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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“Ambassador Samir Shihabi of Saudi Arabia, for the exemplary manner in which he conducted the deliberations of the forty-sixth session. Permit me, on behalf of the Government of the Gambia and on my own behalf, to express our heartfelt congratulations to the new Secretary-General, Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, whom I have had the honour and privilege of knowing for many years. As a distinguished scholar, an outstanding diplomat and a person of exceptional character, Mr. Boutros Boutro-Ghali has in him those very fine qualities of leadership that our Organization needs at this very crucial period of its history. We in Africa are indeed honoured to have one of our illustrious sons serve in this highly prestigious and important position. I am confident, and I am sure I am speaking for Africa and for all those who know Mr.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The forty-seventh session of the General Assembly is being held at a particularly crucial moment, when our Organization will be called upon to demonstrate innovative thinking and flexibility in the face of the emerging challenges. Against the background of the very important agenda that is before us, let me congratulate Mr. Ganev on his unanimous election as President of the General Assembly at its forty-seventh session. I am confident that his professional competence and dynamism make him uniquely qualified to preside over the Assembly. I wish to assure him of my delegation's full support in carrying out his formidable task to a successful completion. Let me also extend our heartfelt appreciation to his predecessor.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Fortunately, conditions exist now for advancing it constructively without a needless overlay of rhetoric or ideological Controversy." I cannot agree more with these words, and the United Nations as the embodiment of our hopes and aspirations should endeavour to attain these goals. This is the vision set for it by its founders and it is our duty to translate this vision into reality for the welfare of humanity.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“It la our fervent hope that this important event will be a watershed in our search for an international solution to this man-made ecological problem. The main thread running through my statement concerns the questions of human rights, security, the environment and development. These issues are intricately linked and have been adequately dealt with in the report of the Secretary General on the work of the United Nations. In concluding my remarks, I should like to remind this Assembly of the words of the Secretary-General: "No system of collective security will remain viable unless workable solutions are sought to the problem of poverty and destitution, afflicting the greater part of the world. "A reinvigoration of the North-South dialogue has now become more urgent than ever.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“To arrest, or at least contain, this crisis, it is our view that economic policies should ensure that the utilisation of the Earth's resources is sustainable in the long run. What is needed, therefore, are policies and strategies to preserve and safeguard the environment for the present and future generations. This calls for a collective mobilisation and pooling of our resources and efforts to protect the environment and ensure proper accountability. The Gambia, therefore, looks forward to the successful convening in Brazil, next year, of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. In the meantime, we urge the active participation of all Member States in the negotiation and ongoing consultations leading to the convening to this Conference.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“It goes without saying that no meaningful and balanced economic development can occur without due regard to environmental concerns. In the realm of human welfare and progress, therefore, the pursuit of economic development and the protection of the environment are inextricably linked. Balanced, meaningful and sustainable development is based on the preservation and protection of a clean and healthy environment. The Government of the Gambia places high priority on environmental issues, particularly the efficient management and utilisation of the Earth's resources, climatic changes, pollution, and the dumping of hazardous substances, particularly toxic wastes, which pose a grave threat to the environment.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“Being bereft of an integrative and global approach, it resulted in compounding our economic problems. This, in essence, was its nemesis. There is now a call for a new pact between Africa and the international community. While urging African countries to pursue sound fiscal, management and investment policies, It calls for the adoption of a new conceptual framework beyond the rigid International Monetary Fund structural adjustment concept. We therefore welcome the proposal of the Government of Japan for a summit meeting with African countries to address Africa's severe economic problems. Ha hope that such a meeting will give a fresh impetus and provide new perceptions of Africa's problems and of the solutions to these problems.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“The need to redress the present economic imbalance requires international collaboration and endeavour. In this regard, my delegation is glad to note that the Group of 7, in their joint communiqué, issued in London in July 1991, emphasised not only the need to deal effectively with Africa's debt problem, but also the desirability of encouraging multilateral efforts for sustained economic growth and development. We agree that this calls for a successful conclusion of the Uruguay Round, the reversal of protectionism, an increase in trade flows and confidence-building initiatives leading to the integration of the economy of our countries into the multilateral trade system. From the aforementioned perspective one can discern why the Programme of Action was indeed not a panacea for our economic woes.