YouSaid · the spoken record

Bonaya Adhi Godana

lines on the record: 82
first: 1998-09-24
most recent: 2000-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
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

“Kenya is therefore totally opposed to the creation of new institutions with similar concerns and calls upon the international community to strengthen the role of UNEP and the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) in Nairobi. In conclusion, Kenya fully embraces the spirit of the Millennium Declaration, with a pledge to make its modest contribution in the general service of a happier family of nations.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The transformation of institutions dealing with other issues is equally overdue if we are to re-energize the efficacy and effectiveness of the United Nations, as called for in the Millennium Declaration. Kenya appreciates the increased utilization of the United Nations Office at Nairobi. We are nevertheless dissatisfied with the level of involvement with environment and human settlement issues. There is a huge, under-utilized capacity in the Nairobi offices. It should be noted also that the Nairobi Declaration adopted by Member States in February 1997 declared the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to be the principal body in the field of environment.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The institutions established in 1945 are overdue for an overhaul. The world political, economic and security landscape has changed, and so must these institutions. The United Nations must become a truly universal Organization, democratic and representative of the many diverse interests. Its organs should reflect this rich diversity, with effective representation and participation at all levels of decision-making. The General Assembly has to reassert its role within the Organization. The Security Council must also reflect the principle of equitable geographical representation and the realities of our times. Kenya seeks to have permanent seats on the Security Council allotted for Africa, to be filled by African countries on a rotational basis and on the same footing as existing permanent seats.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“We share the concerns, expressed by the leaders from developing countries who attended the Okinawa G-8 Summit, on the impact of the debt burden to poverty alleviation efforts. Debt repayment in sub-Saharan Africa is to the detriment of health, education and other essential services. Kenya urges creditor countries to honour pledges for debt relief and increase balance of payment support to developing countries. Kenya attaches special importance to South- South cooperation. It is in recognition of the important role of economic cooperation among developing countries that we continue actively to pursue economic integration with countries in our own subregion. The relationship between regional and subregional economic groupings is seen within the framework of the African Economic Community, which Kenya fully supports.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Kenya wishes to stress the need to ensure the easy availability of existing drugs to those already afflicted. Given that information technologies are important prerequisites for development, the developed countries should direct resources to accelerate the development of information technology in Africa. In this regard, Kenya welcomes the Okinawa Charter initiative of the G-8 countries and looks forward to the implementation of its aims. My delegation notes the commitment made by the G-8 to speed up the pace of implementation of the enhanced Highly Indebted Poor Countries Debt Initiative, in line with the targets agreed at the Cologne Summit. However, the initiative suffers from a lack of commitment to implementation and should be reviewed with a view to being speeded up.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The global market environment poses enormous challenges, and there is an urgent need for supportive international policies that will ensure the financial system’s efficient functioning. The slow progress in Africa’s attainment of sustainable economic growth is linked to the failure to mobilize resources. This has been aggravated by internal conflicts and the prevalence of diseases such as malaria and the HIV/AIDS pandemic, which in themselves have a causal relationship with poverty and deprivation. My country, in collaboration with international agencies, is zealously pursuing scientific research to find a cure for malaria and the HIV/AIDS pandemic. We call upon the international community to support our research efforts to find a cure for these diseases, which continue to ravage millions.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“At the same time, we urge the implementation of special and differential provisions in respect of developing and least developed countries because of their low levels of industrialization and the vulnerable nature of their economies. The increased globalization of financial markets and capital flows poses new challenges for the mobilization of adequate resources. Kenya shares the concerns of developing countries over the general decline in official development assistance and the free flow of foreign direct investment to developing countries. Portfolio investment, which tends to be volatile and unpredictable, as experienced during the 1997 financial crisis, is a source of financial instability. We support the creation of a new international financial architecture for a more stable financial system.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Globalization poses enormous challenges to developing countries, and ours is no exception. Kenya welcomes initiatives that protect the weaker States from the adverse effects of globalization. The ability of African countries to participate effectively, exercise their rights and meet their obligations in the World Trade Organization (WTO) is an important determinant in their integration into the international trading system. My delegation is concerned about the growing protectionism manifested in attempts to support a new round of multilateral trade negotiations within the context of the WTO. Kenya is firmly opposed to the introduction of new protectionist barriers to trade camouflaged as labour, health and environmental standards.