YouSaid · the spoken record

José Mário Vaz

lines on the record
26
first
2016-09-24
most recent
2018-09-24
sittings or episodes
2
sources
un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

  1. “Let us stand in solidarity and demonstrate our compassion for those who are fleeing persecution, war and misery, particularly migrants and refugees who are victims of political crises and natural catastrophes and are desperately knocking on our doors. In a solidary and brotherly world, we will be in a better position to build a better future for future generations.”

    2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)

  2. “The Parliament of Guinea- Bissau adopted a law that guarantees a minimum representation quota of 36 per cent for women in high- profile positions, particularly in the National People’s Assembly and the Government. As President of the Republic and guarantor of national equity and unity, I am particularly pleased by and grateful for those national advances. I would like to conclude my remarks by reaffirming Guinea-Bissau’s commitment to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and to the important, unique and irreplaceable role played by the Organization. We must join forces to better manage globalization, eradicate poverty and hunger, and combat major endemic diseases, as well as to ensure education and the provision of potable water for all in order to implement the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.”

    2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)

  3. “That long-anticipated decision would certainly help consolidate our democratic institutions and bring about lasting peace in our country. Peace is essential for successful development, but peace is not just the absence of armed conflict. There can be no peace when a large portion, if not the majority, of the population, particularly women and youth, are not sufficiently valued; when their education is considered less important; when their contribution to the economic growth of our country is not recognized or fairly compensated; or when women are not on par with men in positions of influence and are ignored as the pillar of society. We recently took significant steps in my country towards ensuring equal representation for men and women.”

    2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)

  4. “Please note that, for the first time in the history of our democracy, a legislative session has been completed without any interruptions caused by coups d’état or other incidents. Accordingly, on 30 August, the Security Council noted (see S/PV.8337) the positive developments concerning the political stability in our country. I also note that in the report of the Secretary- General (S/2018/771), as in his previous reports, we were commended on the republican attitudes of the armed forces, which have displayed a notable sense of civic duty in recent years. In the name of justice and national harmony, I take this opportunity to appeal to the international community and to the members of the Security Council, of which sanctions are the exclusive prerogative, to lift the sanctions imposed on officials of our armed forces.”

    2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)

  5. “Those recommendations have been fully implemented, with the following results: the formation of a Government of inclusion in accordance with the Conakry Agreement; the reopening of our National People’s Assembly; the extension of the terms of Assembly members; the election of the members of the National Electoral Commission; and the approval of the Government programme and the general State budget. Recent political, social, and economic events bear witness to the fact that the people of Guinea-Bissau, together with our armed forces, said “no” to instability and embarked upon a path of peace and development. The process for the holding of our elections on 18 November is under way, and we began registering voters on 19 September, despite delays due to technical and financial issues.”

    2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)

  6. “Last April, in Lomé, Togo, within the framework of an extraordinary summit convened by the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States, we reached an important decision aimed at permanently overcoming the political and constitutional impasse that has prevailed in my country for more than three years. As Head of State and in order to build peace and stability in my country and the subregion, I have sought to implement the recommendations that resulted from the summit, namely, the appointment of a consensus Prime Minister and the scheduling of a date for holding legislative elections, namely, 18 November.”

    2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)

  7. “We live in a global village in which we all are responsible not only for what happens within our own territories, but, given the interdependence of countries, one country’s national policies may gravely affect many other countries. That requires shared responsibility. In that regard, I would be remiss if I did not address the issue of Security Council reform, particularly with regard to the increased representation of the African continent, which would enhance the legitimacy of that principal United Nations organ. I would like to take this opportunity to briefly update the Assembly on the current political situation in Guinea-Bissau, as well as the results achieved.”

    2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)

  8. “Those challenges require greater efforts, new attitudes and increasingly responsible behaviour on the part of all of us. Above all, we must rigorously meet the commitments stipulated in the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. I believe that we all have an obligation under the Charter, to which we all subscribe, and that we must respect it regardless of the circumstances, because the principles enshrined therein are the foundation and basis for a rules-based world order. Specifically, the principle of the peaceful resolution of disputes, non-interference in the internal affairs of States and multilateralism are the cornerstone for building international peace and security.”

    2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)

  9. “We cannot remain indifferent to the suffering and despair of the thousands of people, including children, seeking protection and asylum, particularly in Europe. The situation in Palestine, as well as in Yemen and Syria, continues to be a source of great concern for the international community. On the African continent, internal tensions caused by the activities of terrorist groups persist, particularly in the Sahel, spreading fear among populations and preventing their Governments from focusing on development and on creating the best possible living conditions for their citizens. Climate change has caused an increasing number of severe droughts and floods in many parts of the world. Many island countries face the risk of disappearing, owing to rising sea levels.”

