YouSaid · the spoken record

Jacques CHIRAC

lines on the record: 64
first: 1986-09-24
most recent: 2006-09-24
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

“He will be able to count on the support of France, on its unswerving commitment to serving peace and justice, fraternity and progress.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Disaster can only be averted if nations can come together to support jointly agreed commitments. Let us create a United Nations for the environment, as the expression of the world’s ecological conscience and the premier forum in which we take common action for future generations. France will host an international conference next year to bring together all those who want to make progress on this project, which is crucial to the future of the planet. For 10 years now, a man has held high the torch of the United Nations and our universal values. Today, I wish to pay Kofi Annan the solemn and merited honour of our profound admiration, of our respect and of our recognition. In a few weeks’ time, we will appoint a new Secretary-General, who will be faced with immense challenges.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“At a time when the world’s wealth is increasing as never before, the separation between the rich and poor is becoming intolerable. From its inception, the United Nations has stood for the moral imperatives of fairness and solidarity. For this reason France wishes to submit to the United Nations the idea of innovative development financing mechanisms such as the international solidarity levy on airplane tickets, a modern, pragmatic and experimental response to the need to fight poverty and pandemics. In this spirit we will be launching the International Drug Purchase Facility (UNITAID) initiative this afternoon. Let us overcome selfishness and dogmatism and give the generous idea of a world united for human progress a chance. Finally, we all know that uncontrolled human activity is bringing about a sort of slow collective suicide.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The time has come for the immense continent of Africa, with its wealth of peoples and vibrant youth, which has embarked on the road to growth and reform, to find, at long last, a destiny worthy of it and of the cradle of humanity it represents. Humanity must be united and there must be solidarity among its diverse peoples. Humanity needs, more than ever, a strong and respected United Nations, the irreplaceable tool for shared sovereignty and responsibility. It is here that universal and sacred human rights must be defended and protected. With the new Human Rights Council and the International Criminal Court, the United Nations returns to this primary vocation. Let us not disappoint the hopes of all those who love freedom and justice.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Dialogue must prevail. Let us talk in order to enter into negotiations. Given the seriousness of what is at stake, the international community must stand firm and united. We do not aim to call regimes into question. We aim to ensure security in accordance with international law and with due regard for the sovereignty of all countries. The “responsibility to protect” — that was what we affirmed here. In Darfur, millions of people are threatened. A crime against humanity looms. Bloodshed and turmoil are about to convulse the very heart of Africa again. France entreats the international community to ward off a further humanitarian catastrophe. I solemnly call on Sudan to accept the United Nations peace mission without delay. I call on the International Criminal Court to bring to justice those responsible for these crimes.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“I propose that the conference define in advance the guarantees that we are prepared to provide to the parties as soon as they reach an agreement. I also propose that the conference pave the way for a new future in the Middle East through a regional framework for collective security, economic integration and dialogue among cultures. Building peace means fighting terrorism. It means preventing proliferation. It means shouldering the “responsibility to protect” that we enshrined here last year. International legality must prevail over the threats of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. In the crisis with Iran, confidence has been impaired by the existence of hidden programmes. We have extended ambitious offers of cooperation to that major country, 21 06-52731 provided it restores confidence by suspending its contentious activities.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The parameters for that settlement are well- known, namely, the secure coexistence of two viable States, as has already been widely accepted by both peoples; safe and recognized borders; and a fair solution for refugees and for Jerusalem. All that still stands between Israelis and Palestinians and the peace to which they aspire is the deep-seated, mutual distrust of two peoples shattered by history and reeling from their sufferings and ordeals. Let us now stop extremists from laying down the law! Let us help peoples and leaders bold enough to seek peace! Like, before them, Sadat and Begin, Rabin and Arafat! Before this Assembly, I call on the world to commit itself to restoring the conditions for confidence. The Quartet should meet shortly to start preparing an international conference.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“It is now up to all the parties to work towards the consolidation of peace and the recovery of Lebanon. It is now up to Israel to complete the withdrawal of its forces. It is up to the Lebanese Government to affirm its sovereignty throughout its territory. And it is up to the countries in the region to cooperate fully in order to ensure the success of resolution 1701 (2006), to cooperate with the United Nations. In this highly sensitive region where divides meet, the status quo has become unbearable. Because the conflict in the Middle East is a threat to global peace and security, the world has no option but to be the guarantor of peace. Let us tread off the beaten track of habit. Let us define a global strategy the key to which is an Israeli-Palestinian settlement.