YouSaid · the spoken record

Papaconstantinou

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS PAPACONSTANTINOU

lines on the record: 61
first: 1992-09-24
most recent: 1993-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-general-debate

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“Let us join our efforts and share our experience for a better tomorrow. Let us be tolerant of each other in order to ensure a better life for our children and for their children. Let us ensure that solidarity and partnership prevail over sterile antagonism, micronationalism and totalitarian ideologies and regimes. Let us work together to eliminate war, famine, genocide, "ethnic cleansing", holocaust, xenophobia, racism and aggression.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Latin America, with the debt crisis behind it, has pursued successful structural adjustment programmes. On the other hand, in half of the developing world the picture remains bleak. It is particularly so in Africa. The needs are compelling. We share the view that growth should be sustainable in that it creates more employment, less poverty and greater equality of opportunity, and also in that it promotes human freedom and the preservation of the environment. Successful national policies are necessary to bring about greater participation by the people in economic, social and political life. In concluding my statement, I appeal to every Member, not only in my capacity as Foreign Minister of Greece, but also as a man who wants to see his grandchildren live in a different, better world - a world of tolerance, peace and solidarity.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Pacification has been accomplished to a large extent Forty-eighth session - 1 October l993 19 though serious problems remain. As a troop contributor to the United Nations Operation in Somalia, Greece firmly believes that this operation should not be allowed to fail. Greece and its European Community partners maintain a fruitful dialogue in both political and economic matters with the countries of Latin America. This dialogue will be continued with great interest at the San Jose and Rio ministerial meetings, which will take place next year under the Greek presidency of the European Community and in Greece. In many of the poorest developing countries, standards of living continue to decline, while in other developing countries the results of economic performance are, to say the least, mixed. Thus, some economies in Asia are vibrant.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The World Conference on Human Rights, held in Vienna last June, has led to the emergence of common views and strategies involving large sectors of our societies and to prospects for better cooperation between the institutions and organizations active in this area. We hope that the vicious circle of violence in South Africa will end soon, with the cooperation of all South African leaders, and that a new political system will be born. Greece, along with its European Community partners, intends to play a constructive role in assisting that country in its transition to majority rule. In Somalia, the United Nations embarked upon the first peace enforcement operation to secure a safe environment for humanitarian operations, disarm militia and pursue the difficult task of political recovery.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Albania cannot deny to the minorities within its borders what it itself asks for its minorities abroad. The elimination of weapons of mass destruction, including in particular nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, is a goal towards which, despite progress achieved, we must persevere. The signing of the chemical-weapons Convention on 12 January 1993 was an important step. We look forward to the Conference of 1995 for an unconditional and indefinite renewal of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. We also note with satisfaction the progress made towards the negotiation of a comprehensive test-ban treaty.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“So our neighbours need the cooperation of Greece in order to integrate their economies with the European Community as well as to have access to the trade routes of the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Greece is fully aware of the need to assist, and has already enormously assisted, Albania in overcoming its considerable economic difficulties and consolidating its democratic institutions. At the same time, we again urge the Albanian Government to grant in practice the fundamental minority rights established within the process of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, particularly in the fields of education and religion. Religious freedom and the right to education should not be denied to the Greek minority nor to any minority anywhere in the globe.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Greece’s position is clear: we are striving to eradicate a potential point of friction in the Balkans, friction which may lead to tension with unpredictable and perhaps grave consequences. On this occasion I reiterate our earnest desire to strengthen, as far as possible, our relations with all our neighbours. We have pursued this policy consistently. To this purpose, we will continue our efforts to enable our northern neighbours to accomplish the difficult task of reconstructing their economies. The Balkan economies are inextricably interdependent; we need the cooperation of our northern neighbours in order to link further our economies with those of the Central, Northern and Western European States.