YouSaid · the spoken record

BONGO

lines on the record: 401
first: 1976-09-24
most recent: 1993-09-24
sittings or episodes: 15
sources: un-general-debate

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“The pitfalls of our era require from us nothing less than respect for the ideals on which the United Nations was built. The Organization can be strong only through our strength? it can be rational only through our reason; it can be efficient only through the means we can offer it. Having created the United Nations for a better world, we must know that ultimately the world will only be the result of what we collectively intend to make of it. That applies both to political and to economic problems, on which I shall now put forward my country's position. It must be recognized that the world economy, as we see it today, is naturally a result of policies advocated, followed or applied in the past. They have led us into a cycle marked by negative changes, all of which were seen during the course of 1986.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“Gabon, which is pleased to count both Koreas among its best friends, continues to support a negotiated solution aimed at the peaceful reunification of those two parts of the same country. Latin America is another area of our world where tension is increasing daily. My country believes that only the implementation of the principles of peaceful coexistence, good neighbourliness, the non-use of force, respect for territorial integrity and non-interference advocated by the Charter of our Organization can contribute to halting the worsening of the climate in that region. Therefore, we renew our support for the Contadora group and welcome the complementary contributions of the Lima Group, which provide propitious frameworks for renewing the chances of a better understanding between all peace-loving people.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“In Afghanistan foreign intervention has fomented the war for nearly eight years. Far from being ended, the fighting is spreading. The only way out is through the search for a political solution guaranteeing both the withdrawal of foreign forces and the free determination of their future by the Afghan people. As for the painful situation in Kampuchea, Gabon reaffirms its condemnation of the occupation of that country by foreign forces. It deplores the sacrifices inflicted on the innocent civilian population and recalls the urgent need to find a peaceful solution based, here too, on the withdrawal of foreign forces and the national reconciliation of all the sons of that friendly country. The division of the Korean people, a long-running drama, having gone on for 40 years, continues.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“We urge all the parties concerned to put an end to that fratricidal struggle and to devote themselves to the difficult but noble task of rebuilding the country. As regards the conflict between Iran and Iraq, Gabon in particular and the international community in general have several times expressed their extreme concern over that endless and bloody confrontation. It is absolutely essential that there be a cease-fire and that the two sides accept and fully apply all the relevant Security Council resolutions. In order to speed up the opening of negotiations, Gabon encourages and supports the international initiatives - above all, of course, the action taken by the Secretary-General, who, under Security Council resolution 598 (1987) , adopted unanimously on 20 July, went to Baghdad and Tehran to work out a platform for negotiations.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“We m Gabon are persuaded that the withdrawal of Israel from the occupied Arab territories, occupied since 1967 is the sine qua non condition for achieving a just and lasting solution. We believe that the Palestinians, like all other people in the world, must claim the full exercise of their legitimate rights, including that of existing within secure and internationally recognized borders. We are convinced that the Palestine Liberation Organization as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, must play an essential role in the efforts made to find a solution to this problem, efforts in which all interested parties should participate. The situation in Lebanon causes us concern, because of, among other things, the excellent relations between our two countries.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“We therefore welcome the recent initiative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Perez de Cuellar, who visited Morocco and Algeria to study on the spot the practical conditions for organizing such a referendum. I shall not conclude my statement on the political situation on the African continent without mentioning the question, still topical, of the Comorian island of Mayotte. My Government reaffirms its solidarity with the Comorian people and condemns and rejects all new forms of consultation that might be organized on the Comorian territory of Mayotte and reiterates its desire to continue to pursue the efforts already under way to return the Comorian island of Mayotte to its motherland as soon as possible. My Government's position as regards the Middle East is clear.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“Respect for this timetable and strict observance of the Lusaka decision by the parties to the conflict should lead to further progress in their effort undertaken since 1977 both at the OAU level and at the United Nations level, to achieve a peaceful settlement of this dispute. Despite alarming reports received lately we believe that the two parties in conflict will not dare to continue to turn a deaf ear to the various appeals made, or remain deaf to wisdom and reason. That same striving for peace among nations through dialogue has always been advocated by Gabon with regard to the question of Western Sahara. My country is still convinced that only the organization of a referendum on free democratic and honest self-determination can lead to a final settlement of this conflict.