YouSaid · the spoken record

Bayih

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS BAYIH

lines on the record: 59
first: 1988-09-24
most recent: 1989-09-24
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

“In concluding, I wish to reaffirm Ethiopia's continued commitment t to the United Nations and our determination to contribute our share to all endeavours designed to give the Organization a decisive voice in world affairs.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“In this connection, my delegation looks forward to the convening of the special session of the General Assembly devoted to international economic co-operation and in particular to the revitalisation of economic growth and development in the developing countries,· which is scheduled to take place in April next year. We are confident that the special session will provide the necessary Impetus for removing the obstacles that have stalemated the North-South dialogue. It goes without saying that as the tasks assigned to the United Nations expand so will its requirements for resources, if it is to be able to discharge its responsibilities effectively. Thus, the financial standing of the Organization should continue to be given the maximum attention it deserves.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“Hence, attaining the goal of strengthening the role and voice of the United Nations in international affairs is a matter to which the highest priority ought to be given. As a country very closely associated with the Organization since its very inception, we draw satisfaction from seeing the United Nations becoming more effective in the discharge of its responsibilities in the maintenance of international peace and security. It is our earnest hope that the Organization will play an equally effective role in the quest for solutions to the problems that affect international economic relations.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“Indeed, our commitment to peace has always been unreserved. There is no better testimony to this fundamental and decisive steps that the People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia continues to take in our own country. It would be remiss of me, in this connection, if I failed to express appreciation to the international community for the encouragement and support it has given to our efforts to restore peace in our region and remove the obstacles to our economic development. It has become evident that issues requiring international co-operation have started to proliferate. The problems of the environment, if not properly managed, could seriously affect the survival and viability of our planet. The scourge of drug-trafficking has assumed dangerous proportions, thus calling for urgent and concerted international action.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“Moreover, even in the best of circumstances, development will always be a difficult goal to achieve unless States are given the opportunity to establish peace within their territories as well as within their respective regions. In this regard, I am happy to note here that the situation in our region has improved markedly over the last year or so. As the normalization of relations between my country and Sorealla pursuant to an agreement concluded between the two countries last year testifies, we have been exerting the maximum effort to create the necessary conditions for the prevalence of peace and stability in our region. We have also continued our effort with a view to establishing a firm basis for constructive and friendly relations based on mutual trust and confidence between my country and the Sudan.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“No doubt this search for new development strategies is under way in most countries in Africa. The adoption of adjustment with transformation as outlined in AAFSAP constitutes a further step towards the working-out of nationally led programmes of economic transformation in the coming decade. It is clear that for their part developing countries need to do whatever is necessary and to exert maximum effort in order to remove the impediments to their economic development. In the final analysis, each country is indeed responsible for its own development. However, what we should not fail to appreciate is that a favourable external environment is needed to unleash the potential of the developing countries.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“The objective of the new economic policy initiatives and directions is to encourage the private sector to invest in agriculture, industry and services and the public sector to improve its management and thereby raise the level of its efficiency. Currently, we are also engaged in the formulation of a national conservation strategy aimed at stemming the rapid erosion of forest cover and the consequent decline in soil fertility. In addition, during the last two years there have been institutional designs in planning and administrative structures geared towards greater decentralization of decision-making. By these means we hope to ensure that the great ecological and cultural diversity of the country is taken fully into account in the appropriate regional plans.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“In ray Own country, despite the heavy burden on our meagre resources caused by a massive influx of refugees, now totalling nearly 1 million, we have initiated a number of measures designed to ensure food self-sufficiency. These range from a detailed national food and nutrition strategy to the more recent disaster prevention and preparedness strategy intended to provide, inter alia, an effective early warning and food buffer-stocking capability. We have also been moving ahead with a national population policy to place development on a sounder footing. Various new economic programmes are also being implemented.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“AAFSAP, taking its cue from the Lagos Plan of Action and the African Priority Programme for Economic Recovery, and the lessons to be learned from a review of current structural adjustment programmes, aims at evolving an alternative, human-centred framework for adjustment with transformation. It should be noted that the African alternative framework is above all a framework and not a blueprint for economic transformation, and will no doubt be enriched by greater dialogue, application and monitoring. Of course, even before the finalisation of AAFSAP many countries in Africa had already begun to think of appropriate development strategies for the 1990s.