YouSaid · the spoken record

Joseph Boakai

lines on the record: 35
first: 2009-09-24
most recent: 2011-09-24
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

“After more than four decades of suppression, the Libyan people have high expectations for the restoration of their freedom and liberties. We encourage the NTC to move quickly to restore Libya to normalcy by establishing an inclusive transitional Government that will organize democratic elections. As the United Nations grows in membership and experience, Liberia joins other nations in calling for a more democratic Security Council that reflects realities of the twenty-first century. Africa expects to have greater representation in a reformed Security Council. More broadly, we encourage the Secretary-General’s continuing effort to modernize the organization. Finally, it is my hope that Member States will work together to advance the cause of our common humanity, and make the world a better place in which to live.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Liberia believes that whether deliberations take place in the Security Council or the General Assembly, dialogue between the parties remains the most viable option for ending the stalemate towards an independent Palestine. We therefore call on Israel and Palestine to demonstrate a concrete commitment to engaging each other in a constructive dialogue that will achieve the desired two-State solution. Suppressive actions by Governments to frustrate the desire of their people for democratic reforms must never be condoned because they undermine international peace and security. Coherent and concrete actions by the Security Council are critical in addressing those situations. Liberia welcomes the new leadership of Libya under the National Transitional Council (NTC).”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“This is due primarily to the lack of skilled health workers, poor health delivery systems and inadequate medicines and supplies. This is why we welcome the new initiative of the Secretary- General aimed at improving the health of women and children. I wish to state my country’s position on some of the prevailing situations that threaten peace, security and international cooperation in our world. The unresolved riddle in Somalia presents a strong challenge to the United Nations in relieving the Somali people of the tragedy and cruelty they have endured for many years. The phenomenon of famine has exacerbated the situation in that country and affected livelihoods in the Horn and East Africa. Those circumstances necessitate an urgent call for action. The question of peace in the Middle East has hovered over the world for far too long.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Our Government is responding to the current rise in food prices with immediate action under the policy Ending Hunger in Liberia, which aims to strengthen the entire agricultural food chain from securing quality seeds for farming in productive lowlands to connecting farmers to local markets and eventually to regional and global ones. Simultaneously, we are deepening our partnership with the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations and other United Nations bodies for long-term investments in mechanized agriculture to achieve food security in Liberia. While we seek food security, we are equally mindful of the need for health security. Liberia is among countries with the highest maternal and child mortality rates in the world.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“This is why we have particular appreciation for the outcome of the Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) convened in Istanbul in May. We hope that the Istanbul Programme of Action will bring real change for LDCs. Food security remains a concern for many developing countries. The World Bank estimates that 44 million people have slipped into poverty since June because of rising food prices. This unfortunate situation should be addressed with urgency. We must act now, effectively and cooperatively, to roll back the adverse impacts of rising food prices and protect communities.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Every action is being taken to ensure that the elections are free, fair, transparent and credible. We invite the international community to observe and monitor these elections. Despite the significant gains made in improving the living conditions of our people, we realize that far more needs to be done to fully meet their aspirations. However, negative economic forces continue to hamper global growth. This situation has had repercussions for all countries. Although the resulting effects have impacted developing countries generally, those most affected are in Africa, where the crippling effects of external debt, deteriorating terms of trade, decline in investment and capital flows are debilitating. 9 11-51384 Mr. Cancela (Uruguay), Vice-President, took the Chair. Post-conflict countries are even more severely affected.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“In the same spirit, I also commend His Excellency Mr. Eugène-Richard Gasana, Chairman of the Peacebuilding Commission, and its members for their support for the configuration. We would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the significant role being played by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in the maintenance of peace and security in the subregion. ECOWAS member States are contributing tangibly to peacebuilding in Liberia by strengthening capacity, especially in the technical area. We are also collaborating as a subregion in addressing the common problems of transnational organized crime, human and drug trafficking, and the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. Liberia is poised to conduct another democratic election on 11 October. It will test our commitment to democratic governance and peaceful coexistence.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“However, we remain deeply concerned about events affecting security in the Mano River Basin. That is why we are thankful to the Security Council for extending the mandate of UNMIL. Liberia is pleased to have been placed on the agenda of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). The Liberia configuration of the PBC and the Peacebuilding Support Office have worked with the Liberian Government and other stakeholders in developing the Liberia priority plan, which focuses on security-sector reform, strengthening the rule of law and accelerating national reconciliation. I would like at this juncture to thank His Excellency Prince Zeid Ra’ad Zeid Al-Hussein, Permanent Representative of Jordan and Chairman of the Liberia configuration, and the configuration’s members for their commitment and dedication.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“A well-crafted gender policy is enabling the Government to address the concerns of women and girls. We consider the creation of the gender entity UN-Women to be an important positive development in the context of the United Nations effort to promote women’s empowerment. Liberia pledges its fullest support for the success of this important body. Cognizant that youths constitute the highest percentage of our population, we are committed to developing programmes that will strengthen and empower them for future leadership. We hope that the action plan adopted by the recent United Nations High- level Meeting on Youth will garner international support for our youth programmes. We are continuing to progress in our efforts to reform our security sector. Special attention is focused on building the capacity of the Liberian National Police.