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“After expressing their pleasure with the Chadian and Libyan decisions to respond positively to the appeal of the current President or the OAU that they lay down their arms and co-operate frankly and loyally with the Committee, the Committee called upon both parties, first, to make available to it all relevant documentation to support their arguments, by 30 October 1 87 at the latest; secondly, to maintain and consolidate the cease-fire at all levels; thirdly, to refrain from any action that would make the conflict an international one. Moreover, the following timetable was drawn up; from 30 November to 30 December 1987, a meeting of juridical and cartographic experts at Libreville; on 7 January 1988, a meeting of ministers in Libreville; in the first two weeks of January 198 8, a meeting of Heads of State at Dakar.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“It is my privilege to confirm to the Assembly, as many eminent delegations have done before me, that the Ad Hoc Committee did indeed meet in the capital of Zambia on 23 and 24 October, under the chairmanship of El Hadj Omar Bongo, with the presence of President Kaunda and with the effective participation of the Heads of State of the following Member States: President Diouf of Senegal and President Chissano of Mozambique; and of other Member States, namely Algeria, Cameroon and Nigeria, who were represented at the ministerial level. For the first time the Ad Hoc Committee had the participation of both parties in the conflict, Chad represented by its Head of State, President Hissene Habre, and Libya by the head of the People's Bureau of External Relations.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“That is why, in application of the resolution adopted at the twenty-third summit meeting of the OAU, and taking into consideration the worsening of the military situation in the area. President Bongo had, first, made an appeal to the two parties in the conflict, and then undertook efforts to convene the Committee in Lusaka, with the agreement of President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia, current Chairman of the OAU.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“As regards the first area, everyone here will remember the contribution made by my country and its Head, Al Hadj Omar Bongo, in the reconciliation of all the sons of this fraternal country. It is comforting that the leaders of the various components of the opposition are actively trying to work out the unification process. As regards the border conflict between Chad and Libya, the General Assembly will recall that on 6 April 1983 the Security Council referred the matter to the OAU for consideration within the framework for appropriate OAU machinery. One of these mechanisms is precisely the Ad Hoc Committee set up in 1977 by the fourteenth summit meeting of the OAU and chaired since then by Gabon.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“To sum up, it is a direct responsibility on the part of the United Nations to guarantee the Namibian people the exercise of the right to self-determination and to ensure the independence of Namibia through free elections. The United Nations cannot abdicate its responsibility to put an end to the constant acts of aggression perpetrated by South Africa in the region. Likewise guided by the principles and objectives of the Charter of the United Nations, like those of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), my country is following with great concern the development of the conflicts, particularly in Chad and Western Sahara, that are tearing fraternal peoples apart. The question of Chad has always been viewed in its two aspects: the intra-Chadian problem on the one hand, and the border conflict between Chad and Libya on the other.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“Gabon considers with interest, and supports, all attempts on the part of the parties concerned for the independence of Namibia to accelerate this process and considers the fallacious linkage of the granting of independence to Namibia with the withdrawal of Cuban troops based in Angola to be a subterfuge. I should like to reaffirm strongly my country's support for SWAPO in its implacable struggle for the liberation of Namibia. These are in no way mere statements of intention. Gabon has long since gone beyond this stage and is now undertaking concrete measures, of which I will only mention the granting of diplomatic status to SWAPO, the issuance of special postage stamps the profits from which will go to SWAPO, and the granting of stipends to Namibian students.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“These same foreign interests are accelerating the systematic plundering of the natural wealth of the territory in flagrant violation of the relevant resolutions of the United Nations. For my delegation, only the relevant decisions of our Organization can be considered as valid measures likely to guarantee the independence of the Namibian people. Consequently, full implementation of Security Council resolution 435 (1978), which defines a coherent plan for the immediate independence of Namibia, is still the only framework likely to promote the decolonization process in Namibian territory.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“For its part, the Territory made the responsibility of the United Nations, Namibia, last year commemorated the twentieth anniversary of its illegal occupation by the country of apartheid. During this time, the Pretoria regime has developed in the Territory colonialism, apartheid and aggression, all practices rejected by the international community as seriously threatening world peace and security. At the same time, foreign economic activities and interests stubbornly obstruct the road to the exercise of full and genuine independence by the valiant Namibian people, under the enlightened leadership of its sole representative, the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO).”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“The international community should seize true opportunity offered by the present session of the General Assembly to demand that Pretoria put an end to repression, bantustanization, the banishment, harassment of black leaders fighting for their independence, and the extermination of freedom fighters, and begin as soon as possible a constructive dialogue with the oppressed black population, in order that it may at last freely exercise its rights. Apartheid cannot be reformed. No attempt to reform that hateful system should be encouraged. It must be eradicated and destroyed. It is the entire South African population that must decide the fate of its country, without distinction on the ground of race, colour, sex or belief, on a basis of full equality.