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“In the African region, the recognition of these problems and the continued exacerbation of economic conditions, even with the orthodox structural adjustment programmes, have led us to search for an alternative conceptual framework for the alleviation of our economic difficulties. This search has involved a long process of consultation, discussion and revision, which has finally resulted in the unanimous adoption of the African Alternative Framework to Structural Adjustment Programmes (AAFSAP) by the joint meetings of Ministers of Planning and Finance of the countries members of the Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa last April.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“After the Khartoum Conference there is now universal agreement that countries on the brink of economic disintegration cannot possibly undertake a further cut in their social welfare budgets. In addition the historically inherited and persistent structural constraints on developing countries, particularly the least developed countries, are only now being fully appreciated. Such constraints are numerous and span a wide spectrum ranging from a lack of physical infrastructure and market integration to steady environmental degradation, high and accelerating rates of population growth, pitifully low levels of technology, and exceptionally narrow domestic markets. These are exacerbated by the unfavourable external economic environment.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“The overall condition in these countries, especially in the least developed among them, is becoming a source of great concern. In order to reverse the deteriorating economic situation and ensure sustained development, developing countries have resorted to what we may refer as the orthodox structural adjustment programmes. But these have not helped arrest economic decline, largely because the economic problems of developing countries are deep-rooted and require more than playing around with monetary policies for their effective resolution. This has been obvious from the experience of existing structural adjustment programmes. These programmes, relying on a combination of devaluation, trade liberalization and deflation, have often failed to give sufficient attention to the human dimension of development.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“But it should be an order in which the greatness of nations is measured not by their relative military might or economic power but by the respect they command through their contribution to international co-operation and harmony, as well as to the development of human civilization. We should go beyond the conception that international peace and security are jeopardized only by issues that are political and military in nature. The framers of the Charter of the United Nations had the foresight to declare in Article 1 the achievement of ,international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic social, cultural, or humanitarian character, as one of the purposes of the United Nations. We have seen throughout the 1980s the gradual deterioration in the economic situation of the developing world.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“These are but some of the major indications that the task of making the current improvement in world affairs more complete and comprehensive is a challenge, the international community has yet to address. A new world order, radically different from the one we ought to leave behind us requires, as its foundation, a full democratization of international relations. This should be a world in which principles relating to the sovereign equality of States, non-interference in internal affairs and the sanctity of the independence and territorial integrity of countries are fully respected. The new world order we wish to see would of course not be devoid of major Powers.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“My delegation fully supports the desire and efforts of the people of Korea foe the restoration of their national unity and looks forward to the day when it will assume its rightful place in this community of nations. The search for global freedom and justice will remain incomplete so long as peoples continue to be subjected to the evils of colonialism and racism anywhere. In this regard, the year 1990 - during which we shall be commemorating the thirtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, as well as ensuring the success of the International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism - should afford us added opportunity to intensify our concerted efforts towards the total elimination of all manifestations of colonialism by the year 2000.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“At no time should it be forgotten, however, that this aim can succeed only if international pressure on the racist regime is vigorously continued. In the Middle East, durable peace will always be beyond reach so long as the Palestinian people are denied their rights as a people. In this connection· I wish once again to reiterate the repeated call made by the General Assembly for the convening of the International Peace Conference on the Middle East under the auspices of the United Nations with the participation of all parties to the conflict. The prevailing increased level of international understanding is yet to have an impact also on the state of affairs in the Korean peninsula. The quest for peaceful reunification by the Korean people should be addressed without further delay.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“Conditions in South Africa continue essentially unaltered and no progress can be anticipated unless the international community takes effective measures to increase the pressure on Pretoria, including the imposition of comprehensive and mandatory sanctions under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. In this connection, my delegation wishes to emphasize the significance of the declaration adopted by the Ad Hoc Committee on Southern Africa of the Organization of African Unity on the question of South Africa at its 3rd meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe, on 21 August 1989. The implementation of the principles and ideas contained in that declaration could facilitate the peaceful resolution of the problems created by apartheid and the establishment in South Africa of a government based on equality, justice and democracy.