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“It is estimated that by the end of this year world economic output will grow by only 1.2 per cent as compared to 2.1 per cent last year. This implies that our hitherto deteriorating economic condition will inevitably be further exacerbated. Despite the steady improvement in the overall external debt situation, a major concern in Africa, particularly in our sub-Saharan region, is that foreign debt continues to grow faster than income and exports. This situation is clearly unsustainable, particularly when cognisance is taken of the fact that a large part of our current borrowing is simply for the purpose of retiring old debt. It is, therefore, my delegation's view that if this trend continues unabated, external debt will remain a very serious impediment to sustainable growth and development.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“That programme gave rise to very high hopes when it was launched four years ago. It was inspired by a good motive - the desire to improve the quality of life of African peoples. It failed to fulfil the hopes placed in it for the following reasons: first, it would seem that the international community only paid lip service to the Programme as the net flow of resources to Africa actually declined during the plan period, 1986 to 1990. Secondly, the programme overlapped with painful structural adjustment programmes, which were implemented at great risks to national political stability. Thirdly - and this is important - the Programme was an attempt to isolate development and growth in the African countries from the global economic scene. It therefore became at beat dysfunctional and inappropriate in its partial setting.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“My delegation is indeed encouraged by the keen attention and considerable time and resources devoted to this issue by the United Nations. Developments in the international political scene provide a source of hope to many countries, including the Gambia. However, development in the International economic scene, in the process of multilateral trade negotiations, is a source of frustration and disappointment to many countries, including my own. These disappointments and frustrations are not only under review as an agenda item during this session, but have been the subject of detailed comments by speakers before me. I would therefore like to confine my observations to the report of the Final Review and Appraisal on the Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“The United Nations has been making a valuable contribution towards resolving long-standing problems such as those in Afghanistan, Cyprus, Western Sahara and Cambodia, and my delegation believes that the efforts of the Secretary-General are highly commendable and deserve our support to ensure a successful resolution of these seemingly intractable conflicts. The Gambia for its part will support these and other initiatives in the guest to attain self-determination, peace and stability the world over. The need to rid the world of all types of weapons of mass destruction nuclear, chemical and biological - and to ensure that mankind's energies and resources are diverted to the improvement of the quality of life here on earth is becoming increasingly desirable and urgent.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“In consideration of the very analytic and sound positions taken on the matter, after successive consultations, by both the Group of 77 and other regional groups, including the African Group, my delegation is hopeful that with the necessary will the noble objectives we have collectively set for ourselves will be attained. Enhancing the role of the United Nations is one thing; making collective security work is another. The latter is the sacred duty of the United Nations, entrusted to it by the Charter. However, this duty can be exercised beneficially and meaningfully only if all Member States, individually and collectively, play their active role in the search for peace. This is what makes for our collective security. It is also the only guarantee to make the new found relevance of the system work for all nations, rich and poor alike.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“In the same vein, my delegation appeals to the international community to provide the necessary support and assistance to ECOWAS and its peace-keeping monitoring group (ECOMOG) in Liberia to enable the latter effectively to discharge its responsibilities, which are not only military in nature but also have a humanitarian dimension. Increased attention is now being rightly focused on restructuring and revitalising the United Nations system. This process is aimed at enabling the United Nations to perform better and to be more cost efficient in peace-keeping and in the pursuit of social and effective development, an outlined in the Charter. This issue will engage our constant attention during this session.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“I should therefore like to pay a tribute to the members of the ECOWAS Standing Mediation Committee and the Committee of Five on Liberia for their wisdom and determination to resolve the crisis through dialogue and negotiation, in the unswerving conviction that the conflict can be solved only through the democratic process of free and fair elections under international supervision. In this connection, my delegation once again appeals to the parties in the Liberian conflict to continue to observe the cease-fire agreement and to work under the aegis of the ECOWAS peace plan for the restoration of peace and normalcy in Liberia.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“We also fervently hope that our brothers and sisters in South Africa will close their ranks and stop the senseless bloodshed that threatens to derail the vital negotiation process. When I addressed the Assembly last year the situation in Liberia was horrendous and the plight of the people of that sister Republic very pathetic indeed. However, with the persistent determination of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOHAS) to find a regional solution to the crisis, the situation has now stabilised and the prospects for a durable solution are far greater now than before. This is largely due to the fact that there is now total commitment to the EC0MAS peace plan by all the States in the subregion as well as the parties to the conflict.