YouSaid · the spoken record

SEY

lines on the record: 216
first: 1987-09-24
most recent: 1993-09-24
sittings or episodes: 7
sources: un-general-debate

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“These efforts, it is hoped, will strengthen the decision-making role of the General Assembly and enhance its effectiveness and efficiency as the largest and most important organ of the United Nations system. Furthermore, the relationship between the General Assembly and the Security Council should be redefined and better coordinated. As regards the reorganization of the Security Council, efforts should be made to ensure transparency in its work and activities. The Gambia would support any proposals for the reorganization of the Security Council on the basis of equitable geographical representation. I wish to conclude by again expressing our faith in the capacity of the United Nations, strengthened in its authority and credibility, to face the many challenges that lie ahead.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“As we move closer to the end of this century, so is the United Nations moving closer to its fiftieth anniversary, signalling the maturity of our thoughts and the wisdom of our actions in seeking global peace and security. As the primary role of the United Nations is the maintenance of world peace and security, it becomes imperative in this post-cold-war era to prepare the world body to carry out its mandate as stipulated in its Charter, taking into account the prevailing international political climate. In this connection my delegation notes with keen interest the restructuring and revitalization of the United Nations. We welcome efforts to streamline and rationalize the work of the General Assembly at the level of both the plenary Assembly and the Main Committees.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“In this connection we share the view that the Global Environment Facility (GEF) should be restructured to allow for the increased participation of developing countries in all its activities as well as for inclusion of desertification as one of the areas eligible for GEF funding. It is hoped that in phase II of the GEF there will be an expanded financial base to allow for greater and more rational disbursements. It has now become established practice to convene summit meetings on issues of major concern to humanity. These summits provide an opportunity to arrive at a collective decision at the highest level on ways and means of resolving these difficulties. It is in this light that we welcome the World Conference on Population and Development and the World Summit for Social Development to be convened in 1995.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Coming from a Sahelian country we remain particularly concerned about the continuous threat posed by drought and human actions to our fragile ecosystem. We welcome the setting up of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee and the commencement of the negotiation process for the drawing up of an international convention to combat drought and desertification particularly in Africa. The Gambia will continue to give full support to this Committee. The success of our efforts to implement Agenda 21 and other programmes approved in Rio and adopted by the General Assembly will depend to a very large extent on the availability of funds and the commitment of our partners to share resources and encourage technology transfer to forge a truly global partnership between developed and developing countries in sustainable development.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Finally on this issue we call on the United Nations to provide the necessary support for the successful implementation of the United Nations New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s and the work of the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on African Economic Recovery and Development. We welcome the initiative of the Japanese Government in convening the Tokyo International Conference on African Development and hope it will contribute to the mobilization of financial and technological resources much needed to ensure Africa’s development. In translating the spirit of Rio de Janeiro into action, the Gambia has already launched its Environmental Action Plan in order to address the serious environmental problems facing the country.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“18 General Assembly - Forty-eighth session The international community’s commitment to sustainable development in Africa can best be enhanced by encouraging increased direct foreign investment, as well as an increased international transfer of financial resources to the region. This is crucial to any long-term improvement in Africa’s economic situation. I should add that the removal of unfair trade practices would go a long way towards eliminating the need for aid. This is why we are anxious to see an early conclusion of the Uruguay Round, which we hope will address the thorny issue of market access, as this is of major concern to developing countries.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“As of today, one third of Africa’s total export earning is paid to the developed countries in the North to service its debts. This situation cannot be allowed to continue. More than ever before, there is a need for a concerted and innovative international effort to find a permanent solution to the problem. It is our view that the international community - particularly the industrialized countries - has not given this problem the level of attention it deserves. While Africa’s indebtedness has continued unabated, its production output, in both agriculture and industry, has continued to decline. The combined negative effect is aggravated by serious inflation, which has contributed to a steep decline in domestic savings and investment.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We congratulate the Secretary-General and his staff, as well as all the countries that helped to bring stability back to Cambodia. We hope that the lessons of this exercise will be consolidated and will be applied to other trouble spots that may require the assistance of the United Nations. The threat to world peace and stability emanates not only from armed conflicts but also from socio-economic factors. The global economic recession has led to worsening economic and social problems. Among the pressing economic difficulties that continue to face the developing countries is the problem of external debt servicing, which is one of the major obstacles to development. In sub-Saharan Africa, the debt stock has increased to $185 billion - equivalent to 110 per cent of that region’s gross domestic product.