YouSaid · the spoken record

Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah

lines on the record: 84
first: 1996-09-24
most recent: 2001-09-24
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

“Hopefully, this will turn out to be another event that underscores our determination to promote and consolidate the concepts of civilized tolerance and understanding among our nations and peoples, who all yearn to live free of self-inflicted conflicts and to enjoy a prosperous life in which good and virtuous human tendencies prevail as a basis for international relations.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“On a parallel track, Kuwait is contributing to the funding of many developmental programmes and projects in the developing countries through international and regional financial institutions, as well as through many public Kuwaiti charitable organizations. This philanthropy is motivated by a sense of common social responsibility and social interdependence — values that are embedded in the traditions of our Islamic faith. Let me close by saying that we look forward to participating actively in the forthcoming celebrations of the Year of Dialogue among Civilizations.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“In the meantime, the developed countries and the international financial institutions should double their financial aid to the developing countries in order to enable them to strengthen the underpinnings of their economic structures. In the long term, this will help to establish more balanced economic relations built on mutual benefit and common interest. With that in mind, Kuwait is pursuing a steadfast policy of support for developmental projects in many developing countries. Most recently, Kuwait has contributed $1 million to the fund established by the Secretary-General to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“These changes and phenomena have made it imperative for many countries, especially the developing nations, to introduce drastic changes to their economic plans and structures in an attempt to benefit from the globalized economy with a view to ensuring development and progress for their societies. Despite the promise of substantial benefits as a result of policies to liberalize world trade and eliminate customs barriers, we still have to make a concerted effort in order to make the globalization process a positive force that benefits all the peoples of the world. This will require the drawing up of regional and international guidelines and standards that protect the nascent economies of the developing nations from economic turbulence and crises that might otherwise have an adverse impact on the living conditions of their peoples.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“This insensitivity is borne out by its insistence on boycotting the meetings of the ad hoc Tripartite 7 Commission and its Technical Subcommittee since it walked away from those meetings for unjustifiable political reasons in January 1999. Let me also reiterate our call to Iraq to return our stolen property, in particular the State of Kuwait archives and other official documents. Over the past few years, the world economic scene has undergone remarkable changes. We have seen the emergence of several new economic phenomena created by the revolution in information technology and the immense scientific progress in communications and trade.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“The humanitarian nature of this long-running issue — the anguish that it is causing to the immediate families of the prisoners and to our entire population — means that resolution of the problem cannot be delayed any longer. The Government of Iraq alone bears responsibility for the lack of any meaningful progress in implementing the relevant Security Council resolutions. Those resolutions demand, inter alia, that Iraq cooperate with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the high- level Coordinator, Ambassador Yuli Vorontsov, who was appointed by the Secretary-General to facilitate the return of those prisoners and hostages. It is clear that the Government of Iraq is insensitive to the humanitarian dimension of this matter.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Kuwait has also called on the Security Council to bring pressure to bear on the Iraqi Government so that it will honour all its obligations and thereby make it possible to lift the sanctions affecting the brotherly people of Iraq and to permit that country to reclaim its normal status as an active member regionally and internationally. When we discuss here the suffering of children, women and the elderly, Kuwait cannot but recall its own excruciating experience, endured over the past decade, relating to the question of Kuwaiti and third- country prisoners and hostages. In fact, this is a key obligation that Iraq has so far failed to fulfil. This issue remains a top national priority for the Government and people of Kuwait.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“It is, indeed, regrettable that the Government of Iraq persists in its allegations that it has carried out all its obligations under those resolutions. In addition, that Government continues to pursue its long-standing hostile practices and policies towards Kuwait in order to heighten regional tension and to destabilize security and peace. Kuwait has repeatedly drawn the attention of the Security Council and the Secretary-General to the non-peaceful intentions of Iraq, as exemplified by the recurrent threats made to Kuwait’s security and sovereignty by many high-level Iraqi Government officials.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“We hope that this declared position will now be translated into concrete steps that will move the whole peace process forward towards its long-awaited outcome. In this context, let me stress that Kuwait will continue to support our Palestinian brothers and to provide all possible political and material assistance to them until they attain all their legitimate political rights, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian State on their own territory, with Jerusalem as its capital. In the same vein, Israel must unconditionally withdraw from the Syrian Arab Golan and the Lebanese Shab’a farms. The main objective of Kuwait’s foreign policy is to consolidate security and stability throughout the Arabian Gulf region. This goal will remain unmet unless and until Iraq implements all relevant Security Council resolutions.