YouSaid · the spoken record

Ismaïl Omar Guelleh

lines on the record: 85
first: 1999-09-24
most recent: 2021-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
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

“Djibouti welcomes the appointment of the new Special Envoy for Yemen, Mr. Hans Grundberg, and hopes that his appointment will give a new impetus to the efforts of the international community to achieve a lasting political solution, in accordance with Security Council resolutions. We urge the Houthis to remain constructively engaged in the peace process and reiterate our condemnation of the repeated attacks on Saudi Arabia. We reiterate our deep concern about the threat of a possible ecological, maritime, economic and humanitarian disaster, posed by the FSO Safer oil tanker. It is urgent that the necessary authorizations be granted for the United Nations to proceed, without conditions, with its inspection and make the appropriate repairs in order to avoid the worst-case scenario and minimize the risk of an oil spill in the Red Sea.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Nevertheless, it shares the concerns expressed by the members of the Security Council regarding political disagreements among members of the Government and their possible negative impact on the Somali electoral calendar. Somalia is at a crossroads — every effort must be made to ensure that Somalia’s positive trajectory is not in jeopardy! We reaffirm our support for a just, lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the creation of an independent and sovereign State, based on the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital. We condemn settlement expansion, demolitions and property-seizure campaigns in the occupied West Bank, including in East Jerusalem, as well as acts of violence that target Palestinian civilians. We call on Israel to respect its obligations under international humanitarian law.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“We also urge our Eritrean neighbours to proceed with the dismantling of the Anda’ali camp, as a confidence-building measure that would help create better relations between the two countries. Djibouti is closely following developments in Ethiopia. Djibouti shares historical ties with Ethiopia and has developed productive bilateral relations in the political, economic and cultural fields. These relations are destined to grow and prosper. We reiterate our support for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. We hope that, in the near future, a peaceful Ethiopia will emerge, reconciled, and return to growth and economic development. With regard to Somalia, Djibouti is encouraged by the progress made by the country.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“We must build on the momentum to restore our societies and economies and redefine our interaction with our planet. Mr. President, Djibouti remains committed to building a better future, lasting peace and strong regional economic integration for the benefit of our people. It deplores the fact that the efforts we made to normalize relations with Eritrea have not yet produced the expected results. As noted by the Secretary-General in his letter to the President of the Security Council, dated 30 July 2021, we deplore the lack of significant progress on the outstanding issues, namely the border dispute and the fate of the 13 Djiboutian prisoners of war. We reiterate our call for Eritrea to agree to resolve these issues, through bilateral dialogue, mediation or binding international arbitration.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Although the Paris Agreement was a historic achievement, we must acknowledge that the efforts made have not lived up to the hopes, following COP21. Because of their climate vulnerability, the international community must support developing countries so that they can benefit from technology transfer and expertise, as well as appropriate funding. Allow me, at this time, to again welcome the announcement made in January this year to provide $5 billion to help restore degraded landscapes, improve agricultural productivity and boost livelihoods, as part of the Great Green Wall, connecting Dakar to Djibouti and passing through 11 countries. It appears that COVID-19 is a unique opportunity to, at last, lay the foundation for more egalitarian, environmentally friendly societies.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“In that regard, allow me to highlight some of them: • 42 per cent drop in foreign direct investment; 20 per cent contraction in world trade • Quadrupling of the price of container transport With regard to the environment, there has been a considerable decrease in global greenhouse gas emissions, which contributed to a slowdown in the deterioration of the ozone layer. To address the risks of economic collapse, Governments invested nearly $12,000 billion in the fall of 2020 to counter the economic effects of COVID-19. Now more than ever, given the multiple devastating effects of climate change, such as prolonged droughts, increased hurricanes, sea level rise, extreme temperatures, flooding and even locust invasion, to name a few, we have a compelling obligation to rethink our actions.