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Only now is the international community thinking of ways to assist the region to recover and achieve economic reconstruction and rehabilitation. Let us not be late in the case of the former Yugoslavia. If we act right now, we act on time. The day after should be taken into serious consideration by all concerned, and especially by the European Community and the neighbouring States. My Government deeply appreciates the efforts of the Co-Chairmen of the Steering Committee of the International Conference on the Former Yugoslavia in accordance with Security Council resolution 817 (1993). We thank Mr. Vance for agreeing to continue these efforts in accordance with Security Council resolution 845 (1993). The resolution of this problem will enhance stability in the Balkan region.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“When an agreement is reached in Bosnia, we must take an active part in the huge task of the reconstruction of the former Yugoslavia. We propose to start planning for this task right now. The main responsibility lies with the European Community. Greece expresses its readiness to host an international meeting for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the former Yugoslavia, with the participation of donors, as well as of neighbouring countries. Substantial economic and financial assistance is the prerequisite for achieving social harmony and consolidating democracy. Let us hope that peace will be achieved sooner rather than later. Serious consideration should be given now to planning for the day after peace is achieved. May I remind the Assembly that the agreement between the Israelis and the Palestinians came very suddenly.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The Co-Chairmen of the International Conference on the Former Yugoslavia have exercised all their ingenuity to convince those leaders of these simple truths. They have consistently tried to guide negotiations towards the principles of the London Conference. Cyrus Vance, Thorvald Stoltenberg and 18 General Assembly - Forty-eighth session Lord Owen deserve our gratitude for their tremendous efforts. Greece, along with its European Community partners, plays a constructive role in the search for a negotiated overall settlement. We were close to an agreement last May after the Athens meeting, for which the Greek Government and particularly the Prime Minister, Mr. Mitsotakis, worked hard. Let us hope that the present chance will not be missed.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The consolidation of democratic institutions and processes in Russia is of the utmost importance for Europe and for my country in particular. An eloquent example of the upheaval brought about by the dramatic changes in Europe is the situation in the former Yugoslavia. Here, and especially in Bosnia, the upheaval has turned into a tragedy of unprecedented proportions. No matter how much we contribute to prevent and ease the suffering of the people, there is no remedy unless and until a political solution has been agreed upon by all parties. Their leaders should understand that continued fighting increases hatred and decreases the chances of a compromise, and should seize any acceptable opportunity for peace for the sake of their people.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Here, I would remind the Assembly that the question of the missing persons has not been resolved. Greece will maintain its constructive attitude in the hope that it will be reciprocated. My Government this year increased its contribution to the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus to $6.5 million, as evidence of our strong commitment to achieving a political settlement while safeguarding peace in Cyprus. We follow with particular attention the tireless efforts of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe to achieve decisive reforms to consolidate the democratic institutions and establish an open market economy. We sympathize with their calls for assistance. We participate in all initiatives to promote a smooth integration of the newly established States into international institutions.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“In spite of the efforts of the Secretary-General and his representatives, talks in New York and in Cyprus came to a standstill because of the unwillingness of the Turkish Cypriot leadership to engage in meaningful negotiations either on the overall agreement or on confidence-building measures. We join the Secretary-General’s call to Turkey to fully assume its responsibilities and exercise its decisive influence with the Turkish-Cypriot leaders in order to achieve progress. The recent breakthrough in the Middle East has proved that there are no intractable problems, if there is a political will. This genuine will is required from Ankara in order to re-establish the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of Cyprus, while guaranteeing and protecting the rights of all its citizens.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Our presence in Somalia, Iraq, Kuwait and Western Sahara indicates our increasing involvement in peace-keeping. In this context, I should also mention our contribution to the United Nations polling officers unit in Cambodia and in other parts of the world. Cyprus, a member of the United Nations, still remains occupied and divided. Thirty thousand Turkish troops occupy 38 per cent of the Republic. What is more, thousands of settlers from the mainland have upset the demographic balance of the population. We note with deep concern a complete lack of progress towards a solution of the Cyprus problem during this year.