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“It is true that much remains to be done, but we are optimistic that the momentum generated by the Israeli-PLO agreement will be sustained and expanded to enable all parties to the conflict to strengthen their resolve in the search for a comprehensive and durable solution in accordance with Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973). While the recent developments between Israel and its Arab neighbours provide ground for much optimism, the situation between Kuwait and Iraq has failed to register similar progress. I call on the Government of Iraq to comply fully with United Nations resolutions and, in particular, to ensure the early release of Kuwaiti and other prisoners. We have followed with keen interest the successful conduct by the United Nations of elections in Cambodia.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“However, we regret the recurrence of violence, which, if it is not addressed satisfactorily, may have serious repercussions for the transitional arrangements. We therefore call on the South African authorities to redouble their efforts to stem the rising tide of political violence. The recent breakthrough in the Middle East talks, evidenced by the deal between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) granting limited autonomy to the Palestinians in Gaza and in the city of Jericho, is a most welcome development. It constitutes a major step in the quest for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to those in the leadership of the two parties for their courage and foresight in making even this limited success possible in a land often characterized by hate, mistrust and destruction.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“With respect to South Africa, there are now clear indications that the peace process is on track and that change is irreversible. My delegation welcomes the agreement reached in the multi-party negotiating forum to set up a Transitional Executive Council, following agreement on the date of the first non-racial, democratic elections. In this connection, we fully support the recent appeal of the President of the African National Congress (ANC), Mr. Nelson Mandela, that sanctions be lifted. The removal of sanctions would send to all parties a strong, positive signal that the rest of the international community will not be found wanting in support and encouragement for the difficult transition to a non-racial and democratic society.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“This year - 1993 - has not been one just of conflict, turmoil and bloodshed. Very notable successes have been achieved in mankind’s search for peace, and these augur well for the future. With the conclusion of the Cotonou Peace Accord and the installation of a five-man Council of State to lead Liberia to democratic elections after six months, there is renewed hope of a peaceful and lasting solution to the Liberian conflict. We welcome the contribution of the Government of the United States of America to the United Nations Trust Fund, and we call on all other donor countries to contribute similarly so that additional peace-keeping forces may be speedily deployed in Liberia to ensure full implementation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) peace agreement.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We welcome the establishment of an international war crimes tribunal as a fitting response to the atrocities perpetrated in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In Angola, the fighting continues with unprecedented intensity and ferocity. We condemn the naked and brutal Forty-eighth session - 6 October l993 17 aggression by UNITA against the Government and people of Angola. The people of Angola, through the democratic process - whose principles are the very ones we have been proclaiming in this Hall - have given their verdict. Their decision must be respected, and the international community should provide all necessary support for action against any force that seeks to disregard or overturn it. We therefore welcome the recent decision of the Security Council to impose sanctions on UNITA.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The failure, so far, to resolve the conflict and the persistent disregard of Security Council resolutions - in particular, resolution 713 (1991) - make the situation even more desperate. The Gambia deplores the continued Serbian aggression against the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It deplores the acquisition of territory by force, by means of the heinous practice of "ethnic cleansing" and other war crimes. My delegation is firmly of the view that if the international community is unwilling or unable to protect the defenceless Muslim population against Serbian aggression, it must be given the opportunity to defend itself in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which recognizes that peoples must be able to exercise their right of self-defence.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“I should like to appeal to the United Nations and, in particular, to the United States of America and all those other countries that have agreed to send troops to Somalia to continue their assistance so that peace and security can return to this troubled land. We call on all the parties to the conflict to cooperate fully, to respect all the relevant Security Council resolutions and to implement without any further delay the Addis Ababa accord aimed at achieving national reconciliation. The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina also constitutes a major preoccupation of the international community. Recent efforts to establish a credible and lasting peace in the country have yet to bear fruit.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We very much regret these unfortunate incidents, but they should, no matter how tragic, neither dampen the enthusiasm nor weaken the resolve of the international community to assist the Somalis in their search for lasting peace and stability. Let us not forget now, in the heat of the moment, the very positive achievements of the intervention, which has made it possible to distribute food among a population that was suffering from one of the most horrendous forms of famine. In the present circumstances the need for general and complete disarmament of all factions cannot be overemphasized, and this must be pursued with renewed vigour.