YouSaid · the spoken record

Ioannis Kasoulides

lines on the record: 33
first: 2000-09-24
most recent: 2002-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-general-debate

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

“The general debate of this session is nearing its end. The distinct focus of this session has been the galvanization of world opinion with respect to the necessity of implementing United Nations resolutions. Cyprus has long been advocating respect for all United Nations resolutions, without double standards or exceptions. We are convinced that this would bring us closer to the shared vision of collective security, peace and justice envisioned by the founding fathers of the Organization.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“As in the past, we stand ready to assist the parties in any way they feel that we can contribute, including by hosting meetings on the island. Cyprus attaches great importance to the role of the United Nations in the field of disarmament. It will therefore continue to support international action aimed at strengthening multilateral instruments on disarmament and the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. In this spirit, I wish to inform the Assembly that the Government of the Republic of Cyprus has recently proceeded, in cooperation with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, with the destruction of a significant number of weapons and has decided unilaterally to demine the buffer zone. Moreover, Cyprus is in the final stage of ratifying the Ottawa Convention on anti-personnel mines.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Cyprus, as a neighbouring State with close relations to the parties involved, supports all initiatives aimed at achieving a just settlement, based on international law and United Nations resolutions, including the efforts of the Quartet. Such a settlement would lead to both peace and stability and would ensure normal relations and security for all the countries of the region. It would also have to include the fulfilment of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people through the creation of their own State and the termination of occupation. Most importantly, it would put an end to violence and reinforce the voices of moderation and cooperation. We reiterate our condemnation of all acts of terror, including suicide bombings.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Turning a blind eye to nature's warnings will exacerbate the problem and make their consequences for the global ecosystem irreversible. Cyprus also reiterates the need for joint efforts to implement the Millennium Development Goals and the Monterrey Consensus. Moreover, my country attaches particular importance to strengthening the New Partnership for Africa's Development, which represents a viable opportunity for the African continent to escape marginalization and underdevelopment. 15 The situation in the Middle East remains fragile; its repercussions could seriously threaten stability far beyond the region.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Two recent international events deserve special mention, since they have created a momentum for international cooperation on issues of a political, economic, environmental and legal nature. The first session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute was a veritable landmark in combating impunity and deterring genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and aggression. On the other hand, the World Summit on Sustainable Development reaffirmed the necessity for coordinated and effective international action in the form of a joint effort to overcome the challenges of economic disparity and environmental degradation. It is now imperative to achieve the effective implementation of all the commitments that have been undertaken.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“It has become evident that in the fight against terrorism, the importance of an individual country is not related to its size or its geographic location. Every State has a vital contribution to make in the struggle to combat this threat to our common values. The Government of the Republic of Cyprus reaffirms its commitment to this struggle through full implementation of all relevant international conventions and protocols relating to terrorism, as well as of Security Council resolutions. Our determination has been explicitly stated at the highest level and through our ratification of all 12 of the international conventions and protocols pertaining to international terrorism.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“As for our side, President Clerides, who has been participating in the talks in a constructive and positive manner, thereby earning the respect of the international community, will continue to show determination and farsightedness so as to fully safeguard the interests of Cyprus and its people. One year has passed since the heinous attacks of 11 September, which dramatically changed the international political climate. The immediate actions of the United Nations in the aftermath of the attacks reaffirmed the strong determination of the international community to counteract the global threat of terrorism, which transcends geographical regions and religions. Cyprus believes in the necessity of global mobilization and collective action against terrorism, under the auspices of the United Nations.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“In keeping with the interests of our people and with the need for regional stability, our vision for Cyprus represents a departure from the passions of the past. We see the future of our country in a reunited federal State, with membership in the European Union and with the human rights and fundamental freedoms of each and every citizen fully protected. We are aware that the overwhelming majority of Turkish Cypriots share this vision and long for reunification and for a common future in the European Union, with all the safeguards of a modern, democratic and effective State. They know that the accession of Cyprus would offer to all its citizens security and social and economic advancement, especially for the Turkish Cypriot community.