YouSaid · the spoken record

Algirdas Mykolas Brazauskas

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS ALGIRDAS MYKOLAS BRAZAUSKAS

lines on the record: 56
first: 1993-09-24
most recent: 1994-09-24
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

“Either that wheel will turn, slowly but surely, through the joint efforts of us all, taking us towards ever higher plains of progress, or it will stop turning, and if it stops it will inevitably begin to roll backwards - to chaos and barbarity. As humanity crosses into a new millennium, we must not allow the wheel to stop turning. This demands the collective action of all States and peoples. That is why we must always remind ourselves that no organization in the world today can equal the authority, longevity, dynamism and vitality of the United Nations. That which divided nations, States or continents cannot achieve alone they can and will achieve together as the United Nations. I am convinced of this, as there is no alternative.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Next year the United Nations will continue the tradition of transcontinental forums. The world social Summit in Copenhagen will afford us an opportunity to put people’s concerns at the centre of social policy. This is of particular relevance to countries whose economies are in transition, where people carry the burden of rapid economic, social and political change. The World Conference on Women, to be held in Beijing, will address the key question of how, in times of awesome change, men and women can work together for a peaceful world in which equality and harmony will be the norm and reality of life. At the beginning of my address I spoke of the wheel of human development being supported by five basic principles. Today we clearly face a time for decisions.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“We now see the first results of the restructuring, and we are satisfied with the progress. We are particularly encouraged by steps taken to increase 5 managerial and policy-making accountability within the Secretariat, as well as the simplification and streamlining of the decision-making machinery. Lithuania supports and pledges its full cooperation with the new Office of Internal Oversight. I would also draw attention to the fact that the United Nations Charter still contains certain outdated concepts concerning enemy States. These are a relic of the Second World War. Therefore, I believe Articles 53 and 107 of the Charter ought to be amended. One of this year’s most important international events was the International Conference on Population and Development held recently in Cairo.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“I believe that combined efforts are capable of producing results much sooner than we first imagined. But, for this to occur, we must be assured that assistance provided by the United Nations will not be reduced. Of particular relevance to my country is the transfer of environmentally sound technology and know-how. An ecologically aware civilization must become the goal of our era. If the international community does not provide the necessary assistance and cooperation the situation in our region could change for the worse. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe receive a small portion of the technical assistance provided by the United Nations, but it is employed in our region effectively and with visible results. Here I should like to welcome the reforms initiated by the Secretary-General.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Adopting this second solution would be less costly and more effective than allowing a collapse of the system. Lithuania, like other formerly central-command economies, has inherited environmentally damaging technologies. While we have witnessed political and economic change, the restoration of a balanced environment in our countries will take many years and require financial resources. As the possessor of a powerful nuclear energy facility, Lithuania is particularly concerned about nuclear safety. Here, I wish to express our particular gratitude to Sweden and other Western European partners for assistance they provide to increase the safety of our nuclear energy programme. Lithuania welcomes the increased attention that international environmental organizations are giving to the concerns of our region.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Unfortunately, the use of these distorted figures has led to excessive contributions to the United Nations and to a reduction in assistance provided. At the same time, Lithuania, like other Central European countries, has despite the odds achieved a high level of development in education, science and culture. This, too, is reflected in the human development index. This state of affairs has two aspects. As Lithuania cannot effectively finance these areas from its own resources, an overall decline is unavoidable. Another possibility remains: with the help of the United Nations and other organizations, the decline may be halted in the fields of education, science and culture. If the existing foundation is protected, recovery in the economic and social fields will follow more rapidly.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The High Commissioner must become the overall coordinator of United Nations activities in the field of human rights. The world clearly needs an institution that can rapidly and effectively report human rights violations, particularly those which pose a danger of escalating into prolonged conflict. Such reporting would enhance the policy of preventive diplomacy. Lithuania continues along the difficult road of reform, maintaining a relatively high human development index, as reflected in the United Nations Development Programme’s 1994 report on human development, where it is in twenty- eighth place. We are well aware of the particular circumstances of this high ranking and of the fact that it is calculated with the use of rather distorted gross national product statistics.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“With the expansion of United Nations membership, the range of issues we are asked to discuss within the United Nations has also increased, imposing new responsibilities and new demands on the Organization. It is very important that the international community be properly represented in the Security Council. Lithuania therefore supports proposals to expand the membership of the Council, creating new permanent as well as non-permanent seats. One of the principle guarantees of international stability is respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms and their development and defence. It was, of course, within the framework of the United Nations that the first landmark international human rights documents were adopted. We believe the establishment of the office of High Commissioner for Human Rights to be a timely decision.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Together with Estonia and Latvia, Lithuania is in the process of establishing a Baltic peace-keeping battalion which will be fully operational in the very near future. With the consent of the Lithuanian Parliament, a group of Lithuanian peace-keepers, serving within a larger Danish battalion, is today a part of the United Nations Protection Force stationed in Croatia. I take this opportunity to thank Denmark and the other countries that provide continuous assistance in the creation of Lithuanian and Baltic peace-keeping units. In the future, within its financial capabilities, Lithuania will continue to participate in similar United Nations peace-keeping and humanitarian missions.