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“In flagrant and deliberate violation of the Charter and the elementary norms of international law governing the behaviour of States, the South African Government continues its acts of armed aggression against neighbouring States, with the avowed intention of destabilizing them. The imposition of the state of emergency has further complicated the already complex South African question. Unfortunately, strategic interests and the possible loss of the vast profits which the allies are making under the reign of apartheid seem to prevail over the many pertinent appeals to the Security Council finally to exert its authority.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“The United Nations has branded apartheid, a crime against humanity, for the racial oppression of the South African people, the illegal occupation of Namibia and the constant acts of intimidation and aggression against the front-line States could hardly be more accurately described. Having long flouted the many appeals of the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Organization of African Unity, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, and the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries that it put an end to the hateful practice of apartheid. South Africa arrogantly defies the universal consensus and is perfecting its system of racial oppression.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“It remains convinced that security cannot be maintained in a climate characterized by the use of force, military interventions, acts of aggression or the occupation of territories by foreign forces. Security and disarmament are closely linked. Consequently, international security cannot be strengthened by increasing armament. Only the creation of a climate of mutual trust in relations among States can lead to the solution of security problems. Moreover, over the last year there seems to have been no sign of feasible solutions to the various problems facing the United Nations; some of which, such as that of the situation in South Africa, have, rather, grown worse.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“The loss of enthusiasm for multilateralism, caused essentially by States preoccupied with their own interests, relegates to the background the ideals which were supported unanimously in 1945. This is a subject of profound concern for my country, for this attitude seems likely to make more acute the major problems of the time, particularly those of peace and security, justice and dignity among peoples and nations, international co-operation and the progress of mankind. Regarding the questions on the agenda for this session, I stress the unchanging position of my Government on the problems of security and the arms race. Gabon is deeply devoted to the fundamental principles and ideals o± the Charter and has always advocated the settlement of disputes by peaceful means.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“In today's world the arms race, acts of aggression and regional conflicts are a constant source of concern for developing countries which are striving to protect their independence, sovereignty and security and working actively to develop their economies and strengthen international co-operation. Nevertheless, the talks that have been going on at the highest level over the last few months between the United States and the Soviet Union with a view to concluding an agreement on nuclear disarmament offer a glimmer of hope. Gabon cannot but encourage such initiatives. It is now a fact that certain States, directly or indirectly, are cultivating egocentrism, thus weakening the multilateral development of international relations.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“Peace and development are not just two major questions of concern to the world today, but the very heart of the problems facing our Organization. In general, the United Nations has certainly made praiseworthy efforts to instil in the economic relations among States a striving for peace and an ideal of justice, which are the necessary conditions of the establishment of a new international economic order. However, its clear shortcomings must be put on the debit side of its actions. We note in particular that it is far from having completely achieved its goals and from playing its full role, certain big countries showing a lack of goodwill in this respect.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“Finally, I greet the representatives of Member States, with whom we share the efforts and responsibilities of this session so that together we can contribute positively to the strengthening of the principles enshrined m the Charter. The celebration two years ago of the fortieth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations gave my country an opportunity to express the hope that the Organization would do everything possible to achieve the purposes and principles set out when it was established to meet the hopes that each of its Members placed in it. These include the maintenance of world peace and security and the promotion of international co-operation towards the complementarity of our economies.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“We should like to pay a tribute also to Ambassador Choudhury, your predecessor, whose actions throughout the forty-first session of the General Assembly and whose outstanding qualities encouraged the hope and convinced us that there is always in the spirit of man the resources needed to strive for the best : and the most just for all. The excellent report of the Secretary-General is a proof of his determination and courage in tackling the problems with which it deals. We assure him that in all his undertakings and in the comprehensive reforms that he is proposing, we are and shall continue to be at his side, combining our will and our strength with his.