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“It is precisely against this backdrop that the United Nations, the international community and the United States in particular, as a co-sponsor of the Middle East peace process, must assume a special international responsibility to mount an effective and meaningful drive to force Israel to fulfil its undertakings and commitments set forth in its bilateral agreements with the Palestinian Authority, as well as to implement Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, including those relating to the city of Jerusalem, with a view to preserving its Arab and Islamic character and its holy religious identity. Kuwait therefore welcomes the indications of support by the United States for the establishment of an independent Palestinian State.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“It slams every door that is opened, designs new oppressive measures and triggers one crisis after another. Its overriding goal is to abort the peace promise born in Madrid in 1991. Israel’s barbaric practices, its blatant challenge to all United Nations resolutions and its excessive and unwarranted use of lethal force in response to stone-throwing Palestinians have all combined to create an overwhelming sense of despair, frustration and gloom in the Palestinian ranks. Here one must ponder the hard lessons we have all learned from similar situations of unalloyed gloom and doom.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“It is our hope that this initiative will help to further promote a deeper universal awareness of the need to safeguard our environment, which is the source of human life now and in the future. 6 The eyes of the world have been fixed for over one year now on the valiant uprising of the Palestinian people, which arose as a natural and legitimate response to the continued Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories and to the backtracking of the Israeli Government from the accords it signed with the Palestinian side. The obvious policy of the Government of Israel is to reject any Palestinian, regional or international initiative. Instead, it counts as a matter of policy on the use of force; state terrorism and the creation of faits accomplis on the ground.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“In the meantime, while we express our deep regret for the civilian casualties among the Afghan population, we sincerely hope that the ongoing military operations against the bastions of terrorism and the terrorists will cause no injuries to innocent, unarmed people who are totally powerless and helpless. Kuwait views the environment as a key common heritage and destiny that must be preserved for future generations. The bitter recent experience of the Gulf region, where two devastating wars took place, has left wide-scale environmental damage. Against this background, Kuwait sponsored a draft resolution submitted to the General Assembly to designate 6 November of each year as the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict. Kuwait is grateful that the resolution was adopted by consensus.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Furthermore, back in Kuwait, we are organizing a public fund-raising campaign to solicit donations from individuals and private companies to alleviate the suffering of the Afghan people. The total yield of that effort now stands at over $8 million. With regard to the overall situation in Afghanistan, Kuwait maintains that international efforts should be maximized to bring about the long- awaited peace and security. National reconciliation and a national coalition Government, elected by the people of Afghanistan, that represent all factions and ethnic groups are perhaps the most viable means to ensure the sustainability of the country and eventually its recovery of normal status within the region and the world. Only then will the nation of Afghanistan be able to channel its energy and resources towards reconstruction and development.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Kuwait is in full sympathy with the friendly people of Afghanistan, who have endured a great and steady decline in their living conditions for over 20 years. The relentless conflicts and wars that have afflicted Afghanistan for too long have destroyed the infrastructure and resources of that country. In response to the appeal of the Secretary-General seeking resources to meet the severe humanitarian crisis of the Afghan people, the Government of Kuwait has announced a donation of $3 million in support of international humanitarian relief efforts. Three shipments of relief aid have also been sent to the Afghan refugees. These supplies are distributed in coordination with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“The aim is to deny evil-doers any reason to carry out their terror schemes to advance their own agendas. While we stress the importance and relevance of all United Nations resolutions and instruments relating to the suppression of terrorism, Kuwait endorses the call to convene an international conference on terrorism. A key purpose of that proposed meeting would be to set out a clear definition of terrorism that draws a line between terrorism as a phenomenon that strikes at international peace and security and the right of peoples to struggle against occupation with a view to achieving self-determination, in line with the Charter of the United Nations and the norms of international law.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Islam is a faith that advocates peace, calls for tolerance, promotes amity and renounces bigotry and extremism. Suffice it to cite one verse from The Holy Koran: “Invite (all) to the Way Of thy Lord with wisdom And beautiful preaching” (The Holy Koran, XVI:125) Therefore, we really cannot accept these tendencies in the domestic or international mass media, regardless of any excuse or pretext. Indeed, it is our common responsibility to challenge such pernicious campaigns in the interest of global social harmony. An effective fight against terrorism requires maximum international cooperation and coordination. It also demands a soul-searching review of our political, economic and social policies and practices in dealing with current global challenges.