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“We shall therefore continue to seek the release of all political prisoners, the desegregation of all public institutions and the exercise of full universal adult suffrage. We also look forward to the successful convening of an all-party conference on a new constitution leading to the establishment of a non-racial, united and democratic South Africa. The Abuja Declaration on South Africa adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) at its twenty-seventh ordinary session spells out clearly the African position on the issue. We look forward to the continued support of the international community for a successful resolution of this vary protracted and vexed problem.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“The dismantling of apartheid is indeed an intricate part of the pursuit of peace, progress and collective security. For apartheid is a threat to world peace and an affront to human dignity. To judge from events of the past year, despite some set-backs, continued international pressure on the Pretoria regime has yielded some positive results. Nevertheless, it is the view of my delegation that this systematic dismantling of the legislative pillars of apartheid does not go far enough. What is urgently required is the practical elimination of apartheid from all facets of South African society and this calls for the enfranchisement of all South Africans. My Government is unreservedly committed to the attainment of this objective.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“My delegation looks forward to the convening of an international conference on the Middle East in October, under the joint chairmanship of the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. We hope to see full and active participation by the Palestinians in this peace process. I cannot conclude my statement on the Middle East without reference to hostage-taking in the region. The Gambia regards hostage-taking, of any kind, as an act of terrorism and a violation of basic human rights. We therefore call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. We have noted with satisfaction the recent releases and urge the Secretary-General to spare no effort to help obtain the release of all hostages in the region.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“It poses a grave threat to international peace, security and stability, and all efforts must be deployed for their effective and unconditional implementation. Our policy position is based on such fundamental principles as self-determination, non-use of force, non-interference in the internal affairs of other States, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States and respect for human rights. We are thus supportive of the general view expressed in this Assembly for a comprehensive, just and durable Middle East peace settlement. Israel and its Arab neighbours must also live in peace with each other within secure borders if this objective is to be attained. Any comprehensive peace settlement, therefore, must be based on Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) and the principle of territory for peace.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“It is the view of my delegation that the volatile situation in the Middle East will persist as long as the Palestinians are denied their basic, legitimate and inalienable rights to self-determination and a homeland. Apart from the political, social and economic considerations involved in the Palestinian issue, there is also the intrinsic question of human rights. The human rights of the Palestinians, their right to self-determination, to live in peace in their homeland, their freedom of speech, movement and assembly, their right to prosperity and other civil rights have for long been denied to them, despite several General Assembly and Security Council resolutions on the matter. This situation is totally unacceptable.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“At the same time, one must recognise and applaud the cooperation and solidarity of the States in the region in resisting aggression, for without this cooperation and solidarity the task of the United Nations would have been more difficult to discharge. My delegation would therefore like to congratulate once more the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, in particular, for their unity of purpose and action, which will serve as a general principle for regional cooperation in resolving regional conflicts. Peace in the Gulf can be durable only If it is linked to a comprehensive resolution of the problem in the Middle East. As is now widely acknowledged, the Palestinian issue is the crux of the problem in the Middle East.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“The conflict in the Gulf region may be over, but the crisis still remains and will remain for so long as the relevant Security Council resolutions are not implemented. My delegation therefore calls on Iraq to comply with all United Nations resolutions, for in so doing it will contribute towards the peace and security of the region and bring to a speedy end the long and unnecessary suffering of the Iraqi people. In the aftermath of the Gulf crisis, the world view about the role and efficacy of our Organisation has improved tremendously, and the United Nations has emerged from the crisis with its reputation not only intact but considerably enhanced.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“If respect for human rights and political pluralism is the sine qua non for the attainment of social and economic development, so too is respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all States, rich or poor, big or small, which is indispensable for the maintenance of world peace and security. That is why the successful campaign in the Gulf region to resist aggression and to restore the inalienable rights of the Kuwaiti people constitutes an important milestone in the history of the United Nations. For around this time last year the world was on the brink of a crisis with uncertain but terrifying ramifications, and it is thanks to the united front adopted by our Organisation that the conflict was contained and sanity and the rule of law in inter-State relations restored.