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The prestige, credibility and power of the United Nations have been enhanced by the positive outcome of the peace-keeping operations. However, the United Nations system was not ready to cope with such an extended challenge, and there seems to be a consensus that United Nations methods and capabilities need to be adjusted and improved. More effective ways to prevent and contain conflicts have been considered by the United Nations, world leaders and respected think-tanks. The Secretary-General’s "An Agenda for Peace" has stimulated the ongoing discussions and has already resulted in the adoption of a series of measures. Greece strongly supports the United Nations peace-keeping operations, as well as peace-building and peacemaking activities.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Let me also emphasize that security in Europe is linked to the economic development and maturity of the democratic process and institutions in Eastern Europe, the Balkan peninsula and the Maghreb. Uncontrolled and unlimited migration resulting from political turmoil and economic hardship in these countries could cause social and economic problems affecting even the more prosperous countries in Western Europe. The significance of the United Nations in maintaining peace has grown dramatically. It is enough to compare the 13 peace-keeping operations undertaken during the first 42 years of its existence with the same number of operations established between 1991 and 1992. Only last week the Security Council decided to establish two new peace-keeping operations in Haiti and in Liberia.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“These changes have also brought new risks and uncertainties: the proliferation of new States; the Forty-eighth session - 1 October l993 17 reappearance of claims of numerous national minorities suppressed under communism, and with them the danger of disputed borders; and, on top of these, the economic collapse and heavy transition costs in the former communist countries, as well as the re-emergence of nationalism, national antagonisms, religious fanaticism and populist tendencies. All of these issues have set the stage for a new approach to the question of security and stability in Europe, which has emerged as the major issue of political importance in the old continent.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“An ad hoc preparatory committee or an open-ended working group of the whole could be established by this body to cope with the substance and the organizational aspects of the summit. Greece expresses its willingness and readiness to work bilaterally and collectively towards the realization of this United Nations summit conference. I might add that, after all, Greece was the cradle of the democracy that humanity as a whole now enjoys. It is the right place to hold the summit proposed by the Greek Government. We are living through a period of radical changes, especially in Europe. Former adversaries are now cooperating on the basis of common values and principles. Historical agreements have been reached in arms control and arms reduction, both regionally and globally.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“It has also helped us, to a great extent, in our common endeavours towards eliminating injustice, economic imbalances and social disparities, and in safeguarding the environment. We firmly believe that all Members of the United Nations, together, have a moral obligation to act in order to ensure a better future for mankind. Previous speakers have duly stressed the need to react jointly to the challenges. In this respect, allow me to announce that the Government of Greece, eager to contribute towards this end, has the honour to propose the convening in Greece, in January of the year 2000, of an international United Nations summit aimed at adopting a global agenda for the twenty- first century. The general topic of this summit conference could be "Partners for a Better World: on the Threshold of the Twenty-first Century".”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We must take heart, however, from the determination of peoples in all parts of the world to sustain freedom and human rights, and to choose their futures even in the face of declining output, rising unemployment and inflation. In the quest for a better world, for a better future, man is striving to improve his social, economic and political institutions. The future of mankind is inextricably linked to the way in which we have lived and acted during the twentieth century and, in particular, during the last four decades. During this period the international community had rested its hopes on the United Nations system in order to address the challenges of modern society. Our Organization has stood the test of time. It has offered us a valuable service in the fields of peace and security.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Mitsotakis, addressing the General Assembly in 1981 in his capacity as Foreign Minister stressed, inter alia, that: "The prolongation of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the failure of all unilateral attempts to resolve it demonstrate that only dialogue among the parties, including the Palestine Liberation Organization, can lead to a just and lasting solution." (A/36/PV.16, p. 17) We are extremely satisfied that these historic, direct talks have paved the way to peace. In today’s global political landscape, the international community must address many challenges that are neither familiar nor simple. Troubling developments in areas with varying political and economic conditions are affecting millions of people who are caught in a circle of violence and suffering. Millions face starvation.