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“In compliance with Security Council resolution 1373 (2001), Kuwait has enacted specific measures to plug any loopholes that might be abused in charitable fund-raising activities and to ensure that any charity asset is used solely and exclusively for its original 5 legitimate purposes. Our competent authorities are now in the process of taking further enforcement measures to ensure universal and strict compliance. At a time when we condemn all acts of terrorism, we have been truly surprised to hear some voices that have started to mount intense and relentless campaigns linking terrorism with Islam. Those allegations represent an obvious mistreatment of and injustice to a divine faith revealed by God Almighty to humankind to ensure mercy and compassion on this planet.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Thus, only hours after the commission of those criminal acts, which contravene and violate every religious concept and every cultural and humanitarian value system, the Government and people of Kuwait condemned them. I wish to reiterate here our deep sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families and to the friendly people of the United States of America. Let me reaffirm our full backing and support for all the efforts and measures adopted by the international coalition to destroy the dens and bases of terrorism with a view to stamping out its roots, to apprehend the perpetrators of these criminal acts and to bring them to justice. In this regard, we call for the completion of work on the development of a rigorous international legal system with which all countries of the world would comply in good faith to eradicate this evil.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“The fact that the world community is now seized with fighting terrorism is perhaps yet further compelling and clear evidence of the deep interaction among and complexity of States’ interests and concerns. The strong condemnation of the heinous terrorist acts committed against the United States of America on 11 September 2001 reflects the international community’s recognition that the real target of that assault is the political, economic and social stability of the world order. Indeed, those attacks affected, without discrimination, virtually all nation States, all continents, all civilizations, all religions and all races. Kuwait, for its part, has had a long-standing and firm position of total and unequivocal condemnation of terrorism, irrespective of its form or manifestation.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Annan’s mandate by the international community reflects deep confidence in his character and capabilities, in addition to recognition of his past record. We look forward to continuing to see him bring into play his creative perspective in addressing a whole array of complete and interrelated issues facing our world. Many of the questions and challenges facing our countries nowadays involve implications and risks that cut across national borders of sovereign countries. It is little wonder that our world has become a smaller planet where geographical boundaries, cultural diversity, economic status and ethnic multiplicity have become lesser factors in shielding communities against global influences and, by the same token, have provided larger platforms for interaction with others.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“On behalf of the State of Kuwait, it gives me pleasure to congratulate Mr. Han Seung-soo, and his friendly country, the Republic of Korea, on his election as President of the fifty-sixth session of the General Assembly. The office he holds undoubtedly carries enormous responsibility. My delegation offers him all the support and cooperation he needs to fulfil his mandate. I wish here to pay tribute to his predecessor, Mr. Harri Holkeri, for his efficient stewardship of the last session of the Assembly. Let me take this opportunity to warmly congratulate Secretary-General Kofi Annan, jointly with the United Nations, on the well-deserved award of the Nobel Peace Prize, and on his unprecedented early re-election to a second term. The renewal of Mr.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Let us pledge ourselves to bequeath to the generations of the coming century the assurance that we have kept our faith to them, and that we have sown for them the seeds of goodness that will yield a better life.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“We remain hopeful at the outset of a new century that the nations of the world will close ranks to fulfil the noble principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter. We also hope that the Millennium Declaration will be translated into a tangible reality that fulfils the aspirations and the vision of peoples yearning to live in a climate of security, peace, freedom and justice, and in a world where the enormous power of science and technology will be harnessed to serve human development in all spheres of life and to enrich human civilization. Let us make partnership and cooperation to build a better tomorrow for our children our guiding motto in the new century.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“In this context, Kuwait has never shrunk from doing its fair share to meet all its international and regional obligations towards the developing countries. Our assistance is channelled through international aid agencies and institutions as well as through the Kuwait Fund for Economic Development. That fund has provided loans and financial grants for many 16 development projects and programmes in scores of developing countries. More than 96 countries on all continents have benefited from these loans and grants. Within its means, Kuwait will remain committed to helping the development efforts of developing countries, because of our belief that overall development and broader participation and cooperation are essential for ensuring security and stability for all countries of the world.