YouSaid · the spoken record

Jamieson

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS JAMIESON

lines on the record
108
first
1976-09-24
most recent
1978-09-24
sittings or episodes
3
sources
un-general-debate

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  1. “Canada takes the view that the present balance of power between the General Assembly and the Security Council, which is the central issue of the Charter reform, is preferable to any alternative. The question of the Council's membership may be debatable, but its powers and structure still serve us well. So, too, does the principle of equal rights in the General Assembly. If the United Nations is to evolve gradually into a body capable of making decisions which affect the vital interests of all States, it must follow procedures which give confidence to its Members that those interests are secure. 65. The coming into force this year of the International Covenants on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and on Civil and Political Rights [resolution 2200 A (XXI), annex] is a major step forward for the United Nations.”

    1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)

  2. “We see merit in proposals to give a more central role to the Economic and Social Council and for arrangements in the Secretariat designed to support that role. It is not too soon to envisage the Economic and Social Council in permanent session, taking up groups of issues in some orderly fashion and giving close attention to the implementation. of decisions taken at United Nations social conferences. The recommendations of the Habitat Conference, for example, of which Canada had the honor to act as host, require thorough and expert scrutiny. 64. We recognize as well that many Members believe the Charter reflects better the world of 1945 than the world of today. We agree that useful changes might be made. But here, as in other matters, the best may be the enemy of the good.”

    1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)

  3. “Nevertheless, we believe it is unwise to press resolutions to a vote on issues which deeply divide the membership. Canada regrets, tor example, that the campaign against racial discrimination, on which there is wide consensus, should be associated with Zionism, about which there is profound disagreement. If this link is maintained, my Government will not participate in the conference to be held in 1978 on racial discrimination. 63. The structure of our Organization and the priorities which it follows from time to time must reflect change in the world situation and in the membership. The shift over the years towards economic and social priorities is therefore desirable and understandable. We hope that some restructuring of the economic and social sector of the United Nations will take place as a result..”

    1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)

  4. “One implication of universality of membership must be a willing acceptance of the obligations of membership, especially by those States which play a major role in the Organization. A responsible measure of participation in United Nations activities, especially those voluntary programs which relieve suffering or help to maintain the peace, is a sign of such willingness. As a matter of principle, Canada will maintain its full and complete support for all United Nations organs of which it is a member. We would regret any trend towards the boycotting of United Nations institutions, or the unilateral reduction of assessed contributions to United Nations agencies, even though certain of their activities may be regarded by some States as harmful or irregular. 62.”

    1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)

  5. “We hold that it would be a dangerous precedent to recommend expulsion of a Member State on the grounds of violation of the principles of the Charter, unless that is the consensus of the whole membership. To purge this Organization of so-called unpopular Members could lead to the withdrawal of support by others and the paralysis of our activities. That is too high a price to pay. 60. We also hear threats from time to time to suspend the right of Israel to participate in the General Assembly. Canada would oppose such action. To deprive Members of their rights in the General Assembly on grounds not justified by the Charter makes a mockery of the Assembly. Our purpose is to debate the issues, not to stifle them. 61.”

    1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)

  6. “The ideal of greater economic and social equality between nations is still far from translation into practice. And, finally, the choice between anarchy or order on the seas stands out before us in unmistakable clarity. 58. Canada supports the objective of universality of membership. The Charter, it is true, speaks of certain conditions for membership, but my Government takes the view that all States which apply for membership ought to be given the benefit of the doubt, if such exists. Any question about the degree of independence of such States should be resolved on the basis of the opinion and practice of the majority of Member States. 59. But Canada also believes that a Member, once admitted to membership, should remain a Member.”

    1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)

  7. “Our membership, with some notable exceptions, is virtually complete, yet there are pressures to define more strictly the obligations of membership. Efforts to adapt the procedures and structure of the United Nations to accommodate new policy priorities introduce new tensions in some traditional bodies and activities. Agreement on standards and principles of human rights is not matched by an equal determination to implement those standards without discrimination. The Security Council meets more frequently than before, but there is no comparable increase in the number of agreed resolutions. Acts of piracy and terror, both within and between States, undermine the principles of international law and behavior on which the United Nations Charter is based.”

    1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)

  8. “Mr. President, in addressing this Assembly for the first time, I am conscious that you have given long and distinguished service to the United Nations. My delegation is confident that your knowledge and wisdom will contribute to the success of our deliberations and pledges its full co-operation to you in carrying out your duties. 55. May I also welcome the newest Member of the United Nations-Seychelles. Canada looks forward to establishing friendly relations with the people and Government of that new Commonwealth country. 56. I take this opportunity to express to the delegation of China the condolences of the Government and people of Canada on the death of Chairman Mao Tsetung. The world has lost a great man. 57. This is a time of difficult adjustment for the United Nations.”

    1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)