YouSaid · the spoken record

Roble Olhaye

lines on the record: 71
first: 1996-09-24
most recent: 2009-09-24
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

“Lastly, we need to highlight the concern regarding the Millennium Development Goals and the likelihood that they will not be achieved by 2015 in most countries. In sum, that is tragic for so many lives. Efforts must therefore increase towards mitigating that trend. In conclusion, I wish, on behalf of my Government and the people of Djibouti, to express our heartfelt sorrow and profound condolences to the bereaved families and to the Government and the people of the Philippines for the torrential rains and heavy flooding that caused havoc and unprecedented disruption of lives and destroyed infrastructure.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Permanent seats and increased membership on the Security Council would be in keeping with those growing international demands. Time and space do not allow us to consider in any depth a number of other critical issues confronting developing countries. There should be some mention, however, of the harm to countries’ trade and development stemming from the protective tariffs of the industrialized West. The effort to provide subsidies for a few large farming operations, blocking competition from farmers of the developing world, only hurts the latter. Perhaps cotton is a good example. 17 09-53165 There is also the stalemate in the Doha Round trade talks. Those discussions must reopen in earnest, with the commitment to reach a satisfactory conclusion.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Once again, it must be said that Africa, the continent with the largest number of countries, needs to have a permanent voice in the conduct of world affairs. We see no reason to change our position, which we noted in 2007, that Africa seeks no fewer than two permanent seats, with all the prerogatives and privileges of a permanent member, including the right of the veto, in addition to five non-permanent seats. Of late, things have been changing for the better in much of Africa, but the current disastrous international economic crisis was not of our making, as is true for the fallout from global warming. They and other crises underscore the urgency of our meaningful involvement in the United Nations and in world affairs.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“My country is keen to have peace and security soon restored in the northern part of the sisterly nation of Yemen, within the framework of its territorial integrity, sovereignty and unity. One cannot fail to notice the number of countries that have raised the issue of the representation on and composition of the Security Council. It is undeniable that we are in a different world from that which existed in the aftermath of the Second World War. Given the critical need to have a global body capable of addressing, in some manner, the challenges of an evolving international landscape, the issue is of concern to many countries. For the United Nations to retain its credibility and authority, it must continue to be relevant. New norms have risen, while whole continents lack permanent representation, let alone the power of the veto.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“While both the Israelis and the Palestinians were strongly criticized, the condemnation of Israel by a United Nations body was unprecedented, stating that the result was “a deliberately disproportionate attack designed to punish, humiliate and terrorize a civilian population, radically diminish its local economic capacity both to work and provide for itself, and to force upon it an ever increasing sense of dependency and vulnerability”. (A/HRC/12/48, para. 1893) The peace process is frozen and there is no hope in sight of jump-starting it soon, as the new Israeli Government is intent on pursuing its business-as-usual policy of more settlements and refusal to engage in a process that addresses the final status issues.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“One can say that the time has come for all well-meaning Somalis, as well as peoples and Governments of goodwill everywhere, to step forward in order to create a lasting and stable environment for the people of Somalia. We owe that to the people of Somalia. The stage appears set for dramatic developments in the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories, which is by far the longest occupation in modern times. As we all know, the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission investigating last winter’s three-week war in Gaza has issued its report.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“All the same, life in Somalia goes on, and with resources that country would be able to start addressing the critical urgent problems and issues of security, governance and job creation. Addressing the terrible drought now battering the country and crippling its already low food stock is a top priority. We must all fulfil our obligations to enable the Government to function. No doubt that is a tall order, but that is what it takes and that is the challenge that we all have to confront. We are well aware of the flow of arms, resources and foreign fighters into Somalia and of the threat that Al-Qaida might establish a beachhead there.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“09-53165 16 The presence of African Union peacekeepers has been a major factor in keeping the transitional Government in power, but they are continuously under attack, and the need for more troops, as well as for the training and equipping of sufficient Somali forces, cannot be overemphasized. Indeed, there is tremendous goodwill towards the current Transitional Federal Government, in particular towards Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, the current President, who enjoys both trust and international credibility. Unfortunately, that has not been matched by a commensurate support in terms of resource flows consistent with the promises and pledges made to the Government. Resources make the difference in the outcome of hostilities.