YouSaid · the spoken record

Emile Lahoud

lines on the record: 29
first: 2005-09-24
most recent: 2007-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“From here, I urge the world community not to allow Lebanon to fall, because the falling apart of Lebanon would mean a collapse of moderation and a victory for those who favour the use of force. Lebanon remains a unique message to the world, a country where religions and cultures interact peacefully, so that we can live together, as noted by His Holiness the late Pope John Paul II. As a citizen of Lebanon, a small country that has survived against all odds, I urge you not to retreat in the face of adversity and to support what is right and just. A last glimpse of a burning Middle East, where the flames devour the meek and the mighty, should allow you to reflect upon the choices ahead, lest it become too late.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The costly price paid by our national army in terms of human losses and injuries aimed at reinstating Lebanon’s national goals of confronting and fighting terrorism. Lebanon has and will always be a nation that supports peace and justice and promotes democratic values. However, to enable Lebanon to confront and curb terrorism, real assistance should be given to its national army in order to accomplish its national and security goals. In a world that witnesses the daily bloodshed known as “the conflict of civilizations”, and in a world that is sharply and deeply divided between East and West, I find myself addressing the international community as a man of experience.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“That is why we urge the international community, through its commitment to the Charter of the United Nations, to stop foreign intervention in the domestic affairs of Member States. Consecutive events in Lebanon have shown that the Lebanese are capable of making their own decisions and their own choices and can live side by side and interact peacefully within institutional framework established by their civic bodies and protected by their security institutions, namely their national army. Since we are referring to the national army, we should highlight the heroic confrontations of the army with an extremely dangerous terrorist organization in the past three months, an organization equipped with updated weapons and believing in destructive objectives that targeted Lebanon and many other States in the region.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Unfortunately, there have been attempts by international parties to intervene in Lebanon’s domestic affairs in a way that contradicts international norms. Such interference could instigate hatred and increase tensions on the Lebanese scene, which might have negative repercussions not only on upcoming presidential elections but also on the safety of the Lebanese. Lebanon welcomes all foreign assistance and pays tribute to those countries that have stood by it in the wake of last July’s destructive Israeli war. Lebanon hopes, however, that any foreign assistance to Lebanon is made to all the Lebanese people, without any discrimination, in order to stop possible divisions among them. Foreign aid to Lebanon should be made as a gesture of support to the restoration of Lebanon’s sovereignty and the unity of the Lebanese people.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Since the very first moment of the heinous crime of the assassination of former Prime Minister Hariri, we have attempted to seek the whole truth, and I was probably the first to ask the then Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, to set up an impartial international investigation commission. I believe the best way now to enable all to overcome the controversy caused by the international tribunal would be to hold an impartial, transparent and just hearing that seeks to determine the whole truth. Only then would the Lebanese be assured that the tribunal is just. Lebanon is about to hold democratic presidential elections in which the Lebanese will make their choice in a free and responsible manner.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The United Nations has always shown Lebanon special concern, and such concern is clearly manifested in all United Nations resolutions on Lebanon. The Lebanese, who reiterate their commitment to the implementation of those resolutions, wish to see those resolutions implemented in a fair manner and on a real and constant basis. As you know by now, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, which was established to try the assassins of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, had been a controversial issue with regard to the circumstances of its establishment. We referred to that in detail in our letters to the Secretary-General and asked that copies be handed over to all Security Council Member States and other copies be kept as reference documents at the United Nations. We did this in the belief that international justice should be reinforced.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“With regard to securing the full implementation of resolution 1701 (2006), we in Lebanon believe that that will only happen when our nation regains its occupied Sheba’a farms, the Kfar Shouba Hills and some northern parts of the village of Ghajar; when we secure the release of Lebanese prisoners held in Israeli jails; when Lebanon’s legitimate rights to its water resources are restored; and when Lebanon is given maps of the landmines and the sites of cluster bombs. In this regard, we welcome efforts made by the United Nations in terms of studying documents and maps related to the Sheba’a farms, and we express our relief over the progress made so far in verifying their Lebanese identity. We look forward to practical measures that would end Israeli occupation and hand over those territories and water rights to Lebanon.