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Further, the Government of Kenya has developed an interim poverty reduction strategy paper, which has been prepared in consultation with all stakeholders. The strategy paper outlines measures designed to improve economic performance, while identifying key actions to reduce the prevalence of poverty. The above measures are part of the Kenya Government’s strategy to restore economic growth while maintaining economic stability. Economic reforms are gaining momentum and are expected to lead to a progressive increase in real per capita growth. Currently, the country is facing a severe drought, the worst in our country’s history. This is having a debilitating effect on our economy. We appreciate the assistance received so far from the international community and seek continued support to deal with the situation.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“We are all aware of the challenging task of eradicating poverty consistent with the overall objectives and strategies agreed in the Copenhagen Declaration and the Programme of Action adopted at the World Summit for Social Development and with the outcome of the Millennium Summit. Kenya supports and continues to implement the Copenhagen Declaration and the Programme of Action. This commitment is manifested in our Government’s determination to establish a firm policy and institutional framework for mainstreaming the poverty eradication agenda. The formulation of the National Poverty Eradication Plan is a step towards focusing national policies and operational priorities on the poor, as well as providing an enabling environment for them to participate in economic and social development.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The process of reforming the Economic and Social Council should be expedited by organizing its work throughout the year and reinforcing its role in providing overall policy guidance for operational development programmes and funds. Kenya supports the implementation of policies that foster economic growth in developing countries in order to bridge the widening gap between rich and poor. My delegation urges the United Nations and the Bretton Woods institutions to ensure the facilitation of stronger and more equitable international multilateral development cooperation designed to address the growing problems in economic development.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“We are also collaborating with international security agencies, such as Interpol, and have signed extradition treaties with a number of States. We call for concerted efforts to adopt effective international measures to eradicate the growing and dangerous links between terrorist groups, drug traffickers and armed criminal groups. The struggle against terrorism can only succeed if there is cooperation between all countries to track down and apprehend wanted terrorists. Kenya supports the initiative to restructure and revitalize the United Nations in the economic, social and related fields. We stress that the promotion of development should remain a central priority of the Organization.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“During the last session of the Assembly I commended the High Commissioner for Human Rights for adopting a proactive approach to human rights issues. We continue to stress that human rights should be addressed in a global context through a dialogue- based approach. In this way, we will realize wider acceptance and observance of human rights. The rise in transnational networks of crime, narcotics, money laundering and terrorism is another matter of grave concern to us. The effects of the August 1998 terrorist bombing in Nairobi are still evident in our economy and in the lives of Kenyans. We have undertaken measures to contain this menace by establishing special policing units and strict control of movement on border areas and other national entry points.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“We have noted with concern the bewildering inconsistency in the responses to the refugee problems in other parts of the world compared with those in Africa. We hope that in future the international community will respond in a fair and consistent manner to refugee crises in all parts of the world. The promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms is firmly on the international agenda. In Kenya the Government effort is geared towards enhancing public awareness of existing rights and freedoms. In this regard, the Government has prepared a bill seeking to establish an independent human rights commission to monitor and protect human rights. That commission would also advise the Government on its international obligations on the protection and promotion of human rights.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“A consequence of conflicts and the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons has been the massive movement of refugees across borders. Kenya continues to host a large number of such refugees. This has put a heavy strain on our own scarce national resources. I am happy to note that the Government of Kenya is in the process of finalizing the Refugee Bill 2000 in order to address the refugee phenomenon. The Bill is a result of joint efforts between the Government of Kenya, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and other stakeholders. It will provide refugees with a better legal framework in which to live and exercise their rights. Kenya would like to see an end to the disparity in the treatment of refugees globally.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The Conference, attended by 10 States of the region, adopted the Nairobi Declaration, which calls for greater cooperation and information- sharing between law enforcement and border control officials of States in our region, as well as the strengthening and/or adoption of national laws and control mechanisms governing civilian possession of arms, and urges source countries to regulate weapons and arms transactions through strict licensing. The Nairobi Conference was an important initiative. Kenya is in the process of organizing a follow-up meeting later this year. In the same vein, I should like to express our full support for the International Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, scheduled for 2001. We hope that that Conference will adequately address our concerns.