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Their position in favour of a “two sovereign States” solution and of the denial of the rights of refugees to their property represents an anachronism in a globalized world — a world in which we view diversity as an enrichment and are bound together by integration, the quest for democracy and the rule of law. Most importantly, such a policy cannot lead to a settlement or to reconciliation, and would thus perpetuate the suffering and the plight of all Cypriots. We call on the Turkish side to respect Security Council resolutions, and the high-level agreements signed by Mr. Denktash himself, which provide for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation and which envision a State with a single sovereignty, single citizenship and a single international character.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Regrettably, the international community has yet to see the greatly anticipated change of attitude on the Turkish side. The Security Council, in its statement of 9 July, authoritatively declared that 14 “the Turkish Cypriot side had been less constructive in its approach so far, and had declined to support the goal of resolving the core issues”. (Press Release SC/7444) The Council also strongly underscored the need for the Turkish side to cooperate fully in the ongoing effort for a comprehensive settlement, taking into full consideration the relevant Security Council resolutions and treaties. We invite Turkey and the Turkish-Cypriot leadership to heed the call of the international community and abandon its unacceptable policy of division and communal segregation.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“On the contrary, we believe that we should move beyond confrontation towards a common future of prosperity, democracy and regional cooperation. In this respect, both sides should seize the moment and take advantage of the current window of opportunity for the achievement of a just and viable settlement of the Cyprus problem, based on Security Council resolutions, which represent the verdict of the international community and its collective wisdom. The time to engage in a serious, meaningful dialogue is now, given the unique convergence of positive factors, including the renewed interest of the international community, the personal involvement and commitment of the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, to whom we express our appreciation, and the European Union accession process for Cyprus.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Such an approach will not only enhance the credibility of the Organization, but will also facilitate the achievement of permanent solutions based on objectivity, justice and international law. In the case of Cyprus, numerous resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council have yet to be implemented. Contrary to its obligations under the Charter, Turkey shows its defiance by calling for the acceptance of the so-called realities brought about by its aggression. Twenty-eight years have passed since the tragic summer of 1974, and the people of Cyprus, both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, are still suffering from the terrible consequences of the Turkish invasion and the continuing military occupation of 37 per cent of the Republic's territory. The Government of Cyprus, however, does not want to engage in polemics with Turkey.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“The fact that the global problems are so numerous demands a determined and collective response and necessitates the enhancement of the role of the United Nations as the leading mechanism in securing world peace and stability. Cyprus would like to reaffirm its strong devotion to the United Nations and its commitment to the cause of international cooperation and multilateralism, so eloquently advocated and defended in the Secretary- General's statement to the General Assembly on 12 September 2002. It is our firm belief that the international community should act in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter and that all United Nations resolutions should be implemented.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“I would like, Sir, to extend to you my warmest congratulations on your election as President of the fifty-seventh session of the General Assembly. I have no doubt that your long experience and proven diplomatic skills will successfully steer the work of this session. I would also like to extend my appreciation to your predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Han Seung-soo, for his effective and determined guidance during the work of the fifty-sixth session. Cyprus joins other States in extending a warm welcome to the newest Member of the United Nations, Switzerland, and we look forward also to welcoming East Timor. The opening of this session coincides with a time of overwhelming challenges for the international community.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Our common aim should be a solution that would be honourable and something to be cherished by future generations of all Cypriots, Greek and Turkish alike, to whom our utmost purpose is to bequeath a better place to live in harmony, tolerance and cooperation. 26”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“We are currently engaged in the fourth round of proximity talks. We have come to these talks with flexibility and with the political will to reach a solution as prescribed by this Organization. We appeal to the Turkish side to seize the moment and capitalize on the current favourable environment in order to reach a comprehensive settlement. Such a settlement will be based on Security Council resolutions, which call for a bi-zonal, bi-communal Federal Republic of Cyprus, with a single sovereignty, citizenship and international personality, comprising two politically equal communities, as described in Security Council resolution 750 (1992). The Turkish side must realize that a solution must be mutually acceptable and based on international law, and it must not insist on imposing its will and on a solution based on faits accomplis.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The inability of the Organization to return the situation to the status quo ante tarnishes its image and credibility. Could one imagine the consequences for international relations, when nations are forced to accept solutions based on faits accomplis created and sustained through the use of military force and unilateral acts? Can we allow such a precedent to pave the way for the disintegration of so many countries around the globe? What, indeed, would be the consequences for small States in this kind of so-called international order, where international law is selectively applied and the will of the mighty reigns supreme? The one and only reality is the imperative need for peace and reconciliation in Cyprus through a mutually acceptable solution within the parameters of United Nations resolutions.