YouSaid · the spoken record

FARAH

lines on the record: 288
first: 1979-09-24
most recent: 1991-09-24
sittings or episodes: 11
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

“Those countries therefore need significant outside financing in order effectively to protect the environment. The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, to be held in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992, will make it possible for us to reach international agreements enabling us to protect our common future. Before concluding, I should like to reaffirm the devotion of the Republic of Djibouti to the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations. We have a vital interest in peace and in respect for human rights. These principles also underlie my country's foreign policy, based on wisdom and pragmatism.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“It has tirelessly served the cause of peace and has sought to promote the ideals of the United Nations with devotion, and yet there has never been an African Secretary-General of the United Nations since it was founded. Now a new world order is being established on the basis of greater justice and equality, and we would express the hope that an African candidate may become Secretary-General. Another issue of concern to my delegation is the environment. The developing countries are even more likely to see their environment deteriorate because they are threatened by the double challenge of poverty and population pressures. Lasting economic growth cannot be conceived of if the environment is not protected, for the developing countries are dependent on their natural resources, such as the earth, the water and the forests.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“He must not forget the human suffering that is not shown in these figures. This suffering is aggravated by general instability and the civil wars which are raging in various parts of Africa. Our continent needs significant external aid to try to reduce poverty, wretchedness and famine. We are aware of the need for structural reform so that we move to a market economy and we are also in favour of the political reforms that are needed. We want to have governments that are responsible to their peoples and able to meet their wishes. With the emergence of a positive international climate, Africa's claims must be considered. Africa is seeking its place here in the United Nations.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“May I add bow enthusiastic I am about the peace process initiated by the United Nations with a view to a political settlement of the conflicts in Cambodia, Afghanistan and Western Sahara. The search for lasting solutions will, of course, meet with many obstacles, but we are confident and encouraged by the good will that has been shown by the various parties with a view to achieving genuine reconciliation. Africa is suffering from stagnation and unending poverty. Most countries lack the institutions and the resources necessary to have any significant impact on efforts to reduce poverty. As one African stated: "Everywhere in Africa you simply see death and devastation." All of the economic indicators - growth, world trade, direct investment and industrial development - are falling while debt and the population are continuing to increase.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“Under the De Klerk proposal, 30 million black Africans would have the right to vote, but a white minority would have a right of veto on major political decisions. The creation of a collective presidency and council of ministers seems designed simply to prevent the rules of the majority from operating and, apparently, seeks to preserve the privileges of the white minority. We believe that the proposal can serve as a basis for negotiations which will lead to the establishment of a democratic and non-racial State; and the peace plan approved by the two main black movements will, we trust, put an end to the violence between rival factions and establish some kind of trust.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“Not so long ago, we were all asking if De Klerk would be the instrument for change that South Africa needed, and today we are witnessing irreversible changes, in particular, the complete dismantling of the apartheid system. We pay a tribute to the courage of two outstanding individuals. Nelson Mandela and Frederik de Klerk, without whom this would not have been possible. However, although significant, the initiatives of De Klerk do not quite measure up to the hopes of the black majority. The draft constitution proposed by the National Party on 4 September 1991 contains many positive elements although some of the provisions seem intended to prevent the black majority from actually exercising power.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“All of these hopes simply collapsed because of the demands made by Israel, which wishes to establish and control the schedule or timetable for any talks. It also wants to impose arbitrary and restrictive conditions in order to prevent any legitimate representation of the Palestinian people in general, and of the population of East Jerusalem in particular. Israel must accept the principle of land for peace. It must recognize the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to create their own State. The international community must shoulder its responsibilities and deal with the settlement policy in the occupied Arab territories.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“The peace process in the Middle East, which was blocked for a long time because of Israeli intransigence, seems to be taking off again thanks to the far-reaching changes in the international political situation and the tireless efforts of the United States Secretary of State, Mr. James Baker, who has been remarkably persevering in the face of Israeli obstinacy. After the cease-fire in the Gulf War, President Bush promised to create new opportunities for peace and stability it the Middle East. On 6 March 1991, he told Congress that his commitment to peace in the Middle East would not stop at liberating Kuwait. President Bush confirmed his attachment to global peace based on the principle of "land for peace", a guarantee of the security of Israel and a guarantee of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“The tragic situation in Somalia leads us to believe that international action, similar to that undertaken by the Security Council to put an end to the fighting in Yugoslavia, would be desirable so that the nation of Somalia does not disappear completely. I am pleased to inform the Assembly that a transitional government of national union has now been formed in Somalia. The new prime minister expects to address the General Assembly at this session. He must also mention the sacrifices made by the people of Djibouti for the brotherly people of Somalia during the regime of Siad Barre and also since the fall of that regime.