to better define and understand the scope and limits of the war on terrorism so that the fears of the broader clash that is being spoken of are calmed. How do we create a climate that can prevent the further diversion of resources to defence? Will the onslaught be protracted and consumptive in terms of our combined energy and resources? Amid such doubts and concerns, it is natural that we should worry about how the international community might be able to deliver on the hopes that were raised by the Millennium Declaration a year ago. Our capacity to fight HIV/AIDS and poverty becomes questionable, especially within the time frame we have set for ourselves. Against such a backdrop, the growing challenge will be how to share and give in difficult times.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“We also hope that, in the coming years, they will be able to find the environment of peace and security that has eluded them for too long. Unfortunately, the period of renewal and reconstruction at the individual, community and national levels will be long and arduous for a country that has been reduced to rubble by war and its ravaging companions. We appeal to the international community to give sustained support to Afghanistan in a way that is sympathetic and responsive to its immediate and long-term needs, while respecting fully the dignity of its proud people. Even as we call for sustained and adequate assistance to Afghanistan, we must acknowledge that the world is still reeling from the aftershocks of the attacks of 11 September. The cumulative impact on a world economy that was already following a downward trend has yet to be seen.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“However, we must remember that its impact will be determined not so much by the letter as by the spirit with which it is accepted and implemented by all Member States. For its part, Bhutan will make every effort to fulfil its duty as a Member State and a nation that is fully committed to the eradication of terrorism. Today, I signed the International Convention for the 32 Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, and in due course our legislature will clear the way for accession to the other conventions relating to international terrorism. The reign of terrorists in Afghanistan is coming to an end. It is our hope that the healing of the deep and painful wounds suffered interminably by the helpless and innocent victims will begin immediately.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“The current environment throughout the globalized world has harshly and most cruelly removed such misconceptions. People all over the world are losing their freedom, willingly or without choice, in a multitude of ways. And there is a pervasive sense of fear. Freedom is a heavy price to pay for anything. Civilized society ought to provide more liberty, not be cowed into affording less. The disease that is the cause must be stamped out. A determined and coordinated approach by all countries is the indispensable key. To this end, the United Nations must play the central role. It must inspire, unite and act. It must be behind all individual country, group and global efforts. In this context, the important initiative taken by the Security Council in resolution 1373 (2001) is to be welcomed.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Our hearts and minds are with the city of New York, which has not only been a gracious host to the United Nations, but is unparalleled in its generosity in giving shelter, livelihood, hope and joy to people of all races and creeds. Indeed, it came as no surprise that the scale of the tragedy made itself felt not only in the devastatingly high number of victims, but in the fact that people from more than 80 countries were counted among the dead. A small part of everyone died that day, for reasons that can never be explained or justified. Indeed, human society has been left to ponder its claim to being civilized. Until the tragedy of 11 September, the threat of terrorism was not fully appreciated. Those who had not felt its demonic wrath tolerated it as just another manifestation of social or political discontent.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Surely, failure to bring to justice those guilty of that crime, and those who follow the same path, would mean our collective submission to an endless reign of terror and to fearful darkness. It is the wish of the Government and the people of Bhutan that I should, once again, express our solidarity with the Government and the people of the United States and convey our heartfelt sympathy to those who have suffered the irreparable loss of their loved and dear ones. We admire the way in which the people of this great nation have come together to rise to the challenges that the tragic events have left in their wake. We pay tribute to the brave and the selfless who laid down their own lives as they fought to save those of others.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“I congratulate the President on his assumption of the difficult role of guiding the General Assembly at its fifty-sixth session. This session is being held during one of the saddest moments in the history of our Organization. Let me assure the President of the full support of my delegation in the discharge of his most important functions. The twenty-first century will forever be remembered for the fiery hell that engulfed the world on that dark day of a cloudless sky on 11 September. The horrific images of passenger aircraft flying to their doom to cause great death, grief and despair to countless people will always be a scar on our individual and collective memory.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“It requires patience, restraint and; indeed, courage: patience to persevere over many years in order to reap long-term benefits, restraint and self-control to refrain from fleeting compulsions and courage to sacrifice immediate gains in favour of long- term sustainable development. I would like to seize this opportunity to thank the many worthy members of this Assembly and the various United Nations and other multilateral agencies for their inspiration, cooperation and meaningful support in my country's endeavour to ensure progress and sustained gross national happiness.