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Despite the fact that the Lebanese recall with pain, agony and distress last year’s destructive and hostile war against their country, they are proud of their national resistance and their army, who were able to jointly claim a historic victory over one of the world’s strongest military arsenals, which had violated all international and ethical norms and wanted to terminate Lebanon’s role as a nation characterized by coexistence among all its religious sects.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Today, as I stand here again to reiterate Lebanon’s commitment to implementing that resolution, I wonder why we are still in the phase of the cessation of hostilities and have not yet moved into the ceasefire phase, as called for in the resolution. That matter remains suspect to many Lebanese, especially since Israel continues, up to this very moment, to violate our land, sea and skies. So far, there have been over 500 breaches since the adoption of the resolution. I call upon the world community to remain vigilant regarding any malicious intentions harboured by Israel against Lebanon, as that could lead to another conflagration in the region.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In this regard, Lebanon fully rejects efforts to empty the Beirut Arab Peace Initiative of 2002 of its contents, namely by excluding the right of return for Palestinians. The Initiative, we believe, contains a realistic and global solution to the Middle East conflict, and its implementation could bring about stability and security for all parties. A year ago, the Security Council adopted resolution 1701 (2006), which put an end to Israel’s aggression against Lebanon. We were quick to abide by that resolution. Our armed forces have closely cooperated with the units of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, as stipulated in their mission statements and as recounted in the reports of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006).”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Secondly, a viable solution must call for the implementation of all United Nations resolutions that pertain to the withdrawal of Israel from all occupied Arab territories. Thirdly, paramount to all Arab rights is the right of return of the Palestinian refugees in accordance with resolution 194 (III) and the rejection of all calls for their resettlement in their temporary host countries. The resettlement of the Palestinians is contrary to the expressed will of world legitimacy as embodied in the General Assembly. Moreover, and more specifically in Lebanon, it would dangerously alter the delicate balance of Lebanon’s existence as a nation based on diversity and the coexistence of a large number of its sects, which have lived side by side in harmony and enjoyed mutual respect.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Regrettably, nothing thrives in our region more than violence and grudges, and nothing deafens more than the sound of war, while all calls to stimulate the peace process find no response. It is against that gloomy background and with a mix of anticipation and reservation that we await the results of the Middle East peace conference that is to be held in the near future. In that respect, I would like to reaffirm certain realities that cannot be ignored in any settlement, because I believe that unless we learn from our past mistakes, we will not be able to take full advantage of present opportunities. First, for any settlement to the Middle East crisis to succeed, it must be lasting, just and global.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Allow me to congratulate you, Mr. President on your election as President of General Assembly at its sixty-second session. I wish you every success. I would also like to offer my gratitude to your predecessor, Sheikha Haya Al-Khalifa for the outstanding job she has performed as the first Arab woman to ever preside over this austere body. Finally, I would like to thank His Excellency Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for all his efforts on behalf of world peace and security. A year ago, I spoke from this podium about Israel’s brutalities against my country and its atrocious 33-day war. I had hoped then that those tragic events that we had bitterly lived and suffered through in Lebanon would pave the way for activating the Middle East process based on the Arab Peace Initiative that was endorsed at the Beirut Arab Summit in 2002.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“It has been Lebanon’s fate to walk this path in a region of festering, decades-long conflicts and disputes. As such, it has ended up paying an exorbitant price in wars, occupations and assassinations. But Lebanon has been relentless in its devotion to what is good and right, and has always been able to defeat the forces of sedition and destruction. Today, we owe our moment of triumph to our perseverance and to the international community’s commitment to Lebanon. We ask that you take our hand, once again, as we cross the threshold from fear and war to hope and peace.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“The new Lebanese Government is determined to undertake a comprehensive plan of reform that will encompass all political, administrative and economic aspects, and as a first step it has established a much- needed consultative national body to formulate a new electoral law that will live up to the recommendations of the European Union’s delegated commission. Moreover, the Lebanese Government looks forward to the valuable support of the United Nations, and conveys the gratitude of the people of Lebanon. Finally, we commend the precise follow-up provided by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund for the rebuilding of a solid national economy. From this rostrum, we set forth Lebanon’s struggle for freedom, justice and the rule of law.