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“It has brought to light the intrinsic link between human health, the economy and the environment. Indeed, the various facets of the impact of COVID-19 compel us to make a choice — continue to harm our planet and our environment or adopt a collective approach that is both courageous and that demonstrates solidarity. Yes, solidarity — solidarity with nature, solidarity with our environment, solidarity with our peoples. It is true that in 2020, the world faced an unprecedented slowdown in economic and trade activity, according to statistics from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“President, Secretary-General, Excellencies, Due to restrictions imposed worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, the severe contraction of the economy, widening Government deficits and devastating economic consequences, we are faced with the urgent need to develop solutions to stimulate recovery. In this quest, the valuable support of the international financial institutions and that of friendly countries will be crucial. Mr. President, Secretary-General, Excellencies, In their statements, many of my predecessors have underscored the growing concerns and uncertainties about the future of our planet. Paradoxically, the global health crisis that has affected us for nearly two years is a unique opportunity that may not present itself again in the future.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Put technology at the centre of all social activities, while seeking to innovate working methods and the work environment; On behalf of the Government and the people of Djibouti, I now take this opportunity to thank all international partners that provided vaccines free of charge, in support of our vaccination strategy against COVID-19. We hope that the summit meeting, scheduled for tomorrow Wednesday, at the initiative of President Joe Biden, will identify concrete ways to sustainably reverse the spread of the virus and urgently ensure the asymmetric deployment of vaccines worldwide. It is also vital that greater efforts be made to build consensus on the need for the temporary lifting of intellectual property rights to accelerate vaccine production. Mr.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“It is therefore urgent to implement a global vaccination plan before current variants mutate and jeopardize the gains made to date in the fight against COVID-19. In Djibouti, we immediately recognized the danger and implemented a management and response plan to contain the spread of the virus as soon as the first set of cases appeared. The emergence of variants led to an adaptation of the strategy. We also developed a vaccination plan that includes the installation of vaccinodromes in the capital and further inland, and promoted a community-based approach, by deploying vaccinobuses. We designed a social response plan that seeks to: 1. Preserve the livelihoods of the poorest, vulnerable groups and those who have lost their jobs; 2. Put in place short-, medium- and long-term recovery and social support measures; 3.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“We welcome the insightful analysis of the threats to the planet, prosperity and world peace it contains and relevant recommendations for a way out of the crisis. It is a call for urgent and collective action, and an important way to reflect on laying the foundation for renewed international cooperation, based on solidarity. Mr. President, Secretary-General, Excellencies, The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on populations, especially the poor and vulnerable. It has severely affected social indicators, jeopardized progress to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and increased extreme poverty. It continues to pose a threat to the health system of countries, given vaccine scarcity and the infodemic.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Praise be to God, peace and blessings be upon the Prophet, his family and his companions President of the General Assembly, Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. President, First of all, I would like to warmly congratulate you on your election to preside over the General Assembly at its seventy-sixth session. We endorse the hope-based vision you have articulated, which we believe you will implement during your term of office. I wish you success and assure you of my country’s full support. We thank your predecessor, Mr. Volkan Bozkir, and congratulate him on his extraordinary commitment during a challenging, difficult and uncertain year. I would also like to express our deep appreciation to the Secretary-General for submitting his report, entitled Our Common Agenda.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“May this endurance test of our people, and of the Somali people as well, serve as a source of inspiration and mark the beginning of what could be a major accomplishment for the Horn of Africa, and indeed for Africa and mankind as a whole.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“It is to be hoped that the international community will mobilize emergency assistance for Somalia to enable the Government to lead the country, re-establish itself and re-create basic institutions and capacities. In the meantime, planning for medium- and long-term development must begin with the support of international financial institutions, the donor community, the United Nations and regional organizations. Finally, let me state with all candour that for us in Djibouti this process has strained our meagre resources, but neither our resolve nor our faith. It has challenged our courage and perseverance, but our commitment has not wavered. Our people have made an exemplary effort and sacrifice.