YouSaid · the spoken record

Thongloun SISOULITH

lines on the record: 133
first: 2006-09-24
most recent: 2020-09-24
sittings or episodes: 10
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

“To continue fulfilling its international obligations, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic has presented its candidatures for membership of the Human Rights Council, for the term of 2016-2018, and of the Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme/ United Nations Population Fund/United Nations Office for Project Services for 2016-2018. We hope that the Lao People’s Democratic Republic will be given an opportunity to work with the international community within the aforementioned frameworks. At the regional level, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic has played an active part in the process of community-building of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which consists of three pillars: the political-security community, the economic community and the sociocultural community.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“To that end, the Lao Government has made the utmost effort to pursue a consistent foreign policy and to promote international cooperation at all levels. We continue to fulfil our international obligations to maintain peace and to promote the rule of law attentively. In this regard, the Lao Government has mapped out a policy for governing the State by the rule of law and the promotion and protection of the fundamental rights of people of all backgrounds. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic is party to many international human rights instruments. We have enacted and amended a national law on human rights, including the rights of women and children.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“In that regard, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic commends the efforts of Israel and Palestine to resume peace negotiations, which mark an important milestone for the promotion of peace in that region. The unilateral embargo on the Republic of Cuba, an independent State, is unjust and contrary to international law, and has a severe negative impact on the lives of the peace-loving Cuban people. Therefore, it is now time to put an end to the embargo. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic has always attached great importance to creating a peaceful environment and to safeguarding political stability in the interest of national development, with a view to graduating from least-developed-country status.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“However, many regions of the world are experiencing social unrest, political strife and military confrontation, which pose a major threat to global and regional peace and security. In that regard, we share the common concern over the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, which has lasted for years now. We call on all parties concerned to work together and to find a peaceful solution in order to save the lives of innocent people. In that spirit, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic welcomes the agreement reached by Russia and the United States on Syria’s chemical weapons. The international community must devote urgent attention to the issue of Palestine on the basis of the principle of creating the two independent States of Palestine and Israel living side by side in peace.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“As the world today becomes increasingly interdependent, no single country can thrive and survive without the engagement and cooperation of the international community. In that context, global institutions such as the United Nations have an important duty to advocate on behalf of international development cooperation. I commend Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his tireless efforts in promoting international cooperation, including between the United Nations and regional organizations throughout the world, in a complex and challenging global environment. A nation’s political stability and security are vital factors for enabling an environment and conditions conducive to advancing sustainable development.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Moreover, political and social unrest and armed conflicts continue to rage in different parts of the world with no sign of imminent resolution. Likewise, the global and regional economic and financial crisis has intensified, with long-term effects on developing countries, especially least developed countries. These situations in the development, political, socioeconomic and environmental spheres continue to obstruct and impede all nations from attaining the sustainable development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Against that backdrop, it is more crucial now than ever before for the international community to redouble its efforts to strengthen development cooperation based on sincere and mutual assistance for the benefit of all and for a secure world.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“At the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development held in Brazil in 2012, world leaders initiated an international consultative process to chart a vision and concrete action for enhancing sustainable development in the post-2015 era. This clearly demonstrates that poverty eradication and sustainable development remain our overriding priorities. In recent decades, despite the tremendous efforts of the international community to achieve poverty eradication and development targets, 1.2 billion poor people — 22 per cent of the world population — still live in poverty. In addition, the environment continues to be threatened and damaged, which has led to climate imbalance and the frequent recurrence of natural disasters that were rarely seen in the past.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“On behalf of the Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, I sincerely congratulate you, Sir, on your election as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-eighth session. I would like to assure you of our full support and cooperation in discharging your noble duty. I would also like to commend Mr. Vuk Jeremi. for his successful completion of his mandate as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-seventh session. The Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic offers its condolences to the Government and people of Kenya on the loss of life as a result of the terrorist attacks last week in Nairobi, and I join the international community in condemning that inhumane act. The year 2013 marks a new turning point in promoting international cooperation for development and in addressing global poverty.