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“That intervention ended a disastrous 14-year civil war and created conditions for the deployment of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), the establishment of a transitional Government and the democratic election of Africa’s first female President. Consistent with our commitment to national recovery and post-war reconstruction, we have developed programmes and policies specifically aimed at lifting Liberians to higher levels of productivity, reviving basic services, restoring infrastructure and re-establishing the rule of law. Overall, we are making progress on all of these fronts and building a more inclusive society in which the full potential of all of our citizens can be harnessed. In this endeavour, special emphasis has been placed on the empowerment of women and their participation in all aspects of the national endeavour.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“11-51384 8 As a post-conflict country, Liberia has benefited immensely from numerous mediation efforts that include national, regional and international initiatives aimed at restoring and maintaining stability in the country. Our experience leads us to suggest that greater emphasis be placed on preventive measures, and that the tools of mediation be employed as soon as early warning signs of conflict emerge. The benefits of establishing an early-warning system that will deal with potentially explosive situations before they degenerate into full-blown infernos are obvious. It has been nearly a decade since this body and friendly nations intervened to restore Liberia to normalcy.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Despite global interdependence, inter-State relations are still constrained by divergent ideological convictions and structural inequalities in the global economic system. These have resulted in divisions which undermine our efforts to move as one global community towards sustainable development. Mediation, as part of preventive diplomacy, is indeed a powerful dispute-resolution mechanism. The United Nations has a central role in promoting mediation in pursuit of peace. The good offices of the Secretary-General remain critical to the mediation efforts of the United Nations. Regional and subregional organizations are assuming an increasingly active and complementary role in mediation and the peaceful settlement of disputes. These initiatives must not only be acknowledged and encouraged but also supported by the global community.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Ban Ki-moon, on his unanimous re-election, and extend the highest commendation to him for his vision and foresight, and for the tireless efforts with which he continues to administer the Organization. We embrace the priorities which he has set for his second term, which are centred on sustainable development. It gives me great pleasure to welcome and congratulate the Republic of South Sudan upon its admission as the 193rd Member of the United Nations and to assure it of Liberia’s friendship, support and solidarity. The theme chosen for this year’s general debate, “The role of mediation in the settlement of disputes by peaceful means”, could not have been selected at a more opportune time. Communities within our world continue to be polarized by conflicts which have their roots in political marginalization and socio-economic inequities.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Liberia congratulates you, Mr. President, on your election to the important office of President of the General Assembly at its sixty-sixth session. We are confident that you will steer the work of this session in a manner which brings pride to your great country, the State of Qatar. Mr. President, we wish you well and pledge Liberia’s full support to you in pursuit of the priorities which you have identified. Let me also pay tribute to your predecessor, His Excellency Joseph Deiss of Switzerland, for the effective manner in which he conducted the affairs of the General Assembly at its sixty-fifth session. His sound and outstanding leadership enabled the session to register many achievements. We warmly congratulate the Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The current global financial crisis is impregnated with the potential to undermine donor support to our national renewal agenda, thus threatening much needed foreign direct investment and delivery of social services. The result of the Government’s inability to provide these basic services to its people has the propensity to provide fertile ground for acts of destabilization from internal and external sources. It is cheaper to prevent these risks than to have to mobilize already diminishing resources at much higher cost, sometimes involving human lives and enormous resources, to react to them. In conclusion, we pledge our unstinting support to your leadership and entertain the hope that together, we can advance the cause of humanity and make the world truly a better place to live.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“However, we wish to underscore the benefits of establishing an early warning mechanism that will deal with potentially explosive situations before they escalate into full blown conflagrations that present only ghastly choices. Additionally, it is important that the international community provides special assistance and dispensation to post-conflict countries to shield them from shocks in the worldwide system, such as the current global financial crisis. These upsets often have the effect of reversing the gains made in restoring peace to countries emerging from conflict. That is why Liberia welcomes the empathy and support of the international community in rebuilding its institutions destroyed by protracted civil conflict.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“On Darfur, we are heartened by the expressed willingness of all the parties to end armed hostilities and to find a political solution to the problem that will ensure lasting peace for all people in that region. Liberia welcomes the just-ended Summit on Climate Change convened by the Secretary-General. We firmly believe that urgent action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to help all Member States, particularly developing countries, adequately respond to the harmful effects of this global phenomenon. Liberia continues to join in the call for a democratic Security Council that reflects the realities of the twenty-first century. The world today is far different from and more complex than that of the 1940s, when this Organization came into being. Liberia supports peacekeeping operations to put out the flames of war.