YouSaid · the spoken record

Ahmed Abdallah SAMBI

lines on the record: 82
first: 2006-09-24
most recent: 2010-09-24
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

“Lastly, we must find together a modus vivendi that reflects particularly the social, cultural, linguistic, economic, religious and historical realities that shape the life of all Comorians. To that end, I am happy to note the convergence of views with Mr. Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the French Republic, who, during his address to this Assembly stated, “I want to say, in the name of France, that there will be no peace in the world without respect for diversity, without respect for national identities, without respect, I venture to say, for religions and beliefs, or without respect for cultures. Attachment to one’s faith, to one’s identity, to one’s language and culture, and to one's way of life, thought and belief in all that is legitimate, and profoundly human.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“That is a principle that the people of the Comoros will never give up, even if the approach has varied from one administration to the next. Today, my Government would like, in a calm atmosphere, to deal with this matter with France, giving priority to dialogue and consultation. For we must together find a rapid response to the problem of the human tragedies caused by the frequent shipwrecks of makeshift boats transporting on virtually a weekly basis dozens of Comorians from the other islands who visit Mayotte to meet with their families. We must promptly together deal with the inhuman treatment inflicted on Comorians from the other islands residing in Mayotte, and we must seek to facilitate the free movement of goods and persons among all the islands of the archipelago.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Although the one case is a problem within the Comoros and the other a dispute with France, which is a friendly country and principal partner of the Comoros and I stress that fact, France is a friendly country, a friend and principal partner of the Comoros both situations involve the disunion of our country, and we cannot remain indifferent to them. Over 30 years have passed since the independent nation of the Comoros was admitted to the United Nations, within its authentic borders, that is, comprised of four islands: Ngazidja, Mwali, Ndzouani and Maoré. During those 30 years, all organizations that have recognized our independence have unflaggingly supported the just claim by the Comoros of sovereignty over the island of Mayotte, a claim upheld by the successive Governments in Moroni.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“For all these partners, I have always demonstrated our goodwill in seeking to settle the Anjouan crisis by peaceful means because the important thing is to save national unity and preserve the people of the Comoros from anything that might damage our development efforts. I take this opportunity also to thank the authorities of the African Development Bank and all those instrumental in providing partial debt relief to the Comoros, with a view to facilitating our economic recovery. The Assembly will understand that the Comorian Government cannot sanction any action that would establish the Balkanization of our country. The Comorian people remember only too well the unfortunate experience regarding the sister island of Mayotte.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Indeed, all the steps taken by the Government of the Union have encountered to date the intransigence of the rebels of Anjouan, who refuse to comply with the resolutions of the African Union and the recommendations of the international community regarding the organization of free and democratic elections in Anjouan, as occurred in the other two islands and in respect of the constitutional legality, particularly, the exercise in Anjouan of legitimate powers. From the bottom of my heart, I would wish to thank all our bilateral and multilateral partners for their unflagging support in the search for a prompt and final solution to the crisis that we are experiencing.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The uprising jeopardizes the hopes for development of the country by causing delays in repayment of the debt of the Comoros to the international institutions and hampers the resumption of investment from abroad. It is for this reason that I state here our major concern at the political crisis that we are experiencing. Therefore, I make a solemn and urgent appeal to the entire international community to assist us in establishing lasting stability in the Union of the Comoros by settling the problem of the uprising that continues in the autonomous island of Anjouan.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Such uprisings are frequently at the centre of political and geopolitical interests that support them, to the detriment of the best interests of the countries themselves. They benefit from the explicit or hidden support of internal or external forces which use them. My country is not free from this phenomenon. Indeed, the former Head of the Executive of the island of Anjouan refuses to hold free and democratic elections at the end of his term. He is leading an armed uprising that has attacked the presidency of the Union, the representation of the Government of the Union in the island and the contingent of the National Development Army.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“That illegal, antidemocratic and frequently violent form of access to power plunged the countries in question into instability. It would appear that that time is now passed, with the advent of democracy and multiparty systems. The large majority of political forces would appear to accept democratic succession through free and transparent consultation of peoples as being the only acceptable means for acceding to power. However, another mode of violent political action continues to exist in developing countries and appears to be assuming particular importance, namely, the armed rebellions affecting many countries, including the Comoros, my country. Armed uprisings are a source of destabilization and an obstacle to development efforts.