YouSaid · the spoken record

Bounkoulou

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS BOUNKOULOU

lines on the record: 78
first: 1992-09-24
most recent: 1994-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-general-debate

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“In so doing, we would only be abiding by the criterion of universality, which has always guided our Organization and which must be constantly adapted to newly emerging realities. Our destinies are bound to become increasingly intertwined, our horizons to broaden, and all this in a spirit of diversity, complementarity and solidarity without any will to power or domination. Increased developments in science and technology will result in a globalization of the challenges we must face. 44 May we be able to make the best possible use of the vast potential open to us, so that our long-suffering peoples will finally see the dawning of the era of peace and prosperity they so legitimately desire.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“This framework body for joint efforts for subregional peace and security, which my country will host in March and August 1995, will help, we are convinced, to prevent crises and conflicts and thereby lay the foundations for genuine peace and cooperation in Central Africa. In an international context where we still see certain conflicts, we must acknowledge once again the pre- eminent role of the Security Council, which safeguards international peace and security. The spectacular increase in the membership of the United Nations as well as the emergence of new political and economic forces the world over require an expansion of this body on the basis of equitable geographic representation.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“In drawing conclusions from these tragic events, the 11 States of Central Africa, brought together in the United Nations Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa, have decided to create from among their respective armed forces a single peace- keeping unit. This unit, once set up, will take part in OAU and United Nations peace-keeping operations. Today more than ever, in that part of Africa so sorely tried by instability and civil war, this advisory committee would appear to be a valuable instrument for preventing crises and conflicts and seems deserving of the attention and support of the international community. The recent signing of a non-aggression pact among the States of the subregion is a most concrete example of this.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The continent- wide organization, through its conflict-prevention, -management and -resolution machinery, had committed itself to continuing these efforts. My country welcomes the return of United Nations peace-keeping forces to Rwanda after a departure that had left us with the bitter feeling that the decision was inappropriate. Congo, in spite of its internal difficulties, from the very outset had felt concerned over the Rwandan tragedy. In a manifestation of fraternal solidarity, my country has taken part in all the humanitarian and peace-keeping operations in Rwanda, ranging from the OAU observer mission, UNAMIR I and operation "Turquoise" to today’s UNAMIR II.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Therefore, peace and security in our States and throughout the world require a solution to our people’s economic and social problems as well as the transformation of the world economic system with a view to establishing a more just order. It is only then that we can have a true idea of the Agenda for Development and of its capability of meeting the expectations and concerns of the developing countries. The vagaries of the Rwandan tragedy, especially at the time when the critical decision was taken by the Security Council to withdraw the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR), should awaken the conscience of people everywhere and make them pause and reflect. The joint efforts of the United Nations and of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) were crystal-clear.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The favourable developments in the world political situation have given rise to the hope that a new era of peace will give the United Nations the role that its founders intended it to play. Everything - or almost everything - would seem to augur well for a new world order: an outpouring of freedom and democracy; a revival of the universal awareness of human rights; and the pre-eminence of the United Nations in resolving issues linked to international peace, development and security. Unfortunately, the psychosis of nuclear apocalypse characteristic of the cold war has given way to a violent, deadly expression of freedom and of local wars in a large number of developing countries, especially in Africa. We have already stated that economic frustration is at the root of these events.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Above and beyond the generation of financial flows to our countries, what Africa needs above all is the establishment of a financial instrument, whose machinery would be brought into harmony with the other, existing instruments of international cooperation. This financial instrument, with the support of all the African countries, would obtain appropriate support from the international community, especially the Bretton Woods institutions. Thus, the African Development Bank is in our view the best institution to deal with the financial aspect and, furthermore, to study a system for funding science and technology for development. Today more than ever 43 before, science and technology are part and parcel of development; they are requirements of development.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Development and the effective use of human resources are a decisive factor for the socio-economic development of our African continent. That is why, guided by this requirement of development, the Congolese Government has established the Panafrican Institute of Management and Innovation to train people in the management of resources, including human resources. For the initiator of this project, His Excellency President Pascal Lissouba, development cannot be defined solely in terms of growth; it must also be defined in terms of the ability to master the art of management. The second requirement of this endeavour is to fund it. In this connection, we are not relying only on financial resources - that is, a massive influx of capital into our poor economies. The economies would still have to be able to digest such capital.