YouSaid · the spoken record

Malam Bacai Sanha

lines on the record: 29
first: 1999-09-24
most recent: 2010-09-24
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

“We support global efforts to rehabilitate Haiti and we also follow with great attention and interest the process that will lead to the restructuring of the Security Council. We hope that this will result in a more equitable representation of the world and be a factor in the ascent of the African continent towards peace, democracy and development.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“We are coming to the end of the first decade of the millennium, which had been declared a decade of globalization, with the promotion of a lasting peace and aimed at a new international order. We cannot slide backwards, nor can we show weakness in the face of the challenge that we have set ourselves in addressing problems such as migration, human trafficking and the trafficking of organs and trying to find ethically acceptable responses to them. We support the efforts being made to resolve the conflicts in the Middle East, through coexistence of a Palestinian State with the State of Israel. Our membership of the Alliance of Civilizations and of the Community of Democracies in particular is based on the rules of peaceful coexistence among ethnicities and religions, and on the promotion of human rights.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“In 2008 the Government concluded with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) a post-conflict programme, later extended to 2009, which successive 17 10-55103 IMF missions evaluated as being broadly satisfactory. Hence, on 7 May this year the IMF Executive Board approved a three-year agreement with my country based on a credit facility which will cover the period 2010-2012. The public administration of Guinea-Bissau has earned a very positive evaluation by the IMF and the World Bank, which reflects the extraordinary effort in fulfilling the programmatic targets set with regard to cleaning up public finances and regularizing major expenses. Therefore, it is essential that partners show no hesitation that might jeopardize the fulfilment of the decision-point requirements of the HIPC Initiative.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“The international crisis of 2009 had a small direct impact, and the country registered growth of 3 per cent thanks to a good agricultural year. The increase in international basic commodity prices in 2008 accelerated inflation, which reached an annual average of 10.4 per cent, though it retreated in 2009. The good performance in 2008-2009 in the export of cashew nuts, representing 90 per cent of exports, led to an improvement in the balance of payments, including donations. However, the external debt burden continued to be unsustainable. At the end of 2009 it was equivalent to 126 per cent of the corrected gross domestic product and 640 per cent of exports of goods and services. The fact that we were unable to complete the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative resulted in an accumulation of delays in paying the external debt.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“This extends to various other countries and institutions that maintain with us a relationship based on partnership and cooperation. I think particularly of Senegal, Libya, China, Cuba, the United States, France, Algeria, Morocco and South Africa, among others, as well as ECOWAS, the African Union and the European Union, along with the United Nations itself, through the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau. The unstable internal socio-political environment that I have outlined has a negative impact on management of my country’s public finances, despite the Executive’s great and broadly acknowledged efforts. This means that our financial situation is very difficult, despite some recovery in our growth rate, which stood at 2.7 per cent in 2007 and 3.5 per cent in 2008.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“We appreciate and express the warmest gratitude for the attention we have received from our regional organization, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), headed by Nigeria, in the form not only of stabilization initiatives, but also of concrete support for Government programmes. We similarly salute the follow-up and attention provided by the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries, which shows a spirit of determination at the bilateral and multilateral levels, as evidenced by the restoration of a climate of trust conducive to peace, stability and development. Within the same framework, we salute the contribution of Portugal and Brazil, again at both the bilateral and multilateral levels, to keeping the world’s attention focused on giving Guinea-Bissau another chance.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“During the period of instability we have nonetheless preserved some 15 per cent of our territory as a protected area and nature reserve, as has been highlighted in particular by international organizations such as UNESCO, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and others. That is a major contribution to meeting the universal concern for the preservation of biological and ecological balance in this International Year of Biodiversity, within the context of severe climate change that affects us all. So, we call urgently for the solidarity and support that Member States can give my people.