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Yet paradoxically, that same entity is woefully lacking the money and manpower that would enable it to confront the deadly insurrection that has paralysed the whole country. Mogadishu, the capital, is essentially a war zone. Most of its civilian population has been displaced, having fled the never-ending anarchy, abuses, impunity and other egregious crimes against humanity. The collateral damage to the civilian population is horrendous — in short, unquantifiable. Coupled with that, the Somali people are facing an extreme drought that threatens a widespread food shortage and starvation, which would necessitate major international emergency food aid.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The dispute between Eritrea and Djibouti must not be allowed to fester any longer. It must be resolved along the lines of Security Council resolution 1862 (2009) without further equivocation, confusion or deliberate procrastination. Inaction sets a dangerous precedent that others will surely follow in the future: deny and refuse to cooperate. The Council must not appear to be appeasing Eritrea indefinitely. It is a dangerous and an unpredictable regime that so far has not shown any respect for international norms and behaviour. The Council must act now, using all means at its disposal. Once again, the situation in Somalia is tense, tenuous and unpredictable. Somalia’s plight is sickening, hopeless and disgusting, to say the least. Here we have a transitional Government that enjoys the full backing of the international community.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“There the matter has essentially remained, in the light of the series of requests made by the Secretariat for more time to pursue contacts, particularly with the Eritrean authorities. As everyone now realizes, it is a futile exercise to seek a credible response from Eritrea, whose intentions have always been to procrastinate on various pretexts while firmly entrenching itself in the occupied territory. As Djibouti has repeatedly stated, the occupied areas of Ras Doumeira hill, which overlooks the Bab-El-Mandeb strait, and Doumeira Island, which is in the same Red Sea area, are situated in one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. The militarization of this key strategic maritime route does not augur well for peace in the region or for international shipping and investment.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The Security Council has consistently condemned Eritrea’s forceful occupation of my country’s territory, namely, Ras Doumeira and Doumeira Island, and in resolution 1862 (2009) of 14 January 2009, demanded, inter alia, that Eritrea withdraw its forces and all their military hardware to the status quo ante; acknowledge its border dispute with Djibouti; engage actively in dialogue to defuse the tension and in diplomatic efforts leading to a mutually acceptable settlement; and to abide by its obligations as a Member of the United Nations. The resolution required Eritrea to comply immediately, and, in any case no later than five weeks after the resolution’s adoption date of 14 January. Eritrea, however, rejected the resolution the next day.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Regional organizations, heads of State and Government, and the United Nations have all attempted to initiate dialogue; these efforts have gone for naught with Eritrea, which, in its usual brazen manner, has gone so far as to deny even the existence of any tension in the area, despite the clear, far-reaching and unmistakable conclusions of the United Nations fact-finding mission. Indeed, the mission’s report represents a damning indictment of the regime’s deceptive and erratic behaviour.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“This wholly reckless action by Eritrea, a neighbour, provoked a mutual military build-up, leading to serious clashes between the two forces. In particular, the clashes of 10 to 12 June 2008 resulted in many deaths, countless wounded and prisoners taken on both sides, and this merits a special note. My country embarked upon a calm and prudent policy that deliberately allowed sufficient time for the possibility of comprehensive bilateral contacts at every level in order to resolve hostilities amicably and peacefully. Our efforts fell consistently on deaf ears, accompanied by rebuffs, blatant denials, and dismissive and condescending utterances.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“In this respect, it must be emphasized that the global 15 09-53165 crisis cannot be an excuse to avoid fulfilling existing international aid commitments. In addition to timely delivery, flexibility of resources and predictability, it is critical that the aid be effective. Developing countries need access to new funding, including credit and liquidity facilities, infrastructure investment and support for domestic financial systems. Members of the General Assembly are by now aware of the tense standoff that prevails in the northern part of my country, following the unwarranted and deliberately provocative incursion and occupation by Eritrean forces of Djibouti’s sovereign territory at the beginning of last year, 2008.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Originating in the West, the uncontrolled banking and mortgage crisis, arising from over-leveraged subprime lending schemes, burst into the open, destroying the liquidity and survivability of many institutions in the developed countries. It was thought that, since Africa was not a player in this sector, its financial institutions and its economies would escape more or less unscathed. Such was not to be; African difficulties have been compounded. This crisis follows on the heels of the food and energy crises and the challenges posed by the impacts of climate change. The severity of the crisis on poor countries cannot be underestimated. Poor countries have no choice but to work hard to restore strong growth and recover lost ground in order to move towards internationally agreed development goals.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“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 current session. I also take this opportunity to place on record our sincere appreciation of Father Miguel d’Escoto Brockmann for his efforts and leadership during the sixty-third session. I wish as well to commend the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report on the work of the Organization and for his tireless efforts and dedication in the cause of international peace and security. The current financial and economic crisis affecting many countries around the globe, particularly in the West, has reached the shores of Africa.