YouSaid · the spoken record

Martin Belinga-Eboutou

lines on the record: 66
first: 2001-09-24
most recent: 2006-09-24
sittings or episodes: 5
sources: un-general-debate

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

“Clearly this situation poses a challenge not only to our States but also to the entire international community, and we must all work together to strengthen cooperation in this area between the countries of the North and the countries of the South. I believe that, appearances to the contrary — and although many hotbeds of tension and threat still remain — the international community seems to be moving towards greater stability. Credit, to a large extent, goes to the work done by the United Nations, its various organs and its staff, who are carrying out their responsibilities in conditions that are often difficult, even dangerous. That is the substance of the message of Mr. Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon, to the General Assembly at its sixty-first session.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“True, it has not just been success stories, but I think that, broadly speaking, the balance sheet is quite positive. This should prompt us not to begrudge the United Nations our trust and to give it means commensurate with its ambitions, its responsibilities and the expectations we have of it. For its part, Cameroon will continue to support all the initiatives of our Organization aimed at maintaining peace and solidarity among peoples. I need hardly say that the human person must remain paramount among our concerns. This, inter alia, will be the task facing the new Human Rights Council, of which my country is honoured to be a member. Our Organization cannot remain indifferent to the tragedy of the massive migration flows that we have been witnessing for some time.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The sharing of experiences and the knowledge gained through such an honest and respectful dialogue will be the best antidote to the clash of civilizations that some predict as well as a sure alternative to terrorism and violence. Over the years, the United Nations has become a crucial stakeholder in the international arena. I believe we should all welcome that development because, first of all, this parliament of nations is the only forum in which virtually all peoples are represented and where a blueprint for international democracy is gradually being drafted. We should welcome it also because — and this is an important point — the systematic consideration by our Organization of crises or tensions gives negotiation a chance and makes the use of force less likely.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“On the political level, special attention should be paid to the Middle East, Darfur and the issue of nuclear proliferation. With regard to development, the Millennium Development Goals should be attained within a reasonable time frame. In order to avert doubts as to the positive aspects of trade globalization, the United Nations likewise has a responsibility to maintain a balance between the countries of the North and the South in such major trade negotiations as the now-suspended Doha Round. Failure in that regard would have disastrous consequences for Africa. Finally, our Organization must continue to safeguard the cultural identity of the various peoples of the world and to promote a dialogue among cultures and religions.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The reform we seek should therefore take into account the development of the international system in the course of recent decades. Likewise, it will no doubt be necessary to modify the role played by some organs of the United Nations system. In that 19 06-53958 connection, I am thinking in particular of the role of the International Court of Justice. It is in everyone’s interest that the reform be properly carried out while taking into account today’s realities. But however reform is carried out, I believe that Africa should have permanent representation in the Security Council. That is not just a matter of justice, but also one of common sense. In order to retain its credibility, the Organization should resolutely continue to pursue its efforts with regard to major issues related to peace and development in the developing world.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“In addition, the Organization’s ongoing attention to Africa is prominently reflected in the Secretary-General’s report on sustainable development and the causes of conflict in Africa, a document that will be an ongoing source of encouragement to our countries. I also wish to recall that the Secretary-General laid the foundations for the reform of the Organization, which was made necessary in the light of the changes that have taken place in the world’s balance of power since the founding of United Nations. I should therefore now like to say a few words about what has come to be known as United Nations reform. The Organization stands no chance of maintaining its place in world affairs unless it safeguards its legitimacy. In other words, it must ensure that its representative character is beyond reproach.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“That process has taught us that true lasting peace can never be imposed; it can only be established through patience and a spirit of compromise. In short, real lasting peace can only come from genuine joint political will. Allow me to highlight some of the many initiatives undertaken by the United Nations that reflect the geopolitical developments under way and the aspirations of people around the world. In that regard, I would specifically like to refer to the Millennium Declaration, which is a genuine charter of international solidarity binding on all of us as an urgent obligation.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Along with the United Nations, those countries agreed to provide their moral and political support to the Greentree Agreement, which defined the modalities for the implementation of the ICJ ruling of 10 October 2002 on the Bakassi Peninsula. More importantly, they agreed to help us to implement it. I would also like to reaffirm here and now Cameroon’s solemn commitment to continue to fulfil in good faith all its obligations emanating from the International Court of Justice decision and the Greentree Agreement. In particular, I would like to affirm that Nigerian nationals living in Bakassi desiring to remain there will be treated in the same way as the 4.5 million Nigerians living in Cameroon, who are able to live their lives in peace and harmony with Cameroonians.