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“I therefore urge the international community to devote greater attention and provide assistance to that vulnerable group of countries through full implementation of the Almaty Programme of Action, as well as to play an active part in the 10-year review of the implementation of the Almaty Programme of Action, to be held in 2014. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic reiterates once again its firm commitment and determination to continue working closely with the international community to build a peaceful world under a just and more democratic new order, based on cooperation with all countries in tackling the various global challenges facing us. I am convinced that only through firm determination will we be able to achieve the immediate and long-term development objectives and ensure that the world is secure, peaceful and prosperous.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“The special challenges and major development obstacles they face are the result of their great distance from world markets and high transit transport costs, which impede their national sustainable development efforts. Each year, the landlocked countries bear a heavy financial burden in the effort to improve their transit transport infrastructure network in order to ensure that their export products, which constitute a crucial part of their national income, have better access to world markets. Those problems are compounded when their national economies are affected by financial or social crises, natural disasters and climate change, inter alia. In addition, 50 per cent of the LLDCs are also LDCs.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“The conflict between Israel and Palestine will not be resolved without the full implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions supporting the establishment of two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic reaffirms its support for the membership of Palestine to the United Nations. The economic, financial and trade embargo imposed on the Republic of Cuba has long caused considerable hardship to the standard of living of the Cuban people. That embargo must be unconditionally and immediately lifted. Owing to their geographical locations, the landlocked developing countries are among the most vulnerable Members of the United Nations.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“In that regard, we call upon all countries to become party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions with a view to fully banning the use of such weapons. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic feels honoured to be entrusted with hosting the 9th Asia- Europe Summit Meeting, which will be held on 5 and 6 November in Vientiane, the capital of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. That will provide a great opportunity for the leaders of Asia and Europe to discuss and exchange their views on global issues of mutual interest. The international community wishes to see the restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Over the past year, despite numerous challenges, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic has continued to enjoy political stability and social order. There has been good progress in developing the national economy. That has laid a solid foundation for attaining the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015 and created conditions conducive to the country’s graduation from least developed country status by 2020. Despite those achievements, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic continues to face numerous challenges and constraints. In addition to problems resulting from the global and regional economic crises, natural calamities and the remnants of war, such as unexploded ordnance, continue to harm people’s lives and pose major obstacles to national social and economic development, including the attainment of the MDGs.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“I firmly believe that, by utilizing its own resources combined with external support, especially from its dialogue partners, ASEAN will be able to realize its ultimate goal of becoming a community that is politically stable, economically integrated and socially and culturally harmonious, thus contributing to the cause of peace and prosperity in the region and the world at large. As a member of the international community, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic has done its utmost to fulfil its international obligations by pursuing a policy of cooperation with other countries based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit, and respect for the principles of national independence, sovereignty and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, thus building an international environment conducive to national development.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“To that end, all Member States should strive to extend their full support and cooperation to revitalize the United Nations, finding a harmonious balance between national and international interests in order to address the enormous global challenges in a timely and effective manner. In the current context, regional organizations have played an increasingly important role in addressing the global issues. In that connection, more and more countries in the world now attach greater importance to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the ever-expanding ASEAN-initiated cooperation frameworks. ASEAN is entering a crucial stage in implementing its leaders’ commitment to establishing an ASEAN community comprised of three pillars — a political-security community, an economic community and a social-cultural community — by 2015.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Negotiations on climate change have shown no progress, although the Kyoto Protocol is expiring this year. Efforts to formulate an international instrument to govern arms trade and prevent illegal trading, which started some years ago, have also failed. There has also been little commitment on the part of the developed countries to help the most vulnerable groups of countries: the least developed countries (LDCs), the landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), and the small island developing States. In the light of the current situation, it is more crucial than ever to strengthen the United Nations, the only universal Organization, in order to increase its effectiveness in addressing important global issues.