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Earlier this week, the Foreign Minister of Belgium, in his capacity as President of the Council of the European Community, delivered a statement on behalf of the European Community and its 12 member States. My Government fully subscribes to its content. An unprecedented and historic event has enhanced hopes for the peoples living in the Middle East. Israelis and Palestinians have made a courageous step, in Washington, towards peace. Greece, together with its European Community partners, offers its full support for keeping the present momentum so that the parties involved may soon reach comprehensive and lasting agreements. We have always taken the stand that peace in the Middle East could be achieved through direct dialogue between all the parties. The Prime Minister of Greece, Mr.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“His dynamism, energy, perseverance, political will and leadership, together with a determined vision of the new world structure, constitute invaluable and solid foundations for a more efficient and creative United Nations response to the challenges of the close of the twentieth century. He has our full support. Let me also join previous speakers in welcoming, from this rostrum, the new Members that have been admitted to the United Nations this year. We were deeply shocked by the tragic news of the devastating earthquake in India, which has resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of lives. I express, on behalf of the Greek Government and of the Greek people, our sincere sympathy for the families of victims and for the friendly people of India.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Mr. President, allow me at the outset to extend to you the warmest congratulations of the Greek Government on your election to the presidency of the forty-eighth session of the General Assembly. Your distinguished personal qualities and diplomatic skills augur well for the progress of work of the current session. I should be remiss if I did not express the deep appreciation of the Greek Government to the Secretary-General of the United Nations , 16 General Assembly - Forty-eighth session Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, for the most distinguished way in which he has been discharging his high duties.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“My country, which lies at the crossroads of the world, continues to be actively engaged in the fight against drugs. It is in the process of adopting new legislation and policies to enhance its effectiveness in combating the problem. Furthermore, we have increased our cooperation with all States of our region with a view to adopting and implementing effective practical measures against drug trafficking. In conclusion, I should like to reaffirm my country's commitment to the United Nations and to the spirit of international cooperation and solidarity it embodies. We join forces with the other nations of the world and pledge to make every possible effort for world peace and stability and for a humane international community, on an enduringly beautiful planet.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The Concluding Document adopted at the summit characterizes the CSCE as a regional arrangement in the sense of the provisions of Chapter VIII of the United Nation Charter. In that way, the CSCE process contributes substantially to the collegiality of the world community and is therefore supported wholeheartedly by the Greek Government. Although the international community has increased its cooperation in combating drug abuse and the illicit production of and trafficking in narcotics, this scourge continues to plague and undermine our societies. Consequently, further intensified and more effective international cooperation is required within the existing international and regional mechanisms provided for by the United Nations and regional organizations.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“We have to give all possible help to the countries of Africa to solve their present problems and to undertake new efforts of cooperation and integration which will foster development, peace and stability. The Greek Government welcomes the positive results of the Helsinki summit of 1992 in the framework of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) and attaches particular importance to the comprehensive nature of the CSCE process, which brings together the Governments and the peoples of Europe and those of the United States and Canada. The Helsinki follow-up meeting provided an important opportunity for discussions on the future role of the CSCE. In particular, the strengthening of its institutions is expected to increase the effectiveness of the CSCE in the prevention, management and peaceful settlement of disputes.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Let us bear in mind that, now more than ever, the new reality of intensified subregional, regional and international cooperation in the political and economic fields points to an important role for a new, democratic, united and non-racial South Africa. In the Horn of Africa, in Somalia, a human tragedy of almost unprecedented scale is unfolding. War, drought and the collapse of civil authority threaten the very existence of the country: the physical existence the lives of its people. Starvation has already claimed thousands of lives. We know, however, that the difficulties of the two regions I have just referred to are only part of a more complicated, multifaceted structural p problem faced by the whole continent of Africa in all fields of human activity.