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“In an environment of heated passions, he succeeded in delivering a message of peace and brotherhood. Allow me, by way example in that regard, to refer to his unequivocal commitment to Cameroon and Nigeria — two brotherly countries linked by history and geography — in the peaceful and consensual implementation of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling of 10 October 2002 finally resolving the border dispute between our two countries. The Greentree Agreement of 12 June 2006, implemented following the withdrawal of all Nigerian troops on 14 August 2006, is a credit both to the United Nations and the personal commitment of the Secretary- General. I would like to take this opportunity to thank friendly countries, including the Federal Republic of Germany, the United States of America, France and the United Kingdom.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“I also wish to convey to him the gratitude of my country and my personal regard and appreciation for his efforts. Following in the footsteps of his predecessors, he has reinvigorated multilateralism in an especially difficult international environment. Cameroon is proud to have contributed to the election of this noble son of Africa following its assumption of the chairmanship of the Organization of Africa Unity. Today, while peace to many seems to be but a myth, Africa is truly honoured that Mr. Kofi Annan has taken his place among the world’s great peacemakers. In that regard, the Noble Peace Prize awarded to him was richly deserved. In an international environment characterized by difficulties in ensuring that the rule of law prevails over the use of force, the Secretary-General was courageously able to promote the voice of reason.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“06-53958 18 Opinions are being expressed in various quarters deploring the inability of the Organization to respond adequately to the fundamental aspirations of the world’s people, while some also believe that the Organization has become obsolete. Cameroon would like to reaffirm that it believes that, despite the inevitable shortcomings inherent in an organization of such size, the United Nations is today, more than ever before, the only institution that can bring about consensus in an effort to ease tension and find solutions. Very simply put, there is no substitute for the United Nations in managing in a coherent manner the problems to which I have referred. In that regard, I would like to pay special tribute to the work of Secretary-General Kofi Annan.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“This session of the General Assembly is taking place at a time when the world is once again facing major challenges. I am thinking in particular of the upsurge of terrorism, which threatens the security of States and our collective security. I am also thinking of the persistence of underdevelopment and the almost endemic poverty in the countries of the South. I am thinking, too, of pandemics of all kinds, including HIV/AIDS. Finally, I am thinking of cross-border organized crime. Our world and our Organization need more generosity, more solidarity, more ethical behaviour and more tolerance, but also more courage and more imagination to tackle these challenges, which require a global approach in the multilateral context in which the United Nations is the forum par excellence.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“I should like, on behalf of my delegation, to say how delighted we are to see you, Madam, the representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain, a friendly country, presiding over the General Assembly at its sixty-first session. I would like to assure you of our sincere wishes for your success. You can rest assured that my delegation will fully cooperate with you. I would also like to pay tribute to the Kingdom of Sweden, a friendly country whose Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jan Eliasson, presided over the General Assembly at its sixtieth session in such an outstanding manner. Major progress was made during that session. Finally, I should like to extend to Montenegro a warm welcome to the family of the peoples of the United Nations.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Let us do so without making excuses, without seeking loopholes. Let us do it now.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Cameroon, which looks forward to the rapid creation of the Peacebuilding Commission and the Human Rights Council, counts on your wisdom to ensure that the negotiating process that will lead to their creation will be open, transparent and inclusive. 35 During the present session, which coincides with the Organization’s sixtieth anniversary, we should be inspired by the visionary dynamism provided by the heads of State and Government. This is a new opportunity, perhaps one of the best opportunities, along with the Millennium Summit, to make a decisive contribution to improving the human condition and achieving an ideal world where all women, men and children live free from fear, hunger and disease. It is our responsibility here and now to fulfil the generous promises made by our leaders to humanity a week ago.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Cameroon therefore believes it desirable that we should find ways to ensure that Member States, through the Security Council and in the General Assembly, are informed formally of the status of implementation of judgements handed down by the International Court of Justice, as they are of the Court’s annual activities. The Secretary-General could thus inform the Security Council regularly and in detail and report to Member States as is done in his report to the General Assembly on the activities of the Organization. Good practices in this area would take root and inspire us all. In that way, we would be able to identify potential sources of conflict at a very early stage through difficulties identified and to make timely recommendations to prevent them.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Implementation of a decision of a court through positive negotiations is based first and foremost on a peaceful course of action, specifically on the basis of a deep commitment to the values and principles enshrined in the Charter. In no case may that be interpreted as an open possibility to renounce even partially the fundamental elements of that decision. Very much to the contrary. The outcome document of the High-level Plenary Meeting allows for coordinating the activities of the principal bodies of the Organization within the framework of their mandate under the Charter for the prevention of armed conflicts and settlement of disputes.