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“It is saddening to note that at a time when such internationally recognized values as democracy, human rights and rule of law are becoming the order of the day almost everywhere, some seemingly intractable conflicts in other parts of the world threaten to turn back the hands of time. The situation in Somalia, which appeared to have improved only about a year ago, has suddenly deteriorated, generating cause for serious concern. My delegation is particularly alarmed by the dramatic turn of events resulting in the deaths of some members of the United Nations peace- keeping force and also of some Somalis. To the families of all these fallen servicemen and those of other innocent victims of the Somali conflict, we extend our heartfelt condolences.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The issue of human rights, however, needs to be addressed fully in all its composite parts. Political and civil rights go hand in hand with economic, social and cultural rights. Such problems as poverty, hunger, and illiteracy that have characterized developing countries constitute a serious threat to stability and respect for political rights in these countries. As my President, Sir Dawda Jawara stated at the Conference in Vienna in respect of political rights and the right to development, "We need to remind ourselves of the indivisibility and the interdependence of both rights and the necessity of giving equal attention and urgent consideration to both".”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The Conference enabled us to strengthen our resolve to continue to uphold these much- cherished values. In reviewing the outcome of the World Conference on Human Rights, my delegation is pleased with the adoption of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, which will serve as a human-rights blueprint for the next century. I would urge the Assembly to consider and approve the document. We regret, however, the failure of the Conference to agree on the setting up of the office of high commissioner for human rights. My Government continues to give its strong support to this proposal, as we are convinced that the office, if created, would facilitate greater coordination of United Nations efforts and provide a more prompt and effective response to critical cases of gross violations.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Coming soon after the end of the cold war and 25 years after the first International Conference on Human Rights, this year’s World Conference 16 General Assembly - Forty-eighth session on Human Rights reflected the hopes and aspirations of teeming millions of human beings seeking new solutions, readjustments, changes and improvements to their conditions. In many ways, the World Conference on Human Rights symbolized the end of one era and the beginning of a new one with regard to the promotion and consolidation of a strong human-rights culture world-wide. For us in the Gambia, the convening of the World Conference on Human Rights was a refreshing experience, given our long-established tradition in the protection and promotion of human rights.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“In this connection, I should like to convey the heartfelt condolences of the Government of the Gambia to the Government of India and the members of the bereaved families on the occasion of this catastrophe. We also commend the laudable efforts of the Government of India in coping with this massive disaster. We are meeting this year against the background of renewed hope, following the significant developments in the Middle East and South Africa. Until recently, the Middle - East crisis and the situation in South Africa posed a real threat to international peace and security. Today, however, it can be said with a high degree of certainty that in both cases the peace process is irreversible. The other notable event of major international significance has been the World Conference on Human Rights held in Vienna last June.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“It is encouraging to note the growing membership of the United Nations each year. It is, in the words of the Secretary-General, an explosion in United Nations member- ship. I should like to extend, on behalf of the Gambia and on my own behalf, sincere congratulations to Eritrea, the Principality of Andorra and the Principality of Monaco on their admission as Members of the United Nations. It is our fervent hope that they will not only be able to realize their national aspirations but also contribute to the positive fulfilment of mankind’s hope for a better world. It was with deep shock and sorrow that we learned of the devastating earthquake in parts of India.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“May I at the outset congratulate Ambassador Insanally on his unanimous election as President of the General Assembly at its forty-eighth session. His long and rich experience makes him suitably qualified to preside over this session. I can assure him that he will enjoy the full support and cooperation of my delegation in carrying out his mission. I should also like to take this opportunity to extend to his predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Stoyan Ganev of Bulgaria, my heartfelt congratulations on the efficient manner in which he presided over the General Assembly at its forty-seventh session. Let me also take this opportunity to pay a special tribute, once again, to our Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, for the high quality of leadership he is providing to our Organization.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“However, the goals of global peace, security and progress will continue to elude us if poverty, human rights violations and economic disparity, which are at the root of many conflicts, continue to characterize our world. The United Nations has a special role to play in combatting these evils. The Gambia remains fully committed to joining hands with all nations to support the United Nations in its crusade for a happier, more stable and prosperous world.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“We in Africa continue to support General Assembly resolution 32/197, which calls for structural, administrative and financial reforms of the United Nations system, particularly the strengthening of policy-making at the level of the General Assembly in the economic, social and other related fields. As we begin the forty-seventh session of the General Assembly, our minds are still fresh with some of the relevant and important recommendations of the Economic and Social Council on the economic and social issues which affect the world and demand urgent attention. We are at an exciting junction of history. The positive changes we have witnessed in global political and economic trends are a clear manifestation of mankind's desire for a progressive world and a better future.