YouSaid · the spoken record

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf

lines on the record: 34
first: 2012-09-24
most recent: 2017-09-24
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

“Djibouti is still awaiting the return of the 13 members of its military who have been detained by Eritrea, a neighbour of ours whose belligerent policies towards my country continue. We call on Eritrea to accept the mediation efforts of the African Union in order to demarcate its Ras Doumeira and Doumeira Island borders, begin to build trustworthy relationships with its neighbours and cease the hostile policies that are destabilizing the entire Horn of Africa. I wish the General Assembly every success in its work.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Despite the Government’s assurances, the crimes against the Rohingya community have not abated. We support the conclusions of the final report of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, led by former Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and call on Myanmar to fully implement its recommendations without further delay. Djibouti remains alarmed by North Korea’s belligerent and dangerously provocative attitude. Its multiple ballistic-missile launch tests violate the provisions of the relevant Security Council resolutions. Member States should monitor the situation vigilantly. We call on North Korea to engage in a constructive and result-oriented dialogue to find a satisfactory solution to the crisis.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Turning to Yemen, Djibouti continues to be extremely concerned by the triple tragedy the country is experiencing, as United Nations officials have emphasized in the Security Council — famine, an unprecedented cholera epidemic and a serious political impasse hindering progress towards peace and security. We urge all parties to return to the negotiating table. In Palestine, we all know that only a two-State solution can bring peace to the region. The suffering of the Palestinian people has lasted for too long and must end. Djibouti is also troubled by the fate of the Muslim Rohingya minority in Rakhine state in Myanmar. We are gravely concerned about the military brutality targeting civilian populations and the atrocities that we have all seen in the press.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“In that regard, we support the decision of the thirty-first Extraordinary Summit of IGAD Heads of State and Government on the situation in South Sudan, and reiterate the need for a genuine, transparent and credibly inclusive national dialogue to enable lasting peace to be restored. We also underline the important role played by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan in the quest for a solution to the crisis there and urge all stakeholders to continue their efforts to implement their mandates, while recognizing the importance of complementary and coordinated action.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We remain concerned about the proposed cuts in funding to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), despite the consensus on that African peacekeeping operation’s success. Care must be taken to ensure that the improvements in the security situation are maintained. AMISOM has brought the Al-Shabaab terrorists to their knees in a bloody defeat. With regard to South Sudan, we remain concerned by the slow implementation of the August 2015 Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. The actors involved in that protracted crisis must acknowledge that there can be no military solution to the conflict.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“I would now like to express our views on certain regional and international situations that are high on the agenda for States Members of the United Nations. Regarding Somalia, Djibouti welcomes the recent political developments in the country and the momentum created by the election in February of President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo and the formation of a new Government. We welcome the many encouraging steps taken to strengthen relations with Somalia’s federal member states and the strategy that has been implemented to promote tax and economic reforms aimed at mobilizing domestic resources. However, we stress the importance of increasing support to Somalia by mobilizing adequate funding in support of its development programme.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“By disseminating an ideology of intolerance and hatred that calls explicitly for the annihilation of others, they undermine the cohesion of our societies and pose a threat to international peace and security that demands that we coordinate our efforts to combat terrorism. Djibouti welcomed the recent establishment of the Office of Counter-Terrorism for coordinating United Nations action in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. Djibouti also hosts the Centre of Excellence for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), designed as a common platform for supporting the strengthening of national and regional coordination, producing analysis and ultimately formulating an action plan aimed at countering extremist rhetoric conveyed through social media.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Through strong partnership and sustained effort, we can and must work to promote economic growth that is mindful of social justice and respects the environment. The absence of peace is the major obstacle to economic development. The human cost of conflict is enormous and brings with it massive forced displacement, famine, the spread of communicable diseases, acute food insecurity and a rapid deterioration in respect for human rights. Now more than ever, our Organization has an increased role to play in conflict prevention and the peaceful settlement of disputes. In that regard, we welcome the Secretary-General’s emphasis on such prevention and the reforms under way to restructure the peace and security architecture. The emergence of extremist terrorist groups perpetrating acts of unprecedented violence poses a new challenge.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“To do that, we must adopt innovative financing mechanisms that not only guarantee increased foreign direct investment but also ensure that development aid commitments are kept. The necessity of that can be demonstrated by careful study of the pledges for financing the Millennium Development Goals, which were not fully honoured, and by the fact that the goal of 0.7 per cent as a portion of gross national income established for official development assistance has not been regularly paid. If it had, by now we would have mobilized $2.5 trillion. We should also emphasize the importance of an international trade system focused on the three Ps, that is, poor-people-centred, productivity-enhancing and planet-friendly. Lastly, we cannot stress strongly enough the importance of evaluation tools that make it possible to reliably measure progress.