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Indeed, it is in the integration and complementarity of our economies that we should try to find solutions so that we can emerge from the grave economic and social crisis that has engulfed our countries, and especially relaunch our growth and development. Let us hope that the African States will be able to create the conditions for this complementarity, especially through the use of science and technology. This initiative gives a good idea of the crucial importance of the establishment of the African Economic Community. But in order to succeed this endeavour requires human as well as financial resources. In this connection, the international community is called upon to give resolute help to our countries in their efforts to find competent men and women who can promote development by their know-how, in the appropriate institutions.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The programme involves the relaunching of our country’s development. Our bitter experience has led us to conclude that we must give pride of place to the economy in order to safeguard the young and fragile Congolese democracy and give it a solid basis, especially taking into account the crucial needs of our peoples, our own values and geopolitical realities. To fulfil this objective, the programme involves in its initial phase a structural adjustment programme concluded with the Bretton Woods institutions, a programme we are determined to carry out successfully in spite of the enormous sacrifices this will entail for our people. This must be done because we are determined to stimulate development and to revive hope among our people. We are banking on relaunching progress, but Congo cannot succeed alone. Africa is our salvation.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“This is a process redirected towards democratic transition, the first stage of power- sharing; it is the result of a policy of administrative decentralization, one of the foundations of the development programme of President Pascal Lissouba. Today leaders of the opposition are mayors of Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire - the main cities in the country - and are thereby making their contribution to the national recovery. Congo’s experience highlights the challenges facing the new democracies, in particular young African democracies, which in order to build one nation must emerge from the condition of multi-ethnic States and one- party or feudal systems and pass on to full democracy with its corollary, a market economy. In order to meet these challenges, Congo has opted for a programme of economic and social recovery that is already under way.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Made idle and vulnerable, and subjected to chronic unemployment, our youth are now indulging in the illusion of drugs and the armed defence of dubious causes. 42 Thus, we see the scope of the consequences of so many harmful factors in a society where people have lost all sense of perspective. Violence then becomes the outlet for venting all sorts of political, economic and social frustrations. The outbreaks of violence in the Congo are the most absurd manifestation of this. We must rely on our traditional values to revive our dedication to dialogue and peace and hence realize how vain such extreme behaviour is - indeed, nothing more than human folly. We have given new life to the democratic process; we have started all over again.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“And what should we say of the harmful effects of so many years of Marxist management of an economy that is today doomed because of that failure? Congo’s economy today is suffering from the disastrous consequences of ill-advised economic policies, which has given my country the honour of being placed among the most indebted countries in the world. In addition to this economic bankruptcy we find the waste, the ruin of our cultural and moral values, and a breakdown of the innate genius of our people. Insidious and pernicious, destitution and poverty have crept into the private lives of men and women, every day becoming more numerous, men and women who to survive must hide behind the ultimate bulwark of ethnicity, which has become a factor for segregation and division.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“This crisis has at least had the merit of destroying many illusions. We had thought - or pretended to think - that it was enough simply to copy the old Western democracies and hold free elections under international supervision to ensure that democracy prospered, that it was unnecessary to take local realities into account. Surely the European Parliament learned a bitter lesson from its failure, because it said to the new democracies that peoples and Governments should find formulas which would enable them to create democratic, lawful institutions based on their own history and cultural identity. How can we claim that in two years’ time we have done away with the ills of 30 years of badly assimilated Marxist-Leninist culture, a culture which was fundamentally hostile to pluralistic democracy and fundamentally opposed to individual growth.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The unemployed population is increasing, and workers are under a constant uncertainty. As if to complete this picture, natural disasters - drought and desertification - compete with epidemics such as AIDS and malaria. Infections we thought to have eradicated are reappearing. In this context of a disastrous economy, a population explosion has eliminated any hope of redressing the imbalance between an almost zero economic growth rate and a population growth rate that is out of control. This situation has destroyed all our efforts at recovery. Congo, for its part, has not escaped this common destiny. The socio-political crisis which has shaken my country to its very foundations and brought great grief to many Congolese families has to a large extent torn the social fabric and has completely ruined our economy.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The increase in the inequality between the richest and the poorest countries has grown more complex with the emergence of worldwide markets, trade, communications - even, unfortunately, pollution. Africa, long relegated to the background, seems to have combined all the social pathologies that inexorably strike ever-growing and ever- poorer populations. In our underdeveloped countries, chronic indebtedness and the drop in the prices of our basic commodities, compounded by the pernicious reduction in public aid for development and investments that continue to ignore our legislation, however attractive and liberal it may be, are worsening the disappearance of sources of financing and development. Here growth is slow to appear, whereas early signs already herald the beginnings of expansion in the world economy.