YouSaid · the spoken record

Matthews

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS MATTHEWS

lines on the record: 96
first: 1980-09-24
most recent: 1993-09-24
sittings or episodes: 4
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

“At the fifteenth session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, held at Dakar in July 1992, the 16 West African leaders reached a clear consensus and observed: "The Authority determined that the uncooperative conduct by the NPFL, especially with regard to the encampment and disarmament of the combatants and the insertion of a buffer zone along the Liberia-Sierra Leone border, continued to pose a serious threat to the peace, stability and security of the West African region." The Authority therefore mandated the Field Commander of ECOMOG to complete the implementation of the programme contained in the Yamoussoukro Accord not later than 30 days from the conclusion of the summit meeting.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The NPFL proposed a snap election, to be held within six months, to be preceded by the encampment and disarmament of all armed combatants. ECOWAS established the Committee of Five, headed by His Excellency President Felix Houphouet-Boigny of Cote d'lvoire, to work with Liberians and help us reach an understanding. The negotiations took place in four different meetings, producing an agreement which, because of the venue, has become known as the Yamoussoukro Accord. This Accord has aroused declarations of support from the Organization of African Unity, the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries and the United Nations Security Council. But how has the NPFL reacted to the commitments it undertook?”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“negotiated a cease-fire declaration and urged Liberians to continue the search for peace by holding another national conference at which the NPFL could be present. ECOWAS convened a second national conference at Monrovia in March 1991, at which an NPFL delegation participated in the negotiation of an arrangement for the governance of the country along the lines of a framework it advanced. The euphoria that attended chose preliminary results were short-lived, as the conclusions reached were summarily rejected by the NPFL leader. A few months thereafter the NPFL alerted some of the leaders of ECOWAS that it was not prepared to participate in an interim government that would, alternatively, be disposed to negotiating, under the auspices of ECOWAS, another proposal of its own.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“It required that none of the leaders of the armed groups would serve as interim President and that the interim President would be a caretaker and not participate in the elections. Accordingly, the Conference reserved for the NPFL leader the position of Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the highest position in the interim government, from which he could still seek the presidency of the country in a free and fair election. The NPFL was also awarded a majority seating in the interim Legislative Assembly. However, this overture failed to induce the NPFL and its leader to find some common ground with other Liberians. The Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, meeting at an extraordinary summit at Bamako in November 1990.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“In August 1990 ECOWAS facilitated the convening of a national conference so that Liberians could deliberate on the future of their country, form an interim government and undertake the initial plans for free and fair elections to be conducted under international supervision and monitoring. The National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL), the main rebel faction, led by Mr. Charles Taylor, failed to attend, apparently opting for a military solution that was still vainly expected to arise from what was already a war of attrition. At the Conference, the delegates worked within the scope of the peace plan that had been accepted by the warring factions as the basis for mediation.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“After the disintegration of the Government and the attendant breakdown of civil authority, and in order to avert further bloodshed, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) undertook a mediatory initiative by advancing a plan that secured the concurrence of all the interested parties. The ECOWAS peace plan required, inter alia, the deployment of a peace-keeping force, the ECOWAS Cease-fire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), as well as the formation of an interim Government of National Unity to include the warring factions, the political parties and the interest groups of the country.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“In a three-way armed struggle for power in which the "enemy" was defined with scarce exactitude, each faction preyed on the civilian population, whose cries for help were heard by a largely indifferent world. Liberia, a beacon of hope in Africa as a sovereign expression since 1847, a country which welcomed and assimilated into its society thousands of other Africans from neighbouring countries and elsewhere, was rapidly reduced to a land of grief and desolation. This fratricide impelled about 800,000 of our citizens to seek sanctuary in neighbouring countries.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Within this context Member States that are better endowed must exercise leadership to ensure that the United Nations becomes ready, willing and able to engage constructively in humanitarian intervention in internal conflicts, consistent with the guiding principles annexed to General Assembly resolution 46/182 of 19 December 1991 and Article 2, paragraph 7, of the United Nations Charter. At this juncture we would wish to apprise delegations of developments in Liberia and of Liberia's continuing quest for peace. Since 24 December 1989, when rebel forces effected an incursion into Liberia from a neighbouring country, Africa's oldest republic has been embroiled in a tragic civil strife replete with atrocious mayhem, murder and madness.