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“The commitment expressed both by the Soviet Union and the United States at this session of the General Assembly to destroy the bulk of their chemical weapons will no doubt give impetus to the efforts under way at the Conference on Disarmament towards achieving an agreement on the long overdue convention. It is also obvious that there are still a number of vital issues relating to international peace and security that have not yet been properly addressed or regarding which little progress has been made. Indeed it remains a source of major disappointment to us that, despite the changed international climate and the reform promises of the racist regime, no significant move has been made towards the dismantlement of the evil system of apartheid.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“Despite notable achievements made in the area of nuclear disarmament in the last few years the momentum towards the complete elimination of these dangerous weapons of destruction has not been commensurate with the expectation of the international community. The threat posed by the stockpiles of nuclear weapons remains as grave as ever. Older the circumstances a speedy conclusion of a comprehensive nuclear-test-ban treaty measures to prevent the extension of the arms race into outer space and an agreement on the prohibition of the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons continue to be priority issues. No less because we feel it should be attached to the need to finalize and conclude as soon as possible, the ongoing negotiation on a chemical weapons convention..”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“In Central America the steps taken by the States in the region have paved the way for greater understanding. We extend to them our support in their continued efforts to implement their joint decisions. It is our earnest hope that Nicaragua will finally be given the opportunity to concentrate fully functional construction. As we duly note the positive changes taking place in our world we need at the same time to be realistic enough to acknowledge that such remains to be done in order to ensure peace and the survival of humanity as well as to lay the foundation for a structure of international relations based en justice, equality and democracy.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“Successful implementation of the United Nations plan for the independence of Namibia will no doubt constitute a significant step towards lasting peace and stability in the region, thus contributing to an improvement in international relations. Although a conclusive settlement of the Iran-Iraq conflict is still awaited the fact that the cease-fire continues to hold is a significant achievement. Tranquillity is yet to be restored in Afghanistan but the Geneva Agreements have demonstrated the values of peace and the consequent reduction in international tension. Ms are also hopeful that the efforts aimed at resolving the problem in Cambodia will pick up momentum once again. No doubt, the withdrawal by Viet Nam of its troops contributes towards expediting the achievement of a durable peace in Cambodia.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“Not only is South Africa committed to seeing the elections conducted on the basis of rules that would allow it to get the elections to go its way, but it is also making every effort through intimidation and murder to prevent the South West Africa People's Organization from participating fully in a free and fair election. Under the circumstances, the United Nations - and particularly the Security Council - must continue to be vigilant and take all necessary effective action with a view to ensuring that the November elections in Namibia are conducted in full compliance with the spirit and letter of Security Council resolution 435 (1978).”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“The commencement of the implementation of the United Nations plan for the independence of Namibia is a testimony to the capacity of the United Nations to discharge such important responsibilities when there exists the appropriate international environment. At the same time, we recognize that the Organization is facing a major challenge in ensuring free and fair elections in Namibia under its supervision and control on the bas is of Security Council resolution 435 (1978). That South Africa is only going through a pretence of allowing free and fair elections in Namibia has been obvious all along. Its determination to steal the elections scheduled to take place next month has been made plain by events in Namibia in the course of the past few months.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“In the meantime, it was becoming abundantly clear that, apart from the nuclear danger that has been a part of our life since the Second World war, the number of challenges directly impinging on our survival, the proper engagement of which required international co-operation, were reminding us of our interdependence and our common destiny. We are indeed gratified that in the past years the first steps have been taken, albeit in very limited areas of International life, to address issues of vital importance on the basis of accommodation and compromise. In the past few years we have had the opportunity to see how, given the necessary political will, an international political environment conducive to the removal of obstacles to the search for solutions to some of the most intractable political problems could be created.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“Reason has, however, always pointed to the fact that those differences, regardless of their significance, were never important enough for us to allow them to overshadow mankind's common interest in ensuring survival. Nevertheless, the establi3hment of durable peace became elusive. The wasting of human resources In the quest for military supremacy, a pursuit that has always been chimera, drained off resources that could otherwise have been used to promote development and alleviate the sufferings of humanity. The adverse implications of the cold war were especially notable for newly independent and developing countries. In a climate of intolerance for different ideas, efforts by independent nations to seek their own solutions to their problems were viewed with hostility.