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“After the end of the cold war, there is no longer any justification for maintaining nuclear arsenals, if there ever was one. Kenya calls on the nuclear countries to preserve outer space as a nuclear-free zone. The serious security problem posed by the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons is a matter of grave concern to Kenya. We hosted in March this year the Great Lakes Region and Horn of Africa Conference on the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“This Assembly has in various resolutions urged the Conference on Disarmament to undertake such negotiations. During its fifty-fourth session, for instance, the General Assembly passed four resolutions which, inter alia, called on the Conference to get down to serious work. The lack of progress at the Conference is due to the reluctance of key nuclear-weapon States to submit themselves to negotiate in good faith, despite their obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. We still expect the nuclear-weapon States to honour their commitment to undertake genuine nuclear disarmament, which they renewed during the 2000 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty. Failure of the Conference on Disarmament will send the wrong signal to non-nuclear-weapon States and might well encourage those with nuclear ambitions to join that club.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Kenya welcomes the decision by the Security Council authorizing the establishment of an international criminal court to try those responsible for atrocities committed in the civil war in Sierra Leone. It should signal to the rebels there and elsewhere that the international community will not tolerate acts against humanity. Turning to disarmament and international security, we are disappointed that the Conference on Disarmament for the second year running has not undertaken any substantive work. This situation is particularly disturbing, since the Conference is the sole multilateral disarmament negotiating forum. The Conference has for a considerable period of time been expected to conduct serious negotiations on a fissile material cut-off treaty and a treaty on nuclear disarmament.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“I pay tribute to President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti for his mediation efforts and his steadfast commitment to the cause of peace in Somalia. I call upon the international community to continue providing support and humanitarian assistance to the Somali nation. I also hope that the recently concluded accord on Burundi will bring to an end the seven-year- old civil war and enable the people of that country to redirect their efforts towards reconstruction and development. The recent unfortunate experience in Sierra Leone calls for a review of peacekeeping operations, particularly with regard to the safety, commissioning and deployment of troops. Kenya supports the recent initiative aimed at curbing the trade in illicit diamonds, which fuels and sustains conflicts in Africa.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“However, there are others, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the United Nations has been slow to act. Positive regional initiatives have been recorded in the cessation of armed hostilities between Ethiopia and Eritrea, under the auspices of the Organization of African Unity (OAU). We commend the parties for the maturity they have demonstrated. We urge both parties to the conflict to uphold the ceasefire while working towards a final negotiated settlement of that dispute. The United Nations is urged to speedily discharge its duty along that common border. The establishment last month of a Transitional National Assembly and the election of the President of the Republic of Somalia was indeed a momentous occasion.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The proliferation of conflicts in Africa continues to pose serious threats to peace, security and stability. Conflicts have had a negative impact on the continent’s development capacity and continue to undermine efforts to improve the living standards of our peoples. They have caused considerable destruction and loss of lives, generated millions of refugees and displaced persons and exacerbated famine conditions in areas such as the southern Sudan and the Horn of Africa. Africa recognizes the primary role of the United Nations in the maintenance of international peace and security. It also recognizes the need for cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations in peacekeeping and peace-building. Such efforts have yielded positive results in some countries.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Let me begin by congratulating the President on behalf of my delegation on his unanimous election to lead the fifty-fifth regular session of the General Assembly. I am confident that his able leadership and vast diplomatic experience will steer the business of this session of the General Assembly to the desired outcome. I also wish to express my delegation’s gratitude to his predecessor, Minister Theo-Ben Gurirab of Namibia, for the able manner in which he presided over the work of our previous session. I commend the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, whose commitment in shaping the United Nations to meet the challenges of the new millennium has won the respect and admiration of many. I particularly commend him for his selfless dedication to duty and encourage him to continue serving the international community with the same zeal.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Consider for a moment the number of lives that have been saved by the Organization; the personal freedoms that many countries and individuals now enjoy; and the diseases that have been controlled or eliminated: the list of successes is endless. But much still needs to be done: the Secretary-General's proposal for a Millennium Assembly, with a millennium summit as an integral part, would provide an important forum for us to reexamine the role of the Organization and chart our path for the next millennium. Kenya will play its part.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The application of sanctions usually has profound effects not only on the target countries but also on their neighbouring countries and other trading partners. Efforts should therefore be made to put Article 50 of the Charter, which refers to third States, into operation by establishing mechanisms or Funds to provide them with relief. In this regard, Kenya urges that the sanctions on Iraq should be urgently reviewed with a view to their suspension and eventual lifting. We also hope that the sanctions on Libya, recently suspended, will soon be lifted. As we enter the twenty-first century, it is hard to imagine what this world would be without the United Nations.