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Kuwait thinks that the phenomenon of globalization, notwithstanding its merits, could have an adverse impact on the economies of developing countries unless the very basis of North-South economic relations is restructured in line with the tenets of mutual benefit, common interest, the need to narrow the technology gap, and the removal of obstacles that impede the access of the products of developing nations to the markets of the developed industrialized countries in the interest of both groups. In the meantime, developed countries should provide adequate economic assistance to developing nations to help them strengthen their infrastructures and build up their economies on a sound and solid foundation.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The world today is witnessing the emergence of several promising economic phenomena created by the immense information and technology revolution that is sweeping the communication and trade sectors. Of particular significance is the formation of numerous international and regional economic blocs that are seeking to remove customs restrictions and to liberate trade among nations. In response, many developing countries have made drastic changes in their economic and administrative structures in order to align themselves with those transformations and to put themselves in an advantageous position with respect to economic globalization in the hope of achieving better economic growth and progress.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“A vital role can be played by the international aid agencies and financial institutions, which we hope will redouble their outreach efforts to overcome Africa's daunting problems and challenges. Kuwait believes that any such donor drive will not be effective unless and until African peoples and Governments themselves shoulder their responsibilities and dedicate their full energies to lifting themselves up out of their current misery and onto the path of mainstream modern progress. Another key factor in this process is the need to resolve disputes by peaceful means in order to create a climate of security and stability and to preserve sorely needed economic resources.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The net result is that the continent continues to be plagued by bitter conflicts and painful political instability, which aggravate already intractable economic and social problems, foremost among them foreign debt, poverty, illiteracy and the spread of contagious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS and malaria, which afflict millions of people and claim the lives of hundreds of thousands of innocent victims every year. It is very sad indeed that many countries in Africa are suffering from these problems at a time when the modern world has made enormous progress in all areas of human activity. We therefore urge the international community to pursue its efforts more vigorously to help bring peace and security to African nations and to assist them in meeting their economic and social development goals.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“We take this opportunity to stress Kuwait's support for the people of Somalia in their efforts to rebuild State institutions and to reconstruct the country as a whole. Turning to the rest of Africa, Kuwait is following with deep sorrow the conflicts and civil wars that have long afflicted a number of countries. These conflicts imperil the peace and stability of many nations and deplete their potentials, capabilities and resources. Even though the problems of Africa have come to be a focus of the global agenda, and even though the United Nations system has embarked on in-depth discussion and analysis of the root causes of those problems, the proposed solutions remain blueprints awaiting implementation.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Kuwait will in the meantime continue its support for Lebanese Government efforts to extend sovereignty over all its national territory to safeguard Lebanon's territorial integrity and independence. Kuwait welcomes the positive developments at the national reconciliation conference of Somali factions that was held in Djibouti last month. We pay tribute to the sustained and sincere efforts made by the President of Djibouti, His Excellency Mr. Ismail Omar Guelleh. We hope that the remaining factions will join the national reconciliation process in order to shore up the unity and stability of Somalia, which, we hope, will eventually bring that country back into the fold of Arab, Islamic and international life.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Still in the context of the Middle East, we would like to express to our brothers in Lebanon — the President of the Republic, the Government and the people — our warm congratulations on the restoration of national sovereignty over their liberated land after more than 20 years of Israeli occupation, which left in its wake vast destruction in the regions of southern Lebanon and western Bekaa. As a contribution to the 15 rehabilitation and reconstruction of southern Lebanon and with a sense of responsibility emanating from the close brotherly bonds between Kuwait and Lebanon, the Government of Kuwait has made a cash grant of $20 million and has requested the Kuwait Fund for Economic Development to finance projects for rebuilding infrastructure in villages of the South.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“At this point, we wish to urge the active and effective facilitators in the peace process, especially the United States of America, to redouble their efforts and to bring pressure to bear on the Israeli Government to convince it that the only viable path to easing its security concerns is a return to the framework and principles established at the Madrid Conference, in order to achieve a genuine peace that secures the reinstitution of lawful Arab rights to their legitimate owners.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“We also reaffirm our belief that a comprehensive and just peace will not be possible without the full restoration to the Palestinian people of their legitimate rights, including the right of return of the Palestinian refugees, pursuant to paragraph 11 of General Assembly resolution 194 (III), and the establishment of their independent state on their national territory, with Jerusalem as its capital. We also call for the resumption of negotiations on the Syrian- Israeli track, with a view to achieving full Israeli withdrawal from the occupied Syrian Arab Golan to the border line of 4 June 1967.