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“In pursuit of an equitable balance between material and spiritual development, the Government has consistently allocated a large share of resources over the last four decades for social services. Almost 30 per cent of the present national budget is allocated to the provision of free basic education and primary health care. To these are attributable a substantial jump in our literacy rate — and the advance in enrolment rate — and an increase in life expectancy for the average Bhutanese by 20 years in two decades. We have realized that balanced development is not always the easiest route to take. It entails considerable contemplation, a cautious approach and a deliberate choice of a measured path.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“It is important that we recognize their contributions and provide them with the necessary resources to effectively continue their support to developing countries. 26 Bhutan has always pursued a people-centred development process. Our national development strategies have always aimed at enhancing gross national happiness rather than merely increasing gross national product. This concept calls not only for economic development in the conventional sense, but for enriching the lives of the people in a holistic way, through the preservation and promotion of our rich cultural heritage, through the protection and conservation of our fragile mountain ecosystem and through the strengthening and exercise of good governance.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“As a founding member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) family, Bhutan is committed to further strengthening cooperation in South Asia, where infinitely vast resources and potentials remain locked and unrealized. We have made progress in fostering cooperation, particularly in the social fields, and in strengthening cooperation in the core economic areas. Of special significance is our commitment to establish the necessary mechanisms to enable SAARC to move from a preferential trade arrangement to a free trade arrangement within a reasonable period of time. One of the overriding responsibilities of the United Nations is in the field of socio-economic development. Over the decades, the contributions of the various United Nations agencies have been remarkable, although these have sometimes been taken for granted.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Bhutan recognizes that all parties must exert equal efforts in order to foster a successful development partnership, but it is increasingly concerned by the growing marginalization of least developed countries in global trade, whose share remains below 0.4 per cent. While the least developed countries have taken steps towards economic liberalization and institutional reform, their smooth integration into the global economy must be facilitated through preferential access to markets and assistance for institutional capacity-building and infrastructure development. In this regard, we are heartened by the general sensitivity and responsiveness shown by the World Trade Organization.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We are hopeful that the effective implementation of this decision will go a long way in supporting national efforts to reduce the debt burden of these countries to more serviceable levels and open for them the opportunities for real and sustained economic growth. While we commend our development partners that have reached or surpassed agreed official development assistance targets, we regret that with a few exceptions, the long-standing commitment to United Nations targets for official development assistance remains largely an unfulfilled goal. In this regard, Bhutan joins other developing countries in underlining the importance of the convening of a high-level conference on the financing of development within the framework of the United Nations.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Paradoxically, the rapid processes of change and adjustment have been accompanied by intensified poverty, unemployment and social disorientation. Fears that current patterns of market-driven globalization may even give rise to further marginalization of developing countries are not altogether unfounded. All these clearly indicate that there is an acute need for balance in order to forge a middle path for the process of globalization. My country welcomes the decision taken at the Cologne Summit in June 1999 by the G-8 aimed at alleviating some of the debt burden of the heavily indebted poor countries.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Progress on nuclear disarmament can take place only if the legitimate security concerns of all countries are addressed and if there is a firm commitment to the eventual elimination of all such weapons. Equal attention, we believe, must be given also to the regulation of global trade in conventional weapons and small arms. Terrorism continues to jeopardize and undermine human rights, fundamental freedoms and security in a growing number of countries and situations. There is an urgent need to accord greater priority to the elaboration of a comprehensive convention on international terrorism. The global community must enhance cooperation to prevent, combat and eliminate this scourge. Globalization offers unprecedented opportunities for sustained economic development.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Bhutan associates itself with the position of the Non- Aligned Movement, which maintains that new global realities must be reflected through reform of the Security Council, in terms of both its composition and its working methods. The legitimacy of an increased role and voice for developing countries must find expression in an increased permanent representation on the Council. We trust that deliberations on this matter will proceed within the established framework of General Assembly mechanisms, with the involvement of all Member States and with continued transparency. The threat to international peace and security posed by the abundance of weapons of mass destruction as well as conventional arms has not diminished.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“In our view, the primary mechanism for the maintenance of peace and security must make use of early dialogue aimed at peaceful resolution of differences. The use of force to resolve conflict must be considered with extreme caution; it must be fully within the context of international law and must enjoy the support of all the members of the international community. 25 The United Nations Charter entrusts responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security to the Security Council. While the Council must have the flexibility to act promptly, it, or its individual members, must not operate in isolation. The Council must be responsible to the international community at large and must respond to our collective aspirations for a more representative, relevant and effective Organization.