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“My country would like to reiterate its wish to see Angolans finally reach understanding and reconciliation, so that they can devote their energies to the rebuilding of their country, torn apart by a war that has lasted far too long. With regard to Liberia, we hope that the recent signing in Ghana of the cease-fire agreement by the various protagonists will lead to better prospects for that country. The genocide we have seen in Rwanda, another sad chapter in the history of mankind, is only the most extreme and inhuman manifestation of the problems facing Africa today. Violence, poverty, famine, disease, refugees, spiralling population growth - such is the widespread image of contemporary Africa. This well-known, gloomy picture no doubt stems from a habitual pessimism rather than from a thorough study of reality.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The Republic of the Congo remains greatly concerned about the situation in its sister republic and neighbour Angola. We deplore the continuation of this fratricidal, murderous war, sustained by the intransigence and rigidity of UNITA. The Congolese Government 41 supports all peace efforts undertaken by the international community in the attempt to settle the conflict peacefully, especially as part of the Lusaka negotiations: negotiations in which Angola has made very constructive proposals that show the determination of President Dos Santos and his Government to find a solution that might take into account all the political sensibilities of that country.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“This is why, in hailing the significant progress achieved in this process, the Republic of the Congo hopes that we will see rapid progress in the Arab-Israeli negotiations with a view to the establishment of a thorough, just and lasting peace in the Middle East. But the hope offered by the progress that has been achieved remains frustrated by the persistence of local wars that continue their bloodshed in various parts of the world. Political differences and ethnic, racial or religious diversity, far from enriching society, have elicited intolerance, hatred, violence and, worst of all, the destruction of what is most precious to us all: human life. From Bosnia to Angola, the similarities are striking. Of these crises that conceal several basic questions, we see that a record number are in Africa: Angola, Somalia, Liberia, Rwanda ...”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The abolition of apartheid in South Africa, which seemed impossible yesterday, is a reality today, as if to grant the wishes of the international community and to reward the strictures of the United Nations, a peaceful transition has given birth to a united, democratic and non- racist South Africa. A peaceful settlement to the question of the Aouzou strip has rid Central Africa of a fratricidal conflict. I hope the example of Libya and Chad will inspire other States as well. Firmly and resolutely, the dynamic of peace begun in the Middle East is growing stronger and is opening prospects for cooperation to peoples long ruined by war and yet fated by geography and history to live together.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“A marked trend towards dialogue and cooperation in search of solutions to the problems that confront our world encourages our desire for a new system of international relations that would be more humane and more just. The United Nations has to its credit many achievements in the restoration and creation of peace. Conflicts that have been solved or are in the process of being solved give, little by little, faith and confidence in the future, indeed I would say to life, to those peoples who have been subjugated by despair, if not by the disturbing resurgence of civil wars, ethnic tensions and religious crusades.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Finally, how can one not feel overcome with joy at the triumphant welcome given the return of the Republic of South Africa to the commonwealth of free nations? This return, which puts the finishing touches on the liberation of the African continent from colonialism and racism, is surely a source of legitimate satisfaction for the Members of the United Nations who devoted so much energy and so many resources in the battle of the South African people against apartheid. To the delegation of that country that embodies the hopes of an entire continent, I would like to extend a warm, fraternal welcome. At the beginning of this forty-ninth session the Assembly faces a complicated situation that combines real reasons for satisfaction with extremely worrisome issues.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Samuel Insanally, Ambassador of Guyana, who served as President at the forty-eighth session with such great competence and skill. My congratulations go also to our Secretary-General, Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, who since becoming the leader of our Organization has endeavoured with such dedication to bring our Member States closer to the purposes and principles of the Charter. On behalf of the Congolese people, I would like to reiterate to this humble servant of mankind our most earnest encouragement as he discharges his lofty responsibilities. Many peace-keeping and goodwill missions of the United Nations are currently to be found on African soil. We welcome this necessary assistance, while we hope that the peoples concerned will do even better in fostering conditions for a return to peace.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“At this forty-ninth session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, the African continent has every right to feel honoured in this great body. Through the brilliant election of its President, our Assembly has paid a tribute to the merits and the qualities of a great African diplomat. I would add that above and beyond the recognition so richly deserved by his country, Côte d’Ivoire, for its contribution to peace, we also find in his election a posthumous tribute to its founder, President Houphouët Boigny, that unforgettable monument of modern-day Africa. I would like to extend to our President the warmest congratulations of the Congolese delegation and to avail myself of this opportunity to pay a well- deserved tribute to his predecessor, His Excellency Mr.