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“This will culminate with a conference on national reconciliation, to restore the promise of a positive and lasting commitment. Despite the current serious situation, for which we take full responsibility, we have never confused our internal problems with those of our friends, and we take great pride in our present stable relations with our neighbours. Similarly, we are proud of the peaceful spirit of our people, who never blame others for our own problems and do not feel any animosity towards the thousands of world citizens who continue to choose our country as a place in which to settle.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“A coordinated regional and global response is needed in order to take advantage of all the synergies that can be mobilized. However, to this body of nations, of which we are proud to be an integral part, we bring more than a lament in the hope of an appropriate response not only commensurate with the problems but at the level of the capacity that mankind has already demonstrated. We are making our contribution as a people that is confident, mobilized and determined, a people proud of its past and determined to reverse the current situation. We bring a guarantee of multifaceted involvement in harmonizing an extensive internal dialogue, whose foundations we have just laid jointly with the Guinean parliament: an initiative on ways to consolidate peace and development.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Another consideration is that Guinea-Bissau has an insular platform comprising more than 80 islands and reefs, where a confluence of favourable waters and winds creates an ideal microclimate for much of the world’s fauna, in what could and should be a true paradise. Instead, due to an assumed inability of the authorities to exercise effective control, there is a risk that it may become a sanctuary of evil-doers who use and abuse the space and the local people, leading to a regrettable situation, giving us a terrible reputation and 10-55103 16 potentially compromising the proper functioning of Government institutions. The Assembly may find those facts frightening and deserving of condemnation. They are tragic and completely alien to the people of my country.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“The main target is the very men and women who 40 years ago bartered their youth and education — in other words, their future — for our national liberation: the same armed forces who were then so applauded and admired for their determination and courage in forging the freedom and independence of the peoples of Guinea and Cape Verde, as well as for their intervention in other theatres of war, following their international vocation. Today, an appropriate structure to attend to their basic needs is lacking, resulting in an erosion of dignity already won, and thus in a threat to the peace, stability and well-being of our people.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Unfortunately, that trend contrasted with the incident of 1 April this year, which of course was to be condemned. The handling of the incident and its consequences did not receive the understanding of all the partners of Guinea-Bissau, despite the country’s authority having been maintained with a dynamic harmonization at the local, bilateral, regional and international levels. In this world body, let me appeal to all our partners to proceed in the same spirit of friendship, solidarity, assistance and cooperation with our people and their democratically elected institutions, because it is now, in our current circumstances, that our country most needs such support. The reform that we desire in our defence and security sector, for which we have sought international assistance, has become a matter of prime urgency and extreme sensitivity.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“The heinous acts to which I refer were unanimously condemned. The international community supported the country in its efforts to prepare and hold elections which ultimately were considered to be free, fair and transparent, and at the same time to consolidate peace and internal security, particularly with reforms of public administration, of defence and security and of judicial power, and with support for the State budget. There was a positive trend in projecting the image of the country and dealing with new challenges: the promotion of internal and institutional dialogue; the mobilization of development partners; the organization of a high-level meeting in New York; and the preparation of a planned donors’ round table, scheduled to be held before the end of this year, to discuss the development of Guinea-Bissau.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Such progress would translate into improved quality of life and well-being for our combatant people, on whose behalf Amílcar Cabral spoke from this rostrum more than 40 years ago, in an historic statement in the fight against colonial domination. Thus at the present session, when the peoples of the world meet to evaluate the fulfilment of the Millennium Development Goals and to define new strategies to achieve them by 2015, Guinea-Bissau is still dealing with essential, basic factors for the achievement of goals that are so fair and that everyone deserves: stability, peace and security. Less than a year ago we dealt with tragic events that had a major impact on Guinea-Bissau’s internal and external image and led to early presidential elections, which exactly a year and seven days ago resulted in my starting to guide the country’s destiny.