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“In fact, I personally invited and met with several of them in Djibouti for discussions in order to assure them there 15 was a place for everyone in the new Somalia under its proposed federal structure. Now, with a Government in place, the ball is in their court. We can only hope that they will make good use of the remaining opportunity for reconciliation and accommodation by placing the country first before their personal interests. The rebirth of Somalia opens unlimited possibilities for Somalis throughout the world to rebuild their country. With the expected gradual return to normality in the country, the diaspora will have the incentive to invest in their homeland, bringing the capital and expertise needed to create employment opportunities for the youth.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“However, the triumphant return as well as the ecstatic welcome from the public of the new President-elect, Abdikassim, into Mogadishu, the centre of conflict, and the unprecedented show of support from all militiamen, including those allied to faction leaders, put the baseless stories to rest once and forever. For those individuals who chose to oppose the creation of a representative and democratic Government, presumably because they are no longer at centre stage in Somalia, they need to come to terms with reality. A generous hand has been extended to all those people to join their peace-loving neighbours in supporting the talks, and now the Government.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Obviously, the peace process invariably enjoyed full and unambiguous backing of IGAD, OAU, the League of Arab States, the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the European Union. We are deeply appreciative of their steady and principled stand. The Somali people will be forever grateful. Following the formation of the new Somali parliament, the Security Council reiterated that the preservation of the territorial integrity of the country was the precondition for overall normalization in Somalia and recommended that regional organizations work towards that end. Some discordant voices have been raised questioning the acceptance of the new Government and its ability to return to Somalia. Some scoffed it would be a phantom government-in-exile, lacking legitimacy and resources.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Undoubtedly, we fully acknowledge the realism and genuine understanding so readily displayed throughout this process by the other immediate neighbours of Somalia, namely Kenya and Ethiopia. We have also received tremendous comfort from the continued encouragement and support from the Secretary-General and his able staff both in New York and in the region, particularly, from his Special Representative, Mr. David Stephen, and his staff, whose presence in the conference throughout the process proved remarkably beneficial. Equally, the unfailing commitment demonstrated by the Security Council throughout its series of statements since the launch of the initiative has been a source of constant comfort.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The realization of having a president at last fills Somalis everywhere with emotional exuberance. People are dancing and singing in the streets in what was described as a spontaneous national holiday. We wish to express our deepest gratitude to the member States of IGAD and to Yemen who were represented at the highest level to witness the swearing-in ceremony of the new president; we are equally grateful to Saudi Arabia, France, Egypt, Libya, Italy, Kuwait, the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the League of Arab States and the United Nations for having sent high level delegations. And, of course, we wish to thank the entire diplomatic community in Djibouti for their presence and steadfast support.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Interest among Somali viewers for the conference and the elections was certainly heightened by up-to-the-minute radio and satellite coverage, which permitted Somalis everywhere to follow the elections and the debates that had preceded them since the beginning of the process. The man chosen from among the candidates is here with us today. This man in the news is Abdikassim Salad Hassan, the new President of Somalia, a seasoned, urbane, and a highly experienced politician, who has already demonstrated his rare skills through a series of visits and engagements, both inside Somalia and externally. I wholeheartedly congratulate him and welcome him and his delegation most warmly in this Assembly. What a joy to see Somalia retake its rightful place among the community of nations!”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“No one, though, should take either the reconciliation process or the new institutions as shielding any individual from past misdeeds or war crimes. This is among the challenges that will confront future constitutional Governments of Somalia. Let me say that 26 August 2000 is a date which will forever stir the hearts and spirits of Somalis. It was on this date that Somalia's interim parliament elected the country's first president in more than a decade. Starting with a field of 25 candidates, voting was completed after several rounds and more than ten hours of bargaining and negotiating in order to secure cross- clan support within the Assembly to win the necessary majority.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“In a real sense, it was Somalia's second independence, this time not from colonialism but from chaos and utter hopelessness. After one month of intensive drafting and debate, an interim constitution, or charter, was adopted. It established the number of representatives, including a quota for women, in the new assembly and the modalities for their election. This major step in the process signalled the beginning of a truly nationwide 14 reconciliation effort, as it contained a series of accommodations, including a clan-based system as the political mechanism for power sharing during the three-year interim authority. The resulting transitional national authority could therefore be a highly workable vehicle for both the parties who are for the process and the troublemakers.