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“It also calls on countries to adopt policy frameworks in order to change their modes of production and consumption, as well as strategies to address climate change and disaster risk. With regard to the full and effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Djibouti would like to make a few comments. First, Africa and the least developed countries should be treated as a priority. As the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development has pointed out in its analyses, “[Africa is] the battleground where [the Sustainable Development Goals] will be won or lost”. We must also mobilize large amounts of financing if we are to match these ambitions.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The task is enormous and the responsibility heavy. Such challenges require ambitious reforms and increased resources. The reform undertaken by the Secretary-General in three key areas — the repositioning of the United Nations development system in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, management reform, and the reform of the peace and security architecture — is a timely response to the need to make the Organization a tool that can more effectively realize its full potential for serving the people it was created to serve. The 2030 Agenda is an ambitious programme both for the eradication of poverty and the preservation of the planet. In addition, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the Sendai Declaration and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda represent an array of tools for strengthening the 2030 Agenda.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The economic and financial situation remains a source of concern, and the security front is equally worrying. New threats are emerging. The nature of conflict is changing. A number of crises are worsening and growing ever more complex. Even if climate change sometimes gives rise to scientific controversy, today it is an undeniable reality that is producing one major catastrophe after another. I would like to take this opportunity to convey our sympathy and solidarity with the communities that have been recently affected in the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. All of these challenges underscore the crucial importance of sustained and resolute collective action to address them. We must mobilize once more to revitalize multilateralism and stress the central role to be played in it the United Nations.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“At the outset, I would like to congratulate Mr. Miroslav Lajčák on his election as President of the General Assembly at its seventy-second session. I would like to take this opportunity to express the hope that under his leadership, the General Assembly will achieve its objectives and to assure him of my country’s full support for his efforts. I would also like to pay tribute to Mr. Peter Thomson, who preceded Mr. Lajčák in his position, and to reiterate our warm congratulations to Secretary-General António Guterres on his well-deserved appointment. We wish him every success as he discharges the lofty mandate that has been entrusted to him. Notwithstanding its major progress and new opportunities, the world continues to face many challenges.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The recognition of a Palestinian State as a fully-fledged Member of the United Nations by the General Assembly is the first step in the solidarity that the international community owes to the Palestinian people, who have shown patience and self lessness until now.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“However, it seems that, since 1947, there has been an exception, to the detriment of the Palestinian people. Palestine still lives under occupation, which today is morally reprehensible and politically unacceptable. It is high time that justice be delivered to the Palestinian people and that the peace process between the Palestinian authorities and the occupying force succeed. Freedom, justice, dignity and respect for human rights are the only bastions against extremist excesses. The international community has a moral duty and a political responsibility to put an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people, which has lasted for more than 60 years. History is on the side of those that show the political courage required to achieve peace and to give the peoples concerned hope for a better life.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Given their increasing role in our modern societies, the media and social networks have responsibilities and must be on the side of those who contribute to understanding and respect among the various cultures and civilizations. It is more urgent than ever to be on the side of tolerance, moderation and reason. All initiatives and actions that promote peace in minds and hearts and mutual understanding among peoples must be encouraged. The establishment of the United Nations gave rise to immense hope in the world following the Second World War and symbolized the will of all peoples of the world not to be plunged again into the throes of war. The Organization has been a forum for all nations under colonization and a platform for them to acquire sovereignty and to free themselves from domination.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Given the desire of some to spread religious intolerance, States Members of the United Nations must ensure that the provisions of the Human Rights Council consensus resolution 16/18 and General Assembly consensus resolution 66/167 provide the answer. While all legal steps must be taken to ensure freedom of expression, it is just as important that malicious acts that incite people to religious hatred, discrimination, violence and intimidation through negative stereotypes, as well as violence and discrimination on the basis of religion, in particular against Muslims or any other group, must be condemned and rejected, in accordance with the relevant human rights instruments.