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“At this forty-second session of the General Assembly, it is fortunate that the United Nations has honoured you. Sir, by electing you President. Your election, which comes at a time when the United Nations is reviewing its past, taking stock of its present and pondering its future, is for my delegation and myself a most pleasant opportunity to congratulate you most warmly. We are all the more pleased in that the Assembly has, through you, singled our and honoured the German Democratic Republic, your beautiful and great country, with which Gabon has long maintained the closest links. We are convinced that under your leadership, and thanks to your commitment, lucidity and selflessness, our work will be brought to a happy conclusion. In this respect ray delegation assures you of its full co-operation.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“If the efforts of the Organization are aimed consistently at that noble objective, our hopes cannot fail to be fulfilled. Buoyed up by those same hopes, the Gabonese delegation is ever ready to co-operate fully with the Assembly so that the work of this session may be truly successful.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“With that noble ideal in mind, my delegation remains convinced that the Assembly will devote itself at the thirty-ninth session to strengthening the capabilities of our international system, on whose harmonious functioning peace, security and balance in large measure depend. 154. Developments in international economic relations have not always been satisfactory, and the political situation is shaky, but my country, on the eve of the fortieth anniversary of the United Nations, supports the idea of intensifying international cooperation and believes that our efforts to this end must be encouraged, stimulated and renewed. 155. A few years ago, His Holiness Pope Paul VI rightly declared that "the new name of peace is development".”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“That is why, as I have already had occasion to say, the role of the United Nations must be strengthened. All things considered, there is no viable substitute for the United Nations system in our efforts to build a new and better world, even if that system is far from perfect. But what work of man can ever be perfect? 152. That is why Gabon, since its admission to the United Nations, has been grateful to benefit from the work of the Organization and, in its turn, within the limits of its modest resources, has constantly supported United Nations programmes and its efforts to achieve a more peaceful world, a more just world, a better world. 153.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“With regard to the strengthening of horizontal co-operation, 18 October 1983 has become a memorable date for the countries of Central Africa, because on that day we saw the fulfilment of another initiative of President Omar Bongo: the establishment of the Economic Community of Central African States, covering a vast economic region comprising approximately 60 million people and endowed with immense and diverse natural resources. I have no doubt that the Community will make resolute efforts to permit our States to take control of their economies and thereby improve the living conditions of their populations. 151. All the matters I have mentioned have in common the interdependence of the political, economic and human factors. They also have in common the need for reliable international institutions.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Notwithstanding the frequent failure of inter-national economic conferences, Gabon reaffirms its support for the launching of global negotiations, without which the world economy will never really be able to regain its momentum. 149. My delegation therefore believes that the present deadlock in the dialogue between the industrialized countries and the countries of the third world should lead the latter to achieve self-sufficiency and promote the conditions for their internal, self-reliant development, thus making possible genuine, mutually advantageous South-South co-operation. 150.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“The failure of the sixth session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, held at Belgrade from 6 June to 2 July 1983, and of the Fourth General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, held at Vienna from 2 to 19 August 1984, reflect better than anything else the lack of the will on the part of the rich countries to reach joint solutions in co-operation with the countries of the third world, especially on such fundamental questions as borrowing rates and industrialization. It is well known that industry in our countries represents only 11.9 per cent of the world economy. 148.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“The paralysis of most third world economies causes us to argue in favour of a new definition of policies of development assistance. The success of such policies depends not only on the necessary coordination of efforts by the various partners but also on a better adaptation of the international financial institutions which must administer those policies. 147. The experience of recent years makes it clear that it is becoming increasingly difficult to organize the appropriate co-ordination between the countries of the North and of the South.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“We must therefore emphasize the dimensions of the present threat to world trade, which is steadily shrinking because of the deterioration in the terms of trade and the instability of international liquidity. We must therefore seek ways and means to undertake an in-depth realignment of international economic structures so that the developing countries may be able, because of the quality, diversity and competitiveness of their products, to ensure their exports and thus obtain the financial resources they need for their growth and harmonious development. 145. Moreover, the problem of the indebtedness of the third world countries appears day by day to be a serious matter for concern, reflecting the extent of the difficulties facing this category of countries. 146.