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“The improvement in relations between the two major Powers has contributed significantly to the reduction of tension and to a better climate in international relations. Confrontation has started gradually to give way to dialogue and co-operation. Obviously, the past cannot be undone. But lessons learned from past mistakes should prepare the international community to seize the new opportunities that are opening up. It is to be recalled that the confrontation between the power blocs that was the hallmark of the period after the Second World War gave rise to a Mind-set which was oblivious to the common danger faced by the human race. The Mutual hostility engendered and fuelled by the cold war left no room for accommodation.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“Let me also put on record our sincere appreciation to the Secretary-General, Mr. Javier Peres de Cuellar, for the firm commitment he has always shown to multilateralism and for his unflinching dedication to the purposes and principles of the United Nations. Since the last session of the General Assembly we have been expressing optimism about new trends in international relations and increased hope about the future of our planet. The relaxation of tension in world politics over the course of the past two years has to a large extent justified that outlook. Today more than ever before we have sufficient reason to be more confident about the possibility of erecting a structure of peace in our world.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“It gives me great pleasure, Sir, to extend to you, on behalf of the Ethiopian delegation and on my own behalf, wane congratulations on your election as President of the General Assembly at its forty-fourth session. Your election was indeed a great tribute both to the significant role our sister country of Nigeria plays in world affairs and to you personally, as a widely experienced diplomat. As I state my delegation's conviction that you will steer our deliberations to a successful conclusion, I wish at the same time to assure you of our fullest co-operation as you discharge your heavy responsibilities. I wish also to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to your predecessor. Nr. Dante Caputo, for the effective manner in which he presided over the forty-third session of the General Assembly.”
1989-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 44 (1989)
“My delegation is hopeful that such a state of affairs will not be allowed to continue and that the growing efficacy of the United Nations will not be adversely affected by a financial crisis. In the interest of global peace and security, and in the interest of the prosperity and well-being of the human race, let us therefore rededicate ourselves to strengthening the viability and effectiveness of the United Nations. As for Ethiopia, it will always remain committed to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“As a founding Member of this Organization, there is nothing that gives us greater joy than to see the United Nations become increasingly effective in the quest for solutions to the major challenges facing humanity. In recent months, the United Nations has shown how truly effective it could be in implementing and promoting the purposes and principles of the Organization as enshrined in its Charter. We are, indeed, encouraged by this positive trend. At the same time, the financial situation of the Organization continues to be a cause for concern. Putting pressure on the United Nations by withholding assessed contributions to the regular budget of the Organization constitutes a violation of a treaty obligation on the part of Member States.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“We derive satisfaction from the national, regional and international appreciation and support of our peaceful endeavours. On the other hand, we find it hard to comprehend the view of those who still fail to grasp the significance of these achievements as steps towards the restoration of peace by the countries of the region themselves, and continue to express lingering anxiety about tension in the area. In opening ray statement I referred to the fact that the challenges of development and progress, on the one hand, and of international peace and security, on the other, could be tackled only within the context of interdependence. Thus, it becomes obvious that our well-being lies only in multilateralism.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“In this regard, I should like to acquaint this Assembly with the fact that, consistent with its commitment to ensure durable peace in our region, Ethiopia is at present engaged in sustained and painstaking negotiations with the Sudan with a view to identifying the root causes of the problems between the two countries and to finding appropriate solutions. For its part, my Government is determined that the Joint Expert Committee which the two countries have established will soon complete its tasks and present its recommendations. Given a similar commitment on the part of our Sudanese brothers to lasting peace between the two countries, my Government remains confident that all outstanding issues could be resolved in the interest of peace and co-operation in our part of the world.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“In accordance with this agreement not only have we restored diplomatic relations and exchanged prisoners of war but we have also embarked at a rapid pace on the normalization of relations, which, we are confident, will create the necessary conditions for both countries to devote their resources and energy to their economic development. This demonstrates our good will to bury the hatchet with a view to promoting regional peace. I should like to take this opportunity to reaffirm that Ethiopia will be second to none in its determination to build a bridge of friendship with all countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“19-20) In that statement, I expressed Ethiopia's commitment to peace and its determination to do as much as possible to help relax the tension in our region. We have always been willing to muster the necessary political will to take two steps forward towards the normalization of relations with all peace-loving countries for every one step they may take towards the same goal. Today, it gives me immense satisfaction to refer to the highly significant step that has been taken by my country and Somalia towards improving our relations. An agreement on normalization of relations between the bio countries was signed on 3 April 1988.