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“No one can dispute today that apartheid is an unacceptable political system that has to be eradicated in all its forms and practical consequences. Furthermore, the international community and the main political leaders in South Africa are committed to the creation of a united, non-racial and democratic South African society through peaceful means and through negotiations involving all parties concerned. However, the recent wave of violence in South Africa, which claimed many innocent lives, seemed to pose a serious threat to the negotiating process, and to undermine the results achieved so far. Greece firmly believes that no effort should be spared to help South African society keep the momentum and to continue building upon what has been achieved.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“However, the events of the last 12 months seem to indicate that each side may now be prepared to accept for the other at least part of what it demands for itself. And this development, although in itself not sufficient for the solution to the conflict, does seem to justify the judgement that the chances for peace are better now than they were a year ago. I wish in this connection to pay tribute to the commitment and perseverance of the sponsors of the peace process launched in Madrid in October 1991, as well as to the wisdom and courage displayed by the parties directly involved. It is the fervent hope of the Greek Government that the new Israeli Government, as well as the Arab parties involved, will seize the opportunity to work together towards a comprehensive peace.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The important political changes of the last two years and the integrated nature of political, economic and social issues call for the United Nations to play a major role in shaping the directions of social and economic development. Progress in the regional conflicts that have been on the agenda of our Organization has again been uneven. Peace in the Middle East remains elusive. The most important element of the Middle East problem is the Arab-Israeli conflict. Two of the most ancient peoples in the world, each of which has made outstanding contributions to the common heritage of mankind, have for decades confronted each other, seemingly unwilling to accept for the other what each demands for itself, that is, the right to exist within safe and recognized borders, the right to a homeland, and the right to take charge of its own destiny.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The Uruguay Round of trade negotiations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) remains stalled. Financial assistance for development purposes is still hard to come by, while developing and other countries must complete painful adjustment programmes. High inflation, large-scale deficits, debt burdens and lack of adequate investments have not yet shown signs of improvement. Furthermore, economic hardship has given rise to fanaticism, unchecked migratory movements, civil strife and criminal acts. Development continues to be the most serious challenge of all countries. The world economic situation provides an opportunity for a strengthening of the role of the United Nations system as regards enhancing international cooperation for development.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The world economic situation presents an uneven and variegated picture. In countries where there is a movement towards a market system, economic difficulties are increasing, exacerbated by new assertions of nationalism, as well as by ethnic and religious challenges, which threaten social peace and the cohesion of States. In the developing countries growth remains on the whole sluggish, while there has been great diversity in performance among them. Moreover, the problems which plagued the developing world in the 1980s still persist. As pointed out in the World Economic Survey. 1992. world production fell in 1991 for the first time since the Second World War, and the recovery that was beginning to take shape appeared to be exceptionally weak.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“In his introductory remarks to the high-level segment of the Economic and Social Council, he argued in favour of an integrated approach to global issues under which the United Nations system, through preventive diplomacy, peacemaking and peace-keeping will bring its political influence to bear on the solution of economic and social issues. This approach is best suited to the Organization because it will secure "a unit thrust" in all the activities of the United nations system through enhanced coordination of agencies. The recently concluded Conference on Environment and Development held at Rio de Janeiro is a first example of this approach. A conceptual bridge was crossed there. We hope that fundamental principles agreed on at Rio de Janeiro will be translated into concrete action.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Now that the end of the cold war has raised the hopes of millions, a system of collective security is envisaged to preserve world peace and stability and to provide a new vision of development very much along the lines of the Charter of the United Nations. Economic and social development is not possible without peace and stability, which are prerequisites and not substitutes for development. The last 18 months have witnessed profound historic changes in the world economy. A large part of the world remains in a state of transition and uncertainty while it is being transformed fundamentally. The Secretary-General has offered us a new concept of integrated development no longer based on the traditional strict differentiation among political, economic and social issues.