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Over the past two years, the international community has encountered complex challenges in all areas. Regional political complexity and unrest, especially in the Middle East, seem unlikely to be resolved any time soon. The use of violence in any form, as seen in attacks on diplomatic compounds in Syria, is unacceptable to us. In addition, the global economic and financial crisis affecting all parts of the world has reached an alarming point, causing great concern for all nations, and even for the European Union — a major economic force. Such crises have challenged the capacity and credibility of the existing global governance mechanisms designed by the international community to address global challenges. This is a clear indication that our joint efforts and actions have not yet produced tangible outcomes.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“At the outset, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Mr. Vuk Jeremić upon his election to serve as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-seventh session. It is my firm belief that, with his extensive experience and constructive initiatives, he will guide the Assembly towards achieving its objectives while serving the common interests of all its members. May I also take this opportunity to extend my profound congratulations to Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, President of the General Assembly at its sixty-sixth session, on the successful discharge of his duties. Likewise, I would like to commend Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon for tirelessly leading United Nations efforts to meet its obligations and achieve its objectives, as well as working to improve the overall working methods of the United Nations.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Against that backdrop, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic reaffirms its consistent determination to work closely with the international community, thereby helping to make this world a peaceful, equal and just place, free of fear and deprivation. I am convinced that close cooperation and mutual assistance will enable us all to achieve our common goals.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“These were clearly reflected in the broad participation in the First Meeting of States Parties, which was hosted by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in November 2010. Furthermore, I would like to congratulate those countries that have ratified or acceded to the Convention. The number of States parties to the Convention has now increased to 63. I hope that other countries that are not yet States parties will consider acceding to it in the near future. It is more crucial than ever that the international community seize the opportunity to fulfil its obligation to promote and enhance cooperation as a means of addressing pressing challenges, which no country can do on its own.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“In discharging its duties as President of the First Meeting of States Parties to the Conference on Cluster Munitions, over the past year the Lao People’s Democratic Republic has received invaluable support and assistance from the international community, including States parties and non-State parties, international organizations, in particular the United Nations Development Programme, civil society organizations and international non-governmental organizations. All have contributed to the early implementation of this humanitarian Convention. On that note, on behalf of the Lao Government and people, as well as on my own behalf, I would like to express my most sincere appreciation to all countries and international organizations for their support and assistance.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“One of the main obstacles and hindrances to our efforts to advance socio-economic development is unexploded ordnance, which continues to have an extensive and serious negative impact on the livelihoods of the Lao people, both directly and indirectly. The Lao Government has made every effort and mobilized financial means to clear the contaminated areas, particularly agricultural and inhabitable lands across the country, as well as to raise public awareness and help victims to reintegrate into society.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“In that context, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic is honoured that ASEAN member countries have entrusted it with hosting the ninth ASEM Summit, to be held early in November 2012 in Vientiane, its capital. The Lao Government has made the preparations for the Summit a top priority. In that regard, I take this opportunity to invite the leaders of ASEM member countries to attend the Summit. It will provide an excellent opportunity for leaders from the two regions to discuss important issues related to promoting peace and enhancing effective cooperation among the countries of Asia and Europe in this new era. Socio-economic development in a country that has suffered the consequences and legacy of war has never been easy.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“In the same vein, our organization has further strengthened its external cooperation by maintaining ASEAN centrality in all ASEAN-initiated frameworks, such as ASEAN+1, ASEAN+3, the ASEAN Regional Forum, the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus and the East Asia Summit. In addition, ASEAN has started to discuss its long-term vision and role beyond the year 2015. All of this has contributed to maintaining peace, stability and development cooperation in the Asia-Pacific Region and in the world at large. The Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) is another important mechanism for facilitating international cooperation. Over the past 15 years, ASEM has developed remarkably and become an important forum for leaders to consider measures to respond to emerging regional and global challenges.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“11-51384 40 Peace and security in South-East Asia have contributed to creating an environment conducive to the socio-economic advancement of the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). At present, ASEAN is continuing its efforts to accelerate community-building by 2015 based on three pillars: the ASEAN Political-Security Community, the ASEAN Economic Community and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. Indeed, we have made steady progress in our common endeavour. In its community-building efforts, ASEAN aims to implement free trade areas among its 10 member countries, as well as between ASEAN and its dialogue partners.