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Although the United Nations does respond, sometimes much too belatedly, to such crises, there is an urgent need for the Organization to employ its moral authority in a more effective and non-selective way at the early stages of conflicts to prevent the human tragedies which so frequently revisit mankind. In this connection the Liberian delegation notes with appreciation the comprehensive and insightful report of the Secretary-General entitled "An Agenda for Peace", in which he outlines specific measures and proposals to enhance, in a more vigorous and non-selective way, greater United Nations involvement in preventive diplomacy, peacemaking, peace-keeping and peace enforcement.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The cessation of the ideological antagonism which characterized the cold-war era aroused great expectations that our global village would be visited by a climate of international peace, tolerance and goodwill whereby our energies could be devoted to grappling with the myriad problems of underdevelopment. Unfortunately, with apocalyptic premonition, there are wars and rumours of war casting grim shadows throughout our one world. In Somalia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in some of the nations emerging from the former Soviet Union, and even in my own country, Liberia, wars are raging, brought about by either nationalistic yearnings, ethnic and religious rivalries, or by sheer greed for wealth and power.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“His stewardship of the Organization since the beginning of this year has witnessed the utilization of the finest diplomatic skills, undiminished resolve, and broad vision to address the many challenging problems which now confront the international community. This singular commitment on his part to the cause of global peace and security, social justice and economic prosperity has inspired tremendous confidence that the United Nations will continue to be the appropriate forum for harnessing various ideas which can promote the betterment of mankind. We also welcome and extend a hand of friendship to the newly admitted Members of the United Nations. We entertain the fervent hope that their participation will contribute to the achievement of its lofty ideals and objectives.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“We ask the President to accept our hearty congratulations on his election as President of the General Assembly at its forty-seventh session. We pledge to him the fullest support and cooperation of the Liberian delegation as he puts forth his best efforts in guiding the deliberations of the Assembly. We offer his illustrious predecessor. Ambassador Samir S. Shihabi of Saudi Arabia, our deepest appreciation for the able manner in which he conducted the affairs of the forty-sixth session, and we wish him well in his future endeavours. We welcome the advent of Dr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, a distinguished African scholar and diplomat, to the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“In the cause of the people, the struggle continues.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“Many years of hard work and resourcefulness have gone into the formulation of a convention on the law of the sea on the basis of the principle of the common heritage of mankind. Despite significant advances, a final text has yet to be agreed upon. We continue to await a common regulation, universally acceptable, to govern the sea and thereby ensure that its benefits and resources are shared by us all. 34. Despite the many obstacles confronting the United Nations, we believe it has the capacity to bring about a more peaceful, just and equitable world community. However, it requires the highest degree of our understanding, cooperation, dedication and commitment. Let us therefore resolve that each of us will bring to the Organization now and in the years to come the fullest measure of those qualities.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“In accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, particularly the principles of self-determination and non-interference in the internal affairs of other States, Liberia believes that the Korean question should be solved through peaceful negotiations between the peoples of North Korea and South Korea. To that end, we call on the SecretaryGeneral to renew his offer made in 1979 to both Seoul and Pyongyang to perform an intermediary role. Furthermore, membership in the United Nations of both North Korea and South Korea should be encouraged to help alleviate tension and create a favorFable climate for stability. This should be urged without prejudice to the eventual reunification of the Korean peninsula. 33.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“At the same time, it is reassuring to note that an active Jewish community exists in South Africa with strong anti-apartheid sentiments. 30. Further, considering the close ties of friendship and cooperation which exist between the Lebanese and Liberian peoples, the Government of Liberia was distressed by Israel's recent bombing of Lebanon. We believe such an act undermines the prospects for peace in the area and trust that all parties concerned will henceforth exercise restraint. 31. Another matter which remains of crucial concern to us is the just cause of the Palestinian people. In the spirit of AfroArab solidarity, we remain irrevocably aligned with them in their struggle. We are therefore awaiting with keen interest the results of the talks on Palestinian autonomy which began in Cairo a few days ago. 32.