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We welcome this landmark achievement, which now provides us with a vehicle to stop the slaughter of so many thousands of human beings each year by the 110 million devices already in place all over the world. To prevent our global village from becoming an armed camp, the landmine Convention, to be signed in Ottawa this December, is perhaps as critical as the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, the Treaty on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Chemical Weapons Convention. Landmines are surely as dangerous as terrorism, drug trafficking and international mobs.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“For the overwhelming majority of humanity the disillusioning regression in the peace process has caused deep anguish. It would be a pity if the yearning for peace, security, justice and resolution continues to be eschewed and misdirected. We are quite hopeful Secretary Albright will persevere to keep the process on track. Once again we implore Iran and the United Arab Emirates to commence serious negotiations to peacefully resolve the dispute regarding the three islands occupied by Iran. The recently concluded Oslo Diplomatic Conference seeking a worldwide ban on the production, distribution, stockpiling and use of landmines was clearly a watershed 18 event.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Ironically, Oslo had convinced a majority of Palestinians that it might be possible to coexist with Israel in peace under an independent Palestinian State controlling its own destiny. Yet now they are little more than security hostages under relentless coercion and pressures. The basic situation in Palestine has not changed. Israel needs security and peace; Palestinians need land, as well as peace and security. Neither can unilaterally dictate terms to the other side. Escalating punishment will not bring security. Israel needs to demonstrate its seriousness and its willingness to move towards secure peace in the Middle East and towards credible negotiations and lasting settlement on the basis of resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), and 425 (1978), exchanging land for peace.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Unilateral decisions by Israel must stop, and Israel must also refrain from actions which continuously disrupt and divert the direction of the talks. Contrary to what Israel wants us to believe, the peace process has not been faltering on account of the suicide bombings alone — which, unfortunately, took many lives — but because of Israel’s refusal to implement terms of the Interim Agreement. No one, of course, condones the bombings, with their gruesome human toll. They are acts which must be condemned and only underscore the urgency of resuming the peace process with a genuine determination. The punishment meted out on Palestinian territories has only further aggravated an explosive situation. Predictably, the economic effects have been devastating.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“We hope reason will eventually prevail in all these situations so that the people are spared further strife and uncertainty. In this context, I welcome the timely initiative by Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, to convene a special ministerial meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Africa, which took place on 25 September 1997. We believe such bold initiatives will help mitigate the ominous tendencies of increasing insularity and inward focus of many developed countries, where events in far-off places no longer seem so relevant to core interests within them. We welcome Secretary of State Albright’s injection of new momentum into the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“We deplore however, growing signs of a resurgence of hostilities in Angola, and we condemn the overthrow of Sierra Leone’s constitutional and legitimate Government. We hope the efforts of the countries of the region through ECOWAS will be crowned with success. Likewise, we applaud the tenacity of President Omar Bongo of Gabon and Ambassador Mohamed Sahnoun, the United Nations/Organization of African Unity Special Representative, in the effort to secure a durable ceasefire in Brazzaville and to find a political solution in the face of open and undisguised challenges to the authority of the elected President. Similar challenges have either succeeded or stalemated in Burundi, the Central African Republic and, now, Comoros.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Africa also continues to attract negligible foreign direct investment flows, which are largely concentrated in a few countries. The internal conflicts raging in a number of African countries seriously further undermine an already fragile regional stability. African leaders and organizations such as the Organization of African Unity, the Economic Community of West African States, IGAD and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), together with the international community, are engaged in active and relentless efforts to bring about cessation of hostilities, reconciliations and the re-establishment of law and order. On the positive side, we congratulate Liberia for having finally overcome the prolonged and sustained bloodshed and self-destruction.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Most of the least developed countries — and 33 of the world’s 48 are in Africa — face the risk of further marginalization despite determined efforts towards reforms which must merit greater international support. Coupled with this is the falling of official development assistance, which Norway’s Minister for Development Cooperation described as unacceptable, since the poorest countries need to finance basic social 17 services and infrastructure as well as capacity-building and competence. The least developed countries, particularly those in Africa, tread a fine line between sustainable progress and decline. They are expected to carry out extensive reforms while concurrently addressing the social needs brought about by widespread poverty, environmental degradation and urban explosions.