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Kenya is of the view that sanctions should be imposed only in accordance with the Charter and only after all means for the pacific settlement of disputes under Chapter VI have been exhausted. A thorough study of the short- and long-term effects of sanctions, especially on innocent victims, should be undertaken. The objectives of sanctions should be clearly defined and the sanctions should be lifted as soon as those objectives have been achieved. Sanctions should be imposed for a specified time, and the conditions to be met by the country or party on which sanctions are imposed must be clearly defined and subjected to periodic review. We reject any attempts 24 to impose or prolong the application of sanctions for reasons other than the specified objectives.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“It is imperative that the reform of the Security Council should ensure greater accountability and democracy together with equitable representation. The universal and democratic nature of the United Nations should be preserved and reforms introduced to ensure fair representation of all the major geographic regions of the world. A strong and persuasive case has been made by African countries for at least two seats in the permanent membership of the Security Council. Our recent experience as a nonpermanent member of the Council has convinced us of the urgency of restructuring this important organ so that developing countries can play their rightful part in the maintenance of international peace and security.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“As host to the only United Nations headquarters in the developing world, we continue to be greatly concerned by the underutilization of the excellent conference facilities at the United Nations Office at Nairobi. Practical plans are urgently required to place the Nairobi Office on the same level as the United Nations Offices at Geneva and Vienna by providing it with adequate resources and personnel to enable it to carry out its functions effectively. The changes that have taken place in international relations need to be reflected in the composition and structure of the Security Council. The Security Council is a body that is empowered to make important executive decisions on matters of peace and security on behalf of the entire membership of the United Nations.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“As eloquently stated by the Secretary-General, reform of the United Nations is a process and not an event. In order to attain a more transparent, accountable and democratic United Nations, the collective resolve of its Member States is imperative. We must resist any attempts to approach the reform process in terms of downsizing: reform must entail restructuring to cope better with the immense economic development challenges facing our world, and the success of the reform effort must be measured in terms of the Organization's capacity to deliver programmes, strengthen the Secretariat, enhance its strategic orientation and use the development dividend to enhance socio-economic development in all our countries. In this context, Kenya welcomes the appointment of Dr. Klaus Töpfer as Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“As we celebrate the United Nations Decade of International Law, Kenya regards the adoption of the Statute of the International Criminal Court as a historic milestone in the progressive development of international law. We participated actively in the negotiations leading to the adoption of the Rome Statute, became the eighty-fourth State to append our signature to it and have embarked on the ratification process for it. We look to the Preparatory Commission for the International Criminal Court to elaborate on the outstanding issues, including the elements of crime and the rules of procedure, in order to reach an early consensus and ensure universal acceptance of the Statute. We hope that the Preparatory Commission will complete its work before the June 2000 deadline.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Kenya welcomes the urgency and importance with which the international community has recently addressed the problem of antipersonnel landmines. We participated actively in the negotiations leading to the Ottawa Convention on anti-personnel landmines and in the recent Maputo Conference of States Parties to the Ottawa Convention. We have signed the Ottawa Convention, which is now going through the ratification process. The prevailing international consensus on outlawing landmines must be maintained in order to achieve the target of a total ban on the production, use and eventual elimination of anti- personnel landmines. International cooperation is essential in the areas of landmine clearance and the physical rehabilitation of victims, as well as their social and economic rehabilitation and reintegration.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“In this connection, we express our support for the convening of an international conference on the illicit arms trade in all its aspects to be held by the year 2001. In our own region, Kenya will host a meeting before the end of this year to address the complex problems of 23 small arms and their ramifications for security and conflicts in our region. We look forward to the support and cooperation of our development partners to ensure that this conference is a success. On this issue, Kenya would like to draw a clear distinction between the legitimate rights of sovereign States to self-defence and therefore to the procurement of armaments for that purpose, and the illicit traffic in small arms involving non-State actors.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We call for concerted efforts to adopt effective international measures to eradicate the growing and dangerous links between terrorist groups, drug traffickers and armed criminal elements. Towards this end, Kenya participated actively in the Algiers summit of OAU in July 1999, at which African States adopted a convention on preventing and combating terrorism. Clearly, more needs to be done. We support the proposal to hold an international conference next year on combating terrorism. Kenya is situated in the heart of a turbulent region. The proliferation of illegal small arms and their increased criminal use on Kenyan territory, often by groups from across our borders, is motivating us to push for practical and sustained international cooperation to stop illegal trafficking in small arms.