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Against this backdrop, the United Nations should play a more effective facilitating role in urging all parties concerned to find a solution and realize the vision of two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security and within internationally recognized borders, as stipulated in the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. In this regard, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic supports Palestine’s application on 23 September for full membership in the United Nations. Another important concern remains the issue of the economic, trade and financial embargo imposed on Cuba for several decades, which has seriously affected the Cuban people. We believe that it is now time for that embargo to be lifted unconditionally.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“It is more critical than ever for all Member States to enhance our cooperation in a sincere and trustworthy manner, without taking advantage of one another, in the effort to reform the United Nations bodies and improve their effectiveness. Security and political stability remain critical to advancing the socio-economic development of all regions. The United Nations should therefore play a more critical role in maintaining international peace and security by effectively carrying out its duty to address regional conflicts, especially with regard to the situation in the Middle East, which has gone unresolved for decades.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Against this backdrop, these multiple challenges are not only obstructing developing countries, the least developed in particular, in pursuing their national development efforts and achieving the international development goals, but are also further reversing development. In such circumstances, we believe that the United Nations, as the only universal Organization, should further enhance its role in order to address the challenges in a more timely and just manner in response to the common aspirations of all Member States. Towards this end, we must accelerate the United Nations reform process, which has been pending for years, to achieve a more concrete outcome.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“As a small, least developed nation, the country has been vulnerable to external shocks. Therefore, it shares with other countries the desire to reside in a peaceful and secured world. That being said, all nations must continue to enhance development cooperation, to ensure tangible benefits for their peoples based on mutual respect, solidarity, understanding and assistance, and avoid the use of threat, interference and force. Nevertheless, it is unfortunate that we have faced multiple challenges over the past year caused by regional conflicts, and spreading social unrest, coupled with financial and economic crisis and devastating natural disasters, which have become more frequent. All this has posed severe threats to global peace, stability, security and development cooperation.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“For the next five years, the Government has identified immediate and medium-term targets to accelerate economic development in all aspects so as to build a strong basis for the implementation of the national strategy to transform the country into an industrialized and modernized nation and achieve the ultimate goal for graduating from least developed country status by 2020. In this globalizing and integrated world, all nations big and small, rich and poor, have become more interdependent than ever. None of us can survive in isolation from the international community. Although the Lao People’s Democratic Republic has in the past recorded satisfactory achievements in its national socio-economic development endeavour, the country will continue to confront daunting challenges.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“This policy direction was reaffirmed at the Ninth Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party held in March. By pursuing this policy in response to external challenges, over the past decades the Lao People’s Democratic Republic has firmly upheld and maintained political stability and social order, thereby laying a solid foundation for continued economic development and social progress. As a result, we have achieved considerable progress in social advancement and poverty reduction.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Joseph Deiss on his success as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-fifth session. 39 11-51384 Like other delegations, I welcome South Sudan as the 193rd Member of the United Nations. The Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic has always stood firm in upholding the peaceful settlement of disputes and in preserving international peace and security in view of creating an environment conducive to the promotion of development cooperation. In this connection, in recent decades the Lao Government has continued to pursue a consistent foreign policy of peace, independence, friendship and cooperation aimed at ensuring tangible benefits for the Lao people, thus contributing to maintaining regional and international peace and security.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The reappointment of Mr. Ban Ki-moon as Secretary- General is testimony to his able leadership and great achievements in guiding the universal Organization over the past five years. I take this opportunity once again, on behalf of the Lao Government and people, to express to him my sincere congratulations and to wish him great success in the discharge of his noble duty, especially as we seek to overcome ongoing multiple crises and challenges. In the same vein, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic is pleased to work closely with all the States Members of the United Nations at this sixty-sixth session of the General Assembly under the presidency of Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, a veteran diplomat with extensive experience in international affairs and diplomacy. I also commend Mr.