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Proceedings were covered by satellite and on the Internet in order to enable Somalis everywhere in the world to keep abreast of developments. Participants outnumbered the residents in Arta, the hill-top resort town, which was the venue for the conference. Nearly every resident contributed to the conference one way or another, particularly in accommodating this huge and sudden influx of visitors. This phase of the conference made it possible to address many issues, from civil strife, human rights, healing and reconciliation, the economy, the political structure, disarmament, transitional mechanisms such as the interim constitution, the legislation, the government and the judiciary system. Slowly, an irreversible momentum, a feeling of rebirth, took shape.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Slowly, this legacy of the past was overcome and replaced with a common purpose: the search for a new destiny and a sense of the need to act at all costs. Through the wisdom, persistence and sincerity of these elders, it was possible to complete the reconciliation and to establish solid structures for the second phase. The core political choices could then be made. The second phase began on 15 June, with the participation of over 2,000 delegates. The setting of this conference bore no resemblance to any in the past, because this one took place in a giant tent. There were no class or social distinctions evident among the participants, who included women, representatives of all minorities, a number of warlords and, of course, the entire clan mosaic of Somalia.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“For long stretches of time, amounting to years, there had been virtually no contact between them, allowing each to pile up grievances throughout the conflict. Slowly and painfully, the conference persistently addressed complex political issues, while striving to overcome deep animosities and implacable attitudes. The very critical first phase of the conference began on 2 May and concluded in early June. It was the most important phase, for we must bear in mind that more than 200 elders and traditional leaders from every part of the country were coming together for the first time — not the first time in 10 years, but the first time in the entire existence of Somalia as a State — seeking to overcome a decade of frustration, fear, anger, suspicion and mistrust, without ever having had contact with each other before.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The elaborate, extensive and admittedly costly preparations were necessary to heal the painful past and formulate sensible humanitarian and political guarantees and safeguards. Never again should there be toleration of the kind of hateful human rights violations and gross abuses of power that had destroyed the country. While the process took time and went through several phases, it enabled delegates to address all aspects of Somalia's collapse, spurred by the strong desire for peace prevailing in the country. The cornerstone of the process was the key role played by the traditional leaders, particularly in the achievement of the broadest possible reconciliation among the Somali clans.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“All along, we insisted on the openness, independence and integrity of the process to enable the majority of unarmed Somalis, including elders, traditional and religious leaders, scholars, women, politicians, the youth and the civil society at large, to own the process. Accordingly, our efforts were directed towards safeguarding the conceptual framework and rejecting all conditional offers of assistance, material or otherwise, while always remaining open or receptive to ideas or proposals that deepened and enriched the process. The conference itself represented the culmination of a series of consultations, meetings, symposiums and contacts that took place over the first six months of the year. Its objective was to overcome and resolve some of the most divisive and emotional national issues.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Somalia, after all, was a nation that had gone without a government during the longest period of State collapse in the modern era. It 13 was a country where the law of the gun, lust for power and vengeance dominated the landscape, until fear and ruthlessness had decimated every opportunity for peace. The predictable outcome was a social and institutional collapse without parallel in this century. The key aspect of the Djibouti-led IGAD peace process was its bottom-up approach, which emphasized community participation in discussions, slowly consolidating the gains achieved. This process not only was cumbersome, slow, painful, frustrating and visibly fragile at times, but also endured international scepticism and indifference.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“There was at last a burning desire for change; a change that would transform the lives of the people and would restore respect, dignity and integrity; one that meant peace, security and development. For the first time, there was an alternative in sight: not the power of the gun, but the power of the people. The peace process was designed to embrace the whole country, including regions that enjoyed relative peace and stability. It was to be comprehensive, inclusive and transparent, excluding no individual, group, sector or region. But beyond comprehensive reconciliation, the goal was to create a national framework leading to an administration that represented the people fairly, protected their basic rights and values and guaranteed liberty and justice for all.