YouSaid · the spoken record

Paul Biya

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS PAUL BIYA

lines on the record: 86
first: 1988-09-24
most recent: 2017-09-24
sittings or episodes: 7
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

“As regards peace and security, perhaps more than in any other area, Africa needs the active solidarity of the international community. There is reason to be satisfied with the progress made in several countries that were hitherto plagued by deadly confrontations, though it should be acknowledged that many hotbeds of tension and conflict still exist on the continent. Here, the peace agreements signed after lengthy negotiations are yet to enter fully into force. There, force is used to jeopardize democratic achievements. Continuing confrontations in Somalia, the chronic instability along the borders of Chad, the Central African Republic and the Sudan, the daily tragedy faced by the population of Darfur and the recurrent eruption of violence in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in Burundi are all cause for serious concern.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The growing impact of climate change, especially in Africa, is particularly disturbing; more than elsewhere, it affects areas on which the fate of future generations depends. There is thus an urgent need for joint action by the international community. Such solidarity should also prevail when addressing the issue of migrants. The tragedies they experience are, to put it bluntly, inhuman. The atrocities and acts of discrimination they endure on a daily basis are intolerable. There is urgent need to jointly seek solutions to manage this exodus which drains Africa of the human resources it greatly needs. There is no gainsaying that the economic development of the continent is the one and only solution to that painful problem.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“This role of powerless onlooker can only lead to deep frustration and cast doubts on the chances of achieving the Millennium Development Goals within the set time frames. Nevertheless, Africa wants to believe that the international community will not give up assisting it to emerge from poverty and underdevelopment. For that reason, we fully appreciate the initiative of the United Nations to organize high-level meetings devoted to the development of our continent, on the sidelines of this session. On the economic front, Africa’s immense potential remains largely untapped, and, although many African countries have been recording good economic performance, the continent remains the poorest on the planet. Hence the need for increased solidarity of the international community.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Concerning Africa in particular, there are many other challenges, such as persistent poverty, peace and security issues and the effects of climate change. Concerning poverty alleviation, our continent placed much hope in globalization which it supported in good faith, despite legitimate fears concerning the globalization of trade. It should be acknowledged that, on the whole, these hopes were dashed. Beyond the global food crisis, it is obvious that Africa has felt the negative effects of the international financial crisis and the exponential oil price hikes: phenomena well beyond its control. In addition, it helplessly watched the erosion of official development assistance and the failure of the Doha Round negotiations, where its interests were relegated to the background.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“It is obvious that such solutions cannot be implemented without the participation of all and without the establishment of global food and agriculture partnerships involving all stakeholders, namely Governments, the private sector, civil society, donors and international institutions. At a time when the midterm assessment of the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals is under way, the global food crisis appears as one of the major challenges the international community will have to face. In that regard, Cameroon wishes to join its voice to that of the Secretary-General in appealing for financing of the measures recommended by the Task Force. But, however acute the food crisis may be, it is far from being the only snag in the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“That is why I welcome the fact that the Secretary-General took the initiative to establish the High-Level Task Force on the Global Food Security Crisis, whose aim is to promote a coherent and unified 08-51851 14 response to the crisis. Cameroon shares the vision contained in the Comprehensive Framework for Action prepared by the Task Force. We are of the view that a lasting solution to the crisis requires short- and medium-term actions, including increased food aid and investment in agriculture, the promotion of social welfare initiatives, reduction of agricultural subsidies in developed countries and restrictions on food exports from countries of the South.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“They did not, however, totally eliminate a problem of global proportions and one which requires global responses. The food crisis, which is one manifestation, has taken on alarming proportions throughout the world. All economies, irrespective of size, but particularly those of poor countries, are seriously affected. The most vulnerable populations are forced to forego health care and education just to feed themselves. If appropriate responses are not found rapidly, there will be reason to fear dramatic repercussions on international trade, economic growth, social progress, political stability and, hence, global security. There is therefore an urgent necessity to act rapidly and collectively. We believe an appropriate response to the situation lies in ensuring coordination at the highest level.