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“The political and economic interdependence of the world in which we live indeed implies that we must manage the world as a single entity for the benefit of mankind as a whole. What else could we do when we know that one of the tasks entrusted to us by the Organization is precisely that of preparing a better world for future generations? And yet we must say that the way current economic relations are developing does not show a will on the part of some countries to fulfil this task. 143. In this regard, I should like to stress the gravity of the current economic situation, characterized in particular by the instability of the prices of commodities, which has disastrous consequences, such as fluctuations in the export earnings and deficits in the balance of payments of the poorer countries. 144.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Indeed, the serious recession which has so severely stricken all countries, in particular those of the third world, and the difficulties faced by our countries at the present time are a source of great concern, inasmuch as the survival of our populations hinges on their solution. Thus, for the developing countries, the hope of a new international economic order is an earnest guarantee of better control over the world economic system based on the observance of major imperatives, without which there cannot be any improvement in relations between rich and poor countries. 141. Thus, for the delegation of Gabon, solidarity is the only asset that can truly reconcile the interests of the international community as a whole. 142.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“It was on the basis of this same spirit of dialogue, understanding and rapprochement among peoples bound by the same culture and ideals that our Head of State undertook the felicitous initiative of proposing to his counterparts in Central Africa the establishment of the International Centre for Bantu Civilizations, grouping together some dozen countries for the benefit of 170 million people. I take this solemn opportunity to pay a tribute to all the institutions and men of good will that worked to ensure the creation of this organization on 8 January 1983 by signing its constitution. 140. The gravity of the international economic situation is of no less concern to us than the political questions we have just mentioned.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“We cannot examine the hotbeds of tension which in our times are threatening world peace and security without mentioning the disturbing events in Central America and the Caribbean. Gabon believes that, despite the progress achieved recently by the Contadora Group and the five countries of Central America through the adoption of the document stating the objectives worked out in Panama, the situation in Central America continues to be a matter of concern and we believe that we must put an end to it on the basis of the universally recognized principles we have just mentioned and, in particular, dialogue. Better understanding among all peace-loving men largely depends on this. 139.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“All States of the region must embark upon a dialogue leading to a settlement of their disputes and the establishment of lasting peace and stability, as well as the elimination of interference, threats of intervention and the hegemonistic designs of outside Powers. 136. Concerning the Korean peninsula, I should like also to stress that Gabon is following with special interest the development of the situation and we remain committed to the idea of a negotiated solution designed to bring about the peaceful reunification of the two countries. 137. Finally, my delegation favours a political settlement of the question of Afghanistan on the basis of the withdrawal of foreign troops, full respect for its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and strict observance of the principles of non-intervention and non-interference. 138.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Finally, as regards Lebanon, a country with which Gabon maintains excellent relations, we wish to express appreciation for the efforts at national reconciliation made by President Amin Gemayel, who has always worked very hard to help his country recover its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Here, the important thing is that all foreign forces should withdraw from the territory. 135. With respect to South-East Asia, and more specifically the situation in Kampuchea, Gabon reaffirms its support for the principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty and the inadmissibility of the use of force in international relations.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Once again, we call upon the Government of Israel to put an end to its settlements policy in the occupied territories, a policy that is endangering the chances of an overall settlement of the conflict. 133. Iraq and Iran continue to wage a war which has grave consequences not only for their populations but also for the very security and balance of that part of the world. The Gabonese Government supports the initiatives undertaken by the Secretary- General to help those Iwo fraternal countries to engage in an effort at de-escalation of that war. We again renew a pressing appeal to the two sides to cease hostilities immediately and begin a dialogue with a view to achieving a settlement of the conflict, which has lasted all too long already and which clearly serves neither their interests nor those of the other peoples in the region. 134.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“We can therefore most solemnly reaffirm here the role to be played by the OAU, which in our view is the appropriate place for the various parties to these conflicts to meet around the negotiating table. Gabon whole-heartedly hopes that the African continent may become a haven of peace and security and we will always support all initiatives to this end. 132. Other hotbeds of tension in the world continue to be a source of concern for us. In the Middle East, first of all, the Gabonese Government is convinced that a settlement that would not take into account the deeply felt aspirations of the Palestinian people cannot be a lasting one. In this connection, we reaffirm the right of the Palestinian people to a peaceful existence and to remain permanently within secure and recognized boundaries, like all other peoples in the region.