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Saving Somalia, therefore, necessitated moving away from the usual practice, which revolved around a few, familiar, self-anointed representatives of the people. Rather than provide them with yet another opportunity to play their game of deception, I suggested that it was time to move beyond them; time to empower the Somali people; time the Somali people assumed responsibility for their own destiny. There needed to be a conference of all the actors, the ultimate objective of which would be the re- establishment of peace, government, legitimacy and reconstruction. I believe that a true reconciliation of all segments of Somali society would tap into the popular mood of the Somali people, who overwhelmingly rejected the status quo.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“In the meantime, those individuals carried out systematic dismantling, destruction and looting of the Somali nation, ignoring consistent calls to change their reckless and criminal behaviour. This, however, cannot be tolerated any longer. The people have spoken at last. They have decided against endless uncertainty and aberration. They were sapped of their strength. The people have now opted for government, law and order, and a better future. We urge the international community, therefore, to respect the will of the Somali people, and to refuse to continue to cooperate with those destructive elements that made Somalia synonymous with chaos and violence. Somalia as a nation, as an entity, seemed condemned to a slow death, unable to expect either regional or international intervention or a positive change in the behaviour of the warlords.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The Council should also have access to better information on unstable regions, and a rapid response capability. Furthermore, when serious humanitarian crises are unfolding, measures to limit the spread and impact of conflict should be taken on a selective, case-by-case basis, but across the board by all Members. Like last year, I again intend to dwell on the problem of Somalia, and I again request the indulgence of the Assembly. At that time, Somalia was on the verge of total disintegration, following years of political paralysis. Urgent measures were needed to reverse this tragedy, a tragedy to which the international community had grown largely indifferent. The mood was simply one of waiting for the warlords to eliminate one another until a victor emerged with whom business could be done.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“In all these critical areas, be it the AIDS crisis, ever-growing poverty, wars, the environment, human rights abuses, weapons of mass destruction or lack of development, the United Nations remains the only Organization with the requisite experience and know- how to focus and refine the disparate efforts of humankind. Decisions regarding the maintenance of international peace and security lie with the Security Council, which, with the explosion of United Nations membership over the last three decades, has become a not very representative body. If we are to restore confidence in its decisions, there has to be, at all costs, an expansion in its membership, both permanent and non-permanent, with the extension of permanent membership to both developed and non-developed countries.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“We are pleased to see the measures being taken by the De Beers group and the Belgian authorities to close 12 international access to these bloodstained commodities. Similar action must be taken with respect to other commodities as well. Undoubtedly, the most ominous threat to the continent at present lies in its centre, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the ceasefire arranged last year has suffered a number of setbacks. The United Nations has been unable to deploy troops as envisaged. Talks between the Government and the opposition appear to have broken off, raising the dangerous spectre of a return to civil war, which could be disastrous for the entire continent. The distraught people of that nation deserve a respite from instability and insecurity in order to be able to enjoy normal lives.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“It is high time for the member countries of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to opt for a comprehensive peace and cessation of hostilities in this subregion, in order collectively to focus on development and address the serious challenges posed by environmental disasters, such as the current looming drought. As concerns other parts of Africa, the persisting conflict in Angola is still with us, although Government forces appear to be gaining the upper hand. Regarding the conflict in Sierra Leone, the sudden international concern to see that the belligerents are not allowed to sell the precious minerals of their country on the world market should, it is to be hoped, reduce their capacity to wage war. This may be particularly true for both these countries.