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Despite declines in commodity prices and terms of trade, a number of least developed countries have enjoyed positive growth rates, indicating the beneficial effects of ongoing structural adjustment efforts. These encouraging signs complemented efforts towards democratization, good governance and regional economic cooperation. Nowadays it is commonly accepted that as more peoples and countries participate in the global economy, production and wealth increase for everyone. It is equally true, however, that in this era of rapid globalization many developing countries with small markets, poor infrastructures, unskilled manpower and high levels of external debt are excluded from the benefits of globalization and are unable to cope with the challenges.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The legacy of past instability, widespread conflict and State collapse in the Horn of Africa have had many disruptive consequences for Djibouti. No doubt we suffered in tandem with our neighbours. But we are confident our efforts to deal with these difficulties will be supported by the international community. The Mid-Term Review of the Implementation of the United Nations New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development Least Developed Countries 1997 report indicate that the ominous slide suffered by many least developed countries during the 1980s was reversed in 1995, and improvements continued into 1996.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Our peoples, our land, our waters and coastlines and our economies are too interdependent to survive in isolation. That is the spirit which must prevail. We have an important regional institution in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which serves as a regional focus for development cooperation and conflict resolution. Its capability and resources deserve the continued support of the international community. Djibouti continues its economic transformation, institutional reform and demobilization process. For each of these we continue to require generous international assistance, and towards this end wish to express our appreciation for the commitments pledged during the round-table conference held in May this year under the umbrella of the United Nations Development Programme and the Bretton Woods institutions.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Since then we have remained seized of the situation there. It is well known that Djibouti has received a staggering flow of refugees from Somalia, which, in relation to our size and resources, has been overwhelming. This mammoth humanitarian undertaking on our part is indeed beyond our capacity to sustain indefinitely. We appeal to the international community to continue to be supportive of our sacrifices by contributing substantially towards the mitigation of this burden. The Horn of Africa region is passing through a period of relative stability and rejuvenation. The aftermaths of previous conflicts are still visible, of course, in the extent of physical, institutional and human destruction. Reconstruction will require genuine regional cooperation.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The countries of the region, the United Nations, nations with a historic relationship with Somalia and the international community at large must support, morally as well as materially, the ongoing efforts to bring about dialogue, reconciliation, lasting peace and harmony in Somalia. As in Liberia, that may be the gist of the message Somalia is sending the international community at this critical juncture. We must respond, and respond united, with one voice. By virtue of the close proximity and the many common factors that bind us together, Djibouti has a special interest in the destiny and well-being of the Somali people. That is why, as far back as 1991, at the advent of the conflict, we took the lead in bringing the contending parties together in two successive and substantive reconciliation conferences in Djibouti.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Enough of assigning Somalia to the footnotes of history. 16 In the final analysis, the creativity, vision and determination of the Somali people shall prevail. For all its anarchy and destruction, Somalia can benefit from the example of Liberia, which, like Somalia, was a country written off, a country in name only, just a few months ago. There as well, conflict between warlords and factions succeeded only in bringing the country to its knees. Now, through concerted dialogue and determination, and constant prodding by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations, elections have been held and stability and peace reestablished, and there is a legitimate Government which enjoys international recognition. The same could be true for Somalia.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The aim is to establish an interim authority whose main task will be to prepare the groundwork for drafting a constitution, holding elections and the emergence, hopefully, of a national Government. This subregional effort, spearheaded by Ethiopia, not only enjoys the wide support of many Governments and organizations, but is perhaps the most promising initiative at the moment. The interminable stalling of progress towards reconciliation, the stifling stalemate, must come to an end. The time has come to say to our Somali sisters and brothers, “Enough is enough!” Enough misery, mayhem, bloodshed and destruction. Enough of the senseless indifference to and reckless disregard for life, property and nationhood. Enough of the grim prospects of an uncertain future for a whole generation of Somalis.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The spread of conventional weapons has engendered insecurity and political uncertainty — a looming threat even to the warlords and to the long-range prospects for peace in the country and the region. Perhaps, as is often the case, there may be foreign elements that are developing profitable interests under the present state of anarchy. There is, however, a growing and encouraging emergence of a movement to reconstitute some form of national structure and to set aside differences. We cannot ignore this glimmer of hope, however elusive. With one or two notable exceptions, the factions seem to have resolved to hold a conference this November in Somalia, in the town of Bossaso.