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“By proposing the impact of the global food crisis on poverty and hunger in the world and the need to democratize the United Nations as main themes of the general debate at the sixty-third session, the President focused our deliberations on core problems currently faced by the international community. I support this proposal all the more because Cameroon, like other countries throughout the world, has recently experienced social upheaval caused by the increasingly high cost of living. As a result, we decided on and implemented a series of corrective measures, ranging from a reduction of taxes and customs duties on certain basic commodities to an increase in the salaries of State employees and measures to stabilize fuel prices. Those measures were lauded by the International Monetary Fund and undoubtedly had very positive effects.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“I should like at the outset to welcome the fact that Nicaragua, represented by Mr. Miguel d’Escoto Brockmann, is presiding over the General Assembly at its sixty-third session. Cameroon wishes him every success in carrying out his mission and assures him of its full cooperation. I wish also to pay a well-deserved tribute to Ambassador Kerim for the skill with which he led the work of the Assembly at its sixty-second session. Finally, I congratulate His Excellency Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon, and reiterate our appreciation and support for his remarkable efforts in discharging his lofty mission.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The United Nations should be at the forefront of that struggle and for that purpose needs the active cooperation of all its Members, particularly the great Powers. But it should also constantly adapt itself to the changing realities of our time so as to be in a position to efficiently fulfil its mission. Accordingly, Cameroon attaches the greatest importance to the reform of the United Nations. It supports a progressive, gradual reform of the current United Nations system which would take into account the changing balances in the world in recent years and the emergence of many new States. It is our intention to continue to cooperate with other Member States for a renewed United Nations, a model of modern and effective governance, in its participation in world affairs.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The holding of negotiations in December 2007 in Bali, Indonesia, on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and on the post-Kyoto regime should also be a focus of our attention. Furthermore, we welcome the intention of the Tunisian Government to organize from 18 to 20 November 2007, an international conference on the effects of climate change and strategies for adaptation on the African continent and in the Mediterranean region. In that domain we should try to reach a global agreement that would be part of the United Nations Framework Convention process and which would tackle the matter of climate change in all its aspects. The challenges we have just discussed can only be taken up on a global scale.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In that regard, the countries of origin, the countries of transit and the receiving countries must intervene to seek humane solutions that take into account the underlying causes of that phenomenon. It is indeed clear that neither controls nor repatriation will offer an adequate or sustainable response to the problem. The issue of climate change is becoming one of the most important and most urgent issues of our time, as has been recognized by all, and it is urgent that we act. The destinies of future generations depend on that. In that context I wish to congratulate the Secretary- General for his initiative in convening the High-level Event on Climate Change, which has just been concluded here.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The reduction in official development assistance in 2006 underlines the need for donors to try to increase the level of their aid so that the goals set for 2010 and 2015 may be reached. Furthermore, I wish again to state the hope that the negotiations of the Doha Round are completed on schedule and ensure that the interests of the countries of the South are protected and that the globalization of trade retains its significance. I cannot remain silent about the terrible experience of thousands of young people from Africa who, for a number of years now, have set forth at risk to their lives in their attempts to reach Europe in their eyes the new promised land. That migration keeps increasing and is of course attributable to the difference in the level of development between the North and the South.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The situation in the eastern part of the country continues to be a source of concern to the international community. It seems to us that seeking a solution to the crisis of the two Kivus should be based first and foremost on political and diplomatic methods corresponding to the problem at hand. The challenges we must face in terms of peace and security are considerable. However, they must not eclipse in our minds the equally significant challenges confronting us in other areas. It seems crucial to me that every necessary effort be exerted to reach the Millennium Development Goals. This year we are reaching the midpoint of the timetable we have established for ourselves in that regard. It is very important that States live up to the commitments made, to the extent possible.