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“As the headquarters of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights and the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies, the Gambia is well placed to take up this responsibility. We shall continue to use the good offices of these institutions for monitoring the progress, or otherwise, of the furtherance of human rights and for teaching and research. We hope that the 1993 World Conference on Human Rights will offer a unique opportunity for all concerned to address these very significant issues, and we look forward to the Conference with a large measure of hope and encouragement.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“Thus in its full meaning, the concept of human rights presupposes the voluntary assumption of moral obligations, self-discipline, order, responsibility, duty and accountability. In this sense, therefore, political development end economic welfare are inseparable from respect and protection of human rights and human dignity. This calls for a fight, against poverty, hunger, disease, underdevelopment and racism; a fight for the welfare of the most vulnerable! women, children, old people, the sick and the disabled, the migrant and the refugee. In short, human rights are the right to development aimed primarily at the welfare of the human being. It is against this background that we continue to champion the cause of human rights, particularly in Africa and our subregion.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“For us in the Gambia, the concepts of political pluralism and respect for human rights constitute the cardinal principles of our domestic and foreign policies and we cannot but welcome these developments. Human rights are desirable for their own sake because they promote the individual's well-being. They are also desirable for society as a whole because they promote economic, social and political development. However, the concept of human rights should not be based on social and political expediency. The concepts of democracy and political pluralism can be meaningful only if they are based on established social rules - the rule of law that govern and protect human behaviour.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“The admission of these 8tates as new Members is in accordance with the principle of universality of our Organisation, and we look forward to their active participation and their positive contributions to the cause of peace and International understanding in the comity of nations. With regard to the two Koreas in particular, we hope that their simultaneous membership will create a favourable atmosphere leading to the peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula. The forty-sixth session of the Assembly is taking place against the backdrop of dramatic changes in international relations characterised by the end of the cold war and bipolarity, as well as by increased pressure for wider democratisation and respect for human rights.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“Javier Perez de Cuellar, and his staff for having conducted the affairs of the Organization in such a manner that the Organization has been given an invigorated role as an effective instrument for the protection and maintenance of international peace and security. I should also like to seize this opportunity to convey, on behalf of the Government of the Gambia and my delegation, our heartfelt congratulations to the Governments of the Republic of Korea, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania on their admission as new Members of the United Nations.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“I am confident that, as a seasoned diplomat endowed with the necessary skill and experience, he will steer our deliberations to a successful conclusion, and that the hopes and aspirations that were aroused at that Summit will continue to be in the forefront of our deliberations throughout this session so that the welfare and interests of these target groups will always be paramount in the programmes and activities of the United Nations system. It is also a considerable pleasure for me to pay a tribute to his predecessor, Mr. Guido de Marco of Malta, for the very able manner in which he guided the deliberations of the forty-fifth session of the Assembly. My delegation would also like to place on record its appreciation and gratitude to our Secretary-General, Mr.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“Exactly a year ago the World Summit on the Child was convened in this Hall, attended by several Heads of State, including His Excellency Alhaji Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, President of the Republic of the Gambia. The high-powered representation at the Summit, the solemnity of the occasion and the important and far-reaching decisions that were taken, culminating in the adoption of the Charter on the Rights of the Child, testify to the Importance attached to women and children. It is in the name of these two most vulnerable groups, whose hopes and survival are reposed in the United Nations system, that I should like to congratulate Ambassador Shihabi on his election as President of the General Assembly at its forty-sixth session.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“It is not superfluous to reiterate that the United Nations serves that purpose best not because it fulfils the role of the world's parliament but because it achieves results in the sole and supreme interests of peace and security. We hope that the forty-fifth session will be notable for its achievements and will continue to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the primary purpose of advancing peace and harmony among nations.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“Furthermore, my delegation would also like to renew its support for the proposal made by the Federal Republic of Germany last year to appoint a United Nations High Commissioner for Human Sights. Let me now conclude my statement. As we draw closer to the advent of the twenty-first century mankind is witnessing a unique period in relations among States, a period of peace characterised by international co-operation and solidarity. The emerging order, however, appears to be limited so far to international political relations. My delegation is concerned that this dynamic process will be incomplete if it is not accompanied by profound changes in international economic relations. The two must go together, to reflect the interdependent nature of our world. Multilateral diplomacy is one way, if not the best way, to achieve this goal.