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Liberia supports the decision of the leaders of the Southern African Development Community on the lifting of United Nations sanctions against Zimbabwe. We are encouraged that the power-sharing agreement between the parties continues to hold as the country tries to recover. As regards Somalia, we note with regret the continuing deterioration of the situation in that country. In view of the unfortunate state of affairs there, Liberia calls for renewed commitment by the international community to provide logistical and financial support to the African Union peacekeeping initiatives to restore peace in that country. Liberia, as a beneficiary of 27 09-52470 peacekeeping operations, registers its strong condemnation of the recent barbaric killings of 17 African Union peacekeepers in Somalia.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“As Chair of the Mano River Union and a member of the International Contact Group on Guinea, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is urging the United Nations and the international community to stay constructively engaged with Guinea while urging adherence to the original agreement so as to ensure a smooth transition to democratic rule in that country. Cross-border movements among the Mano River Union countries have become more complex and problematic due to the growing number of cases involving illicit drug trafficking, human trafficking and other organized transnational crime in the West African subregion and beyond. These problems necessitate the urgent need for collective international action to tackle these criminal activities, which are a menace to regional peace and security.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“In this vein, we wish to express the heartfelt gratitude of the Government and people of Liberia to the Security Council for extending the mandate of UNMIL for another year and further requesting it to provide a conducive security environment for the holding of general and presidential elections in 2011. The crucial nature of this democratic transition cannot be overemphasized as we commend the gallant men and women of UNMIL for their courageous and sacrificial services in keeping the peace. The issue of cross-border movement mentioned above demonstrates that the security and stability of the countries of the Mano River Union subregion are inextricably linked and that progress in one country cannot be divorced from progress in any one of the member States. Elections are soon to be held in Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“For instance, more than 65,000 Liberian refugees are reportedly spread throughout West Africa, posing humanitarian challenges that require urgent action for cross-border movements. This is why we continue to urge the fast-tracking and relaxation of the stringent conditions for development assistance, if Liberia is to truly remain a model for post-conflict reconstruction and democracy. In this connection, Liberia requires the empathy and support of the international community for its young democracy as it improves the human rights situation, transparency, anti-corruption and good governance, which are important priorities of the Government.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“In post-conflict situations such as ours, stability is linked to development. Weak institutional capacity in the area of the rule of law, coupled with the absence of employment opportunities, especially for the youth, continue to threaten sustained progress. As we expect to hold general elections in 2011, successful conduct of these undertakings will set the nation firmly on the path of stability and democracy. It is therefore envisioned that continued, sustainable socio-economic development will serve as the catalyst for a smooth electoral process. The Mano River Union countries of Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire continue to host significant numbers of each other’s refugees in the subregion.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Moreover, the President has promulgated a policy of mandatory free and compulsory primary education, with a special emphasis on girls, who are often victims of institutionalized bias and abuse. We have undertaken several economic reform initiatives and have set up the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission to create a transparent and predictable business and investment climate as well as to encourage greater foreign direct investment. Liberia has also made noticeable progress towards reaching the targets for relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Debt Initiative. Qualifying under this process will open up the country to borrowing on the international financial markets and accepting loans. While Liberia has made and continues to make impressive progress towards consolidating peace, the gains remain fragile.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The country experienced 7 per cent growth in 2008 and is expected to register 5 per cent this year, largely as a result of the negative impact of the global economic meltdown on demand for our major commodities and decreased capital inflows. National revenue collection rose by 25 per cent last year. We have improved our business and investment climate by establishing the “One Stop Shop” concept to spur private sector growth and create jobs. We have rehabilitated a total of 674 miles of primary and secondary roads to link communities that were isolated from the central administration as a result of the 14-year civil crisis. A robust and comprehensive 09-52470 26 civil service reform strategy has been instituted as a critical component of the public sector reform.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Liberia’s economic revitalization is shaping up to become a post-conflict success story, due to the combination of the disciplined leadership and prudent policies of Her Excellency President Ellen Johnson- Sirleaf and the very constructive partnership with the international community. We remain cognizant of the fact that no amount of foreign assistance can transform a nation in the absence of sound moral leadership and technical competencies and of the commitment to improve the well-being of its citizens. It is out of this realization that we formulated the Government’s poverty reduction strategy and have cultivated a strategic partnership with friendly countries and organizations within the international community.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“As a follow-up to the Monrovia extraordinary meeting, a side event to this sixty-fourth session of the General Assembly was jointly hosted yesterday by those two exemplary women leaders, here at United Nations Headquarters, to focus on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and climate change. In commending them for their excellent work, we join in their appeal to all Member States, Governments and non-governmental organizations to support the Monrovia Declaration. Liberia wishes to thank all the participants at that historic event for renewing their support of the Government of Liberia and for reform of the United Nations system, including the urgent need for gender equality in its organs and related agencies.