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“At this, the last session of the General Assembly before the end of the millennium, it is incumbent upon us to consider whether the United Nations has lived up to the high ideals and expectations of all its Members. The primary objective and responsibility of the United Nations is the maintenance of global peace and harmony on the basis of international law and the sovereign equality of all nations. Even though the United Nations moved swiftly to assume this important responsibility of maintaining peace and security right from its inception, its effectiveness has not been optimal. The end of the cold war raised new hopes and expectations, and renewed efforts to exercise that responsibility. The task has been complex and difficult, and, sometimes, decisive action on some issues has led us to question why there was inaction on others.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“It is appropriate that, at this final session of the General Assembly of the twentieth century, the United Nations family has been expanded by yet another three Members. We look forward to the valuable contributions they will make to the Organization, and to working closely with them on issues of mutual concern. This century has witnessed perhaps the greatest changes in the annals of civilization, from enormous strides in science and technology to advances in social thought and organization. Yet we continue to witness the worst forms of devastation arising from conflict and from the buildup of destructive capacity. The United Nations was born out of the ashes of the Second World War as a reflection of the desire and aspiration of all people to live in peace and harmony.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Allow me to congratulate you most warmly, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the General Assembly at its fifty-fourth session. My delegation is confident that with your vast experience you will steer us through the daunting array of issues before us with great skill. I assure you of the full cooperation and support of my delegation. May I take this opportunity to express our gratitude to His Excellency Mr. Didier Opertti for his leadership and for his contribution to the work of the fifty-third session of the General Assembly. My delegation takes great pleasure in welcoming the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru and the Kingdom of Tonga as they assume their rightful positions in the comity of nations.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We remain convinced that the presence of developing countries is all the more essential for the reason that they form the object of most actions of the Council. Before I conclude, my delegation wishes to express its deep sadness over the loss of human life and destruction of property and infrastructure in the aftermath of the worst ever floods in Bangladesh. While the people of Bangladesh battle against this cruel act of nature, the people of Bhutan are one with them and have extended to them some assistance. As a least developed country, Bangladesh does not have the resources to alleviate the suffering of its people and to put itself on the road to recovery and normalization. We are hopeful that the international community will respond promptly and generously to the appeal of the Prime Minister and the Government of Bangladesh.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Bhutan is of the view that the current permanent members have an obligation to be more responsive to calls for multifaceted reforms of the Council. It must be rendered more effective and transparent through democratization and the enlargement of its membership, both in the permanent and non-permanent categories. New permanent members must include countries that have the capacity to share greater international responsibilities and reflect equitable geographical representation. We believe that Japan, whose apportionment of the United Nations regular budget will exceed 20 per cent by the year 2000, and India as a developing country which represents one sixth of humanity, are two countries that deserve permanent membership in the Security Council.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“These agencies often play a lead and coordinating role in such sectors of our national development programmes as health, education and infrastructure. Indeed, it is the face of the United Nations as a prime mover of development that the masses in many of our countries most appreciate and cherish. Differences in perspective have prevented us from arriving at a meaningful agreement on substantive issues concerning the reform of the Security Council. Sixty-five lengthy meetings held by the Open-ended Working Group on the question of Security Council expansion and reform have yielded few results, and tangible proposals remain elusive. My country firmly supports the position of the Non- Aligned Movement on this matter, as reiterated in the Final Document of its twelfth Summit meeting, which was convened in South Africa earlier this month.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“As we continue to assess the long-term implications of the Secretary-General’s proposal contained in his report, we should bear in mind the needs and aspirations of small and developing countries, which comprise the overwhelming majority of the United Nations membership. Efforts should also focus on further strengthening of the role and capacity of the Organization in the promotion of development. In this regard, we welcome the inter- agency collaborative arrangements, which we feel have already led to improved coordination and cost- effectiveness of the United Nations development agencies. In so saying, I should like to place on record the deep gratitude of the people of Bhutan for the vital role and 8 contributions of the various United Nations agencies in our country’s development efforts.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Against this backdrop, it is sad to note that shrinkage of official development assistance remains a serious concern. Political will must be generated to reverse this trend and to inject new vitality into international cooperation for development in the interest of shared and sustainable prosperity. Revitalization and reform of our Organization has been the singular underlying theme of recent sessions of the General Assembly. We are all agreed on the need for major changes if the United Nations is to effectively meet the current and emerging challenges of the twenty-first century.