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In this certainly very ambitious endeavour, I rely largely on the people of the Comoros themselves to establish at the national level the conditions necessary for the success of the mission and task I have set myself. I am also confident that international solidarity will continue to increase, to support to a small country such as ours in confronting the numerous problems that it encounters daily. Indeed, I would like to express from this rostrum our gratitude to all the countries and organizations that support us in this undertaking of building a nation in the Comoros that is peaceful and prosperous. But I have to emphasize that there was a time not so long ago when the African continent and other regions of the world were shaken by endless coups d’état.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Thus, Africa and all other regions of the world should be appropriately represented within the Organization in order to more effectively embody the principle of equality of States within this great concert of nations. The President took the Chair. Allow me to take this exceptional opportunity to present some insight into the situation in my country, the Union of the Comoros. Since assuming the highest office, I have endeavoured, with my Government, to give effect to the commitments made to the people of the Comoros and to the international community in connection with respect for human rights, the rule of law and good governance, particularly through the restoration of a system of justice that should serve as a model, the struggle against corruption, the struggle against insalubrious housing and advancing the situation of women.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In this way, we will be successful in guaranteeing lasting peace, stability, security and development, because it would be an illusion to speak of such ideals in a world of poverty, where economic development and the well-being of each and every individual have not yet been achieved. Moreover, at this midpoint on the way to the deadline of 2015 set for the Millennium Development Goals, while notable progress has been achieved, full achievement of these objectives depend to a large extent, on international solidarity and respect for the various commitments entered into by the wealthiest countries. The reform of our Organization is more necessary than ever to ensure that it is fully representative and better reflects its universal nature.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Nor does it recognize race or religion in its unspeakable cowardice and blindness. We should do everything possible to ensure that it can no longer flourish on poverty and prosper on the weakest links of the world chain. Also, we must ensure that fanaticism and intolerance can no longer impose their law on the world and destroy humankind. Indeed, in bolstering tolerance and respect for the right to difference and for the dignity of every people, we will avoid possible setbacks, attacks on human rights and the amalgam of terrorism and particular religions or regions.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Today, the countries of the South are overwhelmed by the burden of debt, civil war, insecurity, destitution, precariousness and endemic disease. Therefore, security and harmony in this world call for greater solidarity and greater humanism. The international community should thus emphasize development assistance to help the small countries to meet environmental challenges, particularly the effects of climate change, degradation of the ecosystem and desertification. Such solidarity should also be forthcoming in combating other scourges affecting our countries, most specifically HIV/AIDS, malaria and all other diseases that decimate our peoples and impede our development. In addition, yet another scourge besets the world, and that is terrorism, which recognizes no borders.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The situations of conflict that claim innocent victims in the Middle East, in Darfur, in Somalia and in so many other regions where hotbeds of tension erupt appeal to our collective conscience and call for urgent measures for calm and for the resolution of such problems. My Government endorses any action taken by the international community, particularly the African Union and the United Nations, in seeking solutions to these problems, which are a source of concern for the whole world. The world has reason to be concerned. Fear and uncertainty have become widespread, within both developed and developing countries. Paradoxically, science and technology have never been so effective. The world has never been so rich, nor has it displayed such great profits.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Echoing previous eminent speakers at this rostrum, on behalf of my country, the Union of the Comoros, and on my own behalf, it is a genuine pleasure to address our warm congratulations to the President on his brilliant assumption of the presidency of the sixty-second session of this Assembly. It is a pleasure likewise to address our warmest congratulations to the Secretary- General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, for the effective manner in which he has carried out his duties in this world undergoing vast change, which requires increased commitment by our Organization. May I also extend our sincere thanks to the American Government and to the leaders of this magnificent city of New York for the fine preparations that they have made to receive and welcome us here.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Average gross domestic product per capita stands at about $300 per year. We have therefore developed a far-reaching plan seeking to provide substantial shelter for our population, in place of straw huts. We have sought to establish an independent judiciary in order to ensure the justice and equality of all before the law, and we are combating unemployment and poverty. If we are unable to provide decent and dignified housing and unable to guarantee a minimum of justice, then we will be unable to fight unemployment and poverty. I would like once again to call upon the international community to continue to provide aid and assistance to my country. I assure members all that their generosity and assistance will reach secure hands and will be used properly and appropriately.