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“The collapse of the old totalitarian regime should give all Somalia - whether from the north or the south - an opportunity to rebuild the country on new bases, thus responding to the true aspirations of the Somali people. As to the form the future State of Somalia should take, it is up to the Somalia to find the political and institutional framework that suits them best - unity or a friendly separation. Caution must be exercised since the decision could have serious consequences. We voice the hope that the feeling of belonging to the same community will emerge strengthened from this trial. We wish to see peace established, not only for humanitarian and fraternal reasons, but also because of the objective realities. The stability and economic development of Djibouti are very closely linked to stability and peace in the region.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“To all of these tragic elements can be added the fact that the northern part of Somalia is threatening to secede, thus jeopardizing the country's unity. Faithful to our policy of conciliation and respect for human life, our President, El Badj Gouled Hassan Aptidon, appealed to all the movements and factions involved in the war to come and meet in Djibouti. After a preparatory conference, six of those movements participated in a second conference held in Djibouti from 15 to 22 July. Observers from 30 countries and international organizations took part in the conference. The peace agreement signed at Djibouti is at present the only viable framework for the restoration of peace, national reconciliation and the establishment of a democratic process.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“We commend the efforts of the Secretary-General, who has made several urgent appeals to the international community to help those countries that are afflicted by the double scourge of constant drought and civil war. To put an end to all of this suffering - at least the suffering caused by man - it is essential to demonstrate political will. An authoritarian and bloodthirsty regime which encouraged tribal rivalry plunged Somalia into chaos and called into question its very existence. As The Economist stated recently on the subject of Somalia, "the Government, if we take Government to mean a stable bureaucracy and a state of law, no longer exists". The tribal division inherited from the Siad Barre government, economic collapse, anarchy and the spectre of famine, are haunting Somali society today.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“The Horn of Africa is a region that suffers from chronic drought and famine- Today it is ravaged by ethnic and civil conflicts. In that part of the continent 10 million people each day are hungry. Recent events in Ethiopia and in Somalia have created tens of thousands of new refugees in the region. The Republic of Djibouti alone provides refuge to 85.000, which is an enormous number given the size of our population. Despite its limited resources, Djibouti is doing its best to help those refugees, but they are more and more becoming a burden for a country whose socio-economic structures are already sorely tried. While keeping our borders open to populations at risk, we are still trying to find lasting political solutions to the problems of our neighbours.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“The collapse of communism and the end of its totalitarian ideology offer new opportunities to reduce tensions and promote democracy, human rights and individual freedoms. We are genuinely pleased to see the beginnings of an era of mutual trust among States. The arms-reduction Treaty signed in July by the two super-Powers and the proposals recently announced by United States President Bush, and the Soviet response to those proposals, are leading towards reductions in weapons of mass destruction, thus making a meaningful contribution to the cause of international peace and security. But we must follow carefully events in the Soviet Union. Recognition of the sovereignty of the Baltic States and declarations of independence by other States presage the disintegration of the old Soviet empire.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“To formulate a more just system of international security to maintain international peace and stability, the United Nations must give serious thought to a regional system of collective security, to conciliation and mediation and to ways of ensuring that the system survives. To that end, there must be multilateral diplomacy to settle the old economic and political problems. If necessary, the Organization must take preventive diplomatic action. To attain its lofty purposes, the United Nations must reflect on the concept and implementation of a global peace process in line with the Charter purposes: "to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war" and "to maintain international peace and security". During the last four decades the world has been subjected to super-Power rivalry in a fierce cold war.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“A sovereign State had been the victim of the unbridled ambition of a more powerful neighbour. The Iraqi invasion flouted the fundamental principle of non-aggression. The sad consequences of that aggression are felt in Kuwait no less than in Iraq: there has been major material destruction and enormous loss of life, and millions have become refugees. This remains a destabilizing element in that region. We warmly and sincerely congratulate the Emir and the Government of Kuwait, whose legitimacy and sovereignty have been restored. With the disastrous experience of the Gulf War, it has become increasingly urgent that we redefine the role of the United Nations in the search for solutions to conflicts.