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“This is the firm conviction of Cameroon, and my country will continue, however long it takes, to work with other States to overcome our differences and forge a solid consensus in order to achieve this very important reform. Recourse to law for the peaceful settlement of disputes has, necessarily, as a corollary, the obligation to implement fully, willingly and in good faith the decisions of the International Court of Justice. This is how we understand the reference made in the outcome document concerning “the obligation of States to settle their disputes by peaceful means in accordance with Chapter VI of the Charter, including, when appropriate, by the use of the International Court of Justice” (resolution 60/1, para. 73).”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Fortunately, given the need to overcome all the global threats that weigh on our collective security, the summit reached a healthy consensus on the essential nature of joint actions that we need to take for the peaceful settlement of disputes, counteracting terrorism and the maintenance and consolidation of peace. Nonetheless, the process of revitalizing the Organization will remain incomplete until we are able to agree on the enlargement of the Security Council. May I recall that, as the President of Cameroon, His Excellence Mr. Paul Biya, declared on 14 September, Cameroon remains faithful to the African position on reform of the Security Council. This reform is necessary and must take place soon, bringing nations together rather than dividing them.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Nevertheless, if the commitments made by world leaders in the outcome document are speedily implemented, Africa would make considerable progress in implementing most of the Millennium Development Goals and could even — depending on the adequate mobilization of national and external resources and the political will to take action — achieve all those goals by the agreed date. During a recent crisis, the United Nations was nearly shaken to its very foundations. During those events, our sometimes differing views about our system of peace and collective security became openly apparent.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“My country has begun to review its strategy to ensure that it is fully in line with the Millennium Development Goals. It is also implementing, with the same determination, its national programme of governance. Thus, the Government of Cameroon has stepped up its efforts to combat corruption and has committed itself to a more transparent and effective management of public finances. My country would have liked to see more ambitious and courageous commitments adopted together with a specific timetable for the development of Africa.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Today — particularly in sub-Saharan Africa — without large- scale job creation, revenue creation, a massive inflow of private capital or official development assistance, an effective global and sustainable solution to the nagging issue of debt, and equitable participation in world trade, our efforts will be doomed to failure. For their part, the Governments of African countries, who have the primary responsibility for their own development, are implementing national poverty 34 reduction strategies in keeping with the need to achieve the MDGs. With specific regard to Cameroon, the Government is tackling that with determination. Furthermore, the implementation of its Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper is supported by the donor community.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“But there is another undeniable fact that is far less encouraging: the situation in Africa. Africa is the world’s only region that, with 10 years until the deadline, is alarmingly behind in implementing the MDGs. If it does not receive substantial external assistance very soon, most of the Goals will not be attained by 2015. Most of them may remain a mirage for a long time. We are aware that the current economic growth rate in our countries averages approximately 3 per cent . That is not sufficient to create the macroeconomic conditions necessary to achieve the MDGs.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Furthermore, it is a document that reflects a new consensus on the role of the United Nations and its place in today’s international system. Our heads of State or Government took stock of the main challenges of our time and of the priority actions that we must take together to build a genuine global partnership for development and to ensure lasting collective peace and security. They also set out guidelines to be followed over the next decade to complete the whole United Nations renewal process and the effective achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The time has come to move from words to action. Indeed, it is only by implementing those commitments that we can measure their value, force and relevance. It is indisputable that the world has made considerable progress in implementing some of the MDGs.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“President, the main theme of our debate is the implementation and follow- up of the outcome document (resolution 60/1) of the High-level Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly. That reflects the great importance of this debate — importance clearly shown by the strong participation in it. My country is pleased to add its voice to those of the representatives of 184 other countries, who have already spoken during this exercise. Cameroon fully supports the outcome document adopted at the end of that historic summit. Some would have preferred that it be stronger, others that it be more proactive. Cameroon believes it is a balanced and realistic document with regard to all the major global concerns now considered to be priorities.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“I am particularly pleased to express to you, Sir, Cameroon’s heartfelt congratulations on your election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its sixtieth session. I wish you every success in carrying out your noble mandate and assure you of my delegation’s full cooperation. I pay a warm tribute to your predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Jean Ping, Minister of State and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Francophonie of the Gabonese Republic. His great talent, consummate negotiating skill and competence contributed decisively to the success of the work of the fifty-ninth session. To the Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Kofi Annan, I once again express Cameroon’s full appreciation for his tireless efforts and dedication in the service of the Organization and its ideals. At your wise suggestion, Mr.