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The creation of this Department is not only timely but crucial, given its role of providing relief and solace to the millions of needy people all over the world, especially in areas suffering from armed conflict, poverty, population pressures, environmental degradation and human rights violations, in keeping with the provisions and spirit of General Assembly resolution 46/182. It is also gratifying to note that some of the recommendations of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development on the establishment of a Commission for Sustainable Development and issues relating to the global environment facility were considered and approved by the Economic and Social Council. The addition of the high-level-segment debate in the plenary session of the Council and the dialogue between participants that accompanied it is also welcome.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“My delegation realizes that the United Nations will be increasingly called upon to undertake many more responsibilities in a world that is rapidly changing. If it is to succeed in handling the growing complexities of today, then it must be adequately structured to respond to the emerging challenges. The Gambia has followed with keen interest the deliberations of the substantive session of the Economic and Social Council in July 1992, and the efforts to restructure the Council. Indeed, these efforts are part of the larger and wider process of restructuring the United Nations system initiated by the Secretary-General. The Gambia welcomes the creation of the Department of Humanitarian Affairs under the dynamic leadership of Jan Eliasson as Under-Secretary-General and Emergency Relief Coordinator.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Together we can make the conference a significant step in the process towards achieving the goals of the World Summit. Another major issue of global concern today is the question of AIDS and HIV infections, which, in the last few years, have grown into a global pandemic with no effective cure as yet. It has been estimated that, by the end of this century, 40 million people will have been affected by the virus and more than 10 million children will have become orphans. This is indeed a gloomy prediction. The situation therefore calls for greater and more sustained efforts in combating the AIDS pandemic. It calls for collective global responsibility based on learning from, sharing with, and giving assistance to each other.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Of special interest to us today is the welfare of children, which was brought to the forefront by the World Summit for Children. The Gambia pledges to continue to formulate plans, programmes and laws to safeguard the rights and interests of children and women, who, effectively, constitute the most important and productive category of our population. The Government of the Gambia fully supports the convening of the forthcoming international conference on assistance to African children, scheduled to take place in Dakar, Senegal from 25 to 27 November 1992. We strongly urge the international community to lend support to that conference. Mobilizing African and international support for the global goals for children in the 1990s is one of the biggest challenges we now face as a world community.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“In full recognition of the universal application of human rights and democracy, my delegation is pleased to note the implementation of General Assembly resolution 45/164, which proclaimed 1993 the International Year for the World's Indigenous People. This proclamation will further strengthen international cooperation in seeking solutions to the problems confronting indigenous communities in the areas of human rights, the environment, development, education, and health, and we regard it as a first step towards mobilizing greater international support and assistance for the self-development of indigenous peoples and their communities. The United Nations is particularly well placed to focus attention on major issues of concern to humankind.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Under the wise and distinguished leadership of Alhaji Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, the Gambia continues to advocate the promotion of, and adherence to human rights practices all over the world. The Gambia therefore welcomes the holding of the World Conference on Human Rights in 1993. That Conference will not only afford all peace-loving people, nations and institutions the opportunity to express their concern on human rights issues, but will also serve as a means for the objective evaluation of the world's human rights records and practices and an opportunity for us to rededicate ourselves to the achievement of higher standards of human rights practices throughout the world.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Today we are witnessing the emergence of a new world order grounded in the principles of respect for human rights, political pluralism and self-determination. This new world order, which is still unfolding, marks the end of the cold war and the beginning of a strengthened role for the United Nations. In Africa, marching side by side with the economic problems has been the desire for greater democratization and liberalization of political attitudes, systems and dogmas. In the face of this new socio-political revolution, the Gambia has consistently maintained its practice of the rule of law, and adherence to parliamentary democracy, as exemplified by its successful and regular conduct of free and fair elections since the attainment of independence in 1965.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Secondly, a conducive international economic and financial environment will help resolve the international debt crisis, restore adequate capital flows and create a more open world trading system, which will result in sustained economic expansion and enhance private and public spending on human development. We fully appreciate the very valuable assistance being given by the United Nations, the international financial institutions and friendly countries. However, there is a need for continued external assistance in support of our development efforts. In this regard, we fervently hope that the donors' conference for the Gambia, to be held in Geneva on 13 and 14 October 1992, will be as successful as previous ones.