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“Despite serious obstacles, he has always worked to find lasting solutions to numerous thorny conflicts while seeking at the same time to make the international community aware of omissions and inadequacies in development programmes. We are happy also to welcome the admission of new Members to the great United Rations family. The historic changes on the international political scene no doubt made a large contribution to the admission of those countries. Our warmest congratulations go to the Republic of Korea, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the Republics of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Last year at this time Iraq's rash and destructive adventure, the invasion of Kuwait, was in the forefront of international politics.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“Guido de Marco, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Malta, our appreciation for the outstanding statesmanlike qualities he displayed during his tenure. As the term of Secretary-General Javier Peres de Cuellar draws to an end, it gives me great pleasure to pay him a sincere and respectful tribute for having succeeded with such talent in his difficult international mission. His tolerance, his tenacity, his discretion and his modesty deserve our admiration. He has earned our respect and gratitude with his mediation in ending the Iran-Iraq conflict and in calming hotbeds of tension such as Afghanistan, Western Sahara and, most recently. Central America.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“I wish first of all, on behalf of my delegation and speaking personally, to convey to Ambassador Samir S. Shihabi my sincere congratulations on his election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its forty-sixth session. Our joy is matched by our great pride at seeing him presiding over this important session, which is taking place at a time when both the cold war and the Gulf War have ended. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Djibouti not only are Arab nations with friendly relations, but also share the same world vision. It. goes without saying that Ambassador Shihabi's vast experience, diplomatic skill and just view of international problems make him a true leader who can guide us through a constructive and productive session. I take this opportunity to convey to his predecessor. His Excellency Mr.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“The Gulf crisis has inevitably created political pressures and worsened the economic situation. Djibouti's economy depends largely on shipping activities and subregional trade. All of those activities, already experiencing a set-back, have now been heavily curtailed by the current crisis. For energy Djibouti is totally dependent on oil, which is primarily imported from the Gulf. IN conclusion, I wish to stats that the Republic of Djibouti has a vital interest in peace and the creation of a climate of confidence in our part of the world. For a young nation, small and lacking in essential resources, the maintenance of a reasonable degree of internal harmony and the pursuit of a realistic and prudent foreign policy go hand in hand. Our positive regional and international diplomacy will continue to be matched by pragmatic domestic policies.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“We express our gratitude to the many countries and organizations that continue to support IGADD and provide it with much-needed financial resources. Despite satisfactory and substantial advances being made in various socio-economic sectors, Djibouti remains a poor country, still far from achieving many of its development goals. Unfavourable climate conditions, declining economic activities, a constant influx of refugees, and overstrained social services militate against sound and steady progress. We are confident that the international community will continue to support Djibouti's genuine development aspirations. As we are a small country, our meagre resources have already been strained by the pressure of thousands of refugees from conflicts elsewhere in the Horn of Africa.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“Disasters such as desertification, destruction of tropical rain forests, drought and famine have left a lasting impact on large part, of the world, and particularly Africa. We are convinced that environmental issues cannot be separated from economic development, and the realisation should provide the desired impetus for a collaborative effort co-ordinated at all levels. It was in response to this common concern that six countries in East Africa forged environmental unity by establishing the Inter-Governmental Authority on Drought and, Development (IGADB). Headquartered in Djibouti, ĪGADD is fast becoming a catalyst in the formulation of regional projects and of general policies in every member country.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“In this regard, as President Mitterrand suggested, we invite the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OBCD) as well as the other countries belonging to the Organization, to give grants to the least developed countries, instead of loans, so that the debt problem shall not continue ad infinitum. The provision of additional resources in the form of grants is the best way to achieve growth which will not add another twist to the debt spiral experienced by those countries. Alarming environmental hazards are increasingly posing, or could pose, severe threats to human survival. We tend to treat environmental issues, such as degradation, resource-depletion, hazardous solid waste and pollution, as mere passing phenomena.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“Here we wish to record our deep satisfaction at the timely and generous decision taken by the French President, François Mitterrand, during the Conference on the Least Developed Countries, held recently in Paris, to cancel the entire outstanding public debt of all the least developed countries, subject to the approval of the French Parliament, and to commit France to increase its aid to that group of countries to 0.2 per cent of gross national product by the end of the decade.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“That undeniably lies at the heart of the problem. Otherwise, why are economic and social conditions in Africa today significantly worse than they were 15 years ago, given the substantial financial and technical assistance from the World Bank, the IMF and the developed countries? It is high time, therefore, that the major international development agencies acknowledged the uniqueness of this group of countries, and devised a new philosophy and programme meeting the specific needs of human development on a grand scale.