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“In the same vein, the Gambia would like to register its total support for the convening of a world conference on human rights in accordance with decision 1990,110 of the Hunan Sights Commission. The Gambia Government, meanwhile, will continue to co-operate fully with the human rights agencies within the United Nations and the Organisation of African Unity (OAU)· We would in this context like to acknowledge with deep appreciation the assistance being rendered by the United Nations Commission on Human Sights to the African Centre for Democracy and Human Sights Studies, which since its establishment has actively collaborated with the African Commission on Hunan and People's Sights, as well as to those who share the Gambia's concerns for respect and protection of both individual and collective liberties.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“In view of the widening gap between the universally accepted norms of human rights and the stark reality in many parts of the world, the Gambia, motivated purely by special concern for the individual and his freedom and dignity, holds the considered view that a world-wide and forceful campaign should be mounted with the support of the appropriate United Nations machinery to intensify our efforts in order to achieve a better and more effective compliance with the generally accepted norms in the field of human rights. In this regard, specific steps within each region should be encouraged towards the institutionalisation of the observance and enforcement of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“We therefore remain hopeful that the adoption of the historic Declaration of the Summit and of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child will undoubtedly lead to and enhance the development and protection of the rights and needs of children. The issue of human rights t has assumed great importance and prominence in world affairs. We in the Gambia have always been deeply rooted in our declared commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. We cannot therefore remain indifferent to the violations to which these rights are being subjected in other parts of the world.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“We fully support the recommendations of the second United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, held in Paris last month, aimed at assisting these countries to place their economies on the path of sustained growth and development. The development and protection of children are other important issues on the global agenda. She Gambia, at the very onset, fully endorsed the initiative of the United Nations Children's Fund (UMXC8F) for convening the World Summit for Children this year. May I therefore take this opportunity to extend our congratulations to the organisers for the success of the Summit, at which the Gambia was represented by a high-level delegation led by President Jawara, whose Government’s solemn commitment to accord the highest priority to the protection of the rights of the child and the mother is well known.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“Many governments have undertaken structural reforms in order to revitalise their economies but their efforts have been impeded by severe social and political obstacles, as amply highlighted in the consensus Declaration adopted by the General Assembly's eighteenth special session. The development crisis is dramatised by the plight of the least developed countries, which have been facing formidable structural difficulties end experiencing extreme deterioration in their overall socio-economic situation. The targets set out in the Substantial New Programme of Action adopted by the General Assembly in 1981 have not been attained. In this connection, we would like to underscore the significance of enhanced international efforts to reactivate growth and development in the least developed countries.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“Although the international political scene has been showing SOME positive trends, we are very Much concerned that international economic prospects remain somewhat bleak. Slow or negative growth and the persisting debt problem, are causing a further deterioration in the quality of life in developing countries. Despite a healthy 3.6 per cent growth in industrialised countries in 1989, external imbalances remain critical. Growth in developing countries slowed to 3.3 per cent in 1989, compared to the decade's 4.3 per cent average. Present international economic and trade arrangements, fluctuating commodity prices and unresolved monetary issues perpetuate severe inequalities and continue to promote an unfair and inequitable transfer of resources from the developing countries to developed countries.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“The Gambia welcomes the current efforts of the two Koreas geared towards the speedy reunification of that divided country in accordance with the legitimate aspirations of their peoples. It is the view of the Gambia that the admission of the two Koreas to the United Nations, in accordance with the principle of universality, will facilitate the eventual peaceful reunification of North and South Korea. With regard to Afghanistan, we are deeply distressed that despite of the withdrawal of foreign troops the situation remains charged with tension affecting international peace and stability. We therefore urge all the parties concerned to abide by the Geneva Agreements and make every effort in the guest for a peaceful settlement of their differences.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“I also wish, on behalf of ECOWAS, to appeal to the entire international community to contribute to the Special Fund for ECOMOG Operations in Liberia as well as to respond generously and expeditiously to the various appeals by the Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS for the provision of humanitarian assistance in the form of food and medicines to the suffering peoples of Liberia. Only a few days ago we witnessed the reunification of Germany, which indeed is the final act announcing the end of the cold war. We congratulate the German people on this historic occasion and hope that it will usher in a new era of peace, understanding and closer co-operation in Europe and beyond.