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“We reaffirm our firm commitment to all international 06-53005 4 conventions and agreements that seek to ensure peace, well being, security and development for all peoples of the world. The Comoros occupies a distinct strategic position and embraces many civilizations. In spite of the challenges it faces, the Comoros has managed to preserve its African and Arab identities, and its affiliation with Islam: a religion of love, amity, tolerance and peace. Our country is among the world’s poorest, in spite of the priceless natural resources that we enjoy, such as agriculture, fishing and tourism, in addition to our strategic position in the Mozambique Channel. Incorrect economic politics applied since we gained independence in 1975 and political instability have been among the negative factors that made our country especially poor and backward.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Majoor (Netherlands), Vice-President, took the Chair. Finally, I wish to use the words of Saint Francis of Assisi who said, “Give us love, my God, so that we might instil it where the forces of evil dominate”. May God the almighty and most merciful inspire our decisions to ensure that a time of peace comes upon us and that we see an end to the spilling of the innocent blood of people in countries at war. (spoke in Arabic) The Union of the Comoros has entered into a new period since my accession to the post of head of the supreme Council following the free and transparent elections that were held in May and June. We hope to strengthen our ties with all friendly countries on the basis of mutual respect and common interests.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“In economic terms, we stand by powerless, witnessing deteriorating terms of trade, which plunge the poorest countries into ever-deepening poverty while the richest countries continue increasingly to prosper. We believe that in order to achieve peace among men, to seek peace among countries and to ensure lasting peace for each and every one, we must prevent and resolve the conflicts and ills that beset our world. We meet in this forum to seek — and to find — solutions to the problems that I have touched upon in my statement. The permanent quest for material and social well-being should guide us towards a guarantee of better lives for our children. We must attack the root causes of the conflicts breaking out everywhere in the world. It is crucial that we combat pandemics such as AIDS, which has destroyed millions of people worldwide. Mr.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Without going into detail, I wish to touch on the root causes of these problems, their consequences and prospects for the future. In my humble opinion, the reasons for these conditions are twofold. The first concerns governance in countries themselves. It will not surprise you to hear that in many countries, especially in the poorest countries, there is injustice, corruption and a lack of respect for fundamental human rights. The second point concerns international governance and all the related problems. While we live in a globalized world, we must recognize that degradation of the environment from uncontrolled pollution by business motivated by easy profit endangers the lives of future generations.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Our countries are caught up in an arms race, instead of concentrating on development and combating disease and poverty. At a time when science makes possible considerable progress, as I said earlier, the contradiction persists at the start of the twenty-first century that millions of individuals do not have enough to eat, millions of persons are totally destitute, and too often abject poverty, famine and devastating pandemics prevail. Many families live without shelter or in precarious and unhealthy conditions. Side by side with an increasingly prosperous world, more and more people live in increasingly difficult situations. We must ask ourselves how to overcome these contradictions in order to meet the challenges of the future.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“We must acknowledge and appreciate the vast effort of the international community to ensure that dialogue, discussion and negotiation prevail over force, destruction and war. Our Organization plays a major role in this respect. We must acknowledge that the crucial missions undertaken by the United Nations are irreplaceable. We live in a time of paradoxes. On the one hand, we are living through an exceptional period marked by extraordinary growth of knowledge and know-how in the areas of technology, science, economic output, information technology and communications, just to mention a few. Yet on the other hand, we continue to devote almost unlimited financial and technical resources to producing more and more weapons capable of destroying our planet.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The question of Moroccan Sahara in no way leaves us indifferent. It is high time that the international community uses the prestige of the United Nations to expedite a solution based on law to that long-standing dispute. In any such situation, only the application of international law can guarantee the restoration of legality. Asia is not spared its share of armed conflicts, for example those in Sri Lanka, Timor and southern Philippines. To mention all such conflicts would be tedious. Wherever or whenever war takes place, armed conflict inevitably results in millions of displaced persons, destroyed economic infrastructure and irreversible human, social and economic tragedy and damage.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“What is there to say about the situation in Palestine where the same scenario persists with its toll of martyrs, children and women who are victims of blind bombing? It is high time for the international community, working within the framework of the United Nations, to respond and to put an end to that conflict by ensuring that a negotiated solution is reached promptly. We have the right to ask why the situation in Iraq remains catastrophic. It would be a shameful lie to say that we do not awake each day, learning of a growing number of deaths in each community in Iraq. In Africa, even though some conflicts have been settled, instability and the risk of war and the threat of 3 06-53005 war still persist in Chad, the Darfur region of the Sudan, Côte d’Ivoire, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia, just to mention some instances.