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Lebanon has again been set ablaze by war, a further manifestation of the interminable conflict in the Middle East whose tragedies have, for 60 years now, punctuated the life of the United Nations. By endlessly deferring its settlement, this confrontation has become the epicentre of international instability, the main source of incomprehension between the different worlds and an easy alibi for all forms of terrorism. This situation is not a foregone conclusion. With Security Council resolution 1701 (2006), the United Nations is shouldering its responsibilities. The unanimous adoption of this resolution has brought the fighting to an end. France, Europe and Asia have contributed to the strengthening of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). But the fire is still smouldering.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Against the barbarity of a world in which fundamental rights are all too often held up to ridicule, where the integrity of mankind is under threat, where indigenous peoples the heirs to an irreplaceable heritage vanish amid silence and indifference, let us uphold the demands of ethics. Against the peril of a clash of civilizations, finally, let us insist on the equal dignity of cultures, respect for diversity and the value of dialogue. 17 With the Charter adopted in the name of the Peoples of the United Nations, the founders proclaimed their faith in these ideals. Let us seek to be worthy of them. Let us establish the United Nations at the heart of this planetary democracy that is so vital in our day and age.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“I would also like us to give pragmatic, speedy consideration to international solidarity levies, a kind of tax on the wealth generated by globalization and given over to development. To advance on these issues, I completely approve of the Secretary-General's intention to gather around him a committee of independent wise men and women responsible for submitting proposals. Against the risk of a world without order delivered up to violence, let us work to establish the rule of international law. Against the injustice and suffering of a world of widening inequalities even though it has never been so rich let us choose solidarity. Against the chaos of a world shaken by ecological disasters, let us call for a sharing of responsibility around a United Nations environmental organization.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“First, the trend towards increasing voluntary contributions at the expense of mandatory contributions must be reversed. Failing that, we will end up with a pick-and-choose United Nations, which is an outdated vision and a harmful one. Secondly, we need to make progress in mobilizing funds for development and development assistance. France wants to meet the official development assistance target of 0.7 per cent by the year 2012. But this effort, together with that of the European Union, will obviously not suffice to release the necessary funds needed to finance the Millennium Goals each year. France therefore supports the innovative concept of an international financial facility.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“This historic step forward must be accompanied by a strengthening of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, under a commission equipped to discharge its duties and its mission. We now realize that globalization demands stronger economic, social and environmental governance. To that end, France proposes the creation of a new political forum representative of the present economic state of today's world in all its diversity. That council would be responsible for providing the necessary impetus to international institutions, for improving their coordination and for anticipating and tackling global problems more effectively. Effectiveness also depends on increased financial resources. France calls for two changes.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“It is the Council that should set the bounds with respect to the use of force. No one can claim the right to use force unilaterally and preventively. Conversely, in the face of mounting threats, States must be assured that the Council has at its disposal the appropriate means of evaluation and of collective action, and that it has the will to act. We all are very committed to the sovereignty of States. But its scope can and should be limited in the case of serious violations of human rights and of humanitarian law. The Security Council is taking steps in that direction, and France supports this development. Meanwhile, crimes against humanity are being suppressed more effectively with the establishment of the International Criminal Court, whose jurisdiction is universal.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“A culture of confrontation must give way to a culture of action aimed at achieving our common goals, which we should determine together. The primary responsibility for the maintenance of peace and security rests with the Security Council. It is therefore essential to its legitimacy that its composition reflect the state of the world. It must be expanded to include new permanent members, because the presence of major countries is necessary. France, naturally, is thinking of Germany and of Japan, but also of some leading countries of Asia, Africa and America. We also need new elected members, to make the Council even more representative. With the decisive impetus of the five permanent members, we all need to resume discussions, mindful of the general interest. Such reform should be accompanied by a strengthening of the Council's authority.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“I hope that this session of the General Assembly will confirm the determination of States to overcome the failure of Cancun and to ensure the success of the Doha Development Round. In order to carry out the missions entrusted to it and to remedy its blatant shortcomings, the United Nations must evolve. Three watchwords, I believe, must guide us: democracy, authority, effectiveness. Thanks to the Secretary-General, progress has been made, and new avenues are opening up. It is now up to States to move forward without further ado and to put 16 an end to the adverse consequences of the stalemate over reforms. The United Nations is suffering from the current weakness of the General Assembly. And yet, it is here that a debate should be organized and a consensus crafted regarding solutions to major problems.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“At this time, let us demand that North Korea completely, verifiably and irreversibly dismantle its military programme. Let us demand that Iran sign and implement, unconditionally and without delay, a strengthened nuclear safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Sustainable development poses yet another challenge, because half of humankind is living in conditions of insecurity or extreme poverty. Will we be able to globalize solidarity, as our peoples demand, in response to the inevitable globalization of the economy? We agree on the objectives. We are bound by the Millennium Goals. But, in order to attain those goals, strong political impetus remains necessary. I propose that heads of State and Government meet in New York in 2005 for a preliminary progress review.