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The main policy orientation of the programme for sustained development is the pursuit of continuous adjustment with growth, with the objective of achieving economic development in a liberalized market environment. This will allow mobilization of the resources of the private sector to provide the investment that will generate sustained economic growth and expansion. By expanding the productive capacity of the economy, we hope to be able to support a significant improvement in the living standards of Gambians. The attainment of economic growth requires a favourable external environment.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“It is regrettable to note that these proposals, considered more favourable to Africa than the Trinidad terms, have not yet received positive and widespread acceptance from Africa's development partners. Africa, like other developing regions, will require a substantial inflow of capital and technology and access to international markets if the global partnership is to have any meaning for us. The Gambia shares with the rest of Africa this very heavy financial burden, in spite of her efforts at economic recovery. In fact, the Gambia has successfully undertaken an economic recovery programme, and has since 1991 started a programme for sustained development.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Failure to effect timely payments has led to increases in interest payments, at the rate of over $1 billion a year. I believe those figures are an eloquent testimony to the plight of Africa today. The rest of the world must not remain insensitive to that plight. The adoption at the forty-sixth session of the General Assembly of a new agenda for the development of Africa in the 1990s has helped focus attention once again on Africa's critical economic situation. We will need, however, to go beyond words. In this connection I wish to echo the Secretary-General's proposals for the cancellation of all official bilateral debts, the cancellation of other semi-official debts such as export credits, and the substantial reduction of debts owed to multilateral financial institutions, which now account for 40 per cent of sub-Saharan debt servicing.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The conflicts in Cambodia, Afghanistan and some of the recently independent republics of the former Soviet Union reflect the very difficult moments of transition. We are confident that with the full support of the international community these difficulties will be overcome. Another danger to world stability is poverty and lack of economic development. The developing countries continue to be saddled with overriding debt, low commodity prices and sluggish if not stagnant economies. Nowhere is the situation more bleak and desperate as in Africa, where the cumulative debt stands at around $27 2 billion, the approximate equivalent of 90 per cent of the continent's gross national product. Debt-service obligations require about $25 billion annually, representing 30 per cent of the continent's export earnings.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“It will have to demonstrate greater responsibility in ensuring the security of all South Africans. It is time to turn this tragic page and allow discussions that will bring peace, stability and progress to South Africa. We appeal to all the parties to assist in this process. We are following with keen interest the developments in the Middle East peace process which started in Madrid almost a year ago. We sincerely hope that the opportunity provided by that process will be taken up by all the parties to ensure that the region, which has been denied peace for so long, will ultimately enjoy a comprehensive and lasting peace on the basis of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973). The world has yet to become the haven of peace and stability we so earnestly work for.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“We make a strong appeal to the United Nations and the international community to give full support to the efforts of ECOWAS to bring about peace and stability in Liberia. With reference to South Africa, it is disappointing to note that the euphoria and optimism that greeted the release of Nelson Mandela and other prisoners have failed to materialize into a free, democratic and non-racial South Africa. The suspension of the talks in the framework of the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) and the continued acts of violence and senseless killings, as highlighted in Boipatong township in June and in Ciskei in September, call into question the commitment of the South African Government. We would like to state again that the South African Government bears a major responsibility for these acts of lawlessness.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“We want to appeal to all those who exercise some influence over the various warring factions to use their influence now in support of Security Council resolution 767 (1992). Without peace the humanitarian assistance will continue but so will the human tragedy. On the question of Liberia, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) continues to grapple with the problem of effective implementation of the Yamoussoukro IV accord in order to bring about lasting peace in Liberia and to arrest the growth of destabilizing forces in the subregion. We continue to appeal to all the parties concerned, in particular the leadership of the National Patriotic Front of Liberia, to adhere to the provisions of the Yamoussoukro IV accord as further elaborated at Geneva in April this year.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The Gambia shares the concern of the international community over the lack of progress in finding a lasting solution to the conflict in Somalia. The scale of human tragedy remains a constant reminder of the horrors and absurdities of war. We fully endorse the urgent and effective implementation of Security Council resolution 767 (1992), which calls for the cessation of hostilities, national reconciliation and unity in Somalia and the opening up of the country to humanitarian assistance. My delegation praises the laudable efforts of the United Nations, the United States of America and relief agencies for the assistance they are providing to the starving population of Somalia.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“We join the international community in calling on the United Nations to act firmly by implementing effectively the relevant Security Council resolutions on Yugoslavia, particularly resolution 757 (1992). The decision of the General Assembly to deny Serbia and Montenegro the seat of the former Yugoslavia, as contained in resolution 47/1 of 22 September 1992, is a step in the right direction. We believe the United Nations should not hesitate to use force to stop Serbian aggression, in conformity with the provisions of Article 42 of the United Nations Charter. In the meantime, the creation of an air corridor to protect relief supplies and innocent civilians from aerial bombardment would provide a useful respite in a desperate situation.