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“The Secretary-General invites us to go further along the path of reform, to which he has been committed for several years. He is right. What is at stake is the Organization’s very effectiveness, which it needs to tackle the great challenges of our time. He can count on Cameroon’s support. As I have been concluding my remarks, the light has changed from green to yellow and from yellow to red. How can one refrain from prolonging his comments when it is a question of humanity and humanity’s future through peace, a negotiated peace, a concerted peace, a peace that rests on justice and the equitable distribution of benefits and wealth?”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“The United Nations assuredly remains the only universal Organization that not only possesses the necessary competencies and impartiality, but is also the only entity that can confer legitimacy on any multilateral action tackling the great world challenges, a number of which we have just listed. To attain these noble objectives, it urgently needs to consider in depth its current approaches, the way it operates and its implementing mechanisms. Cameroon unreservedly supports the Secretary- General’s initiative to establish a high-level panel of eminent personalities to consider ways to strengthen the United Nations. We hopefully await their contribution to the Organization’s necessary and unavoidable reform to improve its performance, including its missions of an economic and social nature as well as international peace and security.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Cameroon, which has chosen, for example, to participate in rational and sustainable management of the world forest ecosystem, has established a bold national environmental management plan. It is clear that, in order to effectively implement such policies without exposing its rural populations to extreme poverty, our country needs significant financial assistance, particularly to diversify its production and to ensure systematic transformation of its natural resources. In other words, today, more than ever before, solidarity should rhyme with partnership — and globalization with fair trade — to ensure the comprehensive and orderly development of our world.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“President, your country, Saint Lucia, and Cameroon have been carrying out an epic battle for almost a decade for the survival of our 27 banana industries, which are up against the giants of the sector. There are many more examples of the need for solidarity and urgent reform of the multilateral economic system. We hope that the Doha round will not deviate from its main objective — development — and that it will take well into consideration the concerns of the poorest in order to integrate them promptly into the global economy. Globalization does not relate only to trade. It also affects human development and new technologies, the protection of the ecosystem and the sustainable development of water and other natural resources. All of those aspects require a concerted approach, given that the sacrifices of some work to everyone’s advantage.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“One, which will play a decisive part in the growth of our continent, is linked to trade. What African States want and aspire to is to play a more important part in the trade of goods and services. That implies in particular standards favouring fair competition. The failure of the recent World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference held at Cancún has raised grave doubts, particularly among African countries that export agricultural products. The tremendous reluctance of wealthy nations to dismantle their agricultural subsidy regimes is puzzling, and seriously threatens the survival of African economies based on agriculture and livestock. The subsidies given to that sector are stifling millions of farmers and cotton producers in Central and West Africa. In the same context, Mr.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“We welcome the Secretary-General’s suggestions concerning the functioning of the Organization in this constantly changing world. We will fully support any reform that will bring the Organization closer to our peoples, as envisaged by the measures for strengthened cooperation between the United Nations and Central African organizations. In the Millennium Declaration, the political leaders of the world committed themselves to creating a world partnership for development and to respond to the special needs of Africa. The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), whereby Africa has decided to take back the initiative and to control its own fate, can serve as a sound platform for a fruitful partnership between the continent and the international community. Africa is waiting for multiple responses.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“That is why the member States of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) have forcefully expressed their desire to strengthen their cooperation with the United Nations through a political presence of that Organization in the subregion, which would bolster our subregional capacities, particularly in the area of peace and security. In that connection, Cameroon reiterates its thanks to the Secretary-General for sending a multidisciplinary mission to Central Africa last June at the request of the members of the Security Council. We await with interest its innovative recommendations, which will shortly be made to the Security Council. They will nourish the debate to be held in this Hall on the agenda item entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Economic Community of Central African States”.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Unfortunately, despite everything, there are still deplorable situations where the protagonists are having trouble finding a negotiated political solution or keeping their commitments. We are convinced that there will soon be results, given genuine political will on the part of the major actors. The irreplaceable support they receive from the United Nations deserves to be welcomed and recognized. Africa in general and our subregion in particular are fully aware of the role this important partner plays in our economic development, in consolidating democracy and the rule of law, and, finally, in promoting peace and security within and outside our countries.