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“While our own reexamination process has been slow, it has produced some modest results by at least compelling us to concretize our views. 28. We find that the ostensible reason for the severance of ties with Israel solidarity with Egypt on the matter of the violation of its territorial integrity no longer obtains. Cairo has effected a modus vivendi with Tel Aviv, and Liberians ought not to be more Egyptian than Sadat. Yet there are issues which continue to concern us, and some of them have claimed the attention of the Israeli authorities. 29. We find disturbing the collaboration between Tel Aviv and Pretoria. It is equally disturbing to be reminded of the open secret that some black African States maintain vibrant and extensive economic links with South Africa.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“He stood alone in his desire for peace." It may be recalled that Liberia, Africa's oldest republic, took the initiative of issuing a call last year for all States which have severed diplomatic relations with Israel to begin a reexamination of their policy. It may also be recalled that the birth of Israel was the culmination of a United Nations proceeding. Interestingly, too, Liberia cast the deciding vote in 1948 which gave rise to the existence of Israel. 26. We persist in stimulating public debate on the issue of diplomatic fence-mending because we believe that the increasing estrangement and isolation of Israel undermine the prospects for a peaceful solution to the Middle East problem. Links must exist to facilitate communication. In order to reconcile warring factions, the parties must at least be reached. 27.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“Our sympathy certainly goes to that State which, far from shouting the loudest, pays the highest price, in both men and material, for war in that area of the world. We find nothing intrinsically wrong with partial agreements, and we are convinced that the Camp David agreements represent a meaningful initial approach. We believe Egypt needs the encouragement of men of good will everywhere with a view to achieving a broader and more comprehensive solution. 25. For our part, we will not permit it to be said of President Sadat as was said in 1874 of Walpole, that "in vain [he] battled . . . against the cry for war ...”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“Liberia has consistently maintained, and continues to maintain, a Middle East policy based on the following principles: first, that a just and lasting peace cannot prevail in the Middle East without due recognition of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to a State of their own; secondly, that Israel must withdraw completely from all occupied Arab lands; and, thirdly, that all States in the region, including Israel, have a right to live freely within secure and internationally recognized boundaries with the fullest respect for their territorial integrity and sovereignty. 24. We wish to register our support for Egypt in its efforts to find a peaceful solution to the crises in the Middle East.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“We refer specifically to the recent United Nations Conference on New and Renewable Sources of Energy, held at Nairobi, and the United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, held in Paris this month. In the same vein, we look forward with much anticipation to the forthcoming NorthSouth summit, scheduled to be held in Cancun. 23.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“Many of these countries are faced with mounting unemployment, spiraling inflation, worsening terms of trade, rising protectionism, dwindling sources of financial assistance and overall economic stagnation. Indeed, many of the developing countries are threatened with imminent economic collapse. 21. Members of the international community, particularly developed countries and oil-producing States, must all strive to rise above the temptation to pursue shortsighted objectives of self-interest at the expense of the wellbeing of the global economy. 22. Our Government welcomes the determined efforts of the United Nations system to rallying Member States to undertake serious discussions and seek solutions to the problems confronting the international economy.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“We totally reject and are absolutely opposed to the presence of foreign troops in the two countries and we call for their immediate withdrawal to enable the people to choose their own form of government without outside interference of any kind. 19. Developments in Cyprus continue to constitute a threat to international peace and security. We urge due respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of that State, and we call for a resumption of the inter-communal talks so that the miseries of that long-suffering people will come to an end. 20. The international economic outlook continues to be characterized by uncertainty, especially for the developing countries.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“We remain convinced that as long as South Africa can find solace in some quarters of the contact group it will continue to reject the plan for Namibia's independence referred to in that resolution, will increase its repression of the Namibian people and will engage in acts of destabilization and terrorism against Mozambique, Angola and other neighboring States. It was therefore with much relief that we welcomed the brief but unconditional affirmation of the United States commitment to resolution 435 (1978). 18. The situation in Afghanistan and Kampuchea demonstrates the insecurity of small States of the international community. It also points to the impotence of the Organization in the face of serious threats to the security of small nations.