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“It is totally unacceptable in this day and age to torture, kill or send into exile innocent men, women and children because of their religious beliefs. We will all be guilty if we stand by and see these atrocities being perpetrated with impunity. We fully appreciate and commend the bold efforts of the United Nations and the European Community in their search for peace in the former Yugoslavia. We salute the courage of all those taking part in humanitarian relief missions, particularly the soldiers who risk their lives to ensure that food and other relief items reach Bosnia and Herzegovina. We strongly believe that unless the fundamental cause of the conflict is addressed, the tragedy will continue. Serbian aggression against Muslims in Bosnia and Herzegovina must be stopped.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The situation in Somalia, the former Yugoslavia and other trouble spots around the world constitute an important threat to world peace and stability. We will need the collective resources and determination of the United Nations and all its Member States to resolve these conflicts. The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina has deteriorated very seriously. The summary execution of civilian members of the non-Serbian population and the internment in concentration camps of thousands of people testify to gross human-rights abuses. The Gambia joins other nations in strongly condemning the perpetrators of these acts. We also condemn in no uncertain terms the concept of "ethnic cleansing", which in every respect is reminiscent of Nazi practices.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“For it is only in peace and stability that human development can progress satisfactorily. We are very much encouraged by the important role the United Nations has recently assumed, and would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Secretary-General for convening the Security Council summit meeting, which sought, among other things to promote greater understanding and cooperation in the world. We are in full support of the new approach to conflict resolution referred to as preventive diplomacy. Peace and security in the world will remain elusive as long as we continue to have centres of armed conflict that risk degenerating into regional conflicts that threaten world peace and stability.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The creation of the United Nations immediately after the Second World War reflected the determination of the founding fathers to spare future generations the scourge of war. We all know the story of what followed. The cold war, with its debilitating effects on the capacity of the United Nations, as well as the consequences of the destructive conflicts it engendered, demonstrated the extent to which our dreams and hopes became a nightmare. Today, mankind has been given an opportunity again to develop and anchor peace and stability in this world. The current entente in the international scene and the positive disposition of all nations vis-a-vis the United Nations provide a valuable opportunity for our Organization to assume a more forceful role in pursuit of world peace and stability.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The Rio Declaration, the Agenda 21 programmes and the Conventions on climate change and bio-diversity all combine to lay the basis for a sustainable development. We fully support the recommendations of the Conference and do hope that the various programmes of Agenda 21 will receive adequate support and financing to ensure their successful implementation. Of special interest to our countries is the recommendation to set up an intergovernmental negotiating committee to negotiate a convention on drought and desertification. We strongly urge the Assembly at this session to take the appropriate measures to allow the committee to commence its work as soon as possible. This century has witnessed two world wars, which brought untold hardship and suffering to mankind.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Certainly, problems continue to exist, and in some cases have increased in intensity and complexity, but the full commitment of our Organization to resolving them remains ever strong. Other less conflictual but none the less important issues of concern to humanity have also received attention. I would like, in this respect, to refer to the historic Earth Summit, convened in Rio de Janeiro in June this year. This meeting, which brought together leaders from all over the world, marks the first major step taken by humanity to reflect upon and map out a strategy for the survival of all species on Earth. It marks the beginning of a more responsible attitude to the Earth and its resources.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The Gambia notes with great pleasure the admission of the Republics of Belarus, San Marino, Croatia, Slovenia, Uzbekistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan as new Members of the United Nations. I should like to welcome them and congratulate them on their accession to full membership of the United Nations. As they take their place in this comity of nations, it behoves each of us to extend to them the hand of friendship and support that characterizes this great Organization. As we reflect on the activities of our Organization during the past 12 months, we are encouraged by the numerous actions and decisions that have been taken in support of world peace and progress.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Boutros Boutros-Ghali, that he will live up to the very high expectations we all have of him. His long and distinguished career in the service of his country gives us reason for this trust. I should also like to take this opportunity to pay a special tribute to his worthy predecessor, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, who during his tenure of office contributed greatly to the strengthening of the United Nations, allowing it to assume a lead role in promoting world peace and security. His indefatigable efforts in pursuit of an atmosphere of understanding for the solution of problems in different parts of the world are exemplary and deserve our very deep appreciation. I wish him a happy retirement.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)