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“It will re-emerge again and again if we allow extremism and fanaticism to flourish if we fail to realize that it seeks justification in the world's unresolved conflicts and economic and social imbalances. Given the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, we reject the policy of fait accompli. We must stand united to guarantee the universality of treaties and the effectiveness of non-proliferation regimes. In order to ensure compliance, we must also develop our means of action. France has proposed the creation of a permanent corps of inspectors under the authority of the Security Council. Let us give fresh impetus to this policy. Let us convene a summit meeting of the Security Council to outline a true plan of action of the United Nations against proliferation.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“France believes that the idea of a monitoring mechanism is as relevant as ever, and that the convening of an international conference is a goal to be attained as quickly as possible. Given the present tense situation, France calls on the parties not to succumb to the temptation of a test of strength and of a futile radicalization. Another major challenge is the fight against international terrorism. This fight is well under way, under the auspices of the Security Council and within the context of our treaties. The horror of 11 September cemented our common resolve. This threat strikes at the very heart of our democracies and our societies. We are using force to combat terrorism, but that is not enough.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Finally, it is up to the United Nations to entrust a mandate to a multinational force, commanded, naturally, by the main troop contributor that is, the United States in order to ensure the security of Iraq and of all those helping to rebuild the country. Thus the international community and the Iraqi people, united around a common project, will together put an end to the tragic decades of that great country's history. In the Middle East, ravaged by despair and hatred, only strong political will on both sides to implement the law as stipulated by the United Nations can pave the way for a just and lasting solution. The international community must restore a dynamic for peace. It must involve itself in the implementation of the road map. That should be the objective of the upcoming meeting of the Quartet, to be held at the ministerial level.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Multilateralism is modern, because it alone makes it possible to comprehend contemporary problems globally and in all of their complexity. First, let me touch on the settlement of conflicts that threaten international peace and security. In Iraq, the transfer of sovereignty to the Iraqis, who must have sole responsibility for their destiny, is essential for stability and reconstruction. It is up to the United Nations to lend its legitimacy to that process. It is also up to the United Nations to assist with the gradual transfer of administrative and economic responsibilities to the Iraqi institutions, according to a realistic timetable, and to help the Iraqis draft a constitution and hold general elections.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“In an open world no one can live in isolation, no one can act alone in the name of all and no one can accept the anarchy of a society without rules. There is no alternative to the United Nations. But in order to meet today's challenges, this fundamental choice, expressed by the Charter, requires a far-reaching reform of our Organization. Multilateralism is crucial, because it ensures the participation of all in the management of world affairs. It is a guarantee of legitimacy and democracy, especially when decisions must be made with respect to the use of force or to the laying down of universal norms. 15 Multilateralism is effective. In Monterrey and Johannesburg, it allowed us to transcend North-South confrontation and to open the way to promising partnerships, in particular with the African continent.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Sergio Vieira de Mello was the pride of the United Nations. Murdered on 19 August along with his colleagues, he will remain in our memories. Let us dedicate this session to that great servant of the world and of peace. The United Nations has just emerged from one of the most serious challenges in its history. Respect for the Charter and the use of force were at the heart of the debate. The war, which was launched without the Security Council's authorization, has undermined the multilateral system. Having come to terms with that crisis, our Organization can now continue to move forward; for it is above all in this forum the melting pot of the international order that we must exercise our responsibilities to the world of today as well as to future generations.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Let us all, therefore, understand that the dangers confronting mankind are common to us all and that the only response is to be found in solidarity. The PRESIDENT; On behalf of the General Assembly, I wish to thank the Prime Minister of the French Republic for the important statement he has just made.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“Over and above the problems encountered by our Organization, even in its day-to-day functioning - problems which I am convinced will be resolved - the wisdom and intelligence so often demonstrated by this Assembly encourages me, in turn, to make a confident appeal to all the Member States. As I said at the beginning of my remarks, the internationalization of problems does not of itself entail international solidarity. In this regard, the development of co-operation at the regional level is an encouraging first step. Everybody knows that France in particular sets great store by intensifying its co-operation with its partners in the European Community. The urgency of the challenges that I have just mentioned compels us to set awareness of the need for this solidarity above our economic differences and political divergences.