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“We believe that the dedication of a year to the disabled will contribute to public understanding of disability and emphasize the need for rehabilitation. To this end, appropriate measures are being designed in Liberia. 16. Liberia's position on decolonization is clear and unequivocal: we reaffirm our solidarity with all colonial countries and peoples, especially the struggling people of southern Africa, who, with the blood of martyrs, are resisting systematic laws of exploitation, discrimination and suppression. 17. Liberia continues to feel that Security Council resolution 435 (1978) has all the attributes for ensuring the independence of Namibia under the leadership of the South West Africa People's Organization [SWAPO].”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“We see the United Nations, which ought to be the conscience of mankind, being reduced to an arena for peaceful war or a warlike peace pax bellicosa, bellum pacificum. Each year we all cry "Peace, peace", but there is no peace. 14. If we are to succeed in attaining our common goals and aspirations, we must develop a sense of community. We must forge cooperative partnerships and work together meaningfully to discuss and solve our common problems. These are the high principles to which the Government of Liberia is committed and it is within the broad context of these principles that we now turn to specific issues on our agenda. 15. We welcome the designation of 1981 as the International Year of Disabled Persons.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“Implicit in the search for peace over the past 35 years have been two basic convictions: first, that the cooperation of the great Powers would condition the environment in which peace could be preserved and security guaranteed; and, secondly, that Member States, as a matter of commitment, and therefore honor, would strictly adhere to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. 15; These conditions have never been met, and many high hopes in the Charter have proved to be most disappointing. Instead of cooperation, we see rivalry and disagreement among the great Powers; instead of strict adherence by all Member States to the Charter, nonconformity is common; and instead of progressive steps towards global cooperation and unity, we find Member States preoccupied with parochial concerns to the exclusion of the collective interest.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“Lurking in the hearts and minds of many of us in this Hall are designs and schemes of war against our neighbors. The world is today consumed by mounting problems: an arms race, food shortages, an energy problem and a range of economic ills inflation, unemployment, protectionism, low levels of capital formation and unstable commodity markets. 11. In our domestic settings, many Governments have created oppressive circumstances which inhibit men from living and acting as men circumstances "which blind men to their goals, prevent them from taking measures to free themselves and militate against the vision and boldness of the human spirit. 12.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“Commander in Chief Samuel Kanyon Doe and the People's Redemption Council have also engaged in the summary release from detention of former officials of Government who were charged with high treason and rampant corruption. By this act of magnanimity our people have been spared the trauma of protracted trials which could have invoked disturbing memories of the past and thereby detracted from the process of national reconciliation. The prisons have been rendered virtually empty. 10. We have gathered here, as we have done for 35 years, to engage in our annual review of developments in the world today." After these many years of our collective wisdom, there is still polarization of the many nations of the world. Mighty nations seem adrift, and the spectre of a nightmare now looms larger than the prospects for peace.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“Our people are motivated by a firm determination to resolve the problems which beset Liberia: 90 per cent illiteracy; cultural alienation; an economy which produces what we do not consume, while we consume what it does not produce; an inadequate health delivery system; 53 per cent unemployment within the active labor force; and a pattern of corruption which was bequeathed to the people by the erstwhile princes of privilege. 8. It may be recalled that the People's Redemption Council inherited a bankrupt treasury with an overdraft of $11 million, along with external indebtedness amounting to more than $700 million. However, with perseverance and tenacity, we have rescheduled our loans abroad, formulated a development plan and, with the assistance of IMF, worked out a stabilization program to set the basis for economic recovery. 9.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“Consistent with the commitment of the People's Redemption Council to return power to civilians in the shortest time practicable, a Constitutional Commission, clothed with special privileges and immunities, has been mandated to draft a constitution by which Liberia can return to civilian control and democratic institutions. 7. Concomitantly, the Government of Liberia, under the leadership of Commander in Chief Samuel Kanyon Doe, is acting with all deliberate speed to effect progressive changes in the quality of life of our people and relieve the problems which made the revolution not only necessary but inevitable.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“We wish their people well as they embark upon the task of nation building. We look forward to the day when all peoples and countries under alien domination can exercise their inalienable right to self-determination, freedom and independence. 