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Despite the abominable assassination of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and the ensuing national malaise, we were able to conduct exemplary parliamentary elections, which have been heralded by most observers as yet another landmark in the democratic history of Lebanon. United Nations and international monitoring officials testified that those elections were held in accordance with the highest standards. Consequently, a Government of national unity has been formed, which has taken upon itself the task of immediately tackling Lebanon’s internal and external affairs, within the framework of a serious dialogue aimed at achieving a national consensus and the preservation of what we all desire, namely, Lebanon’s stability and national unity.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“We look forward to the timely and prompt disclosure of the International Inquiry Commission’s results of the investigation into that heinous act, and we thank the Security Council for consenting to Lebanon’s request to appoint such a Commission. Moreover, Lebanon appreciates the great efforts undertaken by the Inquiry Commission in its search for the truth, and will afford the Commission all the support that it needs in order for us to prosecute the culprits to the full extent of the law. That underlines the commitment of Lebanon and of the world community in the fight against terrorism.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Since the historic reconciliation at Taef, Lebanon has enjoyed over a decade of stability and tranquillity, quickly recapturing its regional pre-eminence and its 8 pioneering role as a land of religious tolerance — an example to follow in the dialogue of civilizations. Moreover, Lebanon has enjoyed an unprecedented level of economic revitalization and has been able to forge iron-clad unity in its armed forces and civil institutions. However, Lebanon has recently gone through some horrific and fateful events, one of which — the assassination of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri — constitutes the hardest blow in its modern history. That assassination caused great grief for our nation, and the repercussions were felt throughout the world.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“That gave birth to a staunchly national movement of resistance and defence of Lebanon’s territorial integrity, as guaranteed by the Charter of the United Nations under the right to fight occupation. Despite the persistence of all the aforementioned conditions of occupation, violations and aggressions, and due to Lebanon’s adherence to all resolutions of international legitimacy — an adherence based on a clear understanding of the world community’s demands — the Government of Lebanon launched an internal dialogue between all Lebanese groups in order to maintain our unity, security and stability, and to reinforce our internal and international positions. We look forward to maintaining that rapport with the world community in order to achieve those noble goals.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“In the meantime, we cannot but value the role played by the United Nations in South Lebanon through the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) — a role that has been extended to and benefited Lebanon for almost three decades. Our clinging to the UNIFIL presence emanates from our commitment to peace and security, pending a final resolution of the conflicts in the region. Here, I would like to avail myself of the opportunity to salute the UNIFIL forces active in South Lebanon, to thank them for their sacrifices, and to bow in memory of the fallen peacekeepers. Lebanon has long endured Israel’s wars and occupation, despite a Security Council resolution calling for the immediate cessation of the occupation. Alas, Israel ignored that resolution for over two decades.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Israel’s violation of the Blue Line and its continuing occupation of parts of my country, along with the imprisonment of scores of our citizens without any recourse to due process, are in clear violation of international law, to say nothing of the lethal hardships faced by our citizens in the freed areas of South Lebanon due to the thousands of land mines planted by Israel during its two-decade occupation of South Lebanon. My country continues to adhere to a comprehensive and just peace settlement, to the principle of non-aggression, and to respect for human rights, and yearns for the implementation of all international resolutions towards those ends.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Awaiting the historic resolution of the conflict, Lebanon commends the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East for all that it does, and calls upon the international community to bolster its capabilities in order to alleviate the hardships of the Palestinian refugees in their places of “temporary” residence. The daily Israeli violations of Lebanon’s territorial integrity and aggressions against the people of South Lebanon have made that important part of my country yet another point of tension in the Middle East.