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The easing of international tensions with the end of the cold war provides new possibilities and resources for development. Our immediate objective should be to restore growth that would not irreparably destroy the air, the rivers, the forests, the oceans or any other part of nature. The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held at Rio de Janeiro last June has raised high hopes that the consensus which has emerged and which strikes a balance between environment and development will be sustained. At the same time, we note with great satisfaction that a political consensus is growing concerning the fundamental relationship between pluralistic democracy, respect for human rights, and development as an equitable and sustainable process.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Concerning Kosovo, which is a particularly sensitive, potentially dangerous area, we should encourage the Serbian Government and the ethnic Albanians to pursue a serious and open dialogue within the framework of the London Conference with a view to reaching an early solution to the problems of this area. We maintain that a status of autonomy, without any change of frontiers, would satisfy all concerned. The international community must also be alerted to the various reports from many parts of the former Yugoslavia concerning atrocities. It should be made clear to all those who are responsible for such acts that they will be held personally responsible. This is a point about which my Government feels particularly strongly.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Even when, recently, we reluctantly had to discontinue fuel exports there, in order to counter unjustified, unfounded accusations that Greece was circumventing Security Council resolutions 713 (1991) and 757 (1992), we never interfered with the supply of food and humanitarian aid. As a matter of fact, exports of fuel supplies have already been resumed now that the European Community has adopted new regulations to ensure the movement of goods towards the former Yugoslavia that safeguard the effectiveness of the United Nations embargo. The arms embargo should also be reinforced with respect to all sides and an effective mechanism for its control should be put in place.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Our insistence on this point is not only an emotional or sentimental matter, now is it only a matter of historical accuracy. It is, more than anything, a matter of political realism. The usurping of a Greek name and of ancient Greek emblems, combined with constitutional provisions insinuating territorial expansion, is nothing if not a clear indication of territorial claims. If we allow this policy to be pursued we shall condemn future generations for we shall be forming the nucleus of friction for some time to come. Having said that, I wish to make it quite clear that we have never harboured any enmity towards this nascent republic.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“We want good relations with all our Balkan neighbours. We are ready to support them economically and also to facilitate the development of their relations with the European Community. We have no claims against anybody and we expect them to have similar motivations toward us. It is for this reason that, as regards the former "Yugoslav Federal Socialist Republic of Macedonia", we have actively and consistently advocated full compliance with the Lisbon Declaration of the European Community, according to which that Republic should be recognized under a name which does not include the term "Macedonia". Otherwise, we will surely have sown the seeds of future tensions and conflicts in the area and we will have jeopardized the ability of the peoples of the Balkans to live and coexist peacefully together.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Any form of military intervention in the former Yugoslavia is highly inadvisable. We have cautioned against it because we consider the staging of a war to stop another war absurd and self-defeating. Indeed, if a majority of other States were to decide on some form of military intervention in Yugoslavia, Greece would in no way participate. All States - and mainly Balkan States - that neighbour the former Yugoslavia, and all States with a special interest in the area, should in any case be excluded from such action. Otherwise, the enmities, the mistrust and the rekindling of bitter memories of the past will be a source of persistent bitterness and instability for generations to come. We want the Balkans to be an area of peace and we wish to avoid a return to the time when they were known as the powder-keg of Europe.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The convening of the London Conference under the co-chairmanship of the European Community and the United Nations represents our only hope for a lasting settlement. We wish to reiterate here our full support to the chairmanship of the Conference, to which we are ready to offer all our assistance. The Assembly should send a clear message to all former Yugoslav parties that there can be no alternative to a negotiated solution of the crisis and that the international community is determined not to recognize any fait accompli created by force. We believe that no single party is to blame for the current crisis and its horrors and that all share part of the blame. In any event, we must act swiftly to stop the war before it is too late, for the dangers of spill-over of the crisis are real.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Moreover, it would also constitute an important element of Turkey's aspirations to its European orientation. We have been trying, most emphatically, to make it clear that it is our will to establish the most friendly relations with our neighbour Turkey. I do not think that the international community would be proud if it were to leave this problem, which has been dragging on for over 18 years, unresolved. The situation in the Balkans remains a cause of major concern to all. The Yugoslav crisis continues to constitute a potential danger for destabilization of the whole Balkans and a danger for peace and security in the wider area. Greece, as a Balkan country, naturally is directly concerned and, therefore, from the very beginning of the crisis has not spared any effort to achieve a speedy and negotiated solution.