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Our vision is to establish an East African community with a population of nearly 90 million people with natural, historic, social and cultural ties into one investment destination, one tourist destination, one single market and one common external tariff, with a free flow of goods, services and people. Kenya is greatly concerned by the rise in transnational crime, narcotics, money-laundering and terrorism networks. The tragic bombing of the embassies of the United States of America in Nairobi and Dar-es- Salaam in August 1998 is still fresh in our memories. This incident, not to mention the recent terrorist attacks in Moscow, has heightened our resolve to work closely with the international community to fight and eradicate terrorism.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The South-South summit provides a golden opportunity at the highest political level for the members of the Group of 77 and China to share their experiences and to consolidate political goodwill, which is so vital for economic cooperation and development. Kenya attaches great importance to economic cooperation among developing countries. It is for this reason that Kenya has actively pursued the path of economic integration at the regional and subregional levels. In addition to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), comprising 21 countries with a population approaching 400 million, we are determined, at the subregional level, to upgrade the East African cooperation arrangements — comprising Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania — into a full-fledged East African community by the end of the year.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other specialized bodies — such as the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) — must be strengthened in order to enable them to succeed in their respective roles. Kenya looks forward to the convening of the first South-South summit in Havana, Cuba, in April next year. The conference will be a historic milestone in the strengthening of South-South cooperation.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Kenya has already launched a Poverty Eradication Plan, which has received some support and which we hope will attract wider support to allow us to achieve our goal of becoming a newly industrialized country by the year 2020. Bold actions are required to ensure that the developed countries fulfil the commitments agreed upon to maintain official development assistance flows to developing countries at 0.7 per cent of their gross national product. In this regard, Kenya supports the proposal to hold an international conference on financing for development next year. The United Nations remains our only hope to spearhead the process of development. Accordingly, all Member States have an obligation to support the Organization in order for it to fulfil its development mandate.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“In addition, consideration could be given to modifying the existing terms and conditions of HIPC to enable countries like Kenya, not covered by HIPC as currently proposed, to participate without the possibility of losing access to credit that would otherwise be available to them. The terms and conditions of the HIPC Initiative are based on a piecemeal approach which will not contribute to the overall goal of debt cancellation. Debt-relief measures should be structured in a holistic and comprehensive manner without eroding Africa's future capacity to attract investments and should be linked to the long-term social and economic development of the continent. Another issue that requires the concerted efforts of the international community is that of poverty eradication.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“This has been aggravated by situations of internal conflict and the prevalence of such diseases as malaria and AIDS, among others, which are compounded in turn by the shackles of poverty and deprivation and an unfavourable external economic environment. My delegation welcomes the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Debt (HIPC) Initiative made at the G-8 meeting in Cologne, Germany. The crushing burden of external debt on the developing countries, especially those in sub- 22 Saharan Africa, remains a major obstacle to our development efforts. While we welcome this Initiative, we are of the view that much still needs to be done. We would like to see HIPC coverage broadened to include more of the indebted countries, with relief being offered in a graduated manner. This would envisage providing the greatest relief to the most indebted countries.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The resumption of direct dialogue between the State of Israel and the Palestinian National Authority, which resulted in agreement on the implementation of aspects of the Wye accords, demonstrates the vast opportunities that political goodwill can unleash. We encourage those involved to stay on course and we welcome indications that the other tracks in the Middle East peace process are receiving careful attention. On the economic front, my delegation is of the view that the slow progress in Africa's efforts to attain sustainable economic growth and development is directly related to the failure by the international community to mobilize adequate resources for development.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“As Sierra Leone continues along the path of national reconciliation and true peace, we encourage the United Nations to remain committed to and engaged in that country. We again place on record our appreciation to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) for its immense sacrifice in assisting the people of Sierra Leone in their search for peace and democracy. On our part, we will continue to support our brothers and sisters in that country. Towards that end, we have already contributed personnel to the United Nations Observer Mission in Sierra Leone (UNOMSIL). Kenya is encouraged by the recent positive developments in the Middle East peace process.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We should do everything possible to support efforts towards the restoration of normalcy in Kosovo. We also hope that the spirit that prevailed in the establishment and financing of UNMIK will be applied to peacekeeping operations in Africa. With regard to the situation in East Timor, Kenya commends Indonesia for allowing the international community to send a United Nations — mandated multinational force to restore order. We welcome the unequivocal statement by the Foreign Minister of Indonesia, Mr. Ali Alatas, reiterating his Government's responsibility to ensure the fulfilment of the newly expressed will of the majority of East Timorese to seek a new destiny outside the Indonesian Republic. We hope, as he expressed the hope, that the parting of ways will, in his own words, proceed honourably, peacefully and amicably.