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Israel has so far demonstrated its non-commitment to, and non- compliance with, the operational principles and framework of the peace process anchored chiefly in Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), together with the principle of land for peace. Israeli intransigence aborted the success of the recent Camp David summit despite the immense and tireless efforts made by the United States Administration. Here, Kuwait wishes to reiterate its commitment to the Arab position of adherence to peace as a strategic option.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“We take this occasion to pay tribute to the wisdom shown by the leaders of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Yemen, which resulted in the signing of an agreement on the demarcation of the border between the two countries. This will no doubt consolidate the underpinnings of security and stability in the region. In the context of the relentless search for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, Kuwait has been closely following the peace process since its inception in Madrid in 1991. That process has time and again experienced obstacles, risks and deadlocks due to the unwillingness of the Israeli Government to carry out the accords concluded with the Palestinian National Authority within the framework of the peace process.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“This will help bolster the mechanisms of reconciliation among the States of the region and expand the channels of mutual interests and confidence-building. In the same vein, we would like warmly to welcome the maritime border demarcation agreement between Kuwait and its sister the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This accord reflects the depth of brotherly relations between our two countries. It also represents a model of civilized cooperation in resolving border disputes and problems. With that outcome, we look forward with interest to the forthcoming talks between Kuwait and the friendly State of the Islamic Republic of Iran to complete the demarcation of maritime borders between the two countries.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“At the regional level, in keeping with Kuwait's keen interest in ensuring security and stability in the Arabian Gulf region, and in view of the close relations between the sister State of the United Arab Emirates and the friendly State of the Islamic Republic of Iran, we support the position of the States of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on the question of the three Emirates islands. We hope that the efforts being made by the ad hoc GCC Tripartite Ministerial Committee will prove successful in creating a bilateral negotiating mechanism to resolve the current dispute over the islands in accordance with the norms and principles of international law and good neighbourliness. If negotiations fail to bring about a solution, then the dispute should be referred to the International Court of Justice to resolve it in a satisfactory manner.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Kuwait, for its part, supports all efforts made by the United Nations to alleviate the suffering of the brotherly people of Iraq, with whom we fully sympathize. We therefore welcome the improvements introduced occasionally by the Security Council sanctions Committee established by resolution 661 14 (1990) into the operational methods of the humanitarian programme, with a view to facilitating and expediting delivery of humanitarian materials to the brotherly people of Iraq. We note with satisfaction the report of the Secretary-General issued last week, in which he stated that the humanitarian programme had succeeded in providing a great measure of assistance to meet the urgent humanitarian needs of Iraq in all sectors, despite the many obstacles and difficulties that the programme faces.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The remarks made by the Iraqi President and the announcements by several high-ranking Iraqi officials last month, together with the unjust Iraqi misinformation campaign against Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, are perhaps the most compelling evidence that the Iraqi regime is still determined to pursue a course of aggression and feels no sense of remorse or contrition over its actions of 2 August 1990. Therefore, Kuwait calls on the international community to maintain its pressure on the Government of Iraq, with a view to forcing it to implement all relevant Security Council resolutions and to abandon its aggressive attitude, which seriously jeopardizes the security and stability of the State of Kuwait and of other States in the region.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The decision also renewed the Organization of the Islamic Conference's invitation to Iraq to take the necessary steps to demonstrate its peaceful intentions towards the State of Kuwait and other neighbouring countries, both in words and deeds. Against this backdrop, we would like to know where Iraq stands now vis-à-vis those resolutions and the sincere calls made upon it by regional and international organizations. We note with regret that the Government of Iraq, for a good 10 years now, has not drawn the right lessons. It continues to reveal its non-peaceful intentions and policies of aggression towards the State of Kuwait and neighbouring countries.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“It also welcomed the adoption of Security Council resolution 1284 (1999) and invited Iraq to cooperate with the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) under the chairmanship of Mr. Hans Blix to implement the provisions of resolution 1284 (1999). That same decision further stressed that Iraq must expressly and clearly admit that its invasion and occupation of the State of Kuwait was a breach of pan- Arab, Islamic and international treaties and laws; a breach of the Charter of the League of Arab States and the Common Arab Defence Pact; the Charter of the Organization of the Islamic Conference; and the Charter of the United Nations.