    2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)

  10. “Mandela fought for freedom, justice, democracy and a society in which all people might live together as equals in harmony. That is a great lesson that will continue to serve as a source of inspiration for us and future generations. In his latest report on the work of the Organization (A/73/1), the Secretary-General reminds us that, for many peoples, peace remains a difficult goal to achieve. As our much-missed former Secretary-General, the late Kofi Annan, said, peace is a suspended dream. Many conflicts persist around the world, and many people continue to suffer the destruction brought on by war, Many have been killed, including children. Millions of people have been forced to abandon their homes and their cities, leaving behind their families and the possessions they acquired through a lifetime of work, in search of asylum.”

    2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)

  11. “His vision of the Organization’s unifying role in affirming and applying the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the collective responsibility of every Member State for the establishment of lasting global peace strengthen our conviction that, under his leadership, the United Nations will be better prepared for and more capable of contributing to the advent of a more just and equitable world in the coming years. On 24 September we celebrated the 100th birthday of President Nelson Mandela — Madiba — and had the opportunity to reflect on the life and accomplishments of that great humanist (see A/73/PV.5). The late former South African President was an example of courage, abnegation and tolerance.”

    2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)

  12. “First of all, I would like to say a few words to Her Excellency Ms. María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés and congratulate her on her election as the President of the General Assembly at its seventy- third session. I assure you, Madam President, that you can count on the full cooperation of my country, Guinea-Bissau, in performing your important duties. I would also like to thank your predecessor, Mr. Miroslav Lajčák, for his excellent work during his term. Furthermore, I would like to highlight the work of our current Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, in particular his innovative leadership of the Secretariat and the new momentum that he has instilled in the Organization to better face global challenges and strengthen multilateralism.”

    2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)

  13. “Modibo Touré, whom I thank for his personal dedication to facilitating dialogue and seeking solutions, as well as the strengthened consolidation of the democratic rule of law in Guinea-Bissau. Finally, I wish the President of the Assembly continued success as he conducts the work of this seventy-first session of the General Assembly on behalf of the States and peoples of the world. May God bless us all.”

    2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)

  14. “The support of our international partners, as seen in the results of the Brussels round table in 2015, unequivocally translates into attention to the situation of the State and the people of Guinea- Bissau. As promised, we count on our partners’ help to leverage economic development as the engine for peace and stability in our country. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate our appreciation for the United Nations and the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea- Bissau, which kept their attention on and unflaggingly monitored Guinea-Bissau, our people and our institutions despite the multiple and complex problems that the world is facing. It is with great satisfaction that I highlight the indispensable role of the United Nations, through its representative in Guinea-Bissau, Mr.”

    2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)

  15. “I further convey our gratitude to all heads of State in the subregion, who have given a high level of attention to Guinea-Bissau during the years our political crisis persisted. Our recognition of and gratitude to all other international partners, countries and organizations, namely, the African Union, the West African Economic and Monetary Union, the European Union, the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the African Development Bank, the United Nations Development Programme, UNICEF, the World Health Organization, the World Food Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the United Nations Population Fund and the International Organization of la Francophonie, which have always stood with Guinea-Bissau and supported our country in its pursuit of paths leading to stability and development.”

    2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)

  16. “In addition, on behalf of the people of Guinea-Bissau, I would also like to recognize and thank the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), its Commission and its member States for their political, financial and military support in the process of stabilizing, securing and reforming the safety and security sectors. I would like to offer a word of appreciation to Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, and special thanks to President Alpha Condé of Guinea for his role in facilitating the dialogue in the political process in Guinea-Bissau. We also offer our profound gratitude to Mr. Muhammadu Buhari, President of Nigeria, for his unwavering support as head of the International Contact Group on Guinea-Bissau.”

    2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)

  17. “In the past year, we have observed an important development in the international context, namely, the rapprochement between the United States and Cuba, which we greatly welcomed. We hope that the normalization of bilateral relations may bring these two friends of Guinea-Bissau closer together. In addition, we call for the implementation of the resolutions calling for a two-State solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security. I would like to take this opportunity to publicly acknowledge Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission for their continued focus on, solidarity with, and ongoing monitoring of Guinea-Bissau, its people and its authorities, even in an environment of multiple and complex challenges.”

