YouSaid · the spoken record

Ouellet

lines on the record: 62
first: 1994-09-24
most recent: 1995-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We waste valuable resources by allowing the numerous institutions and agencies we have created over the years to jealously protect their independence and resist change when circumstances require a pooling of energies. As a result of our extreme reticence to implement administrative reforms, we are handicapping the only institution on which we can depend, when modern and flexible management methods would enable us to respond much more effectively to the needs of the moment. Canada believes that the reforms of the United Nations system must be deepened and accelerated. We must do more and better with the resources at our disposal. Efforts should be concentrated on the following five major priorities, which I would like to bring to your attention. Firstly, we must strengthen the United Nations system’s capacity for preventive action.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Too often, the intervention of the United Nations comes too late, is too slow and is carried out under inadequate conditions. The lack of political will on the part of Member States cannot be blamed on the Secretary-General. On the contrary, I would like to pay special tribute to the Secretary-General and his staff. They have done more and better than anyone should expect from an institution deprived of the most elementary resources, lacking even a solid financial foundation. We must fully assume our responsibilities and give the United Nations the tools required to fulfil its unique 10 mandate successfully. However, it seems that we are unable to take a second look at the habits of the past. We invest too much energy in activities of marginal use and in unimportant quarrels when there is an emergency right under our noses.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Their livelihood has disappeared, through the plundering of fish stocks in international waters off our shores. This is why we believe an agreement must be reached without delay on fishing on the high seas. We could easily add to the list of pressing problems that I have just mentioned. And no one can challenge the fact that all of these problems - from peace-keeping to development, including the fight against AIDS, drug- trafficking and the protection of human rights and the environment - require a determined, coordinated effort on the part of the international community. A great deal has been done over the past few years to help our multilateral institutions to effectively face these numerous challenges. However, much more needs to be done.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“It is estimated that there are an unprecedented 19 million refugees and displaced persons in the world. We are witnessing a massive movement of people that none of our societies is able to manage without the cooperation of the entire international community. The recent Cairo Conference revealed the urgent need for effective measures to cope with the problems of population and development, problems that cannot be resolved without giving full recognition to the essential roles of women. Our ability to translate into reality the concept of sustainable development will have a very direct impact on the daily lives of our fellow citizens. The fishermen of Newfoundland and the Maritime Provinces of Canada are all too familiar with this problem.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“We would favourably consider sending peace-keepers if the need should arise, thus carrying on a lengthy tradition of Canadian participation in peace-keeping operations in the region. (spoke in English) The economic and social problems facing the international community often receive less headline attention than the armed conflicts. However, they are every bit as urgent. Hundreds of millions of people around the world continue to be condemned to a life of poverty. For whole sectors of humanity, such basic needs as a proper diet, drinking water, education and medical care are more of a dream than a reality. Certain parts of the developing world are currently experiencing remarkable progress, while others, unfortunately - the African continent in particular - are continuing to struggle.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Our participation is a logical sequel to our numerous efforts of the past three years to restore the democratic process in this country, to which we are attached by language, geographical proximity and the many personal ties between our peoples. The Haitian people can count on Canada’s lasting help as they rebuild their economy. We are also contributing to the Middle East peace process. As the leader of the multilateral Working Group on Refugees, we are tackling with determination that task entrusted to us by the international community. Our objective is to contribute to the construction of a renewed region where, 10 years hence, no one will consider himself or herself a refugee. We are also providing substantial financial assistance to the Palestinian people’s reconstruction projects.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The Canadian Government decided a few days ago to renew once more the mandate of its troops for a six-month period. Canada has always been convinced that there can be no military solution to the Yugoslavian conflict. It is because we wish to give peace another chance that we have chosen to maintain our contribution to the United Nations Protection Force. We have also responded to the Secretary-General’s appeal for help in the tragedy of Rwanda. For two months ours was the only country providing an air bridge to Kigali. There are 600 Canadian soldiers serving under the United Nations flag, and many Canadian non-governmental organizations have mobilized to provide help to those in distress. We will also be in Haiti, with 600 soldiers and 100 police officers when the time comes to deploy the United Nations peace-keeping force.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Faced with the problems in Bosnia, Somalia, Rwanda or even Haiti, some people will be tempted to give up and wonder if the United Nations is wrong in trying to resolve essentially internal conflicts that have numerous complex causes. Canada does not share this opinion. We think that, despite these problems, the Security Council is on the right track, even though the steps it has taken have not always proved capable of solving all the problems. Consistent with that belief, we have always made a tangible contribution to United Nations operations, as far as our circumstances permit. 9 The Canadian contribution to peace-keeping operations in the territories of the former Yugoslavia totals more than 2,000 soldiers and civilian police.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“We shall share their joy when they can finally welcome to his native land President Aristide, a living symbol of nascent democracy. But there are also unbearable images of the victims in the market in Sarajevo and the flood of humanity fleeing the killings in Rwanda. The international community cannot remain indifferent to conflicts that threaten the lives of millions of innocent people and expose them to the worst violations of their most fundamental rights. Recent experience has shown us that only a concerted and determined effort on the part of the international community can solve these problems. It is no easy task.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The extensive upheavals that have shaken our planet since the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the cold war can be symbolized in a few images. I am thinking of the moving image of President Nelson Mandela taking the oath of office as democratically elected President of South Africa and the historic handshake between Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and the Palestine Liberation Organization leader, Yasser Arafat. For their people and those in Cambodia, El Salvador - and soon, perhaps, Mozambique and Angola - who have discovered the road to peace, with the help of the United Nations, the future is filled with hope. There is also hope in Haiti, where a courageous people has been subjected for too long to oppression and abject poverty.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“In order to face the challenges that await it at the dawn of the twenty-first century, the international community needs, more than ever, a strong, credible multilateral institution equipped with the tools needed to fulfil our expectations. These challenges are the maintenance of peace and international security, as well as development, justice, democracy, human rights and the fight against inequalities. At a time when we are preparing to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations, there is no more urgent task than the intensification of our efforts for reform in order to give our Organization the second wind it needs. Let us draw inspiration from the vision and enthusiasm of the people who drafted the Charter of the United Nations 50 years ago.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Canada is very pleased, Sir, that you have been elected to the presidency of the Assembly, and it is certain that you will, with tact and efficiency, assume the responsibility of guiding our work. You can count on our full cooperation. The United Nations has always had a special place in Canada’s foreign policy. As I address the Assembly for the first time as Minister of Foreign Affairs, I am reminded of something one of my illustrious predecessors, Lester B. Pearson, said about the United Nations: "We must cultivate international ideals, develop international policies, strengthen international institutions, above all the United Nations, so that peace and progress can be made secure." The Government that I represent shares his broad and noble vision of the role and place of the United Nations.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)