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“One such stark reality reflecting the ultimate aims of Turkey in Cyprus is the importation of 98,000 Turkish mainland settlers into the occupied areas in an effort to change the demographic structure of the island. Another reality is the mass emigration of our fellow Turkish Cypriots from the occupied areas and the constant threat posed by the 36,000 Turkish occupation troops stationed on the island. This threat is real and manifests itself from time to time through provocative actions on the ground. Such is the case of the Turkish advance in Strovilia, following the adoption last June of a resolution by the Security Council renewing the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). This illegal action has been described by the United Nations Secretary-General as a clear violation of the status quo.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Had these forces been pacification or liberation troops, as Turkey tries to portray them, would the Security Council, which represents the collective wisdom of the international community, call repeatedly for their withdrawal? Moreover, how can anyone, speaking before this body, describe United Nations resolutions and their call to uphold and adhere to international law as romantic descriptions and unrealistic assessments? One further point that I would like to make is the reference to the so-called realities in Cyprus. We have been asked to accept, if we want to find a solution, these so-called realities on the ground. These realities are, of course, the result of the Turkish invasion and its dire consequences on the people of Cyprus.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“A future bright and prosperous for all Cypriots, permeated by a spirit of reconciliation, in a peaceful, demilitarized and reunited Cyprus, member of the European Union, in which all Cypriots would live in conditions of peace, prosperity and the full protection of their human rights and fundamental freedoms. We want a future without occupation armies, without barbed wires of division and without human suffering. Indeed, how can one seriously claim that the massive Turkish military force which invaded and has continued to occupy 37 per cent of Cypriot territory for the last 26 years is a force of pacification and liberation?”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Furthermore, it is well known and confirmed by the three reports of the European Commission of Human Rights, following appeals by the Republic of Cyprus against Turkey, that ethnic cleansing occurred in Cyprus in 1974 with the violent uprooting of one- third of the Cypriot population from their homes and their expulsion from the areas that are now under Turkish occupation. This is a classic example of a creation of faits accomplis through the use of force. Enough has already been said about history, and many recriminations were levelled by one side against the other. We have said time and again to our Turkish Cypriot compatriots, and we repeat to the Government of Turkey, that it is high time we looked to the future.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“An attempt has been made from this rostrum to give a different version from and interpretation of the one upheld and understood by this General Assembly and by the Security Council. When one talks about the events of 1963, one should not forget the armed insurgency against the legal Government of the Republic and the deliberate decision of the Turkish Cypriot leadership to withdraw its representatives from Parliament and the organs of the Government, in order 25 to pave the way for the present de facto division of the island.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Our support stems from our firm belief that if we are to live in a world where justice and international law prevail, then impunity for abhorrent crimes against humanity should end immediately. Cyprus, itself a victim of such crimes, knows very well the bitter truth of impunity. For the last 26 years the General Assembly has included in its agenda the question of Cyprus. Decisions by this Assembly, in particular resolution 3212 (XXIX), as well as successive Security Council resolutions, call for the restoration of the territorial integrity, unity and independence of the Republic of Cyprus and the withdrawal of the Turkish troops and settlers from an independent country, Member of the United Nations, which was invaded in 1974 and whose territory, 37 per cent of it, is controlled by the Turkish occupation army.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“We have been encouraged by the positive climate that has existed since the June meeting between the North and South Korean leaders. We express our support for further measures to achieve reconciliation, stability and cooperation in the Korean peninsula. We have been heartened by the prospect of reunification and of the termination of the division in this sensitive region. Cyprus fully supports the process for the establishment of an international criminal court and was one of the original signatories of the Rome Statute. We look forward to further progress in the work of the Preparatory Commission for the International Criminal Court and welcome the results of its last session regarding the consensus reached on the rules of procedure and evidence and the elements of crime.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Despite the temporary setback in the Israeli-Palestinian final-status negotiations, we believe that the process can and should move forward, so that peace, stability and prosperity will finally be established in this long- tormented region. Cyprus supports the implementation of the relevant resolutions of the Security Council in this respect. Cyprus fully supports Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) and calls for the full respect of the human rights of all the inhabitants of Kosovo, irrespective of their origin, as well as for the full respect for the sovereignty, the territorial integrity and the democratic process of all States in the region. We also commend the European Union for its considerable initiatives and support for the economic and political stabilization of South-Eastern Europe.