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“That is why I make a solemn appeal to this Organization and to its Members to provide diverse forms of aid in order to ensure the success of this task. I would be remiss if I did not also touch on the major global issues that we face. The situation in the Middle East remains critical. The conflict that occurred in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah deeply hurt us in our flesh and in our hearts. Once again, we question the grounds for waging that war, the reasons for the destruction of economic infrastructure in that brother country, and finally the loss of thousands of lives. My country deeply deplores the shedding of innocent blood in Lebanon and in the Middle East. Why is there so much violence? Why is there so much suffering? Why is there so much inhumanity?”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The people of the Comoros hope to see an end to the hellish cycle of coups d’état that have spoiled their daily lives over the past three decades. Since my election as President, my Government and I have strived to find the ways and means to promote social and economic development. We are aware of the need to diversify our cooperation abroad and to create conditions that are propitious to investment. On the domestic level, my Government is resolutely committed to fighting corruption and the embezzlement of public funds, to reestablishing an independent and equitable judiciary and we are committed to improving public housing. In order to achieve these goals, we require the backing our partners in support of our own efforts.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“From this platform, I would be remiss not to convey our sincere gratitude to all other bilateral and multilateral partners of the Comoros, in particular, the League of Arab States, the International Organization of la Francophonie and the European Union, which, through the African Union, has provided valuable support and assistance in recent years in the context of the national reconciliation process. I would like to thank sincerely the entire international community for the spirit of solidarity often expressed towards my country. Moreover, I remain convinced that the entire international community will continue to support the Comoros to help it complete national reconciliation. This is the sine qua non to ensure that a period of peace and political stability can take root in my country.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The Republic of Mauritius deserves a special mention for its invaluable support to my country throughout the national reconciliation process. By hosting the donor conference for the Comoros in December 2005, this brother country has demonstrated its great solidarity with the Comoros. We therefore express to it our deep appreciation here today. Madagascar is a country with which we enjoy, over and above formal cooperation, very close relations by virtue of good neighbourliness, blood ties, a shared language and commerce, and it will remain a crucial partner for us. Madagascar has consistently demonstrated the importance of preserving common values, in particular through closer ties. I know that with this brother country we still have a long way to travel together, as our destinies are linked.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“We are convinced that France, the home country of human rights and freedoms, will meet the request of my Government to ensure that together we can guarantee a harmonious development in the Comoros, with democracy, the rule of law and good governance. The People’s Republic of China also deserves our deep admiration. With great vigour, this brother country has supported the development of the Comoros, ever since we gained independence more than 30 years ago. Through the quality of its relations, China has earned the friendship of all the people of the Comoros, and I remain convinced that it will continue to provide aid and support for my country’s socio- economic development, a matter which remains a priority for my Government.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“At this junction, I would like to underline the principal role played by the Republic of South Africa and by its President, Mr. Thabo Mbeki, in monitoring the electoral operations during the last presidential elections held in the Comoros. These elections are an exemplary model for Africa, in spite of certain imperfections. I wish to convey to the Government and to the brethren people of the Republic of South Africa the sincere gratitude of the people of the Comoros and my personal acknowledgment for the unfailing support that they provided to the process of national reconciliation in the Comoros. 06-53005 2 I wish to convey to France, a country with which we have long-standing relations, the gratitude of the people and the Government of the Comoros for the constant support that it continues to provide to our country.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“We are all aware of the immeasurable efforts that he consistently deploys to defend the noble causes of our institution — the fight against poverty, the maintenance of peace in the world, to list but the main ones. It is a great honour to take the floor today and to address this Assembly in my capacity as the newly elected President of the Union of the Comoros. Allow me, therefore, at this historic time, to address my deep gratitude to all of the brother countries, to the United Nations system and to the African Union, in particular, for having become engaged in order to ensure that, for the first time, a democratic and peaceful political transition was able to take place in my country following free and transparent elections. That was indeed a first in the Comoros in 30 years of independence.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Allow me, first of all, on behalf of the people of the Comoros, my Government and in my personal capacity, to sincerely congratulate you, Madam President, on your election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its sixty- first session. I am convinced that your eminent qualities will enable you to skilfully guide the work of this General Assembly. And I assure you of my readiness to work with you towards the successful accomplishment of the difficult mission entrusted to you by our General Assembly. I take advantage of this opportunity to address our Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, and to express my deepest gratitude for the total and resolute commitment that he has always shown as head of our Organization, in particular, in the promotion of its ideals.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)