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“As we all know, a cardinal tenet of the thesis of good governance is that all members of a body politic have a fair and equal role in decisions which affect them. Djibouti fully endorses the position of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the Non- Aligned Movement regarding the expansion, composition and working methods of the Council. Except as a metaphor for international peacekeeping failure, Somalia has exited the international radar screen of concern. This is regrettable, for there have been persistent regional and international efforts to initiate dialogue among the parties. True, much of Somalia continues to exist in a cycle of misery and political impasse, lacking a central authority, internal security and national cohesion.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The issue of Security Council reform need not be linked to the reform proposal presented by the Secretary- General. The latter must run its own course and, acted upon independently, culminate in a resolution for its adoption. In step with the growth in membership of the Organization, the Council must be enlarged to reflect the pressing need for equitable representation. In view of the considerable debate this issue has generated over the years, we believe that the time has come for a change in the Security Council, particularly with the admission of new permanent members from all the regions of the world and from the industrialized countries, wielding the same powers as the existing ones.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Were all Member States to honour their treaty commitments to pay their assessment obligations in full, on time and without condition, reform would focus more on what the United Nations can and must do than on what it cannot and is unable to do. An effective United Nations cannot operate on subsistence, hand-to-mouth and ever dwindling resources that perpetually keep it on the brink of bankruptcy. Ultimately, the financial solvency of the United Nations is the responsibility of Member States. Sound finances are the sine qua non of the effectiveness and stability of the Organization. Without a continuous and predictable flow of resources, the danger posed to the independence, if not survival, of the United Nations is very real.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“But for the sake of the larger purpose at stake, let us refrain from minuscule nit-picking. We need, rather, to adopt a pragmatic and positive approach to the package. In this way, we can spare ourselves from long and protracted, if not interminable, discussions which, as we know from experience, too often end in committee gridlock, a type of paralysis by analysis. Bowing to the realities of the Organization’s dire financial predicament, the Secretary-General has accordingly fashioned a credible reorganization that will enhance efficiency and responsiveness and effectively contribute to a strengthened Untied Nations, capable of fulfilling its mission. There appears to be a near universal consensus on the need to reform the United Nations. Regrettably though, much of the impetus is dictated by the Organization’s acute financial situation.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“It would be helpful to look at the proposals as the United Nations equivalent of the World Bank’s new Strategic Compact. Each initiative is intended to take its respective organization into the next millennium by bringing about a fundamental renewal of the institution. 15 We know that every element of the Secretary- General’s package may not generate agreement across the board. Divergences of views are bound to occur and are to be expected. Indeed, genuine fears, even scepticism, have been voiced against a reform process that may translate simply into a cost-cutting exercise, which ultimately may mean less focus on underdevelopment, poverty and social dislocations. These are valid concerns which I am sure the Secretary-General is conscious of and must address.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The savings derived from such rationalizations, trimming of inefficiencies and administrative costs could be directed to development for economic and social activities. These, it seems, are precisely the aims of the Secretary-General’s extensive and far-reaching proposals, issued under the title “Renewing the United Nations: A Programme for Reform”. They are a serious and bold set of proposals that deserve our utmost consideration. Djibouti fully supports the proposals and endorses their implementation as a package. The General Assembly at this session has demonstrated overwhelming support for the Secretary- General’s reform proposals, particularly in their design as an integrated package. They should be considered as such by this plenary.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“This has created an unprecedented demand for the services of the United Nations at a time when it is facing critical challenges in a world of revolutionary change. To remain relevant, the United Nations must carry out fundamental structural adjustments or changes, which can no longer be addressed through ad hoc, piecemeal reforms. A coordinated, top-down, comprehensive reform of the entire edifice is necessary to overhaul and streamline the Secretariat; create a new organizational culture and focus; consolidate functions; do away with overlapping programmes and duplications; eliminate financial waste; mobilize new resources for development; and strengthen and enhance coordination of United Nations operations at the field level.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The 1997 World Economic and Social Survey suggests that all developing countries and countries with economies in transition need to raise per capita income by at least 3 per cent annually. To achieve that, however, the Survey contends, and the Secretary-General agrees, the less affluent countries, in particular, require a more conducive external economic environment than now exists for them. The elements that until quite recently served to define our world have dramatically and rapidly changed. The predominant concerns of global atomic warfare and the cold war and the destructive policies of colonialism and apartheid have quickly given way to the challenges of poverty, globalism and development.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“On the one hand, there are widespread ripple effects emanating from the end of the cold war, the advent of a single global market and the trend towards democratization and respect for human rights. On the other hand, there are the ominous trends towards the fragmentation of societies, the search for new identities and the consequent spread of civil strife and conflict. Today, therefore, the need to deal with post- conflict situations is as critical as the need to prevent them. There is now universal recognition that much of this conflict is the result of the widespread poverty and severe underdevelopment facing many societies. For an economy to overcome poverty and underdevelopment it must today participate in the global economy, which has become a driving force in the world.