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The Government of the Republic of Congo attaches major importance to strengthening the role of the United Nations, as well as to increasing respect for the principles of the Charter, which is a sine qua non for the advent of a new order based on justice for all, peace, prosperity and international solidarity.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Its efforts have lent it undoubted authority, especially in the settlement of conflicts and in the shaping of the new order, which mankind hopes will be more democratic and will generate prosperity for all. Nevertheless, there is now a pressing need to restructure the United Nations. This is especially true with regard to the question of enlargement of the Security Council and an increase in the number of its permanent members. Such a reform would tend to increase the effectiveness of that vital body, which is responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security. This is one of the fundamental aspects of the necessary process of democratizing international relations.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“This indicates the political commitment of the States of Central Africa to the creation of a system of collective security through the promotion of confidence, security and development. These actions of the States of Central Africa must be seen as part and parcel of the machinery for the prevention, management and settlement of conflicts that was set up at the most recent Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which was held in Cairo in June of this year. The international community - particularly the United Nations - should give these initiatives the support that is necessary if their noble objectives are to be accomplished. In recent years the United Nations has been working very positively on a number of fronts.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Thus, the promotion of confidence and security, which are the prerequisites for the achievement of development targets, is becoming a new priority in Africa. Aware of this, the members of the Economic Community of Central African States, with the assistance of the United Nations, are now addressing themselves to progressive implementation of the work programme of the Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa, which was adopted by the General Assembly last year. That Committee, which adopted a draft non-aggression pact following its third meeting, held in Libreville, will hold its fourth meeting in Brazzaville in the Republic of Congo.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“My country supports all the initiatives taken by the United Nations - in particular, those that encourage dialogue and Forty-eighth session - 1 October l993 43 negotiation - with a view to ensuring the success of the talks in Geneva. As in the past, the process of the peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula enjoys the support of my delegation and my Government. It is very pleasing to note that considerable progress has been made in the process of disarmament and the control of armaments. Unfortunately, the danger of war has not yet been eliminated, as there still exist a number of arsenals of weapons of mass destruction - in particular, nuclear weapons. For this reason my Government will continue to appeal urgently for general and complete disarmament. Peace and development are complementary. Each depends on the other.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The Washington Agreement of 13 September 1993 represents a decisive turning-point towards settlement of the Palestinian problem, and it will contribute to an improvement of the situation in the Middle East. The signing of this agreement promises a new era of peace and cooperation for the peoples of that region. Nor can we fail to commend the very fortunate outcome of the situation in Cambodia, where elections, organized under the auspices of the United Nations, led to the creation of a government of national unity. Despite the involvement of the United Nations, the situation in the former Yugoslavia has not basically changed.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The agreement recently reached between the Government of Rwanda and the Rwandese Patriotic Front gives us reason to hope that an era of peace will come to that country, contributing to the strengthening of the bases of national unity. We hope that the Rwandese people, after recovering peace and unity, will be able to get down to the difficult task of rebuilding their country. Regarding the cases of Liberia, Mozambique and Western Sahara, in which my delegation fully and firmly supports initiatives of the United Nations, we call upon the parties to the conflicts to have recourse to negotiation, to dialogue and to other peaceful means in order to restore peace and security in that area.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Turning to the question of Angola, we regret to note that the refusal of UNITA to accept the result of the voting and the free choice of a sovereign people has once again plunged the country into hostilities, further complicating not only the process of democratization that had been embarked upon but also the peace negotiations which are currently taking place under the aegis of the United Nations. My delegation welcomes the adoption by the Security Council of resolutions 851 (1993) and 864 (1993) and supports recent initiatives by the King of Morocco, the President of Côte d’Ivoire and the President of the African National Congress.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“My delegation gives their due value to the efforts which have been constantly made by the South African Government to eradicate apartheid and to democratize the country. Furthermore, we support the request for the lifting of sanctions formulated by Nelson Mandela. My Government believes that peace in Somalia can be restored only if Security Council resolutions 751 (1992), 794 (1992) and 814 (1993) are implemented, resolutions which, inter alia, call for the organization of a reconciliation conference and a national-unity conference.