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Sadly, while there have been some encouraging developments, a basic uncertainty remains. Fortunately, fighting between Djibouti's neighbours, Ethiopia and Eritrea, has ceased, and troop redeployment and the deployment of United Nations observers are expected to take place soon under the ceasefire arrived at under the auspices of the Organization of African Unity. The level of death and destruction in these hostilities simply defies the imagination, and the sight of so many civilians displaced from their homes and deprived of their livelihood, crowded into camps on both sides, is truly a disheartening experience.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“It is difficult, however, to imagine any resolution or settlement that would not include Palestinian control of East Jerusalem. Israel's continued claim to the entire city, which would include control of Muslim holy sites in the Old City, adjoining Muslim and Christian quarters and selected Arab villages, would be counterproductive to peace. Any mention of the Middle East must, of course, include a reference to the enormous loss suffered by Syria and the world at large with the death of the long- serving President of Syria, Hafez Al-Assad. We wish the new President, Bashar Al-Assad, all the best in his efforts to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious father. In my address last year, I touched upon the spread and intensity of wars; rebel and splinter movements; and factional fighting in Africa.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“We are all aware of its terrible toll, particularly in Africa, where it is decimating youth, the professional classes, the labour force and health-care systems. The will of the international community will be put to the test, and we will see how it responds in crisis situations. Last year I noted that dialogue had been renewed between Palestine and Israel, which opened a promising opportunity for charting a new course in the Middle East. While it is true that the recent Camp David peace talks are still suspended, nonetheless a great deal was accomplished in terms of fully exploring the scope and diversity of the issues under consideration. There was at least a workable level of trust and a clear willingness to discuss the key “final status” issues of borders, settlements, water, refugees, statehood and, above all, the status of Jerusalem.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“There has been an all-pervading desire on the part of the United Nations and its Member States, to see fresh momentum in order to generate the necessary energy to deal with the new millennium and address critical issues. We have come to realize that the strength of our resolve and our determination to deal with the challenge of securing a better, safer and healthier world for its inhabitants will be decisive for the future of humankind. In many respects, however, it is still an open question. It is perhaps a sign of the times when any overview of the world today must give prominence to the fact that the world is being ravaged by a disease, namely AIDS. This deadly epidemic is continuing to spread.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The trials and tribulations of the United Nations have continued unabated during the past year. It has had to restore peace and to tackle wars, conflicts, natural disasters and disease while also addressing development. The list of difficulties goes on. Yet the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, has managed to strengthen the Organization and make it better suited to meet the demands of the times. Under his enlightened guidance, the United Nations continues to play a credible and meaningful international role. We are fortunate indeed. This being the last General Assembly session of the decade, the century and indeed the millennium, it is the ideal time for us to reflect on the state of the world and of its peoples.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“On behalf of the people of Djibouti, it is a great pleasure indeed to extend our sincere greetings to one and all at this Millennium Assembly. May I also, Mr. President, convey our congratulations on your election. Your vast and varied experience will serve the Assembly well. I should also like to express our appreciation to your predecessor, Mr. Theo-Ben Gurirab of Namibia, for the excellent work done and the achievements registered. He showed great skill and commitment in his task. Clearly the accomplishments of the fifty- fourth session were, to a large extent, due to his leadership, dedication and tireless efforts. No organization, particularly one such as the United Nations, can survive for any length of time if beset, as it is, with mounting demands and dwindling resources, and without deft, tenacious and imaginative leadership.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“But these praiseworthy efforts seem to be showing some fatigue, even frustration, because of inadequate support from donors, as reflected in the lukewarm response to the 1999 United Nations appeal. We urge the international community to continue to help the Somali people during these times, which are particularly difficult due in part to the long drought, further exacerbated by the ongoing civil war.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The international community is duty-bound to provide economic support for these regions and communities that have achieved relative peace, security and the beginnings of development: near- normalcy. The international community should reward those who are trying to provide their people with basic services, including an institutional framework and mine- clearance efforts. I am grateful to the Secretary-General, who has placed the question of Somalia high on the international agenda, and to United Nations agencies such as the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the World Food Programme and their partners, who have provided food and care to the Somali people despite the risks for the safety of their personnel.