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“That situation poses a serious threat to peace and stability in those countries and to the security and well-being of their populations and triggers a true humanitarian tragedy in the region. It also causes cross-border insecurity that affects other countries in the region, including Cameroon. For that reason, my country resolutely supports the upcoming deployment of a multidimensional presence of the United Nations and the European Union on the borders of Chad, the Central African Republic and the Sudan. I wish to reiterate from this rostrum that my country is ready to cooperate fully with the United Nations in the implementation of that operation. With regard to the Democratic Republic of the Congo we welcome the progress accomplished towards peace in terms of establishing democratic institutions in that country.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“My country welcomes the fact that the Government of Sudan has unconditionally accepted the deployment of this mission. In our opinion, this is a decisive stage in the resolution of the crisis. At the same time, Cameroon believes it is very important to continue efforts to address the causes of the conflict, by relaunching the political process and by implementing a real programme of development in the region, specifically by ensuring access to water resources. Cameroon follows with close attention the developments in the situation in Chad and the Central African Republic. Those fraternal countries with which we have long common borders have, for a number of years, been facing instability fomented by various insurgent groups.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We are sure that the speedy deployment of the envisaged United Nations force will definitely have a positive effect on the stability in that country and on the security of the population. The human toll of the Darfur crisis causes profound concern. It seems to us of paramount importance that all efforts be undertaken to break the tragic cycle of violence in that region. The effects of the crisis have already been deeply felt by neighbouring States and threaten to extend further. It should be understood that Cameroon welcomes the announcement of the deployment of the hybrid United Nations-African Union peacekeeping operation in Darfur. I am convinced that this operation will make it possible to stabilize the situation in the area and save innocent lives.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The crisis in Côte d’Ivoire seems to be reaching a turning point. We are convinced that, with the firm and sincere commitment of all parties and the support of the international community, this fraternal country will have definitively turned a particularly painful page in its history. The people of Côte d’Ivoire, we are sure, will be able to persevere in their choice of peace and national reconciliation. It is extremely important that they work together in good faith for a full and rapid implementation of the Ouagadougou peace agreement. The situation in Somalia continues to threaten peace and security in the region. Cameroon is deeply concerned by acts of violence in Somalia. We would like to congratulate the mission of the African Union for the support that it has extended to the Transitional Federal Institutions.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The evolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict causes deep concern. It is paramount that Israel and the Palestinian Authority resume a constructive dialogue. That is the only way, in the opinion of my country, to move forward toward a settlement. Cameroon is convinced that only the efforts of all concerned parties, supported by the Great Powers and based on the principle of two States Israel and Palestine coexisting in peace and security, will make it possible to reach a definitive, fair and just settlement to this conflict. In Lebanon, as in Iraq, reconciliation among the various communities of these countries is the only hope for a sustainable stability. In Africa, in spite of initiatives undertaken by the international community, there remain a number of hotbeds of tension. Please allow me to highlight some of these.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Once again, I would like to salute this historic accomplishment. For the first time, Member States have decided to take up concrete political, operational and legal measures to coordinate their fight against terrorism. They have committed themselves to strengthening their capacity to react, as well as the capability of the United Nations in this regard. They have agreed to address situations that could lead to the extension of this scourge. Today, the problem is to apply this fundamental text, both in letter and spirit. My country would like to reaffirm its availability and its determination in terms of taking on commitments in this work. In many regions around the world, peace and security continue to be seriously threatened. For years now, the unrest in the Middle East has been a serious threat to international peace and security.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The first of these challenges to which I would like to refer here today has to do with peace and security. International events today highlight even more than before the paramount need to breathe new life into efforts for disarmament and non-proliferation. Nuclear proliferation is a threat, not only to international peace and security but also to the very survival of humankind. Attempts by terrorist organizations to acquire weapons of mass destruction are also indicative of the reality of this threat. Terrorism, indeed, is a particularly great danger to the international community, a threat that we can only face through concerted and resolute global action. It is because of this conviction that Cameroon has in the past year contributed to the adoption by the General Assembly of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“I am convinced that he will be able to work for the benefit of our Organization in continuing the efforts of his predecessor, Mr. Kofi Annan, to whom I would like once again to pay tribute. The general debate in this Assembly is a special moment in international life. Indeed, it is an opportunity every year for heads of Member States to take stock of the world’s affairs, to exchange views in this regard and to reflect the aspirations of their nations. The sixty-second session of the General Assembly opens this year again in a rather troubled international context. At the dawn of the twenty-first century, the challenges facing humanity are more pressing and more complex with each passing day, giving rise alternatively to hope and fears.