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“The request for the release of the Djibouti prisoners and the implementation of resolution 1862 (2009) remain sensitive issues for my country. My Government remains convinced that mediation is the path that will enable us to achieve peace. We will never stop believing in the virtues of dialogue, which is the only way for our region to strengthen the gains of peace. The events that have taken place in the world in recent weeks following the dissemination of an anti-Islam film and of caricatures denigrating the image of the Prophet of Islam cannot and must not leave the international community indifferent. The tragic consequences that led in particular to the loss of human lives demand our attention. Political and religious leaders and all people of goodwill must form a common front against extremist and fanatical excesses of all kinds.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Since then, the Government has spared no effort to resolve the dispute peacefully within regional and international organizations. In the conviction that dialogue is possible, my Government accepted the good offices of His Royal Highness the Emir of Qatar and his mediation. On the ground, that took the form of deploying Qatari troops at the border between Djibouti and Eritrea and the withdrawal of Eritrean troops from Ras Doumeira and Doumeira Island. The Security Council adopted resolutions 1862 (2009), 1907 (2009) and 2023 (2011) to express the concern of the international community in the light of that new crisis in the Horn of Africa. To date, two and a half years after the signing of the mediation agreement, we are still waiting for the demarcation of the border and the return of our prisoners of war.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“I am convinced that we are all aware of the necessity of meeting the individual recovery, reintegration and reconstruction needs of countries emerging from conflict. Somalia is no exception. Here at the United Nations, we must consider the steps to be taken, in particular by the Peacebuilding Commission. The theme of the General Assembly this year — “Bringing about adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations by peaceful means” — is relevant given the many conflicts in the world that threaten international peace and security. Our region, the Horn of Africa, has unfortunately not been spared. As members know, my country, which had successfully preserved the peace, was attacked and brought into a border conflict by Eritrea in June 2008.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“The international community must ensure the continued, predictable and reliable financing of the AMISOM troops so that the reconciliation, stabilization and peacebuilding strategy continues and reaches all Somalia. In that regard, strengthening the security gains is crucial. The countries in the region — Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti — have done useful work and continue to serve the noble cause of peace. However, the transformation of the AMISOM forces into a United Nations peacekeeping force now seems inevitable. We can no longer avoid that issue. It is up to the Security Council to take that timely decision. I would also like to launch an appeal for the convening of a donor conference in order to mobilize resources for the reconstruction of the Somali economy.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Restoring security and maintaining it is not the easiest thing in Somalia giving the new upsurge in the terrorist acts and guerrilla tactics of extremist groups, such as Al-Shabaab, despite the undeniable success of the troops of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and of the Somali and Ethiopian security forces. I would like to pay tribute here to the memory of the late Meles Zenawi, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, who made peace his centrepiece. I would also like to express admiration for the tireless efforts and heavy sacrifices of the AMISOM troops, the Somali Security Forces and the allied forces. Their contribution was and remains invaluable to improving the security situation in Mogadishu and the surrounding areas.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Those challenges range from restoring the security services to access to justice and from establishing the rule of law to respect for human rights, not to mention the problems of terrorism and piracy off the Somali coast, which will not disappear in the short term. In short, it is clear that the end of the transition in Somalia does not mean the completion of the peace process. Politically, it is important that all phases of the road map be implemented and that the political dialogue continue. From the humanitarian point of view, the situation remains critical. Millions of Somalis need humanitarian assistance and have no means of subsistence. The problem of refugees and internally displaced persons also remains a source of concern.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“The momentum and enthusiasm prompted by those elections among Somalis in the diaspora and within the country are unprecedented. However, at this point it is crucial to address two major challenges. The short-term priorities, namely, security, good governance and economic recovery, are challenges that the Somali Government cannot overcome alone. Somalia is at a crossroads and will need more than ever the support and cooperation of all its partners and friends. Donors and the international financial institutions must stand beside the new Somali leadership in order to help fulfil its new vision and to improve the lives of Somalis as soon as possible. Their action must be strengthened, coordinated and consistent with the priorities of the new Government as there are many challenges to overcome.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“On behalf of the Republic of Djibouti, I would like to reiterate my warmest congratulations to the new President of the Somali Republic, Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and to his people on having taken the first step towards the reconciliation and stabilization of Somalia and on having found the necessary resources to overcome all obstacles on the way. The civil and peaceful climate among the candidates at the time of the election and the maturity that they showed throughout an historic and inclusive electoral process must be commended. Those realities are the best guarantee of success for the future. The hope of seeing a reconciled and peaceful Somalia is in sight. A new phase in the country’s political life is beginning for the Somali people after more than 20 years of suffering and violence.