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“The immediate implementation of those resolutions, as well as General Assembly resolution 194 (III) — which affirms the right of return of the Palestinian refugees to their lands confiscated by Israel and bars the resettlement of the uprooted Palestinians in their host countries — remains the only way to defuse and to dry up the wells of extremism. That will pave the way to a comprehensive, just and peaceful settlement in our region, as foreseen in the 1991 Madrid peace summit and the implementation of the land-for-peace principle. Those principles of peace were confirmed as a strategic choice by all Arab leaders during the Beirut Arab summit of 2002. Sadly, the initiative has yet to be seized upon to resolve regional conflicts and to achieve a final and peaceful settlement in the Middle East.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Therefore, and in order to conclusively win the war on terror, the security approach should be complemented by mid- and long-term approaches aimed at resolving political crises in order to deprive the terrorists of all legitimacy. That is why tackling the problems of oppression and occupation, along with bolstering development, education and the attainment of a better life, will surely lead to shrinking the human pool that feeds extremism. For decades now, the Middle East has witnessed conflicts and unresolved disputes and, as a consequence, has been subject to the festering wounds of terrorism. Needless to say, the core of the problem remains the fact that Arab lands are still under occupation in spite of the many resolutions of international legitimacy, many adopted in this very edifice, calling for an end to occupation.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“In view of the rapid spread of terrorism, we feel that the approach to countering the plague of terrorism remains superficial and unable to tackle the root causes of the plague. Having suffered the awful consequences of that plague, Lebanon was always a bellwether in condemning all terrorist acts around the world. That is because few nations have so endured and continue to endure the consequences of that evil. That is why we know that an effective anti-terror campaign requires an environment of constructive cooperation worldwide, remote from politically motivated campaigns of vilification, and as a platform for a clear definition of 7 terrorism, remote from the wilful or unintended conflation of the inalienable right of people to fight occupation and acts of wanton terror.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“That is why it is imperative to call for a serious and urgent dialogue between North and South, for rapid and eased transfer of technological advances and capital, and for bolstering the development of those nations that seek modernity. Moreover, it is crucial to encourage interaction and cooperation between developing States through such forums as the summit that was held in Brasilia last May, where Arab nations met the nations of South America. Lebanon looks forward to the follow-up meetings of the Brasilia summit, considering the importance of cooperation between those two important geographic blocs. At this juncture, it is logical to ask whether extremism, terrorism and wanton violence against innocent civilians are the by-products of the environment of seclusion and deprivation.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“This institution should remain the primary defender of such human values as freedom, justice and peace. The advances in telecommunications and information technologies, signature traits of globalization, have led to a withering of geographical boundaries, along with a strengthening of multinational corporations, and hence the need for a new approach to tackling our world’s problems in international relations. The “crumbs” from the rich nations have become insufficient to satisfy the needs of a third world seeking to extract itself from backwardness and to eradicate poverty and disease. Those ailments have spread beyond the boundaries of the great development divide and serve as a stern wake-up call and a ticking bomb for us all to heed.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“This clearly demonstrates our faith in the primacy of the role of the United Nations in the preservation of world peace, as the embodiment of our collective desire and will, and as the legitimate body for crisis resolution within the framework of every individual State’s sovereignty. Truly, the only way out of this dangerous impasse is a return to a multipolar world order, based on the rule of international law and justice and on respect for every nation’s sovereignty. Moreover, such a wise approach should be complemented by serious and concerted efforts to fight poverty and oppression and, consequently, the root causes of terror. The core values of a democratic and just world are best served by enhancing the capabilities of the United Nations and its instruments, and by reinforcing in-house democratic values.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Mr. President, first of all, I would like to congratulate you on your election as President of this session of the General Assembly and to thank your predecessor, Mr. Ping, for all his efforts during his tenure. I would like also to thank the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, for all his endeavours in seeking the preservation of this great institution’s integrity as well as world peace. This year’s session of the General Assembly comes days after a landmark meeting of world leaders at which they adopted a blueprint that aims to increase the efficiency of the United Nations in the prosecution of human rights abuses and in the preservation of world peace and security. Moreover, that instrument calls on all to move forward with a much-needed, comprehensive programme of reforms at the United Nations, including in the Security Council.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)