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“We are also very pleased to offer our sincere congratulations to the new Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan. In less than a year since assuming that high responsibility he has already brought his considerable experience and vision to bear on the operations of the United Nations. Throughout his long and faithful service with the United Nations he has demonstrated a keen awareness of the need for a strong and responsive Organization. His all-encompassing reform proposals go a long way towards realizing a dream that has often eluded us in the past. We are confident he will persevere in his onerous task of keeping the Organization afloat. The report of the Secretary-General on the work of the Organization is an excellent starting point for an overview of the principal issues confronting mankind today.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“I wish to extend to the President the warm congratulations of my delegation on his election to preside over the fifty-second session of the General Assembly. We are on the verge of what may be a defining moment in the direction and capabilities of the Organization. His vast diplomatic experience assures us that at this moment the reins will indeed be in very capable hands. We must also deeply thank his predecessor, Ambassador Razali Ismail of Malaysia, for the high level of relevance, focus and commitment achieved at the fifty- first session under his bold and astute stewardship as President. His forthright appraisals of the critical issues facing the Organization, particularly the extraordinary impetus he injected into the question of the reform of the United Nations, will be felt well into the next millennium.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“We have made a valiant effort, and we remain convinced that the donor community will, for its part, work with us in order to surmount our multiple challenges and create a better future for our citizens.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“We believe that all the countries in the Horn of Africa must together seek to resolve the common problems of poverty, conflict and underdevelopment, bilaterally and within the framework of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Drought and Development (IGADD), whose revitalization is crucial. Djibouti is in the midst of economic restructuring and institutional reforms. Given the demobilization process that is now under way, we require generous assistance from the international donor community. Towards this end, we are planning to organize a round table early next year, under the aegis of the UNDP and the Bretton Woods institutions, to address these problems and the accumulated effects of regional instability.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“With the regional economy slowly but steadily recovering from the effects of past turmoil, the need for enhanced cooperation cannot be overemphasized. Djibouti is umbilically linked to the pulse of its neighbours and cannot, therefore, be indifferent to their economic and trade realities. 4 The conflicts and civil strife that have plagued the Horn of Africa in the past two decades have had a devastating effect on our economic and social life. This can be readily observed in the unacceptable number of displaced persons and refugees in my small country, for whom our continued commitment to care is proving to be economically and socially overwhelming, if not disastrous. Djibouti’s approach to regional affairs is based on mutual respect, moderation and cooperation.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“However, one issue that is creating tremendous frustration and confusion is the reluctance of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to apprehend the prime Bosnian Serb war crime suspects — Karadžic´ and Mladic´ — who are accused of instigating, planning and ordering the genocide and “ethnic cleansing” in Bosnia. To date, 74 arrest warrants have been issued for suspected war criminals, but only eight people are in custody. This fact, perhaps, reflects a political decision; but it is a paradoxical one whose effects may be with us in Bosnia and beyond for a long time. In conclusion, I wish to refer to an issue relating to my own part of the world. Our corner of the globe, the Horn of Africa, seems to be passing through a period of renewed optimism and revival. This must be sustained.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“It will not go away simply because we refuse to address it, and it will certainly continue to be an indelible blemish on the Charter of the United Nations. The sooner we consider the far-reaching implications of the situation of this failed State, which is absent from this Hall, the better it will be for the Somali people and the international community. Somalia is simply consumed by an interminable turmoil from which it cannot free itself. It needs help — our help. With the holding of elections, the saga of Bosnia has reached a decisive juncture. The problem facing the international community is the attempts to obstruct the normalization process through the use of violence and intimidation, which increase the pressure for secession.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“Despite almost five years of incessant fighting, there are no signs of compromise or reconciliation. The lust for power of a few has resulted in disaster for the whole country, whose condition is now a virtual replica of what it was in the nineteenth century. There is simply nowhere to lay the blame for Somalia’s wretched state except on the warlords and their inability to reason and reach agreement. This myopic vision of leadership seems unlikely to change until one faction prevails, and that may take years. Meanwhile, the people suffer, and the world is watching. Somalia, we must conclude, remains a festering tragedy, a piece of unfinished business for the international community, an international embarrassment, and a permanent problem.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)