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Those two areas fortunately escaped most of the conflict that ravaged the country in the 1990s. They have made a great effort to strengthen security and, with very little outside assistance, have carried out admittedly limited economic reconstruction programmes. The international community has thus far been wary of providing meaningful assistance, on the pretext that the political and security situation makes it impossible. As we meet here today, communities in many towns and regions are organizing to determine their own future. This trend towards decentralization or self-administration is based on the strong determination of the Somalis not to succumb, but rather to survive.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Those are the critical scenarios we need to discuss, because, however much one might wish to forget Somalia, it will not just go away. We must do something to remedy the situation, and we must do it as quickly as possible. Let me reiterate that we must put an end to the complacency we have displayed towards the warlords, and that Somali civil society must be more closely involved in any future process. It is important to note that the situation is not the same in all regions of the country; anarchy does not prevail everywhere. Somalia has many contrasting faces depending on the region. While disorder reigns in areas of the centre and the South, northern regions such as the self-proclaimed states of Somaliland and Puntland are enjoying relative peace and stability.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Turning to phase three, if the measures set out in the first two phases cannot achieve the objectives because of obstruction by the warlords, we would be faced with two difficult choices: We could continue to remain indifferent and to do nothing about the decade-old siege of Somalia; or organizations to which Somalia belongs, first and foremost the Organization of African Unity and the League of Arab States, with support from the United Nations and from other countries, could decide that they were obliged to resolve the situation by using all necessary means on the principle that no State — or criminal warlord in this case — may continue indefinitely to commit flagrant violations of human rights and to hold a country hostage forever.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“With their unabated violence and their erratic behaviour, the warlords have stolen the childhood from Somalia’s young people; they have 6 deprived their nation of hope and of a future; they have condemned their people to a precarious existence. Moreover, harsh and targeted punishment must be meted out to warlords who do not agree to the international community’s demand that peace and a framework for governance be restored in Somalia: they must be confined to their bleak and battered areas; they must be banned from freely traveling abroad to further their sinister designs; all foreign support and all assistance, whether monetary or material, must be banned; and all their assets, in all forms and wherever they are located, must be frozen.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“As in Guinea- Bissau, the United Nations should establish a post-conflict peace-building office in Somalia to initiate projects in support of this process, including by coordinating and monitoring the holding of legislative and presidential elections. I turn now to phase two. If the warlords place insurmountable obstacles on the road to peace, the international community will have to shoulder its responsibility and demonstrate robustly that it cannot let the persecution of Somali civilians continue indefinitely without taking action. The warlords must in that case be prosecuted for crimes against humanity: for abuse of power, especially through the unjustified persecution of civilians; for flagrant violations of human rights; and for having caused the collapse of the State and the destruction of their country.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“These countries are pursuing narrow national interests by supporting the profusion of warlords in various ways, and they are only prolonging the agony and privation of Somali civil society. I call on all actors in the civil war to review their priorities with a view to achieving peace in Somalia. It is time that they controlled themselves: high time. When they can agree that the warlords fully support or accept the parameters of phase one, the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the United Nations and the countries of the region must work together to help Somalia in its transition to democracy.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Thirdly, the warlords must agree to the complete and verifiable disarmament of their fighters. Fourthly, the warlords must submit to the primacy of law. Fifthly, the warlords must accede to the international community’s request to participate in the restoration of normalcy, law and order, and a framework for governance. And finally, a national police force must be established, one that will represent the entire Somali community and that can incorporate the various militias, which will have the opportunity to participate in it. Here I should say that some countries in or outside of the Horn of Africa, which in one way or another are fueling the conflict in Somalia, must reconsider their positions.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)