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“I firmly adhere to my remarks, made a year ago in this Hall, that "the future of a more integrated world lies in democracy and the individuality of free nations." (Official Records of the General Assembly, Forty- eighth Session, Plenary Meetings, 7th meeting, p. 14) This individuality and diversity do not have to divide us. Quite the opposite - they will enrich us. Lithuania became a Member of the United Nations three years ago. Until now, Lithuania was perhaps a passive recipient of the assistance and security this membership provided. Today Lithuania seeks to contribute actively to the undertakings of the international 4 community to strengthen security and stability throughout the world.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“These States suffer first when instability and mutual distrust take root in the world. In an anarchic world, guided only by an ad hoc order, small States are the first to fall victim to larger interests. Small States experience with considerable pain the negative side-effects of global changes; they are the true front-line States. We have only to look at the front pages of the world’s newspapers. Bosnia, Rwanda, Tajikistan - all of these are small States struggling with tragic historical legacies. At the same time, if there exist guarantees for their security, small States develop rapidly and bring their own contributions to the international community.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“We cannot agree to allowing countries to carry out peace-keeping missions in any given geographical space without the consent of the parties to the conflict or the proper international mandate. I would like to emphasize my conviction that the principles of international law must be adhered to by all States, small and large. With the end of the cold war and the spread of democracy, old global divisions begin to disappear. It is vital that this continue. Those who believe that a new delineation of spheres of interest can bring stability to the world are mistaken. We who have felt the consequences of such divisions of influence can testify that this would only bring about new conflicts and upheaval. The United Nations has a particular significance for small and medium-sized States - in other words, the majority of countries.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“In this regard, we support the initiative of Germany and the Netherlands to improve cooperative relations between the United Nations and the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE). Every State must contribute in a tangible way towards the creation of a peaceful and stable world. This must be the responsibility of everyone. It would be inappropriate for any country to seek to achieve its own interests or expand its sphere of influence under the guise of peace-keeping missions. There are criteria which must be followed in this regard - namely, the principles of the United Nations and the CSCE. These principles must, in my opinion, apply to all countries, including the Russian Federation.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The efforts of the international community, expressed through the United Nations, do not always achieve their desired results. The main reason for this is the inability to enact decisive measures. This is particularly evident when large countries are for any reason drawn into local conflicts, leading to a clash of their global interests. In such cases, the timely removal of built-up tensions becomes difficult. If we fail to avoid conflict, its containment and reduction become painful and long-term, often leading to the death of Blue Helmets in the execution of their peace mission. It is therefore crucial that we join forces to improve the conflict prevention mechanism.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“If this unfortunate tendency is allowed to continue, a wave of despondency and instability may overflow all barriers. The young democracies of Central and Eastern Europe are confronted by dangers posed by organized crime, illegal migration and trafficking in narcotics and, most horribly, in nuclear materials. These are the unfortunate negative consequences of our rejoining the world; without the necessary experience, they are difficult to address. We require coordinated and concrete assistance. We live not only in a time of great changes, but also in a world of great contrasts. As we celebrate the historic transformation of Europe, the stunning successes in the Middle East peace process and the end of apartheid in South Africa, we are nevertheless witnessing continuing tragedies and conflicts all over the world.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The expansion of NATO eastward would not pose a danger or threaten any European State. Russian fears of isolation, I believe, are groundless. We welcome Russia’s joining in the Partnership for Peace and hope that its 3 participation in the programme will contribute to the strengthening of mutual trust and stability. I should like to take note of several concerns of a more global character, the burden and urgency of which are particularly felt by the countries in transition. Our well-founded fears are heightened by the continuously growing gap between the developed and developing countries. Can we truly speak of a stable Europe when the hourly wages of a laborer in the European Union are equal to one day’s pay in Central Europe and, in some countries of Eastern Europe, to a month’s income?”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“We believe the strengthening of the role of the Western European Union to be both logical and necessary. I am also convinced that the security and stability of my country and the region demand closer cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Lithuania has presented its formal request for membership in that organization and will continue resolutely to seek the fulfilment of this goal. Lithuania’s participation in the Partnership for Peace programme opens new avenues for Lithuanian cooperation in efforts with Europe, the United States and Canada in their endeavours to prevent conflict and maintain peace. We firmly hope that our active participation and that of other Central European States in the Partnership programme will have a positive impact on the broadening of NATO.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Lithuania sees the guarantee of its security, stability and well-being in joining European political, economic and security structures. Lithuania has always been an integral part of European civilization and culture. We have never lost our European heritage. Our recent 50year separation from the world did not sever our roots. Our goal remains membership in the European Union. We have already concluded a free-trade agreement with the Union that should come into affect next year. We also expect soon to sign an agreement on associate membership with the Union. Integration into the European Union cannot be considered in isolation from the broadening of qualitatively new ties with the Western European Union. Lithuania is an associate partner of this defence organization of ever-increasing importance.