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Let me first of all say that I am happy to see the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, represented by Ambassador Kerim, presiding over the General Assembly at its sixty-second session. My country extends to him wishes for the greatest success in accomplishing his mission. We would like to assure him of our full cooperation. Please also allow me to pay tribute to Ms. Haya Rashed Al-Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain for the skill with which she conducted the work of the sixty-first session. I would also like to welcome the presence among us of Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations. I congratulate him on his accession to this post of the highest prestige in our Organization. The vast experience and the qualities of a diplomat that he is known for are a guarantee of success in this lofty function.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We ate not asking for charity, we are seeking help in order to resolve the serious problems that concern us all. Every one of us has a stake in this - it is not a one-way street. Assisting developing countries out of the crisis means opening up new markets to industrialized countries, new markets for their products. The solutions exist, and all we need is to seek them whole-heartedly. Politically, the major Powers have demonstrated that when they want something it can be achieved. That applies to the economic crisis as well. We need only have the Will. For us, the United Nations represents a forum for consultation and for seeking solutions. The United Nations reflects the common determination of nations to work together. The United Nations is an assembly. It is a force to reckon with, a powerful tool for development.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“We are working more, we are managing better, we are producing more, yet the sharp drop In the prices of raw materials, the reduction of financial aid for development, the enormous debt burden, inflation and fluctuating exchange rates, the lack of dialogue, which is crucial to bringing about a more just economic order - all those elements constitute impediments to the progress of the African continent and threaten the future of the world. As we are well aware, world stability concerns both developed and developing countries. We are waiting for the international community to make greater efforts and to adopt concrete measures. Decisions taken by a certain number of developed countries, such as Canada and France, and those taken at the summit meeting of the Seven in Toronto, constitute the beginning of positive action.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“The result is that our balance of payments is registering a serious deficit. That deficit is further aggravated by the burden of our external debt and by monetary disorders. It is true that we want to settle our debt, but we do not have the means to do so. It is therefore logical and imperative that we examine with our creditors those solutions that will allow us to replay our debts and still save our economies from total collapse. Everything that has been done to contain this situation has come up against a hostile International environment.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Certain companies have been obliged either to close down or to lay off staff. We are all aware of the gravity of the situation. The special session of the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the Plan of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development. However, within the context of the world crisis it is not enough to constitute subregional bodies or to define short-term priorities to stimulate our growth and reduce the vulnerability of our economies. The prices of our basic products have reached the lowest level in the past 50 years. Our export earnings have dropped alarmingly, while the prices of the capital goods and finished products we import are continually rising. As if that were not enough, our manufactured goods meet with the protectionist policies of the industrialized North.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Consultation designed to find solutions to the poverty in which three fourths of mankind is living is as necessary and as important as the quest for solutions to inflicts. The economic picture of the past few years has been appalling. Imbalances are worsening. Rich countries are enjoying growing prosperity. Whereas the natural resources of developing countries no longer suffice even to meet the basic needs of their peoples. The African countries have now come to realise that they must first count on themselves and on their own efforts. Confronted with this very serious situation we have taken measures aimed at stabilizing our economy and, in the long term, bringing about its recovery. We no longer want to be dependants. We have either abandoned or reconsidered certain development projects and we have cut down on State expenditure.