5. When we appeared before the Assembly at the thirty- fifth session [13th meeting], we did so at the advent of a revolutionary process. We were privileged to give an overview of this process and to explain its causes and effects. As we appear before you once again, we wish to underscore some of our achievements thus far. 6. It is pleasing to note that the revolution has not departed from its original objectives.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“1. The delegation of Liberia extends heartiest congratulations to you, Mr. President, on your election to preside over the thirty-sixth session of the Assembly. We note that you bring to your onerous responsibility not only sterling leadership qualities but also more than two decades of experience in the United Nations system. 2. Our sincere thanks and appreciation go to your illustrious predecessor, Mr. Rudiger von Wechmar, for the services he so ably rendered the Organization. Much was expected of him, and much was received. 3. We also wish to thank the SecretaryGeneral for his continuing efforts in guiding the activities of the United Nations in the pursuit of international peace and security. 4. Permit us to add to the words of welcome that have been extended to Vanuatu and Belize upon their advent to membership in the Organization.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“For us, that re-examination seems all the more appropriate since our sister African State, Egypt, in whose support our diplomatic ties with Israel were severed, has now established formal ties with that country. 170. The outstanding success of the country of the current President of the General Assembly in the years since the United Nations was founded demonstrates what can happen when nations devote their energies to peace. The lessons of that example ought to be marked by all of us during this year when the Federal Republic of Germany presides over the General Assembly.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Thus, deadlock and stalemate persist in the Middle East, where grave threats to the peace of the world have already broken into open hostilities. 169. Against that background those who have advanced or supported agreements, even though partial ones, that are aimed at breaking the deadlock do serve the cause of peace. For us one thing is certain: that problem cannot be resolved peacefully unless communication and dialogue between and among all those desirous of effecting peaceful change can occur. For that reason, my Government believes that the time has come for all States that have severed diplomatic links with Israel to begin a re-examination of their policy with a view to the establishment of some links, however limited, that would facilitate communication.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Liberia has consistently followed, and continues to follow, a policy based on the following: first, that a just and lasting peace cannot prevail in the Middle East without due recognition of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to a State of their own; secondly, Israel must completely withdraw from all occupied Arab lands; and, thirdly, all States in the region, including Israel, have a right to live freely within secured and internationally recognized boundaries, with the fullest respect for their territorial integrity and sovereignty. 168. Acceptance of those principles by many States has not produced peace while, for many others, the attainment of peace is a precondition for the acceptance of those principles.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“The United Nations must, therefore, reaffirm and demonstrate its support for the people of South Africa and Namibia in their struggle to free themselves from oppression and the brutal and dehumanizing system of apartheid. 166. The situation in Afghanistan and Kampuchea suggests that the small States are exposed to dangerous threats to their independence and sovereignty if the principles of the Charter that offer them protection can be flouted with impunity at any time a major power chooses. If the credibility of the Organization is to be maintained, it must condemn any violation of the Charter, regardless of which State is responsible for the breach, and despite the pretext that State may advance. 167. The situation in the Middle East remains one of the greatest threats to international peace and security in our time.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“By outright defiance and by one subterfuge after another it continues to pit its will against the international community over Namibia's transition to independence. Worse, South Africa continues unlawfully to use Namibia for committing incessant and unprovoked acts of aggression against neighbouring African States, while, on the home front, its apartheid policy has become even more vicious, strengthened by massive assistance in military aid and technology from its friends abroad. 165. From all indications, it is clear that South Africa will never end its occupation of Namibia nor abandon its racist apartheid policy without the intensification of the liberation struggle within South Africa and the imposition by the Organization of enforcement measures under Chapter VII of the Charter.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“We shall encourage greater emphasis on inter-African cooperation, while the safeguarding of our national interests shall remain paramount. 162. The free enterprise system, based on the private investment of domestic and foreign capital, will be maintained, while investors will be encouraged to show a greater sense of social responsibility. We shall continue to promote genuine partnership between domestic capital, public as well as private, and foreign investment through our open-door policy. We condemn the exploitation and the diversion of the resources of our people to uses other than for their advancement. 