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“France, for its part, intends to defend those values wherever it is present in the world, as well as within this Organization, which would be failing in its mission if it resigned itself to compromise or impotence. Off all the challenges I have mentioned, two seem to me of more urgent response than the others. One is terrorism, which would take us back to a time we thought long past if we allowed it a free hand to undermine democratic societies and destroy the basic rules of international life. The other is the critical situation of many third-world countries, particularly the least advanced among then. It is inconceivable that we should allow them to be crushed under the weight of their economic and financial difficulties - inconceivable, inhuman and irresponsible.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“The correction of financial imbalances should also be actively sought. It is not a healthy situation when the world's greatest industrial country continues to drain off such a sizable In this context, France welcomes the success of the Punta del Este conference and hopes that the new round of negotiations to be launched will make it possible to liberalize world trade and to strengthen solidarity among nations. Freedom in all its dimensions - political, economic, cultural and religious - is being flouted in too many countries. War and terrorism are spreading insecurity and fear. The dignity of the human person is in jeopardy in every part of the world where hunger, poverty and violence reign. Whatever ideologists may say, the values of dignity and freedom are inscribed in the conscience of all mankind.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“A single statistic will suffice to illustrate the importance of such efforts: the balance-of-payments deficit of non-oil-exporting countries has fallen from $73 billion in 1982 to $29 billion in 1986. Lastly, it is absolutely essential to correct the current disorders in the international economic and financial system. The solution to the debt problem must be based on the resumption of sustained economic growth in the world economy. This should be a key objective of the industrialized countries> which have a primary responsibility in this regard. The progress made in the war against inflation should enable us to continue to lower real interest rates, without which any lasting solution of the debt problem would be illusory, and to continue to move towards greater stability of the international monetary system.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“With regard to bilateral aid for development, France will again increase its effort in 1987 over 1986, with a view to reaching its goal of 1 per cent of gross national product. Secondly, the remarkable efforts to ensure economic recovery embarked on by developing countries, especially by the most heavily indebted among them, must be continued. Outstanding results" have already been achieved in the battle against internal and external deficits, in curbing inflation and in implementing bold economic policies that emphasize the long-term interests of nations rather than favor illusory, fragile short-term solutions. It takes courage to set up and implement such policies, and I should like to pay tribute to those who have taken such initiatives.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“First, there must be increased financing for developing countries to loosen the grip of debt. I should add that there is no instance of a country that has not had to have recourse to substantial external financing during its industrialization phase. This is obvious, and in this area I note some progress, both in thinking and in conduct. Broad agreement is now emerging on the need to expand the role and enhance the intervention capabilities of multilateral development institutions Each of us recognizes that every other kind of financial assistance is also needed, in particular from international commercial banks and from States, in the form of aid for development and commercial credit.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“It is for that reason that no one can any longer claim that the issue can be resolved in a purely mechanical manner by granting short-term facilities or through the simplistic application of miracle remedies. If we are to solve the problem in a lasting manner, we must tackle the root causes of the situation and not simply its effects. The world facing a crisis of exceptional gravity, a phase of structural adaptation in the international economy requiring greater international cooperation so that it will be more imaginative, more active and more pragmatic. I am fully aware that not everyone is convinced that this is necessary, but I think that the movement is in the right direction. France, for its part, believes that we must increase international co-operation in three areas.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“I should like, finally, to say a few words about the question of debt. For all too many developing countries debt has now become a dominant concern. The day-to-day effort to meet payments on due dates mobilizes all their energies. It does not permit Governments the freedom necessary to resolve their long-term development problems. Over the past few years, there has been a great deal of consideration of this question. The very volume of such discussion shows that the international community has awakened to the seriousness and, at the same time, the complexity of the situation. Debt, in itself, is the consequence of the distorted development of the international economy which has brought us to the situation in which we find ourselves today.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“The aid we provided, and in particular the military assistance, was intended, while deterring Libya from pursuing its offensive activities, to prepare what will doubtless be a long and difficult road towards national reconciliation and reconstruction in Chad. In the case of Chad, as in many other cases, the relationship between underdevelopment and insecurity and, consequently, the level of armaments, has been constantly demonstrated. Some years ago France proposed that this crucial problem as a whole should be the subject of political examination at the United Nations. Following the debates of the experts, it now remains to give concrete substance to this plan, either at the next special session of the General Assembly on disarmament or, if a consensus emerges, at a special conference to be held at an earlier date.