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“The axiom that peace results from a balance of war-making ability and weapons should be replaced by the principle that real peace can be built only on mutual trust. The same applies to the peoples of the renowned Mesopotamia, who are emerging from three decades of tyranny, and must very soon, with the help of the international community, have their full dignity and sovereignty restored in a stable and prosperous Iraq, living in peace with all its neighbours. Over the past year, the many conflicts that have bloodied Africa have remained at the centre of the concerns of the United Nations, which has made many efforts to end them. Fortunately, those efforts are beginning to yield results. Some African conflicts are on the way to being resolved, nourishing new and legitimate hopes.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Cameroon regrets and condemns the escalation of violence, which is seriously 26 endangering any peaceful solution based on the letter and spirit of Security Council resolution 1397 (2002), adopted with no vote against. In it the Council affirmed “the vision of a region where two States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side within secure and recognized borders”. Our Palestinian and Israeli friends must get used to the idea that they are condemned to live side by side, to coexist in the geopolitical configuration forged by their rich, common history. To that end, Israelis and Palestinians will have to disarm — of course, in terms of weapon policies, but primarily disarm at the cultural level by unanimously and sincerely ridding their hearts of fear and the psychosis of war.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Cameroon again calls for a high-level conference to be convened to define a collective organized response by the international community to terrorism. In addition to new threats to international peace and security, such as terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, there are other, equally dangerous, threats: all sorts of pandemics, including HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis, and despair stemming from almost endemic poverty. Therefore, our joint mobilization should be aimed primarily at reducing or even eliminating the germs and causes of conflicts and despair. In the Middle East, we must demand that the parties to the conflict — Israel and Palestine — return without delay to the negotiating table to agree on modalities conducive to the rapid and comprehensive implementation of the road map.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Cameroon is proud that our Organization did not shirk its responsibilities or even weaken in its resolve to play a central role in the stabilization, orderly restoration of the sovereignty and reconstruction of Iraq and to support the political process under way. Following upon the long series of terrorist acts committed throughout the world since the tragedy of 11 September 2001, the 19 August attack in Baghdad was a timely reminder of the vulnerability of our world today. The complexity of the challenge and the gravity of the danger require us to step up our collective efforts effectively to confront terrorism, which today poses perhaps the most serious threat to international peace and security.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“The terrorist attack that destroyed the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad and struck and killed dozens of innocent victims, including Sergio Vieira de Mello, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, posed a great challenge to the principles and values that are the bedrock of our Organization. At the time, President Paul Biya expressed on behalf of Cameroon expressed his profound indignation and firmly condemned that odious, criminal act. Tomorrow, we will weep with the people of Iraq for the tragic death — again in Baghdad — of Akila Al-Hashemi, a highly talented diplomat and eminent member of the Iraqi Governing Council.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“As Pope John XXIII recalled in his encyclical Pacem in Terris, which was addressed to all men of good will and the fortieth anniversary of which we celebrate this year, that peace rests on four indispensable conditions corresponding to four specific necessities of the human spirit: truth, justice, charity and liberty. Our heads of State trod the same path at the Millennium Summit. They undertook to free humankind from warfare and poverty, to promote human rights and to strengthen the United Nations. We felt that it would be useful to recall those principles because the picture of the world that has emerged in this general debate since 23 September is not a very optimistic one. On 19 August, the United Nations was struck by tragedy.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“I also take this opportunity to commend your predecessor, Mr. Jan Kavan, for the skill with which he guided our work at the last session. To Secretary-General Kofi Annan, I wish to reiterate, in the context of the current international scene, Cameroon’s expression of great pride and trust in him and his role as a facilitator in the settlement of inter-African conflicts. I thank him for his energetic and tireless activity in the service of the great ideals of the Organization. Our Organization was created to preserve future generations from the scourge of war, to create conditions in which all can enjoy dignified lives, and to promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The United Nations was created to ensure the reign of peace at the service of humankind.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“I should like at the outset to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the General Assembly at its fifty-eighth session. You have set in motion a cycle of African presidencies of the Assembly — today, the African diaspora, tomorrow the African motherland. Your election attests to the high esteem in which the Member States hold your country, Saint Lucia, a traditional partner of Cameroon in the great African, Caribbean and Pacific family. It is also testimony to the trust that the representatives of those States place in you and your eminent diplomatic qualities. You may rest assured that my delegation will cooperate fully with you, as we have the pleasure of being a member of your Bureau in our capacity as Chairman of the Third Committee. Allow me to extend my wishes of success to the other members of the Bureau.