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The current session has started at a time when the persistence of local conflicts and the resurgence of hotbeds of tension are a daily concern of our Organization in its mission to build and preserve peace. Nevertheless, although we can welcome the favourable developments in certain situations, it must be recognized that a large number of them remain subjects of grave concern. Among the former, we have the situation in South Africa. A number of factors today indicate that the abhorrent system of apartheid will inevitably be eradicated, even if tensions are still rife and there are still scenes of violence. The process of democratization in South Africa can no longer be in question. The fact that 27 April 1994 has been fixed for the first multiracial elections is proof of this.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Today, more than ever before, the increase in natural disasters is a matter of concern to us all. That is why my delegation welcomes the Japanese Government’s offer to host, in 1994, a World Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction, which will deal with the various dangers these disasters entail and identify the necessary guidelines under which they can be taken into account by the United Nations in its development projects. Since we have boldly struck out on the path to building a State of law, my Government supports the international community’s action to promote and develop human rights. That is why we welcome the results of the World Conference on Human Rights, held last June in Vienna, and reiterate our appeal to fund-raisers to help finance the various action programmes which were drawn up in that context.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“My delegation supports the conclusions reached by the most recent session of the Economic and Social Council on 42 General Assembly - Forty-eighth session efforts to combat malaria, dysentery and, particularly, cholera. The United Nations system must attach a high priority to Africa, taking into account the serious consequences these scourges have for development programmes. There can be lasting economic and social development only in a healthy environment. The results reached by the Rio Conference, enshrined in Agenda 21, are extremely heartening. They undoubtedly reflect a global consensus as well as a political commitment at the highest level to cooperation for the purposes of development and the environment. But the key to their success resides in the financial resources made available.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Unfortunately, we cannot but conclude that so far, this new development programme has fallen far short of expectations. That being the case, my delegation welcomes the decision taken by the Japanese Government to convene, in cooperation with the United Nations and the Global Coalition for Africa, on 5 and 6 October next in Tokyo an International Conference on African Development, and we voice the hope that this Conference will lead to concrete measures. The economic crisis which besets our countries is particularly damaging to young people. Juvenile delinquency, illicit drug trafficking, drug abuse and AIDS are all serious threats to our societies. It is essential that they be given close attention. In this connection, more solidarity should be displayed in order to eradicate these scourges.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“This Strategy should receive all the support necessary to promote the creation of an international trade system that is both open and non-discriminatory, with the successful outcome of the negotiations of the Uruguay Round; to encourage the conclusion of specific agreements to readjust commodity prices; and, finally, to find lasting solutions to the external-debt crisis. It is acknowledged that improving the situation in Africa necessarily involves economic reform. Nevertheless, efforts undertaken nationally, subregionally and regionally have unfortunately not enjoyed the international support expected. The adoption of the New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s signified the failure of the United Nations Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“That is why we greatly appreciate the expression of solidarity from the French Government, which decided last year in Libreville partially to cancel the debt of medium-income countries, including the Congo. After many initiatives which proved ineffective, the international community must finally give priority to growth and development in the poor countries by building, on the ruins of the former East-West order, a new order based on more dynamic and more innovative North-South relations that would promote attainment of the objectives of the International Development Strategy enshrined in this body.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“It is quite clear that poverty threatens the cohesiveness of States and brings about profound imbalances in the developing countries, endangering the very foundation of human rights. But there is one basic human right that continues to have pride of place: the right to development. Despite the numerous steps taken to date, the developing countries remain weighed down by the heavy burden of debt, and the increasing cost of servicing that debt is becoming unbearable for economies which are already in great trouble. My delegation believes that resolving the foreign-debt crisis requires bold steps. Nevertheless, we are very much aware of all those efforts which are contributing to the settlement of that crisis.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“These reforms deal, inter alia, with restructuring the State productive sector by the total or partial withdrawal of the State, the financing of economic recovery, the reorganization and renegotiation of the external debt and finally the defrayment of the social costs of this adjustment. If they are to bear fruit, these efforts and the sacrifices they will entail must be sustained by financial aid, otherwise the Congo will remain mired in poverty and instability. Far from being unique, the critical economic and social situation in Congo is but one illustration of a crisis that affects almost all African countries and many developing countries. Thus, to the political factors involved we must add major economic and social challenges.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those countries and all those agencies which have been kind enough to help the Congolese people resolve a crisis which seriously threatens peace in the country and which could erode national unity and compromise the future of the democratic process itself. The Congolese Government would like to reiterate here, through me, its commitment to abide by the decision of the arbitral college and the verdict of the ballot boxes. The Congo is going through a very difficult stage. The desperate state of its economy and its social fabric has led the Government to undertake economic reforms. These reforms have so far been unfortunately frustrated by political and social instability.