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“Most of the initiatives designed to alleviate the debt burden unfortunately seem to share a common strategy, linking debt-relief or debt-rescheduling arrangements to medium-term adjustment programmes, with a strong element of structural reforms, which in International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank jargon "are aimed at reducing economic distortions and financial imbalances". More often than not such a strategy does not produce the desired results. Instead, it engenders hardship and civil turmoil. Perhaps it is not so much a question of whether the strategy is mistaken as whether it is truly relevant to the level and pattern of development of most developing countries, in particular in Africa, where zero economic growth continues to be the rule, despite the presence of the largest number of foreign advisers per capita in the world.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“The adverse affects of the crippling external debt are boundless, with debt-servicing swallowing up over 40 per cent of Africa's export earnings. According to paragraph 59 of the "Economic Report on Africa, 1989" by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa: "The continuing rise in the volume of debt and the debt ratio underscores the excessive burden imposed on African economies and their vulnerability to adverse external developments. The proper understanding of the African debt crisis, therefore, requires it to be placed within the framework of the concomitant adverse developments in commodity prices and resource flows and the on-going efforts of adjustment".”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“Africa’s poor economic performance in a difficult international situation, the chronic drought, deteriorating terms of trade, weak international demand and high debt-servicing costs continue to cause grave concern. While the long-term growth prospects have economic policy implications in regard to improving human capital, mobilising domestic savings and promoting exports, we must at the same time recognise the inherent structural problems. Some of these are insurmountable so long as external constraints - such as dwindling export earnings, lack of finance for development, and a staggering debt-servicing burden - weigh down the African economies. These constraints severely limit efforts at economic restructuring and policy reforms intended to enhance recovery and bring about sustained growth and development.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“We wish to express our deep appreciation for the remarkable support and guidance that UNICEF continues to provide to Djibouti as it attempts to implement its priority programmes of child welfare, immunization and maternal care. Problems of structural underdevelopment, poverty, drought and famine continue to plague and frustrate the genuine aspirations of many developing countries, in particular, in Africa and Asia. Africa has the lowest life expectancy, highest infant mortality, lowest literacy and highest population growth rates in the world. These grim statistics do not bode well for a continent already in the midst of stagnation or indeed a reversal as compared to the gains made in the 1960s and 1970s.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“Many children in the rich world live below the poverty level. Children comprise the largest segment of the world population of 5 billion. According to depressing statistics collected by UNICEF, children are poorly treated and are frequently the victims of neglect, murder, ill-health and slavery. The Summit, which brought together the largest number of Heads of State and Government in history, committed itself to an international action to safeguard the rights of the child. They addressed such important issues as ensuring child survival, protection of children and enhancing child development. This unique Summit is indeed a true vindication of the relentless efforts and dedication of UNICEF to mitigate the plight of children.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“In the Korean peninsula, we are quite encouraged by the continuing dialogue between the two States, and hope that these exchanges will effectively contribute to an improvement in relations and further enhance the prospects for peaceful unification. In accordance with the principle of universality and consistent with the earnest desire to ease tensions in the peninsula, we support the admission of both Koreas, separately or simultaneously, to full membership in the United Nations A clearer demonstration of the relaxation of the hitherto existent tension in super-Power rivalry is the World Summit for Children, which has just concluded a major and bold undertaking to save millions of children from ill-treatment, misery, sickness, poverty and malnutrition. This is not an exclusive phenomenon of the impoverished third world.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“We strongly encourage a general, peaceful settlement, which will lead the Cambodian people to a free, independent State, peaceful, united, neutral and non-aligned. With respect to the Western Sahara, we support the efforts of the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity directed towards the search for a lasting solution to the problem. We are a few months away from the third anniversary of the conclusion of the Geneva Agreements on Afghanistan and, as yet, there is no prospect of peace in sight. We believe that peace and tranquillity will continue to elude the Afghan people in the absence of a representative and popularly elected Government.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“With regard to Liberia, we express our deep concern about the continuous conflict and sufferings of the civilian population and the loss of thousands of human lives, as well as the influx of refugees. The Republic of Djibouti calls upon the belligerents to put an end to the massacre of the innocent population, to end the fratricidal conflict and to lead the country towards a peacefully elected government. Djibouti welcomes the peace agreement concluded recently by the four factions in the Cambodian conflict. The decision to establish the Supreme National Council, a transitional legitimate body that will reunite all the parties to the conflict, is an essential step towards a political settlement of the Cambodian question.