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“Its contribution to the development of the continent as a whole has not flagged over these past years. No one should doubt that this will continue in the future. Certain regions in the third world whose economic development has been disastrous are also victims of threats to their security, and I should like to say a few words here about the sadly telling case of Chad. The difficulties and handicaps of every kind that that country's leaders have had to face are widely known. They have once again been compounded by attempts on the part of its neighbor, Libya, at destabilization, by occupation of part of the territory and, lastly, by overt military aggression. The Government of Chad received, when it has so requested, the support of France.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“The situation is especially critical in Africa, and the special session which once again this year the General Assembly fortunately devoted to the problem highlighted the dimensions of the problem.The African corn tries know from experience that the efforts they have courageously decided to undertake will have the resolute and fraternal backing of France. Our commitment stems from the close relations we have with our partners to the north and the south of the Sahara. It also results from our awareness of the exceptional seriousness of the crisis, whose internal and external causes have been analysed with exemplary lucidity by the States concerned. The crisis affects almost the entire continent, which still encompasses two thirds of the world's least-advanced countries. France provides more aid to sub-Saharan Africa than any other country.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“We for our part are resolved to prevent a gap from developing in this field between nations that would move ahead for their own advantage and the others, which would be denied the benefits of applications vital for their development: earth observation, meteorological applications, navigation, communications transmission and direct television. France will continue to work to further existing international co-operation and develop the co-operation planned for the years ahead. We are bound to note today that the economic and financial situation of numerous third-world countries, especially the least developed among them, appears to have grown much worse.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“But I should liKss to make the point here that the power to regulate in such an area must belong quite clearly to those who alone have the responsibility, capability and means to put into operation both the installations themselves and the regulations - in other words, national Governments, in the same spirit, France will continue to help interested countries acquire the benefits of the civilian applications of the atom once there is appropriate international monitoring to guarantee that the fruits of such co-operation are not diverted. France and its partners in the European Space Agency have decided to confront the great challenge of the peaceful exploration of space.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“The analysis recently completed in Vienna by international experts confirms the specific nature of the Soviet reactor; the lessons of the Chernobyl tragedy cannot be transferred as such and applied to Western-type installations. France decided several years ago to base its energy independence on nuclear energy. That goal is well cm the way to being reached today and cannot be brought into question. Conscious of what is at stake, France will naturally work for greater co-operation on safety already under way in the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“We are pleased that the first East-West agreement on security to be reached in nearly 10 years came about in that context. This result should enable the follow-up conference of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, which will meet shortly in Vienna, to make headway in all fields covered by the Helsinki Final Act - among them, human rights, the free movement of individuals, contacts among people -which, just as much as security and disarmament, affect the progress of East-West relations. In regard to nuclear energy, France, like the rest of the world, was disturbed by the Chernobyl accident. The accident must be judged with due gravity and seriousness. On the other hand, it should not serve as a pretext for those who seek to speculate on fear and irrational sentiment.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“What distinguishes our continent from all the others is that the permanent wound of its division is compounded by an unequal arms build-up of conventional and chemical weapons unmatched elsewhere in the world. Several years ago France proposed that in the framework of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe an approach should be sought that would make it possible, in stages, to bring greater transparency to military activities and hence greater trust throughout our continent before initiating a gradual return to a lower level of the balance of armaments. In that spirit and, I would recall, on the basis of the French proposal, the Conference on disarmament in Europe was convened. It completed its work at Stockholm last week.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“For that reason, France has naturally declined to go along with any form of planned obsolescence of its forces while other Powers retain a huge excess nuclear capacity. It will accept neither a quantitative nor a qualitative freeze on its arsenal nor will it halt its nuclear tests. That arsenal does not exceed the level considered indispensable for our security and our independence. The nuclear tests are being carried out in unquestionably safe conditions that have been recognized as such by independent and undisputed experts from the countries of the Pacific to whom France has allowed access to its test site, other States regularly carry out many tests and none of them provides or has provided such guarantees on the international level. With regard to Europe, the problem of security cannot be reduced solely to its nuclear aspects.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“It must, however, observe that the reduction of those systems would affect only a very small part of the nuclear arsenals of the United states and the Soviet Union. The President of the French Republic recalled in 1983 from this very rostrum the conditions which France has set for its participation in a nuclear disarmament process when the time comes. I should like to repeat here that these conditions will not change and that France will not agree to its forces being take) into account, directly or indirectly, in negotiations to which it is not a party. As long as French security rests on nuclear deterrence, the first requirement f or ray corn try is to maintain the credibility of its strategic forces at the necessary level.