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“To them all I express our respect and admiration for their courage and selflessness. Similarly, I congratulate the Assembly on the recent adoption of resolution 65/1, on the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, 10 years after their adoption. This important document will certainly create a new climate for the achievement of the eight Goals by 2015. My compliments to all those present are also extended on behalf of the people of my country, which just yesterday, 24 September, celebrated its thirty- seventh year as a sovereign, independent State. The country has undergone a series of transformations, but we must recognize that there remains much to be desired in terms of meeting legitimate aspirations for social and economic progress.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“First, I congratulate Mr. Joseph Deiss on his election to preside over the Assembly at this sixty-fifth session. I am convinced that our work will be crowned with success thanks to his proven competence and experience. To the former President, Mr. Ali Treki, I express my recognition of the wise manner in which he conducted the Assembly’s work during its sixty-fourth session. My compliments also go to the Secretary- General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, and the entire United Nations team, the women and men who, on our behalf 15 10-55103 and on behalf of the nations and peoples of the world, work throughout the four corners of the planet to preserve human dignity, in which are expressed the values of peace and security, resulting in the development of friendly relations among nations and in international cooperation.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Support for the special emergency programme for Guinea-Bissau is therefore absolutely necessary in order to ensure that the democratic gains are irreversible and to give sustained development in our country a chance. That is why we take this opportunity to appeal once more to the international community not only to take an interest in the elections but also to support the determined efforts of Guinea-Bissau to build its future.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We take this opportunity to pay a warm tribute to all the organizations in the United Nations system working in our country for their substantial contribution not only to consolidating national peace and reconciliation but to alleviating the suffering of our people. We also welcome the decision to appoint Mr. Samuel Nana-Sinkam as Special Representative of the Secretary-General to head the United Nations Peace-building Support Office in Guinea-Bissau, whose activities are greatly appreciated by our people. We believe that we have made sufficiently clear our determination to hold elections on the scheduled date, 28 November 1999. However, we know that democracy does not end with elections.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We believe that the realism of the international community must prevail so as to spare the Cuban people the suffering that they continue to endure. While it is true that peace and security are an indispensable condition for social and economic development, it is no less true that improving people's living conditions is one of the foundations of social and political stability. However, one of the obstacles to pursuing those objectives is our country's external debt. That is why the external debt burden is a matter of constant concern for Guinea-Bissau. In this context, we welcome the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Debt Initiative. We also welcome the decisions taken at the G-7 summit recently held in Cologne.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“This situation requires vigorous action on the part of the international community to restore lasting peace in that neighbouring country. Guinea-Bissau demands that UNITA unconditionally abide by the Lusaka Protocol so as to put an end to this long and painful conflict in that fraternal country. In the Middle East, the peace process between Israel and Palestine deserves our utmost attention. In this regard, we note with satisfaction the positive development in relations between Israel and Palestine under the impetus provided by the President of the Palestinian Authority, Yasser Arafat, and the Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Barak. In Latin America, we hope that the economic and trade embargo against Cuba will soon be lifted.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We condemn those acts and demand respect for the desire for self-determination expressed in the popular consultation of 30 August last. We welcome the strong — albeit late — reaction of the international community aimed at restoring peace and security in that territory. We appeal for efforts to be intensified and call for technical, material and financial aid for the rebuilding of East Timor, which has been brutally destroyed. Guinea-Bissau supports the international community, the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity in their ceaseless search for a peaceful solution to the problems affecting our continent. In this context, the situation in Angola is of great concern for our country. The civil war has imposed great suffering on the majority of the population of Angola, especially those in the most vulnerable sectors.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Despite the progress we have made in the struggle for human dignity and freedom, the vast majority of humankind lives in degrading conditions that are unacceptable to the collective conscience. This situation is the result of selfish interests that go against the moral and political values of the United Nations. The example of East Timor is a case in point. With regard to East Timor, we are deeply concerned by the fact that after the popular consultation, whose outcome was favourable to the Maubere people, we witnessed very violent acts which were completely at odds with the agreement of 5 May between Indonesia, 9 Portugal and the United Nations. We express our fraternal solidarity with the heroic people of East Timor in the face of the genocide carried out by Indonesian militias.