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“My Government therefore welcomes the African Union initiative recommending that at its sixty-seventh session the Assembly adopt a draft resolution aimed at intensifying efforts to eliminate female genital mutilation from the world. We welcome the measures undertaken by the African Group in New York to that effect. Youth, which is our future, constitutes a sure asset for the African continent. Indeed, almost 65 per cent of the African population is under the age of 35. It goes without saying that addressing their present and ensuring their social well-being is the way to success for our country. The challenges are enormous given the global economic stagnation. My Government has therefore set up social policies and programmes in order to respond to the specific needs of young people in the areas of education, health care and employment.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Women, children and young people should be the target of any implementation policy derived from the Rio+20 outcome document (resolution 66/288, annex) and of all discussions geared to formulating the post-2015 development agenda. Human capital is my country’s main asset, and that is why my Government devotes particular attention to its development. Social policies are being developed around the goal of promoting and enhancing the rights and well-being of young people and women. It is a national priority to guarantee gender equality and to empower women through access to health care and protect them from all forms of discrimination and violence.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“In that regard, my country has implemented a number of agricultural infrastructure projects, including the development of arable land in neighbouring countries such as Ethiopia and the Sudan and a project to capture the water of the Awash River on the Ethiopian border when it f loods. Access to potable water and water purification continue to be a critical goal for my country, which is unfortunately on the list of those deficient in potable water and which is considered a country at risk of water shortages in the next 25 years. For most countries in our situation, the effects of climate change accentuate existing disparities. Sustainable development must take an approach focused on meeting the needs of populations.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“That means, from the emergency stage onward, a comprehensive global approach accompanied by efforts to guarantee women, children and men the right to food. Guaranteeing food security to our fellow citizens remains our priority. I am convinced that the goals of the Secretary-General’s Zero Hunger initiative are achievable, because they have been developed within the perspective of an integrated, effective strategy to eliminate hunger that involves all actors. I wish to acknowledge the support of our partners, who have spared no effort to help us reach that goal, especially in the efforts to reduce the disparities between rural and urban populations and to develop our agricultural production.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Our region is suffering enormously from the adverse effects of climate change, and has been for a number of years. Trapped in the cycle of chronic droughts and f loods, our most vulnerable people are seeing their means of subsistence destroyed and their productive capacity and access to sufficient, nutritious food hampered. Our Government has implemented social policies designed to relieve the burden of extreme poverty and its corollary, hunger, and hopes its partners will continue their support by acting in accord with the national priorities, within a long-term approach that will enable us to move from emergency operations geared to the relief of affected populations to a perspective of sustainable development.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“I take this opportunity to welcome the establishment of a United Nations monitoring mechanism to review the commitments made related to Africa’s development. The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in June was an opportunity for all Governments to renew their commitment to a sustainable development that embraces the economic, social and environmental spheres. It is important that our shared political will be swiftly transformed into action and that the work we put into the Rio commitments for “The future we want” becomes a reality. The elimination of poverty remains an absolute priority on the path to sustainable development. It is a major challenge for many countries of the world, including those of the Horn of Africa.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“It is therefore important that the fate of the least advanced African countries be examined with particular attention with a view to helping them lighten their burden, improve their productive capabilities and facilitate access for their products to world markets under more favourable conditions. My Government calls for the comprehensive implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2011-2020 (A/CONF.219/3/Rev.1). The current financial and economic crises have multidimensional consequences in Africa; any effort to resolve them must take into account Africa’s specific needs and must ensure that commitments made at international meetings are implemented.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Both developed and developing countries face an uncertain environment, with economies slowed if not in recession, sluggish growth, crushing debts and deficits that threaten certain States with bankruptcy, as well as growing unemployment rates. In such a context, developing nations, in particular the least advanced, are severely impacted economically as well as socially. The negative consequences for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have been enormous. In many African countries, reaching those Goals by 2015 is jeopardized despite the fact that they have spared no effort to step up implementation before the deadline. It is in times of difficulty that we must show responsibility and solidarity by honouring our respective commitments.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“I would like to begin by extending my warmest congratulations to the President on his election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its sixty-seventh session. I have no doubt that his skills and long experience in international matters are the best guarantee of the success for our work during this session. I also wish to express my strong gratitude to his predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, for his excellent guidance of our work and for the efficiency he showed during difficult moments throughout the sixty-sixth session. I wish him every success in his new responsibilities. The global economic and financial context remains more troubling than ever. The successive and increasing economic and financial crises that began in 2008 affect us all.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)