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Fairness and objectivity would have demanded that they should, at the very least, recognize the maximum efforts Ethiopia is exerting to offset the consequences of the drought, the attainment of food self-sufficiency and accelerated development while at the same time coping with the problem created by the huge influx of refugees into the country. In the circumstances, it would have been most appropriate to sensitise the international community to this reality with a view to supporting Ethiopia's efforts to meet effectively the manifold challenges it is facing. When I had the opportunity to address this Assembly last year, I expressed, inter alia, Ethiopia's readiness to forge and strengthen relations with all countries, particularly those which are in our region and with which we have had difficult relations". (A/42/PV. 22, p.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Although the amount and distribution of precipitation during the main rainy season this year appear satisfactory, the adverse effects of the series of droughts my country has experienced for almost a decade and a half can hardly be tackled with our own resources within a short period of time. However, Ethiopia will continue to exert every effort to make effective use of available resources with a view to overcoming its economic difficulties and accelerating its development. In this connection, it is indeed regrettable that some continue to display a glaring lack of judgement as regards my country in their assessment of the problems in our sub-region. Rather, they see fit to subject Ethiopia to their habitual criticism, which is as biased as it is unwarranted, and in sharp contrast to the prevailing reality in the country.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“The recent raid-term review conference has clearly shown the constraints faced by Africa in the reform process. We are therefore hopeful that the international community will be more forthcoming in supplementing the efforts of African countries towards the desired objective of improved productivity and rapid economic recovery. As Ethiopia is a country already confronted with immense problems caused by natural calamities, it should come as no surprise that the negative impact of the external economic environment on its efforts towards economic recovery has been enormous.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“In this connection, that it was in response to the economic plight of African countries that the thirteenth special session of the General Assembly devoted to the critical economic situation in Africa was convened more than two years ago. The result of that session was United Nations Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development 1986-1990. While the Programme of Action is intended to help improve the performance of African economies, the full implementation of the reform measures it requires has been rendered difficult owing to various factors. Significant among these is the unfavourable international climate characterized, among other things, by accelerated deterioration of the terms of trade ρ the low level of resource flows, mounting debt-servicing, and the inadequacy of external support for our efforts.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Furthermore, the determined efforts made by these countries have invariably been frustrated by such external factors as the decline in commodity prices and export revenue, unfavourable terms of trade, widespread protectionism, accumulation of external debt and decline in net resource flows, the combined impact of which has seriously impeded their overall development process. In the case of African countries, most of which belong to the group of least developed countries, these externally Induced obstacles to development have further compounded the difficulties they have encountered as a result of widespread drought, desertification and other natural calamities. It is to be recalled.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“The policies pursued by some developed countries, particularly in the areas of trade, money and finance, have further aggravated the problems, which are deep-rooted in the prevailing international economic system already characterized by unjust and unequal relations. Developing countries are endeavouring, within the limits of their resources, to revive their economies and to ensure a decent life for their peoples. But to no avail. Some of the reform measures required of developing countries have, in fact, become potential causes of political and social instability.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“The deteriorating economic and social conditions in developing countries, especially in the least developed among them, obviously require concerted action from the international community to be contained and reversed. Instead, what we have been witnessing is lack of sufficient political will on the part of many developed countries to create the necessary economic environment for developing countries to rehabilitate their economies. It has now become clearer than ever before that the serious difficulties facing the developing world emanate mainly from the external economic situation, over which they have very little control.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“I believe we are all aware of the fact that the quest for reunification by the people of the peninsula is still frustrated by certain major impediments, Ethiopia fully supports the desire and efforts of the Korean people for national reunification without foreign intervention. While the past year has witnessed a number of encouraging developments in the sphere of disarmament and the resolution of regional conflicts, it is regrettable that existing negative trends have persisted in other areas. Far from showing improvement, the issues of development and progress that represent another challenge to the international community have instead become a cause for ever greater concern, both for their serious implications for international peace and security and for the immense human tragedy they entail.