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Cameroon, which maintains relations of friendship and co-operation with all States of the region, condemns the escalation of violence. I sincerely hope that dialogue will replace such violence and enable all parties concerned to seek a just and lasting peace. It is high time for the international community to find an appropriate solution. Numerous hotbeds of tension still persist also in Latin America and Asia, and we must commit ourselves to restoring calm. The encouraging results achieved in the Sahara, in Afghanistan, in Angola and in Chad are proof that it is always possible to find an appropriate solution: what is needed is to demonstrate seriousness and good faith. Unwavering determination must be applied to resolving the severe economic crisis afflicting the third world.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Out present economic difficulties should not prevent us from honouring our commitments to the Special Fund of the Co-ordinating Committee for the Liberation of Africa and to the Action for Resisting Invasion, Colonialism and Apartheid (AFRICA) Fund. We should also continue to help the freedom-fighters of the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), the Pan-Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) and the African National Congress of South Africa (ANC), as well as the front-line States. Once more I call on all forces of peace, on all nations, to exert pressure and to adopt comprehensive and mandatory economic sanctions against the racist regime of Pretoria. The situation in the Middle East remains disturbing.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“However, the odious system of apartheid is still thriving in South Africa and, to date, in spite of United Nations Security Council resolutions 435 (1978) and 601 (1987) Namibia continues to be deprived of its independence, A solution to this conflict would also enable the independent States of the subregion to continue, in an atmosphere of peace and security, the work of nation-building which has been undermined by the attacks and acts of economic sabotage perpetrated by the rebels armed by racist South Africa. We will continue to support a people fighting for a just cause, namely human dignity.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“The Chad-Libya border conflict appears to be moving towards a negotiated settlement. Many leading African Presidents have made ceaseless efforts to achieve a peaceful settle it. Such a settlement would certainly constitute a great victory for them and for the whole of Africa. The situation in the Horn of Africa also allows us to be hopeful. Efforts to normalize relations between Ethiopia and Somalia should be encouraged and supported. In Angola the peace talks between the parties concerned are continuing in Brazzaville. Following the cease-fire agreement in August, the talks between Iran and Iraq begun in Geneva are to be resumed.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Because of their unavoidable interdependence, States should regard the United Nations as a neutral forum wherein they harmonize their positions and settle their disputes in a peaceful and mutually beneficial manner - and this is possible. Politically, the new climate between the Soviet Union and the United States is an example. The commitment of those two great nations to report to the international community, in particular to the Conference on Disarmament, on the progress and results of their negotiations is a decisive step towards peace. The determination of the major Powers to work more closely together leads us to expect other encouraging results. In Afghanistan, the partial withdrawal of Soviet troops holds out hope for new developments. In the Western Sahara, the peace plan proposed by Mr. Perez de Cuellar has been accepted.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Yet never before have science and technology offered the opportunities they offer today for us to overcome poverty and disease and never before have the various means of communication offered such tremendous possibilities for abolishing distances; but never before has a political and economic crisis reached the extent of today's crisis. The United Nations, it must be recognized, is doing what it can to improve international relations from both the political and the economic points of view. All these efforts notwithstanding, much still remains to be done. Every conflict stands in the way of progress. Progress depends inevitably on entente, consultation and mutual respect.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“I take this opportunity also to reiterate our support for the considerable efforts he is making to promote peace and co-operation in the world in spite of the prevailing economic difficulties. I also wish to extend my congratulations to the United Nations peace-keeping forces, which have just been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. We are on the eve of the year 2000, a turning point in the history of mankind. We will also be responsible for the smooth or faulty take-off of this new millennium. The duty of each and every one of us is to ensure the future of generations to come in the best possible circumstances. If we take a quick look at the world today the words that keep coming up are: crisis; conflicts; poverty; ignorance; disease; disasters; and injustice.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“I thank you for the kind words you have just said as you bade me welcome to the Assembly. Allow me to congratulate you on your well-deserved election to the presidency of this session and to express the hope that, under your guidance, its work will be successful. It gives me great pleasure also to extend my warm greetings to the Secretary-General, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, whom we had the pleasure of welcoming to Cameroon at the beginning of this year. As you are well aware, Cameroon owes its existence to the United Nations. It is therefore deeply attached to this Organization, which played a decisive role in its accession to independence. I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Secretary-General for his devotion to the service of our Organization.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)