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Unless there is an accelerated process towards complete and comprehensive denuclearization beyond the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and beyond the Comprehensive Nuclear- Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), the world must be prepared to face the eventuality of a nuclear club that will lose its exclusivity. Active and not passive interdependence is the primary condition for all human progress in the future. It is clear that prosperity in one part of the global village cannot be sustained when poverty prevails in the other. Yet unconscionable levels of disparity continue to grow between the rich and the poor countries. While one section of human society is burying itself in the waste of conspicuous and excessive consumption, the other is plagued by hunger and exposure.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“The conclusion and effective implementation of a comprehensive international convention on terrorism therefore assumes great significance. The recent nuclear tests in South Asia have aroused much concern. However, we are heartened by the positive steps being taken by the concerned parties to calm the fears of the international community. As a small, peace-loving country, Bhutan has always condemned nuclear armament and advocated full and comprehensive elimination of all nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. Our delegation urges all participants in the disarmament processes to undertake a more realistic assessment of the prevailing global security arrangement, which, we believe, has the inherent weakness of enticing States to join an exclusive club.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Unless we look at our future and manage the compelling forces of globalization with a greater sense of spirituality and social concern, I fear that the global village will fail to provide much of that elusive state of joy and contentment to which we all aspire. Terrorism in all its manifestations is unjustifiable, regardless of the cause it seeks to espouse. It must be condemned in the strongest of terms. Those who use terror or the threat of terror target innocent people. Their objectives are clear: to foster an environment of fear if their goals are not met. Such heinous crimes against humanity must not go unpunished. The voices of those who live in constant fear of having the most fundamental of human rights — the right to live without fear and the right to life itself — abused and violated can no longer be ignored.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“The environment is wreaking havoc in many quarters of the world, causing loss of life and property in both the richest and the poorest countries. And just as trade, technology and the reality of interdependence force us to abide with each other in a world that is shrinking in space and natural resources, we find ourselves torn apart by bigotry, intolerance and hate. Terrorism is on the rise, our children are lured by drugs and crime, and even the richest nations among us can ill afford the rising cost of growing prison populations. Then, there is the spectre of a nuclear holocaust, which continues to haunt us.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“7 As we stand at the threshold of another millennium of human civilization, our generation of leaders and policy makers must not fail to grasp the unprecedented opportunities. Ours is the past and ours, too, is the future. Even as we are engaged in the last defining moments of the twentieth century, we have a decisive role in shaping the beginning of the next thousand years. We cannot undermine our own role. Narrow interests and differences must not be allowed to deter us from the greater legacy we owe to posterity. I believe that we should look upon all the challenges that have spiralled in recent years as a last reminder of the growing vulnerabilities of human society. There is the Asian crisis, which now threatens to cause global economic contraction and is already undermining the social and political stability of some nations.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Just three months ago our King introduced, through the National Assembly, some profound changes in the governance of our country. These changes are in addition to the earlier institutionalization of participatory decision making processes at the district and grass-roots levels. Upon dissolution of the appointed Cabinet, a new Council of Ministers has been elected for a specific term by the National Assembly. His Majesty the King has voluntarily relinquished his role as the head of Government and was further successful in convincing the National Assembly to introduce a mechanism for the removal of a reigning monarch through a periodic vote of confidence. Such ongoing changes have further strengthened the rule of law and have enhanced even further the direct participation of the people in development and governance.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Our Secretary-General stated in his address to the recent summit of the Non-Aligned Movement that “human rights are not simply a matter of civil and political freedom. Genuine freedom of choice requires economic, social and cultural emancipation too.” From the very beginning of our development process and to ensure such emancipation, Bhutan has been guided by a philosophy of maintaining a harmonious balance between material and spiritual prosperity. This we believe is the way forward to attaining our goal of gross national happiness. I have the pleasure to inform the Assembly that the throne of the Kingdom of Bhutan has always been the fountainhead of the many changes in our country which have led to greater empowerment of the people.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“It is with great pleasure that I congratulate you, Mr. President, on your unanimous election to preside over the General Assembly at this session. This session is particularly significant because we are celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is also important for a less uplifting reason: during this session the international community is confronted with serious challenges and is hard pressed to find collective wisdom to deal with disturbing developments and trends. As you guide us in our deliberations on these issues, I wish you well and would like to extend to you the full support of my delegation. I also wish to join the preceding speakers, all of whom have justly praised the excellent work done by your predecessor, Mr. Hennadiy Udovenko.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)