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“As for the electoral dispute, it is to be decided by an international arbitral college which is made up as follows: two judges appointed by the Organization of African Unity, two judges appointed by the European Economic Community, two judges appointed by the French Government and one judge appointed by the Gabonese Government. The Government thus has every hope that following upon this vote and the resolution of the electoral dispute, it will be able to lay the definitive groundwork for a real rule of law with the establishment of all constitutional organs. This is the situation in the Congo today.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“That is why the Government of my country appeals to the international community in order to obtain emergency aid to assist all those Congolese who have been deprived of their property or who have been physically harmed. Despite this tragic situation, which might indeed have elicited a rigid attitude from the authorities, the Republic’s Government threw open the doors to negotiation. Thus, once again through the mediation of President Bongo of Gabon, an agreement - the so-called Libreville Agreement - was signed in the presence of foreign observers on 4 August last. This agreement, which confirmed the results of the first round, calls for the resumption of the second round of elections to the legislature initially boycotted by the Forty-eighth session - 1 October l993 41 opposition.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The acts of sabotage and systematic destruction perpetrated by bands armed by the opposition last July caused a massive loss of human life. To this we should add considerable physical and material damages. Today, 3,000 families - in other words approximately 15,000 Congolese - are homeless and their sole refuge are classrooms and student dormitories. Such a situation poses a serious threat to the new school year which begins in a few weeks. Of course, the Government is making tremendous efforts in order to meet the vital needs of the displaced families and to reintegrate them into Congolese society. But, unfortunately, in a Republic with a ramshackle economy and which is financially bereft, it is impossible for this challenge to be met.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“If the people’s right to civil disobedience would appear to be a natural outcome of the Constitution of our country, civil disobedience should not be regarded as a synonym for destruction of the social and economic fabric. Even if the conditions for such disobedience had been present, the acquisition or the large-scale distribution of arms and weapons of war can hardly be understood, and even less their being used for the purposes of mass destruction and blind terrorism. Is it conceivable that, when the vote has not turned out favourably, the streets, urban communities and innocent people taken hostage become pawns which are used in bargaining over political decisions? Plundering the property of peaceful citizens - is this something which can validate lost causes?”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The opposition, which found itself in a minority as a result of that vote, systematically challenged those results, demanding that the vote be invalidated by the organ in charge of organizing the balloting, whereas Congolese electoral law states that electoral disputes are the purview of the Supreme Court, which is the only competent jurisdiction pending the creation of a Constitutional Council. Because of certain subterfuges, clever sabotage, delaying tactics and high-handed manoeuvres that ignored the best interests of the nation, the Congolese opposition deliberately infringed the institutional process which should lead to democracy and development. After the memorable national conference, no one would have imagined that the Congolese would find themselves in the situation of refugees in their own country.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The express will of the President of the Republic to opt for peaceful means, the mediation of the high command of the Congolese armed forces, as well as the good offices of the President of the Gabonese Republic, Mr. Omar Bongo, made it possible for an agreement to be concluded on 3 December 1992. This agreement not only enshrines the formation of a Government with a majority participation of the opposition - more than 60 per cent - but also entrusts the political parties with organizing elections to the legislature on an equitable basis. The first round of these elections was thus organized last May without any major incidents and in the presence of foreign observers, who did not fail to attest to the correctness of the balloting procedures.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“One might then have believed that the country was embarked upon the right course, but, alas, 25 years of totalitarian regimes took their toll. Dissensions within the new parliamentary majority are about to give rise to a motion of censure, which is to say the very least premature - scarcely three weeks after the formation of the first Government. After numerous vain attempts at reconciliation, the President of the Republic was moved to dissolve the National Assembly to allow the sovereign people to give the country a clear-cut majority by which he could govern. This constitutional prerogative was challenged by the opposition parties, which further exacerbated the political crisis.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“These changes are accompanied 40 General Assembly - Forty-eighth session by difficulties and shocks, for democracy is a difficult lesson to learn, requiring a lengthy apprenticeship that is made all the more challenging by a fragile economic and social context. The confusion of certain mentalities which are illprepared for change must be added to this, as well. Here, patience, good will and even the assistance of the international community are necessary if the worst is to be avoided. In the Congo, the democratic process has been extremely bumpy. After the national conference which led to a laborious period of transition, elections were organized, as a result of which a Head of State, Mr. Pascal Lissouba, was democratically elected by 61 per cent of the votes cast.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)