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“In this spirit, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic reiterates its unshakable commitment to continue full cooperation with the international community in pursuit of a world free from fear and want, rooted in a new, just and equitable order. I believe that, with great solidarity, we will be able to achieve the aforementioned goals.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“However, owing to the uncertainty of today’s global economy, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, like other developing countries, remains vulnerable and still needs the support and cooperation from the international community to respond to the crisis, with a view to preventing long-term impacts, which may occur at any time, and to achieving the Millennium Development Goals and our ultimate national goal of being removed from the list of least developed countries by 2020. Today, more than ever, the international community has the responsibility, as well as the opportunity, to promote solidarity and strengthen international cooperation in jointly addressing these global problems, as no country can weather alone the threats and challenges confronting it.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The crisis has caused a slowdown in economic development, with growth of the main economic sectors such as industry, services and agriculture decreasing by 2 to 3 per cent. The trade sector was also affected, with exports dropping by 28 per cent. Against this backdrop, the Lao Government has undertaken urgent action by identifying eight measures and 80 priority areas to address. As a result of such action, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic has been able to mitigate the adverse impact of the crisis to a certain degree.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, to be held in early 2011, will provide a good opportunity for the international community to review its responsibilities and commitments pledged to the least developed countries, as well as to identify obstacles and constraints and seek possible solutions to them, particularly in the wake of such a profound economic and financial crisis. The solid political stability and social order in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic have provided favourable conditions for national economic development. Nevertheless, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic has also been adversely affected at a certain level by the recent global economic and financial crisis.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“09-52586 40 As one of the most vulnerable countries in the world, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic is of the view that all initiatives and measures undertaken must be implemented effectively and in a timely manner. In particular, it is important to address the unpredictability and vulnerability of commodity markets, provide preferential treatment to goods from developing countries, especially those from the most vulnerable ones, ensure the smooth resolution of debt issues, improve technology transfer mechanism and reform the international financial system.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The multiple global crises, especially the financial and economic crises, have had many adverse effects on developing countries, in particular on the most vulnerable groups. This is due primarily to the lack of basic infrastructure, access to markets, resources and modern technology, and to the fact that capacity to provide financing and investment remains low. In response, various forms of consultation and approach have been undertaken in an attempt to mitigate the long-term impacts of the crisis. In this regard, we welcome the initiatives of the Group of Eight, the Group of 20 and other international forums to build a mechanism that will help find solutions to the crisis, including the recommendations of the high- level Conference on the World Financial and Economic Crisis held here in June this year.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Furthermore, world leaders have made strong commitments to taking the necessary action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote the green economy, provide mitigation and adaptation assistance, and generate alternative energy, including through technology transfer from developed to developing countries, in order to enable the latter to adapt to the consequences and impacts of climate change. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic welcomes and supports the recommendation to launch a new Global Compact entailing a green New Deal, which would no doubt provide an excellent platform for addressing the current global challenges, promoting investment in the green economy, laying the foundations to deal with the crucial long-term issues, and helping to create a future based on a low-carbon economy, renewable energy and energy efficiency.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Against this backdrop, global measures that conform to the principle of common but differentiated responsibility are urgently required. To this end, the integration of the three pillars of sustainable development — economic development, social development and environmental protection — should be enhanced with a view to effectively implementing the Bali Action Plan. In this context, we highly commend the Secretary-General for his initiative to convene the high-level Summit on Climate Change on 22 September 2009, at which world leaders had the opportunity to discuss concrete measures and potential solutions to the consequences of climate change, as well as to prepare for the Climate Change Conference to be held in Copenhagen, Denmark.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Although we have heard in the course of our general debate many expressions of encouragement and renewed hope for addressing the Middle East problem, this can be realized only if all parties concerned demonstrate their commitment to addressing the impasse with a view to realizing the vision of two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security within recognized borders, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. We also remain concerned over the decades-long economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed on the Republic of Cuba. It is now time to end these sanctions. Climate change continues to be a pressing concern and to pose enormous challenges to the survival of humankind.