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We would like also express our heartfelt thanks to Sweden, Portugal and the Netherlands for fulfilling their commitments in a timely manner. We take this opportunity to launch an urgent appeal to the international community to support Guinea-Bissau in its efforts to return to constitutional order, which is a prerequisite for restoring normal relations of cooperation with its development partners. It is also important to underscore our very positive relations with the peoples of the subregion, in particular with Senegal, and our desire to renew our fraternal ties of cooperation with the Republic of Guinea in order to help consolidate peace and stability in the subregion.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We take this opportunity to affirm that we will spare no effort in working to consolidate the emerging democracy in Guinea-Bissau, basing ourselves on the social and cultural values of our people and on the principles of good relations as set out in the Charter of the United Nations and that of the Organization of African Unity, in order to bring about a lasting peace in our country. In this context, we will be holding legislative and presidential elections on 28 November, preceded by a census and the registration of electoral candidates. We would like to reaffirm before the Assembly our determination to hold the elections as scheduled, despite the slow response time of some of our partners in development with respect to the commitments entered into at the round table held in Geneva on 4 and 5 May.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“That event of rare scope raised the awareness of our fellow citizens and mobilized them with respect to national peace and reconciliation, which is a prerequisite for domestic security and socio-economic progress. The conference also received direct support from, among others, Sweden, the Netherlands and the representative of the United Nations Secretary-General. All of Guinea-Bissau's vital elements participated, including political parties, non-governmental organizations, the Government, the military junta and our nationals living abroad.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Having experienced the horrors of war, the people of Guinea-Bissau today more than ever strongly aspire to live in peace and security, with hope for the future and in the full enjoyment of their fundamental rights. Guinea-Bissau also wishes to consolidate its unity and to promote a culture of peace and national reconciliation that is based on a pluralist democracy with sound governance and on the rule of law. We are determined to promote and protect the dignity of human beings and to enable their harmonious development. In this regard, we are pleased to note that a conference was convened recently in Guinea-Bissau for the reconciliation and unity of the people of our country.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“In the case of our country, the root causes of the political and military crisis include a lack of effectiveness and a loss of authority on the part of the State; poor management; human rights violations; non-compliance with the principle of the separation of power between sovereign bodies; corruption and deteriorating living conditions; and total frustration and despair on the part of those who fought for freedom and their homeland. The events of 7 June 1998 were a direct result of these problems. Unfortunately, as is the case in every conflict, the crisis also resulted in a tragic situation for the population that included the loss of life, a massive flow of refugees to neighbouring countries and large numbers of displaced persons, not to mention the devastation of the economic and social infrastructure of the country.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We would like also to express, on behalf of the people of Guinea-Bissau and on my own behalf, our gratitude to the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, for his efforts towards international peace and security. 8 Guinea-Bissau also welcomes the new States Members of the United Nations — Kiribati, Nauru and Tonga — with which we intend to maintain relations of friendship and cooperation. On the eve of the new millennium, Africa is experiencing an increase in armed conflict that threatens regional peace and stability. Regrettably, West Africa has not been spared this scourge. From the Liberian crisis to that of Sierra Leone, not to mention Guinea-Bissau, our region has been racked by periods of fratricidal violence whose causes are manifold.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Guinea-Bissau is gratified, Sir, at your assumption of the presidency of the fifty- fourth session of the General Assembly. The unanimous election of a distinguished African diplomat such as yourself to this post is evidence of the conviction of the Member States of the Organization that, under your clear- sighted leadership, our work is certain to be successful. Your election is also a concrete expression of Secretary- General Kofi Annan's dedication to the cause of peace, as well as a recognition of Namibia's significant contribution to international peace-building. We pay tribute also to your predecessor, Mr. Didier Opertti, for the great sensitivity and skill he displayed in fulfilling his duties during the fifty-third session.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)