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Whatever we may say on intervention, the sovereignty of States remains at the core of diplomatic discourse. Derogation from this principle in the case of serious humanitarian emergencies must be made on the basis of general consensus in the United Nations. It is in this spirit that Kenya has always supported and participated in many United Nations peacekeeping missions throughout the world. We will continue to contribute personnel and remain actively involved in United Nations peacekeeping activities. All peacekeeping missions must be established in accordance with the United Nations Charter. This is why we welcome the assumption of responsibility in Kosovo by the United Nations in the form of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“In accordance with the United Nations Charter, the Security Council has the primary responsibility to determine the existence of any threat to international peace and security and to recommend appropriate intervention measures. There can be no derogation from this primary responsibility. In the fulfilment of this responsibility, it must be borne in mind that the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of Member States remains a cardinal element in the conduct of international relations, as spelt out in the Charter. We have serious reservations on the evolving view that even the United Nations Charter provides leeway for non-United Nations intervention. We would like to caution that this approach needs to be carefully balanced with legitimate concerns of sovereignty.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The situation in Angola continues to be a source of great frustration. Indeed, the resumption of hostilities at a level not seen since the signing of the Lusaka Protocol does not augur well. Kenya is deeply disappointed that the leader of UNITA, Mr. Savimbi, continues to flagrantly defy the collective will of the international 21 community. We call on him to immediately cease all acts of hostility against the people of Angola. With regard to the border conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea, we note with satisfaction that the combined initiatives of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the United Nations and the United States to secure definitive agreement on the modalities for the implementation of the OAU Framework Agreement are still on course. We appeal to both parties to exercise utmost restraint and not to resume fighting.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“As the international community continues to play its part, the responsibility for a final, comprehensive and lasting settlement to the crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo falls largely to the people and their leaders. In that regard, Kenya urges all parties to the Lusaka Agreement to demonstrate their commitment by implementing it, both in letter and in spirit, in a timely and appropriate manner. We firmly believe that it is time for the Security Council to actively step in and provide tangible support for the peace process. Africa expects that the support given to peacekeeping operations in other parts of the world will be replicated, both in scope and in content, in the case of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We know that most members of the Security Council have embraced this challenge and are willing to do their part.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains of utmost concern to us because it poses a serious threat not only to the Great Lakes region but also to the rest of our continent. It is for this reason that Kenya has been involved in the attempts to resolve the conflict, particularly in its early, initial stages. Kenya's offer to host in Nairobi the proposed Congolese national debate on the political future of their country still stands. We commend the recent personal efforts that President Chiluba of Zambia has made in negotiating a settlement plan which seeks to find a comprehensive solution to that crisis. We will do everything possible to complement these efforts and hope that the international community will be prepared to fulfil its own supporting role.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“In this regard, we are grateful for the role being played by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the United Nations Children's Fund, the World Health Organization and many others who have provided invaluable assistance, without which it would have been impossible for the Government of Kenya alone to cope with the humanitarian crisis. Recently, Kenya decided to tighten its border controls with Somalia. However, we remain committed to facilitating ongoing humanitarian operations, which continue with numerous daily flights into Somalia from our territory — and, in some cases, by land as well. We have been able to do this by coordinating our actions with the relevant humanitarian agencies and organizations.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Regional entities that may have come into existence during this period in Somalia's history should be seen as building blocks intended to eventually lead to a Government of national unity. We the neighbouring countries, as well as the international community, have an important role in facilitating the process leading to a peaceful and comprehensive settlement of the conflict. Our common commitment to a united Somalia should not waver. In the tradition of African hospitality, Kenya has always provided a home to displaced people from neighbouring countries. As a result of the collapse of the central authority in Somalia, a large number of refugees found their way into our country. We are proud to have been able to assist and even settle some of them.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The international community should resume its active interest and support for Somalia in order to instill in the innocent people of that country some measure of hope for the future. We are grateful for the roles that the Organization of African Unity and the United Nations have played and continue to play. However, Kenya calls for greater involvement by the United Nations in support of ongoing regional efforts. The new initiative unveiled by the Chairman of IGAD, President Guelleh of Djibouti, at this podium on 22 September 1999, deserves serious consideration. In efforts to support and assist the people of Somalia, the territorial integrity of that country must be respected.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)