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“In his report on the work of the Organization this year, the Secretary-General put it succinctly and eloquently when he stated: “Iraq's lack of compliance with various Security Council resolutions continues to be of grave concern.” (A/55/1, para. 54) In addition, the decision adopted by the last ministerial meeting of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, last June confirms beyond any doubt that there is indeed a single unified international and regional position on the need for Iraq to comply with Security Council resolutions. That decision demanded that the Government of Iraq, among other things, continue its efforts to complete the implementation of its commitments under Security Council resolutions in the interest of peace, security and stability in the region.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“What is deeply regrettable is that the Government of Iraq has not only failed to meet the obligations we outlined earlier, but that it has allegedly completed the elimination of its weapons of mass destruction while at the same time not allowing United Nations inspectors to verify those claims. Iraq also claims to have fulfilled all its obligations under the relevant Security Council resolutions. In its stance, Iraq stands isolated in the face of the United Nations, the international community and the many regional organizations and groupings that continue to call on Iraq to complete its implementation of Security Council resolutions.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Along the same lines, we demand that Iraq cooperate with the high-level Coordinator to complete the return of stolen property. This is also in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions. The most important of those assets include military hardware that has been incorporated into Iraq's military system and the irreplaceable archives of the State of Kuwait, which were deemed by the Security Council as the “State memory” of our country. The stubborn resistance by Iraq to return these assets and documents betrays the non-peaceful intentions still harboured by the Government of Iraq towards Kuwait.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“In fact, since its boycott of both bodies in January 1999, the Government of Iraq has continued to illustrate its disregard for the humanitarian nature of this issue through its insistence on not resuming its participation with the Tripartite Commission and its Technical Subcommittee. Furthermore, the Government of Iraq also insists on non-cooperation with the high-level Coordinator, 13 Ambassador Yuli Vorontsov, who was appointed by the Secretary-General to facilitate the repatriation of prisoners and hostages. Let me seize this occasion to reiterate our call to the Iraqi Government to deal positively with this matter, given its humanitarian, religious and moral dimensions. This issue must be resolved in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The main requirements yet to be met under the resolutions of the Security Council relate to the question of Kuwaiti and third-country prisoners and hostages. This humanitarian issue illustrates the tragedy facing hundreds of families who continue to grieve over the unknown fate of their loved ones. Little progress, if any, has been made. Basically, we are still at square one. Resolutions 686 (1991), 687 (1991) and 1284 (1999), which requested Iraq to unconditionally cooperate with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to account for prisoners and hostages, remain unimplemented.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“It also ushered in a new international order and represented a clear and strong message to any Government or regime that might pursue a policy of aggression with a view to territorial expansion at the expense of others. The reverberations of the sinister Iraqi aggression are still being felt by all of us today. The Security Council remains seized with the repercussions of that aggression. Since the invasion, the Council has had to adopt 54 resolutions and numerous presidential statements in response to the persistent procrastination and equivocation of the Government of Iraq, which has constantly sought to evade its international obligations. Indeed, it is regrettable that for 10 years now the Government of Iraq has failed to meet its obligations under Security Council resolutions.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“That invasion constituted a serious precedent in international relations because it represented a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and the norms and principles of international law. Furthermore, that invasion undermined the security and stability of the Gulf region. Kuwait now recalls with pride the firm stand and resolve demonstrated by the international community in condemning, confronting and defeating that aggression. All of that was distinctly illustrated in a quick series of resolutions adopted by the Security Council under Chapter VII of the Charter as of the very first day of the invasion, on 2 August 1990. That historic stand by the international community was a remarkable embodiment and consolidation of the system of collective security.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The goal is to make the work of the Council more transparent and to increase the number of permanent and non-permanent seats, with a view to expanding the base of the decision-making process under controls that ensure equitable representation to making an efficient contribution to the Council's fulfilment of its functions and responsibilities in terms of maintaining international peace and security. At this juncture, we wish to underscore the need for all Member States to pay their assessed contributions in full and on time, both to the United Nations regular budget and to the peacekeeping operations budget. It is indeed essential to provide adequate financial resources to the United Nations so that it may carry out its mandates. Ten years have elapsed since the Iraqi invasion of the State of Kuwait.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)