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“In that context, we are all duty bound to render the fullest possible assistance to these countries to enable them to withstand the military intervention and economic pressure of the racist regime. In the Middle East, the problem that emanates essentially from the denial to the Palestinian people of their rights as a people still awaits a just solution. I should like to take this opportunity to reaffirm Ethiopia's continued support for the convening of the International Peace Conference on the Middle East, with the participation of all parties concerned, including the Palestine Liberation Organization. The situation in the Korean peninsula is one other problem that requires the attention of the international community.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Apart from the call for comprehensive and mandatory sanctions against the racist regime, for the success of which the international community needs to deploy greater effort, final victory against it requires all those who stand for justice to continue to rally behind the struggle being waged by the people of South Africa. As in the past, Ethiopia will continue to provide concrete assistance to the people of South Africa until apartheid is dismantled and justice and democracy ace firmly established in South Africa. It is also appropriate to emphasize here that continued solidarity with the front-line States is part and parcel of the struggle against apartheid.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Similarly, there are a number of other issues relating to international peace and security, as well as to the rights of peoples and to justice for those facing egregious forms of discrimination that still cry out for solutions. The problems posed by the evil ¡system of apartheid in South Africa clearly demonstrate how long indeed is the distance that the international community has yet to travel in laying the foundation for international relations based on justice and basic human decency. The noble goal of eradicating this abhorrent system continues to demand unremitting struggle.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Much as we are encouraged by the significant political achievements registered during the first half of 1988, we remain none the less concerned by the continued use or threat of use of force, under any pretext, against the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of small States. No better example of this can be provided than the prevailing situation in Central America where, despite the various regional peace efforts and the decision of the International Court of Justice, Nicaragua still finds itself under constant threat to its independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty. Thus the international community's solidarity with the people of Nicaragua must be strengthened so that that country can be totally free of the covert and overt intervention to which it has been subjected for too long.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“I am referring here to the dumping of nuclear and industrial wastes in African countries by some Western transnational corporations. The indignation of the African peoples at the callousness displayed by those who perpetrate this crime has been echoed by the Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), meeting in its forty-eighth ordinary session in May of this year. My delegation deems it appropriate that the dumping of nuclear and industrial wastes in Africa has been inscribed as an item on the agenda of this session of the General Assembly. We are confident that the session will give serious attention to the matter and adopt decisions reflecting the gravity of the problem.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Such capability, acquired by a regime that would have no scruples in using them, should be viewed with alarm by all who have genuine concern for the maintenance of international peace and security. There is, of course, little doubt that it would have been practically impossible for South Africa to achieve this capability without the support it has been able to get from those who, with characteristic myopia, regard South Africa as an indispensable partner. As if this were not enough, the people of Africa are also being challenged by a new and grave development. In recent years it has become clear that some in the West have started to engage in activities that pose imminent danger to the African peoples and to the African ecosystem.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Since then, the General Assembly has adopted a series of resolutions calling upon nuclear-weapon States to respect the wishes of the peoples of Africa to protect the status of the continent as a nuclear-weapon-free area. However, it has now become clear that the African peoples’ commitment to free the region from the nuclear-arms race has been challenged by the reckless policy of the racist regime in Pretoria to acquire nuclear-weapons capability. In fact, it now appears from available evidence that South Africa has indeed achieved the capability to produce nuclear weapons. The implications of this ominous development for international peace and security cannot be over-emphasized.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“In this context I wish to express our appreciation to the Government of the German Democratic Republic for organizing in June of this year an International Meeting on Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones. In any discussion of the subject of nuclear-weapon-free zones it is appropriate to refer to the initiative that the peoples of Africa have taken to keep the continent free of nuclear weapons. It was 24 years ago that the Heads of State or Government of the Organization of African Unity adopted, at their summit conference in Cairo, a Declaration on the Denuclearization of Africa. This initiative represented one of the first regional attendees at the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)