163. Having said that much about the Liberian revolution, I should like to make a few comments on some of the items on the agenda of this session. 164. South Africa remains an implacable enemy of African freedom and independence.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Our faith in the ideals and goals of the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity [OAU] is unshakeable. 160. Our confidence in the principles of the movement of nonaligned countries is steadfast. However, Liberia will be genuinely nonaligned. We shall vigorously resist becoming trapped in the web of superpower rivalry. We shall not permit our country to be used as a surrogate acting for external interests. Never shall we permit our friends to determine who our enemies ought to be. 161. We adhere to the principle of self-determination and the right of every people to determine its own political, economic and social systems without outside interference of any kind. Our commitment to the total liberation of Africa from colonialism, apartheid and other forms of discrimination and exploitation remains firm.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“In spite of the tremendous popularity of the Liberian revolution and the massive support which the People's Redemption Council enjoys, the Council has repeatedly given assurances to the Liberian people that the armed forces will return to the barracks as soon as the deplorable conditions which led to their seizing power have been brought under control. The probability is high that this can be achieved by 1983, when the next presidential election would have fallen due. 159. Although Liberia has changed its Government, it has not changed the essential foundations of its foreign policy. Liberia's national interests, international obligations and friendships have not changed. What has changed, however, is our perception and interpretation of those interests, obligations and friendships.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“It was a struggle of the broad masses of our people: students and teachers, workers and civil servants, the urban and rural public, and, decisively, our men and women in arms. It was a struggle to secure freedom, justice, equality, human dignity, equal opportunity and full participation by all citizens in the determination of their destiny. 158. The goal of our people's strivings and the resultant revolution is not the elimination of any ethnic grouping of our society or the replacement of one group of exploiters by another. The Liberian revolution seeks to remove the gross political, social and economic disparities by which a privileged few were able to subject the masses of our people to untold degradation.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“We were tired of 90 per cent illiteracy and one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world. We found unacceptable an existence in which thousands of people in our country had never seen a hospital or a school, despite the consistent and very punctual visits of the tax collector. 157. Thus it was that on 12 April 1980 the men and women of the armed forces of Liberia, acting for the Liberian people, removed from power the True Whig Party Government because of rampant corruption, misuse of public office and gross violation of the constitutional rights of the Liberian people. The events of 12 April were the climax of a long struggle by the Liberian people to inaugurate a new society in our country.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“The presence of our delegation here today is confirmation enough that the days are ending when Governments can come to this forum and advocate liberty, peace, security and social justice on the international level without attaching any significance to those principles and objectives in their own countries. International peace and security must be built upon domestic harmony and tranquillity. At times, however, domestic peace can be assured only by recourse to radical changes. This the Liberian people found it necessary to do. 156. Our people could no longer endure a political system which maintained a property qualification for voting or for seeking elective office. We could no longer accept a situation in which 70 per cent of the population derived an annual per capita income of $74 while 4 per cent earned $3,500.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“We, as Africans, are all proud of him for the honour he has brought to his country, the United Republic of Tanzania, and to our continent. 153. We extend sincere thanks and appreciation to the Secretary General for his untiring efforts dedicated to the cause of peace. 154. Liberia is pleased at this time to welcome Saint Vincent and the Grenadines into the United Nations. We are happy also that our sister State, Zimbabwe—which we welcomed to membership at the eleventh special session, on economic development—is actively participating with us in the work of this session. The admission of those new States brings us closer to the Organization's much cherished goal of universality. 155.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“My delegation brings greetings to the Assembly from the Government and people of Liberia under the leadership of the People's Redemption Council, chaired by Master Sergeant Samuel Kanyon Doe. 151. We congratulate Ambassador von Wechmar on his election to preside over the thirty-fifth session of the General Assembly. His election is a manifestation of the esteem in which both he and his country are held. He can be assured of my delegation's fullest cooperation with him in the discharge of his duties. 152. His predecessor, Ambassador Salim A. Salim, has earned the deep appreciation of us all for the outstanding manner in which he conducted the affairs of the thirty fourth session and three special sessions of the General Assembly.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)