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“When talking of change or hope, we can but recall the immortal prophecy of the late Alan Paton, that indefatigable literary giant and anti-apartheid activist, who over 30 years ago wrote: "South Africa is the kind of country where one is filled with hope on Monday only to be catapulted to utter despair on Tuesday." The new Constitution must offer full political rights to the majority black population on a non-racial, pluralistic and democratic basis. To that end De Klerk should institute credible measures for the release of all political prisoners, the lifting of the state of emergency, the abolition of the Group Areas Act and the Population Registration Act which, taken together, form the core of the perpetuation of the reprehensible system of apartheid.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“In South Africa, the word "change" is being overplayed in the mind and emotions of the black majority. President De Klerk continues to give the impression to his country and the world that an era of change lays ahead. Yes. there is a demonstration of an intention to carry out reform programmes. The freeing of Mr. Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners is a move in the right direction. South Africa, however, remains a country beset by deep-seated mistrust and division. Much needs to be done to translate Mr. De Klerk's platitudes and ambiguities into a meaningful and irreversible reform programme. We strongly recommend the scrapping of repressive measures and institutional racism, the end of the undiluted minority rule, the affirmation of political and economic rights, and the creation of democratic institutions.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“In Lebanon, fratricidal wars are exacting a heavy toll on the defenceless civilian population. Fifteen years of sectarian civil strife, compounded by proxy war waged on its soil, have caused untold destruction and suffering, and have created confusion, division and anarchy. We are hopeful that the new initiatives taken by the Government of Elias Harawi will go a long way towards restoring peace, security and stability in Lebanon. We welcome independent Namibia to the community of nations. Nearly three decades of continuous diplomatic efforts to overcome the impasse have finally borne fruit, and Namibia is now in our midst as a free and sovereign nation. We take pride in its commitment to peace, human rights and economic pragmatism. Such a positive spirit of leadership shall pave the way for genuine national reconciliation.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“Israel has become impervious to international reprobation and the resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council. The historic changes in the policy of the Palestinians, that is, cessation of all hostilities and acceptance of the two-State principle based on relevant United Nations resolutions, required unequivocal reciprocity on the part of Israel: acceptance of the principle of land for peace, and full restoration of political rights to the Palestinians, including their right to self-determination. Outright rejection of the notion of the Palestinian State is wholly unjustified. Pressing for increasingly unilateral concessions from the Palestinians without a corresponding flexibility from Israel would in no wise serve the cause of peace.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“Despite this fresh optimism, born of the improvement in the international political climate, the Middle East remains at boiling point because of the suffering of the Palestinians. The intifadah, a mass revolt by the people against oppression, carnage and foreign domination, has of course not faded from the scene. The Palestinians live in a precarious situation of continuous danger. That the Palestinian problem is still not being discussed in a dialogue or at a properly structured international conference is a clear sign of the terrifying stalemate in international diplomacy. In this context, Israel will surely never make one step forward towards peace before violence destroys any chance of there being any peace. We urge the United States to use its considerable influence over Israel to put an end to Israel's intransigence.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“This is the first session of the General Assembly after the cold war which is likely to consider defining the nascent, new world order, and by so doing making the commitment of the United Nations to collective security an effective one. We are deeply encouraged to see the Security Council beginning to exercise, in accordance with the Charter, its "primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security". We earnestly hope that this fresh optimism will not be confined solely to selected areas of conflict, but will rather extend to all regions, and particularly to the most intractable problem, that is, the right of the Palestinians to self-determination and internationally recognized national sovereignty.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“We are very distressed by the ever-more-distant prospect of an Iraqi pull-out, the more so because Iraq's continuing intransigence will doubtless make an already tense situation worse, posing grave risks for the region in particular and the world in general. We therefore strongly urge the Iraqi authorities, on behalf of their people, Arab honour and integrity, to be extremely cautious and very flexible, in order to avoid the imminent danger of the disintegration and devastation of all that Arab resources and ingenuity have accomplished over a quarter of a century. The United Nations is at the threshold of a new era free of rancour and ideological divisions.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“6) The invasion and continued occupation of Kuwait by Iraq is an intolerable anachronism, incompatible with the norms of international law. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Kuwait cannot be subject to compromise. Djibouti stands with the international community in its effort to resolve the Gulf crisis. We call for the unconditional withdrawal of the Iraqi forces from Kuwait, the restoration of the legitimate Government of Kuwait and the release of all hostages, regardless of race or nationality. We therefore express our resolute condemnation of Iraq's invasion and illegal occupation of Kuwait.