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“In that regard, we reaffirm that resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security recognizes that women, as civilians in conflict situations, are not only victims but also powerful agents for peace and the security for their communities. We also recognize that Security Council resolution 1820 (2008) is an important component of resolution 1325 (2000) with regard to rape and sexual violence against women and girls. Therefore, we recommend that the Secretary-General appoint a special envoy on women, peace and security who would galvanize Member States to implement resolution 1325 (2000) and ensure that the path towards its tenth anniversary is well prepared in a coherent manner.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“In this connection, I wish to refer to the International Colloquium on Women’s Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security, which was co-convened by the President of Liberia, Her Excellency Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and the President of Finland, Her Excellency Madam Tarja Halonen, in Monrovia on 7 and 8 March 2009. At that event, the Monrovia Declaration was adopted, calling for action on resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security, and on climate change and gender. We want to thank all our partners and friends of the international community, including the institutions of the United Nations system and UNMIL, who contributed to the success of the programme.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We have established a special sexual and gender-based violent crimes court, which has begun hearing cases and encouraging victims to come forth and report on those crimes in the spirit of confidentiality and justice. Concomitantly, the Government has further adopted several gender- sensitive policies and frameworks in pursuance of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000). Post-conflict reconstruction and development require all Liberians to participate in the ongoing recovery and sustainable development efforts. The Government is therefore promoting and encouraging women’s involvement at the leadership level and in all other spectrums of society, with emphasis on the education of the girl child.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Two weeks ago, successful partnership consultations were held at United Nations Headquarters here in New York on the strategic plan 25 09-52470 for the Liberia National Police. The responses of our partners, especially India, were encouraging. The objective of the strategic plan is to introduce an integrated programme that would ensure a consistent doctrine and training philosophy to enhance continuity. A similar strategic plan is also required for the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization to improve its efficiency and effectiveness in border control. We are pleased to report that Liberia has continued to make significant strides in the administration of justice and rule of law, in spite of daunting obstacles.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“However, high unemployment, especially among the youth, remains a major challenge. Liberia is pleased with the progress being made in the reconstitution of its armed forces, which includes the training of the 2,000-strong army with the assistance of our development partners, particularly the United States of America. We continue to encourage gender sensitivity in this important area of our national endeavours, considering that at present there are only 58 women in the new force. Improvements have also been registered in the performance of the reorganized Liberia National Police force, with the establishment of an emergency unit. The police, however, continue to face difficulties in achieving full operational capability in the areas of infrastructure, equipment, logistics and other requirements.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“In order to protect the fundamental rights of the Liberian people, the President has also nominated the members of the Independent Human Rights Commission, which will have the responsibility of monitoring the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report. Under the Liberian Constitution, the nominees must meet the consent of the Liberian Senate, and that process is currently under way. We have also established the Land Commission, and its Commissioners have been appointed to address the explosive issues of land disputes and the need for land reform. We note with satisfaction the achievement of the national disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration programme, carried out in conjunction with the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). That programme was successfully concluded in July of this year.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Since her inauguration in January 2006 as the first democratically elected woman head of State of an African country, the Government has undertaken a number of important initiatives aimed at enhancing national dialogue and reconciliation. On 30 June 2009, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission submitted an unedited report, which did not gain the unanimous consent of the Commission, since two members issued dissenting views. Nonetheless, since its release the report has spurred national debate, and the President has committed herself to working with all stakeholders towards implementation of the recommendations, which must be in consonance with the Commission’s mandate, the wishes of the Liberian people and the laws of our country.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Miguel d’Escoto Brockmann of the Republic of Nicaragua, for the very able and effective manner in which he steered the affairs of the Assembly’s sixty-third session. His sound and shrewd leadership was critical in steadying the turbulence occasioned by the severe global economic and financial crisis. Likewise, we commend the Secretary- General, His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-moon, a visionary statesman, for the unfaltering efforts with which he continues to administer the affairs of this Organization. His renewed dynamism and sense of purpose serve as an impetus to our collective aspirations for the attainment of global peace, security and development. Liberia continues to make steady progress under the excellent, indefatigable leadership of Her Excellency President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“My delegation and I are honoured, for the second time, to address the General Assembly on behalf of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and the Government and people of Liberia. We congratulate Mr. Ali Abdussalam Treki and his country, the Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, on his election as President of the Assembly at its sixty-fourth session. We are convinced that, as a consummate diplomat, Mr. Treki will bring his wealth of experience into play as we tackle the complex issues on the current session’s agenda, while entertaining hopes for a resounding success. In this context, my delegation and I assure the President of our full cooperation. Permit me, therefore, to seize the opportunity to pay a well-deserved tribute to the preceding President, His Excellency Mr.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)