    2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)

  18. “We are a coastal country, with an island portion and a high risk of sea-level rise, which poses a great threat to a significant portion of our territory. Therefore, climate change matters are some of the main priorities of our political action. Accordingly, we have great interest in participating in and closely monitoring the High-level United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 — on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development — which will take place in New York in 2017. The President of the General Assembly is therefore in the right place to fulfil the mission the Assembly has assigned to him in this regard.”

    2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)

  19. “These threats are clear evidence of the security challenges that we face on our shared planet. Our subregion, West Africa, is also affected by acts of terrorism, which represent an intolerable manifestation of barbarism and of disdain for the most sacred values of humanity. I wish to take this unique opportunity to once again express my country’s solidarity with the countries and peoples that are victims of terrorism and reiterate our commitment to them. Guinea-Bissau welcomes the signing of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and calls for its implementation as a key tool for regulating international dialogue and cooperation among States, which hold in their hands the fate of the planet. Climate change poses an emerging risk for Guinea- Bissau.”

    2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)

  20. “As Supreme Commander of the armed forces, I would also like to reiterate to the Assembly our request for United Nations support for the process of national reconciliation that is under way in our country; for the participation of our armed forces in international peacekeeping missions; for the implementation of safety and security-sector reform, which is of great importance, namely with respect to the control of weapons and the management of materiel; the construction of armories and the renovation of barracks; and the securing of funds for the reintegration of demobilized troops. The world today faces a tremendous challenge: combating and overcoming the scourges of terrorism, drug trafficking, climate change and other evils that are ravaging our countries.”

    2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)

  21. “I should also note that, from the outset of my term, not a single shot has been fired by military or paramilitary personnel; no one has been killed or beaten for political reasons; there have been no reported cases of arbitrary arrest; there is freedom of expression, the press and demonstration; and no issues of human rights violations have been raised.”

    2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)

  22. “The endorsement of this understanding by the Heads of State of ECOWAS and the international community, which met yesterday to discuss the way forward to implementing the agreement, rauses the hope that all parties are strongly committed to establishing peace and stability so as to allow the agreement to be implemented. Therefore, allow me to reiterate my commitment to do all that is required, through a frank and open dialogue with all active forces in our country, in order to consolidate an environment of peace and social stability, which are indispensable to a process of stable governance in our country. I should note, however, that today the Bissau-Guinean crisis is no longer a political and military crisis, but merely, and eminently, a political and institutional crisis.”

    2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)

  23. “Just before I left to attend this session, thanks to the mediation of the Heads of State of Guinea Conakry and Sierra Leone, who were in my country recently, in accordance with a decision reached at the Conference of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), held in Dakar, an agreement was signed with a view to overcoming the current roadblocks in our Parliament. The agreement was signed by the President of the National Popular Assembly, the Prime Minister and the two main political parties. The understanding reached deserves the full support of the President of the Republic, ECOWAS and other partners of Guinea-Bissau as an important step toward the easing of political tensions and a consensus platform that will allow us to ensure Government stability until the end of the legislative term.”

    2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)

  24. “Thus we are proud of the fact that our national development plan is in line with many of the Goals of the Agenda and also of the political will demonstrated by the national authorities to gradually adjust this strategic plan in order to fully accommodate the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Guinea-Bissau has very important natural capital to leverage for our development and for the preservation of the environment in the West Africa ecoregion. Thus biodiversity has become an axis that cuts across all other aspects of my country’s development. Allow me to take this opportunity to briefly share with the Assembly the current political situation and the efforts that have been made to overcome the institutional challenges that our country faces, particularly our political authorities.”

    2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)

  25. “Guinea-Bissau believes that this session is an opportunity to strengthen the commitments made as well as the division of responsibilities among all international actors in pursuit of the Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (resolution 70/1). The Addis Ababa Action Agenda (resolution 69/313) for development financing, approved by the General Assembly in July 2015, gave rise to fresh hope with regard to financing for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The commitments made by the parties must be respected. The goals of the 2030 Agenda and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda are complementary and must be harmonized and aligned. My country is strongly committed to doing our part in implementing the commitments made in the context of global and regional strategies.”

    2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)

  26. “It is a great honour and privilege for me to be addressing the Assembly for the first time since I took office as President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau. First allow me to congratulate Mr. Peter Thomson, President of the General Assembly at this session, and to wish him the greatest success in his work. I also thank his predecessor, Mr. Mogens Lykketoft of Denmark, for his excellent work during the previous session. I would also like express our appreciation for the theme chosen for this session, under President Thomson’s important sponsorship, which focuses on the issue of sustainable development.”

    2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)