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Therefore, my delegation supports and will always support the position that only the total eradication of the system of apartheid by means of sustained international pressure will enable us to overcome this tragic situation that victimizes the black majority. 131. Still with reference to Africa, I wish to mention two cases of conflict of particular concern to my delegation. I am speaking of Chad and Western Sahara. Without reverting to the efforts already made in the past by the Gabonese Government and, more specifically, by President Bongo for the settlement of those two conflicts, I should like once again to voice the hope that an African and peaceful solution will be found.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“The double defeat suffered by Pretoria following the sham parliamentary elections organized in August 1984—which have been declared null and void under the terms of Security Council resolution 554 (1984), confirmed a few days ago by the General Assembly at this session—becomes a warning and seems to us to constitute both encouragement and a guarantee of the justness of the heroic attitude of the black population. 130. The Gabonese Government takes this opportunity to reaffirm its staunch opposition to this new strategy, which is now dividing the South African community into antagonistic classes. Gabon believes that that strategy cannot ever be a proper solution for the problems existing in that part of our continent.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“I therefore appeal to the conscience of statesmen who still support South Africa and whose countries have as the very foundation of their constitutions the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and call upon them to promote on a global, non-selective basis those rights wherever they have as yet not been achieved, in particular in South Africa, where the authorities, with reference to the recent constitutional reforms, have elevated discrimination to the level of a governmental system. 129.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“In this connection, Security Council resolution 435 (1978), which provides for Namibian independence and elections to be held under United Nations auspices, must be strictly implemented. South Africa must prove to the international community its desire to put an end to its despicable policy of apartheid and establish with its neighbours and the rest of the world relations based on mutual respect, non-interference and non-intervention.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“I continue to believe that the attitude of certain States which have important interests in that region—a mercantile approach which chooses to ignore the inhumane dimension of the policy of apartheid— cannot fail further to exacerbate tensions between the black and white communities and expose the entire South African society to upheavals that will not be confined to that area alone. That is why Gabon is of the view that a progressive disinvestment of the transnational corporations that operate in South Africa and the halting of all new investment would help bring about a peaceful solution to this problem. 128. As we have done in all our meetings, we have continued to call for strengthening the United Nations role and wish tirelessly to work to achieve respect for the resolutions adopted for the benefit of Namibia.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“The Gabonese Government also supports certain initiatives which have been put forward from various quarters, particularly those which stress the need to hold an international conference on military expenditures and the different implications of the relationship between ' disarmament and development, such as the initiative taken on 24 September last from this rostrum by the President of the United States who suggested to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics the establishment of regular ministerial or governmental meetings between their two countries on those issues. 127. I turn now to the situation in southern Africa.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“All the more so since, at the thirty-eighth session, the General Assembly adopted resolutions—we shall not mention them all here—which have the virtue of showing quite clearly the links that exist between disarmament and development. That is the cast with regard to resolution 38/71 of 15 December 1983, which establishes a proper relationship between those two ideas. Thus, Gabon whole-heartedly hopes that the various negotiations on the control of armaments will soon lead to specific and positive results making possible the resumption, as soon as possible, of the negotiations that have been suspended. 126.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“It is essential to pursue relentlessly the quest for an open dialogue and full co-operation between the two blocs in order to reduce tensions and establish a climate of confidence which is now lacking. Detente, a sine qua non of the maintenance of peace, should be part of a world-wide system of peaceful coexistence, encompassing all regions of the world and all aspects of State relations. It must be based on respect for territorial integrity and the political independence of all States, non-interference in internal affairs and non-use of force. To achieve a lasting peace, detente must also be sought in the context of a universal effort to achieve general and complete disarmament.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Respect for the Charter and the relevant resolutions that we have adopted here is naturally part of those concerns. We must encourage all States Members, and particularly the major Powers, to turn this political will of theirs into reality, that is, to have recourse, as required, to one of the fundamental principles of the Charter, namely, dialogue, which is the primary tool for the settlement of conflicts, which the Gabonese Government has chosen as the backbone of its foreign policy. It is on the basis of that conviction that I should like to revert to and stress some issues to which Gabon attaches the utmost importance and to the settlement of which we would like to make our modest contribution. 125. First, disarmament.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)