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“The Middle East has suddenly become explosive. This region has had, it must be said, more than its share of deprivation and suffering. It is most distressing to see the usually innocuous Arab family squabble degenerating into tragedy by the sacrifice of Kuwait, a small State but one rich in resources, on the altar of a more powerful neighbour's greed, so dividing the ranks of the Arab countries. Your inaugural address set the tone, in clear and eloquent terms, when you said: "The international community's commitment to the principle of the sovereign equality of all its Members is for all States, but in particular for the small States, the guarantee against the threat or use of force against their integrity and independence". (A,4S,PV.1. p.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“Javier Perez de Cuellar, both in his quest for enduring solutions to the many intractable conflicts and in his efforts to enhance awareness of the key problems of development. We value highly his wise and just stewardship as he perseveres in steering us carefully away from collision and confrontation towards co-operation and consensus. His report on the work of the Organization is very much to the point, and objective and comprehensive. Today is the day Germany reunites, meaning the end of the indifference to the sufferings and deprivation of the people on the other side of what used to be called the wall. We salute the new German State, which symbolizes the realization of the aspirations of the German nation. In the same vein, we also wish to record our deep joy at the merger between two sister nations, North and South Yemen.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“Allow me at the outset, on my own behalf and that of my delegation, to extend our sincere congratulations on your unanimous election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its forty-fifth session. Your long, proven record in public service, coupled with your broad, diplomatic skills and keen sensitivity to the manifold issues before us, makes you uniquely qualified to guide us, with a sure hand, in our deliberations. I wish also to take this opportunity to convey to your predecessor, Mr. Joseph Garba, our sincere appreciation of the fine leadership qualities he brought to bear on the conduct of the last session. We are proud, as usual, to recognize the quiet but effective diplomacy ceaselessly employed by the Secretary-General, Mr.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“Bearing in mind all the serious problems that hamper to a large extent the process of economic development in Djibouti, members of the group of least developed countries look forward to support and assistance from the international community - from countries and from international organizations. The challenges of poverty, ignorance and hunger are enormous. Greater solidarity from the international community is necessary to overcome these scourges. Therefore we must combine our efforts because, together, we can build a better world.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“The prolonged drought we have experienced in recent years has seriously disrupted the lives of much of own nomad population, causing major losses of livestock and imposing on the Djiboutian authorities the additional costs of implementing resettlement programmes and providing services. The Government of my country launched an appeal for international assistance. The problem of refugees has been such a heavy burden on our State that it deserves special attention. The Government of Djibouti has steadily stepped up its efforts to provide an adequate solution, and in 1936 launched a programme, in co-operation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), for voluntary repatriation. However voluntary repatriation is the only authentic solution and, therefore, it is urgent to increase assistance to continue this programme.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Over the last decade major progress has been made in Djibouti in achieving our development goals - achievements that have helped to build an independent, sovereign, neutral State. These assets have been enhanced by a climate of political stability. Indeed, faithful to its traditions, the Republic of Djibouti has made constant efforts to ensure the full mobilization of its domestic resources to achieve our fundamental goals of socio-economic development and the promotion of human rights. Despite efforts made by the Government of Djibouti, the economic situation remains precarious.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Africa refuses to rely entirely on external action to resolve its problems, and is committed to making the necessary efforts for its own development. Several initiatives bear witness to this - inter alia, the fact that economic regional and subregional groups have been established or are now being established. Without a doubt this type of group will provide a basis for the true African community and will thereby help to resolve a certain number of problems. It is within the intergovernmental authority on drought and development that sincere dialogue is now under way in Djibouti between our two neighbours, Ethiopia and Somalia - dialogue which, as representatives know, has led to the cessation of hostilities and to the restoration of diplomatic relations and an exchange of prisoners.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Furthermore, we salute the honourable initiative taken by certain donor countries which wiped out the debt as ODA - official development assistance - or which took similar steps in keeping with resolution 165 (S-IX) of the Trade and Development Board of UNCTAD and we hope that that initiative will be followed by other donors. Given the critical economic situation in Africa and the specific nature of the crisis, the responsibility that falls on the international community is basic. The international community has pledged assistance to these countries by taking supplementary steps and providing the necessary resources. However, we hope that the quality and modalities of this assistance and co-operation will be improved upon and strengthened.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Accordingly, the Toronto summit in June proposed, some debt relief. Certainly, this can be viewed as an encouraging sign, but unfortunately it is limited in scope, involving only a certain number of African countries. But fairly satisfactory results can be obtained if the industrialized countries implement the resolutions of the General Assembly and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on debt relief, and if they provide specific effective support for the recovery efforts of Africa, as included in the United Nations Programme of Action.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)