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The vast majority of displaced people — more than 22 million people, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees — are women and children, who are particularly vulnerable to gross violations of their human rights. We strongly believe that the international community has an obligation to more forcefully secure the right of return of these refugees to their places of residence. Cyprus welcomes the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon in accordance with resolution 425 (1978)of the Security Council. We would like to consider this as a harbinger of the achievement of a comprehensive solution to the Middle East question.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“We are very pleased at the successful conclusion of the special session of the General Assembly on women and the follow-up conference on social development, which were held earlier this year in New York and Geneva respectively. We look forward to continuing on this path at the upcoming world conference on racism, xenophobia and related intolerance and at the special session of the General Assembly on children. One of the areas of particular concern to Cyprus is the increasing number of refugees and internally displaced persons throughout the world. Cyprus has itself experienced the tragic consequences of mass displacement and ethnic cleansing.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“It is imperative that new and imaginative policies to attack the problem be developed, with the Member States of the United Nations and the major international financial 24 institutions working in close cooperation on this issue. Debt relief should be a central part of these efforts. The progress achieved since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted more than half a century ago, has been considerable. The international regime of human rights instruments has been continually expanding and constitutes the criterion against which the international community and national Governments are judged as to their dedication and actions in the protection of human rights. The United Nations has been at the forefront of these new winds of hope for humankind. The subject of human rights today encompasses a variety of topics.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“We are particularly pleased with the organization in Cyprus next January of the workshop on energy for sustainable development, a capacity-development initiative of the Alliance of Small Island States. We expect this workshop to make a substantive input to the ninth session of the Commission on Sustainable Development. The effects of globalization were extensively discussed by world leaders at the Millennium Summit. I will therefore limit myself in this statement to only one aspect of the whole question of the impact of globalization, which we consider a major problem that we all have an obligation to address. The eradication of poverty is undeniably one of the major challenges that the international community faces.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The illicit trafficking of small arms is an issue of grave concern. We are fully supportive of international efforts in this direction and consider more effective action to eliminate this phenomenon to be an imperative need of our increasingly interdependent world. In countless reports of the United Nations and its specialized agencies, the concern is evident regarding the continuing degradation of the environment and the imperative need for global policies in the pursuit of sustainable development. The effects of overpopulation and unregulated development will undoubtedly create new pressures on the environment in this new century. Small island States facing their vulnerability to global warming, rising water level and the increasing scarcity of water resources are particularly concerned in this area.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“For, just as all living organisms are constantly evolving in order to adapt and survive in an ever-changing environment, so does the United Nations need always to have the necessary structures and means that will make it as effective as possible. Cyprus welcomes the efforts of the United Nations in the area of disarmament and we are particularly pleased at the successful conclusion earlier this year of the review process of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. We would like to congratulate the Russian Federation for its recent ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and the START II Treaty. We consider the expansion of the regime of nuclear-free zones, including one in our region of the Mediterranean, to be an important component in our goal towards a nuclear- free world.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The Millennium Assembly has expressed the strong will of the peoples of this planet for common action so that humanity can proceed with the construction of a better world. Cyprus reaffirms its commitment to the United Nations, which we have always considered and continue to consider to be the foundation on which the international community can pursue the lofty goals of peace, security, justice, respect for human rights, and social and economic development on a global level. We thus fully support the continuing efforts towards the reform of the Organization, including its principal organs, so that it will be able to successfully face the many international challenges.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to Mr. Holkeri on his well- deserved election as President of the General Assembly at its fifty-fifth session. I am certain that his considerable experience and diplomatic skills will guide the work of this session to a successful conclusion. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to his predecessor, Mr. Theo- Ben Gurirab, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Namibia, for the exceptional manner in which he presided over the fifty-fourth session of the General Assembly. Earlier this month, in this very Hall, an unprecedented gathering of heads of State took place — an event that, through the final Declaration, has given new impetus to enhanced international cooperation to tackle an array of international problems.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)