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“t In view of the considerable disproportion in existing arsenals, any progress towards nuclear disarmament must begin with verifiable, progressive and balanced reductions in the entire range of American and Soviet strategic weapons systems. These reductions must be carried out under such conditions that the balance of nuclear deterrence is not called into question. All the speakers here have stressed the importance that progress in the current negotiations in Geneva between the Soviets and theAmericans could have for East-West relations. France has already said many times that it would welcome a priori such prospects as might be opened by a Soviet-American summit meeting this year. It recognizes in particular the political importance that an agreement on a global limitation on intermediate-range weapons systems could have in the world.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“I venture to hope that the appropriate reaction of the international community expressed here will encourage all States to co-operate, particularly in the strengthening of air and maritime security, and convince them of the need to work through all appropriate channels, national and other, to eradicate terrorism. Since the United Nations was founded the Organization and the entire international community have had to face up to the strategic realities of the -nuclear age. France is convinced that nuclear deterrence, which has prevented a direct confrontation between the two super-Powers for the past 40 years, remains an irreplaceable factor for peace and that there is no alternative within human grasp in spite of the rapid progress taking place in advanced technology, progress in which France has equipped itself to play a full part.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“We are gratified to note that the General Assembly, reflecting that world-wide realization, last year condemned these cowardly and criminal practices and that the Security Council and the Commission on Human Rights have taken a firm stand against the taking of hostages. However, France, which took the initiative in submitting this question to the Commission on Human Rights, wishes to emphasize the need to supplement these texts, whose political significance is evident, with the concrete measures the situation calls for. The determined action required would be made easier if all States were effectively to meet the obligations incumbent upon them under international law and conventions to which they have subscribed.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“The odious methods it uses, the slaughter of innocent people in free societies and the continuing blackmail over the lives of hostages make it impossible for us to confuse, even for a moment, those actions with genuine resistance. Certainly no one would deny that the persistence of unresolved conflicts and the injustices they bring in their train is one of the sources of terrorism. But we must also denounce many other causes such as the rising tide of intolerance and fanaticism and the complicity of States that are willing to close their eyes to the activities of terrorist organizations or do not hesitate to use them to their own advantage and even go so far as to encourage them. In a world in which indiscriminate terrorist violence can affect the citizens of all States, there was bound to be a reaction.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“The tragic events in Istanbul, Karachi and Paris have proved once again that terrorism has become the systematic weapon of a war that knows no frontiers and is mostly faceless. Admittedly the phenomenon is not a new one and instances of it are only too numerous. However, I am struck by the recent upsurge of terrorism and the growing number of victims. Here I must mention in particular the French, American and British hostages being held in Lebanon. Unless it wants to delude itself, the international community should recognize that it has not always faced up to the scourge as unflinchingly as it should have. Some would have us believe that it is the only means of expression of oppressed peoples.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“While recognizing the complexity of the problems involved, France, together with its partners in the European Community, has decided to put into effect an additional program of sanctions but believes that these arrangements should be supplemented by positive measures. Everything possible must be done to promote genuine dialog, which of course presupposes the freeing of political prisoners. Together with all those who are working to encourage moderation and conciliation in that country, we should like to believe that it is not too late to lay the foundations of a society in which, without exception, the right to dignity of all the communities that have built South Africa is at last recognized.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“The invasions of which they are victims must be seen as wars of conquest belonging to another age, and France will continue to say, along with the vast majority of States, that the Soviet Union and Viet Nam must, in their own interest and for the sake of world peace, end their respective ventures in Afghanistan and Cambodia. Speaking on behalf of the Twelve, Britain's Foreign Secretary has just stated once again that the institutionalized racial discrimination that the South African authorities persist in maintaining is unacceptable. The measures announced by Pretoria have so far not touched on essentials, and no one should be surprised that they have failed to check the spiral of violence.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“The elite of the population has had to leave the country in large numbers, and every day women, children and old people have been paying the price of the acts of war perpetrated against their villages in violation of all humanitarian principles. In Cambodia the Khmer people, a friend of France, is the victim of increasingly oppressive foreign occupation. We are even witnessing a new form of colonization in that country. Were the Afghan and Cambodian peoples to be given back their pride and freedom they would not constitute a threat to anyone in the region any mere than they, have in the past, and certainly not to their powerful neighbors.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)