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“In order to prepare for the future implementation of the Convention, the Lao Government has offered to host the first conference of States parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions after it enters into force. We hope that our offer will receive broad support from all countries and international organizations. Despite the fact that peace, development and cooperation are the lodestars of our times, tensions, conflicts, violence, terrorism and threats to security persist in various parts of the world. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic is deeply dismayed by the prolonged conflict in the Middle East, which continues to inflict immense suffering on millions of people in the region, in particular the Palestinian people, who have been struggling to exercise their legitimate and inalienable rights to self-determination and statehood.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Enormous financial resources would be needed 39 09-52586 to resolve this problem, and it would take a great length of time to clear UXOs from those areas needed most for development and the everyday livelihoods of communities. However, a precise estimate has yet to be made as to how many hundreds of years it would take to clear all UXO-contaminated areas across the country. In light of the adverse impact of cluster munitions, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic attaches great importance to the Convention on banning and eradicating cluster munitions. In this context, we welcome and commend those countries that have signed and ratified the Convention, and hope that other countries that have not done so will follow suit so that Convention may enter into force as soon as possible.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“In conjunction with arms reduction and nuclear disarmament, the issue of explosive remnants of war, including cluster munitions and unexploded ordnance (UXO), continues to threaten and pose serious obstacles to socio-economic development and poverty eradication efforts in more than 80 countries across the world. Among these, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic is the most affected. The victims of cluster munitions in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic — where approximately 300 victims have been recorded every year for the 30 years since the war ended — account for 50 per cent of the global total of cluster munitions victims. This is due to the fact that 37 per cent of national territory remains contaminated by UXO.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“It is therefore vital to reaffirm the importance of States honouring their nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation obligations. The upcoming 2010 Review Conference will be a great opportunity for the States parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons to demonstrate strong political commitment by making a collective effort to resolve the current stalemate on the non-proliferation and disarmament agenda. In this regard, it is encouraging that the third session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2010 Review Conference successfully adopted the agenda and all significant procedural decisions, which will undoubtedly lay an important foundation for a productive and successful Review Conference in 2010.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The revitalization of the General Assembly, reform of the Security Council and the strengthening of the Economic and Social Council and specialized agencies should be guided by the principles of democracy, transparency and accountability with a view to making this universal Organization a body that truly represents the interests of all Member States and seeks their benefit. In this context, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic welcomes the launching of intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform and will continue to contribute to these important efforts in this new phase of the Security Council reform process. The ongoing impasse within the multilateral disarmament machinery continues to undermine international peace and security. The existence of nuclear weapons remains a grave threat to the existence of all humankind.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The United Nations, a unique world body, has been playing an increasingly important role in maintaining international peace and security and promoting the peaceful settlement of disputes and international cooperation for development. In this rapidly changing world, it is our common duty and responsibility as Members of the United Nations to ensure that the Organization carry out its mandate effectively. To this end, United Nations reform is crucial and should be comprehensive, transparent and balanced, while the Organization should maintain its intergovernmental, universal and democratic character, consistent with the Charter.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“At the outset, on behalf of the Lao delegation, I would like to congratulate you, Mr. Ali Abdussalam Treki, on your election as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-fourth session. I trust that, under your able presidency, our session will be guided to a successful outcome. Let me also take this opportunity to express our deepest appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Miguel d’Escoto Brockmann, who presided over the sixty-third session with dedication and distinction. By the same token, I convey our great appreciation to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his leadership and his commitment to the work of the Organization at a time when our world is facing numerous grave challenges. In recent years, the international situation has undergone rapid changes and faced various challenges.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Yet, in spite of all that, by improving the quality of basic infrastructure and human resources and cooperating with international partners, we are determined to pursue our twin strategies of poverty eradication and regional integration. At the current pace, we hope to extricate our country from the shackles of underdevelopment by the year 2020. I cannot conclude without reaffirming that development remains central and must come first if peace and respect for human rights, which are intertwined, are to be achieved. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic reiterates its unshakable commitment to continued full cooperation with the international community in pursuit of a world free from fear and want, and rooted in a new, just and equitable order. Together, I am sure, we will be able to reach new heights.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)