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“In this respect, we note that the Secretary-General's set of ideas, including the map attached thereto, which was initially discussed last July and August, with special emphasis on the territorial, refugee and property issues, should form the basis of negotiations during the follow-on talks scheduled to be resumed in New York in late October. We urge Turkey to use all its decisive influence on the Turkish-Cypriot side to ensure that it approaches the talks in a constructive manner which may well contribute to the solution of the problem and the elimination of a real anachronism in today's Europe. In conclusion on this subject, I wish to stress once again that the just settlement of this problem would greatly benefit relations between our two peoples and our two countries.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“In this respect, the report of the European Commission of Human Rights published on 2 April 1992 sets out the violations of human rights in Cyprus, concerning missing and displaced persons, separation of families, deprivation of possessions and so on. Despite the present status quo in Cyprus which the most recent Security Council resolution explicitly characterizes as not acceptable we, together with the international community, look forward to the systematic efforts of the Secretary-General with the active support of the five permanent members of the Security Council to bring about a just, a viable and a functional solution to the Cyprus problem.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“We, for our part, laid emphasis on the fact that the problem of Cyprus, which exercises a negative influence on our bilateral relations, should at last find a proper solution on the basis of all relevant United Nations resolutions. I should like to remind the Assembly that despite coordinated efforts the problem remains unresolved. Cyprus continues to be divided and a large part of its territory is still under Turkish occupation. The other consequences of the 1974 invasion, such as those of the refugees, the missing persons, and the continuing efforts to change the demographic structure of the island and to plunder of Cyprus' cultural heritage, still exist and constitute the main elements of the tragic reality of this Mediterranean island, an integral part of the European family and a State Member of this Organization.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Greece believes that it is high time for our two neighbouring States to find the way, on the basis of international law and international conventions and treaties, to establish closer relations, compatible with the requirements of the Charter of the United Nations, the Helsinki Final Act and the Charter of Paris, as well as with the expectations of our peoples, dictated by geographical proximity and by common interests. This intention, our political will and our sincere desire have been repeatedly stressed by our Prime Minister, Mr. Mitsotakis, who has already met with the Prime Minister of Turkey, Mr. Demirel, four times this year, while I have had the opportunity to speak in the same spirit to my Turkish counterpart, Mr. Hikmet Cetin, with whom I have already met three or four times.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“We maintain the best possible relations with our Balkan as well as our Mediterranean neighbours. Regarding our relations with Turkey, we consider that it is of primary importance for Greece and our neighbour Turkey that our two countries display the necessary will and imagination to create a climate of mutual confidence, security and stability which will redound to the benefit of the Eastern Mediterranean in general and our two peoples in particular.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The expression of concern about human rights violations can no longer be considered mere interference in a State's internal affairs. Established principles governing relations among States - such as non-interference in the internal affairs of other States and respect for the national sovereignty of States must accommodate efforts by the United Nations and by regional organizations to protect the human rights of individuals and social groups that are threatened in particular States. A few words about Greece's relations with its neighbours and the state of affairs in our region. We have repeatedly and officially stated that Greece has no territorial claims whatsoever against any of the countries neighbouring ours. We offer our friendship to all of them and we hope, indeed we are certain, they will reciprocate.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The deployment of common efforts for the maintenance of international peace and security through preventive diplomacy, peacemaking and peace-keeping are an indispensable manifestation of such international solidarity. The other two foundations on which this solidarity must be based are respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and a common concern for the protection of the environment. The subject of human rights is, of course, not new. We rejoice that the European Community has time and again emphasized that respect for, and promotion and safeguarding of human rights is an essential element in international relations and, therefore, one of the cornerstones of cooperation and of relations between the Community and its member States and other countries.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)