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“Similarly, I wish, on behalf of the Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS, to appeal to all countries that have any influence on the national Patriotic Front of Liberia to urge the leadership of that group to join their fellow Liberians in the ongoing dialogue aimed at implementing the ECOWAS peace plan formulated in Banjul so that the suffering of the people of Liberia can be brought to an end and peace and stability restored in Liberia. It is also our fervent hope that the international community, particularly the United Nations and the Organisation of African Unity, will continue to support the BCOHAS peace plan, which is the only viable alternative to continued bloodshed and destruction of property.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“The Chairman of the Authority is currently carrying out consultations with his colleagues on this issue, and an extraordinary summit will be convened soon after and the required number of countries have indicated their consent. ECOMOG has now embarked on its important and historic mission and it is concerned not only with enforcing the cease-fire, but also with ensuring that the necessary conditions are created for much-needed humanitarian assistance to reach the people of Liberia. I therefore wish to make a solemn appeal to all Liberians, especially the leaders of the warring factions, to co-operate with the ECOMOG force and to give it all the assistance and co-operation it needs in the fulfilment of its mission.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“After the national conference, a delegation of the Interim Government was dispatched to meet the warring faction which refused to take part in the deliberations, with a view to persuading them to accept and participate in the Interim Government. For this reason the composition of the Interim Government has not been officially announced pending the outcome of these consultations. At the level of ECOWAS, there have been calls for the convening of an extraordinary summit. The Gambia as Chairman has no objection to the holding of an extraordinary summit but, according to the ECOWAS rules of procedure, a majority of two-thirds of the members is required before an extraordinary summit is convened.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“At about the same time as ECOMOG was deployed, a national conference of all Liberian political parties, professional and other interested groups was held in Banjul from 27 August to 4 September to deliberate on the crisis in Liberia and to establish an interim government. And it should be noted that this conference was attended only by Liberians and its deliberations were conducted solely by Liberians. The representation at the national conference was broad-based and two of the warring factions took part in the deliberations. After six __ of extensive discussions and negotiations, the conference established an Interim Government of National Unity comprising representatives of a cross-section of the entire Liberian population and provided openings for the participation of groups which had net even attended the national conference.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“It must also be pointed out that at the time of adoption of the peace package to which I have referred, two of the warring parties had accepted both a cease-fire and a peace-keeping force. Thus, the ECOMOG force was sent to Liberia after the acceptance of the cease-fire and it was only against that background and in view of the rapidly deteriorating situation that ECOMOG went in. It must however be made very clear that the situation would have been far worse if nothing had been done at the time. In other words, the effect of not doing something would have been disastrous. Since the arrival of the ECOMOG force thousands of foreign nationals have been evacuated, a hospital rehabilitated and relief supplies made available to the population.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“The outcome of the deliberations was the ECOWAS peace plan which has three basic elements: first, the observance of a cease-fire by all the parties to the conflict; secondly, the establishment of a cease-fire monitoring group (ECOMOG) to supervise and ensure compliance with the cease-fire; and, thirdly, the formation of an interim government to administer the country and organise free and fair elections under international supervision leading to a democratically elected government. When the Committee met and adopted those proposals, every Member State of ECOHAS was duly informed and requested to support the initiative. There were no contrary views at that time.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“It is against that background that the Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS Standing Mediation Committee met in Banjul in August where they decided to assume their responsibility of ensuring that peace and stability was maintained within the subregion, for they believed that the tragic situation in Liberia posed a threat to the peace and stability of the area.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“Soon after the May summit and with the situation in Liberia rapidly deteriorating, the Chairman of the Authority, Alhaji Sir Dewda Rairaba Jawara, President of the Gambia, convened a meeting of the Mediation Committee at the ministerial level, and after all parties to the conflict had indicated their acceptance of mediation by ECOHAS a series of meetings were held in Freetown, Republic of Sierra Leone, to try to seek a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Liberia. Despite the great effort made at the various meetings at the ministerial level, it did not produce the result desired by the people of Liberia and the international community.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“These developments have traumatized the Liberian population and greatly shocked the people of the subregion and led to hundreds of thousands of Liberians being displaced and made refugees in neighbouring countries. The last summit of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which mat in Banjul, the Gambia, last May, reviewed the situation in Liberia and expressed grave concern over the conflict and called on all parties concerned to agree to an immediate cessation of hostilities. At the same time, the Authority established an ECOWAS Standing Mediation Committee as an instrument for encouraging the peaceful settlement of disputes in the subregion.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)