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“I recall that we have the urgent duty to forge the future that was shaped by our heads of State at the Millennium Summit — a world in which mankind will finally be free of fear, of all fears, and in which mankind shall never want. Let us build a dream together. Let us dream together of that future full of hope. We would remind those who scorn such dreams that, in the beginning, there was a dream. To them, we would reiterate George Bernard Shaw's words: “Some men see things as they are and say why? I dream things that never were and say ‘Why not?'” In the beginning, there was a dream.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Chantal Biya, will meet in Yaoundé on 15 and 16 November to establish and launch, with the help of renowned researchers and scientists, a non-governmental organization called Synergies africaines contre le Sida et les autres souffrances. At that launching, Professors Robert Gallo and Luc Montagnier will moderate a scientific symposium on AIDS. In order to combat fanaticism, we must cultivate fidelity to humankind. Such fidelity must be ongoing. According to a wise African saying, “the past and the present become one in the single desire to preserve mankind”. Today more than ever, it is our duty to affirm our fidelity to our peoples without ever forgetting the fundamental virtues on which the universal fabric of mankind's aspirations and dreams is 33 woven.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Support for the development of the countries of the South must remain a priority, as must synergy among our States in order to define a vigorous policy for environmental protection. We have never had so many summits on these major challenges. Yet it must be noted that we have seldom adequately met the tremendous expectations of millions of women and children, the great majority of whom continue to live in precarious circumstances and with great fear for the future of the Earth. We must ponder our failures. We must react with a surge of voluntarism that will enable us to launch a determined attack on such great pandemics as HIV/AIDS. That is the path charted by the first ladies of Africa, who, upon the invitation of Mrs.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“As for the institutional reform of the United Nations, which Cameroon, like many other countries, has been urging, special mention must be made of the inevitable expansion of Security Council membership. Such reforms of the principal decision-making body of the United Nations would permit a more integrated approach with regard to serious regional questions and the multilateral challenges that flow from globalization. Cameroon is convinced that an overwhelming majority of Member States are willing and able to carry out these reforms. That very ability and will have been demonstrated by the establishment of the International Criminal Court; the first session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Statute has just been held here. We cannot overemphasize the need for solidarity to unify our nations.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“As with the fight against international terrorism, the mobilization of the international community against crises and armed conflicts must involve both resolute action and openness. Cameroon is especially concerned about the delicate question of sanctions, which are affecting several countries. Sanctions must be targeted so as to spare innocent civilians, while the concerns of third States, which can be indirect victims, must also be taken into account. We believe the Security Council would benefit if sanctions were viewed more favourably. This could be achieved by according them further legitimacy, which would enable them to have the credibility essential to their effectiveness.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Since becoming a member of the Security Council, the pre-eminent body of our Organization, on 1 January, Cameroon has made every effort to give credence to the doctrine of a twin-track approach to peace and security. Combating international terrorism will require the sincere and effective participation of all States Members of the United Nations. This in turn will require an environment of peace, stability and security among Member States. As a result, we must, whatever the cost, find a solution to the conflicts and tensions that, in Africa, the Middle East and Asia, continue to drive fault lines through international relations, among countries in the same region and even within certain States.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“It is for that reason that President Paul Biya appealed to the community of nations “to calm the international situation by doing away with injustice, which can provide a fertile ground for intolerance. Such a realistic step will enable us to eradicate the causes of dissatisfaction and revolt that, if unresolved, can lead to despair and, at worst, to terrorism”. In the same spirit, we believe that our common offensive on terrorism must rest on legal measures agreed to by all States, as well as on the effective implementation of commitments undertaken in the Millennium Declaration. We should recall that such commitments are aimed at providing further solidarity among nations and at reducing the gap between rich and poor countries. Firmness without justice can only promote feelings of frustration and will leave the problem unresolved.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“We also associate ourselves fully with the resolutions that are now enabling the gradual emergence of a new Afghanistan — one of liberty and modernity for its people. The fight against the destructive, indiscriminate and persistent evil of terrorism must be viewed in the long term in each of our countries and be based on decisions agreed to at the international level. That is why Cameroon fully supports the convening of a high- level conference to develop a joint response by the international community to terrorism. Such a fight must not be merely a knee-jerk response. It will also require the adoption of a comprehensive approach that takes into account all the 32 factors of imbalance and injustice that can lead to such criminal activity.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)