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“As we greet the future, Lithuanians and Poles will be able to make their rightful contribution to a unifying Europe. We also strive to establish closer ties with other countries of Central Europe. We share not only a similar history, but also current problems and future goals. I am convinced that the convening of a meeting of the leaders of all Central European States in the very near future would benefit our countries. Such a conference would allow us to discuss our common reform experiences and our strategies for drawing closer to the European Union. Participation in multilateral and international forums provides new opportunities for Lithuania. An ever- increasing number of important political decisions are today being reached in international organizations. This is especially beneficial for small and medium-sized States.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Lithuania proposes to examine issues pertaining to the Kaliningrad district as part of the round-table mechanism established by the European Stability Pact. We hope that all interested parties will give their support to this initiative. In concluding a fundamental bilateral Treaty with Poland this year, we have closed a chapter of our common history. From the start of the 1930s and the outbreak of conflict over Lithuania’s capital of Vilnius, relations between us were tainted by open confrontation, a state of affairs still remembered in the halls of the Palais des Nations in Geneva. I believe that this Treaty, which recognizes and confirms the present borders of our countries, can be considered the final rapprochement for Lithuania and Poland.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“One year ago I said from this podium that Lithuania would welcome steps toward the gradual demilitarization of the Kaliningrad district. Today I can state with satisfaction that Russia is reducing its military presence in that area. Lithuania, whose territory is traversed by transit to this Russian enclave, is not indifferent to the future of the Kaliningrad district and the Lithuanian minority residing there. Occupying a unique place on the map of Europe, this Russian territory demands special attention. It could become a stone in the foundation of security and an attractive economic partner or, under less favourable conditions, a source or even exporter of military threat and unrest.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“It would reaffirm that Russia does not seek to isolate itself from the West and that, on the contrary, it trusts the West and seeks cooperation with it on an equal basis. Given Lithuania’s geopolitical situation and our economic opportunities, we can and are prepared to be a bridge between East and West. But I also want to emphasize that a future as a buffer State is completely unacceptable to us. Several days ago, in his address to the Assembly, Russian President Yeltsin stated that it was essential to reject the imposition of one’s will on weaker States and to build a new order, founded on law and morality. I express my hope that democratic Russia will adhere to these responsibilities and thus justify the growing trust of the international community in its future.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“As neighbours, we are very interested - perhaps even more so than other countries - in the success of the democratic and free-market reforms in that country. Russian relations with Lithuania and the other Baltic States today are a reflection of the current Russian position concerning the evolving European order, one in which old divisions are disappearing. We would like to hope that the new Russia will adhere to the principles of international law and will not obstruct the integration of the Baltic countries into European political, economic and security structures. This would be a clear signal that the democratic reforms undertaken in Russia are irreversible and that new lines of division will not be drawn in 2 Europe.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The Baltic Sea States are unified by many common goals as well as problems. Sadly, in recent days we have also shared a common tragedy. I wish to express my deepest condolences to the Governments of our neighbouring countries and to the people whose loved ones perished in the catastrophe that befell the ferry M.S. Estonia. As I speak of our neighbours, I must also point to our relations with Belarus. We are heartened by the new possibilities of concluding a treaty on inter-State relations between our two countries. The signing of such a treaty will further secure the principle so valued by our nations: good-neighbourly relations. Lithuania attaches particular importance to its relations with Russia.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“This year a permanent body, the Baltic Council of Ministers, was established. But as we look to the future, this will not be enough. If the Baltic countries are to become integrated members of Europe, then the establishment of a common visa and economic space can only be the first step of many. It is imperative that our foreign and defence policies be even more closely coordinated and that we harmonize our legislation in accordance with the norms of the European Union. I believe that all the countries of our region face new opportunities with the establishment of another cooperative body approximately one year ago: the Council of Baltic Sea States. This region has great potential. It is home to countries large and small, economically strong and less developed, that not so long ago were separated by the front lines of the cold war.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“A vibrant and innovative market continues to grow. After four years of dramatic decline, the standard of living has been stabilized, although it is still rather low. An attractive legal environment has been ensured for foreign investment. We attach great value to the bilateral and multilateral assistance to the process of democracy-building and free- market reforms. Western interest in and attention to the restored democracies of Central Europe is vital not only for us, the recipients of such assistance, but for the future of a unified Europe. Today the future of the West can no longer be considered in isolation from developments in the East. We benefit from successful cooperation with Estonia and Latvia, our closest neighbours, with whom we share a common history and common fate.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“This harmony of dates is more than merely symbolic: it marks the resolution of one more consequence of the Second World War. Guided by the principles of the United Nations Charter, Lithuania continues to broaden its international relations in a consistent manner. The goals and priorities of our economic, social and foreign policies remain unchanged. Lithuania seeks to secure democratic government and the principles of a free market, and at the same time to ensure the well-being of its people and the protection of minority rights. Lithuania is confronted with serious problems of a social character common to all young democracies. Yet at the same time, we must also recognize what has already been accomplished. Lithuania has a stable currency. Inflation is under control. The private sector already employs the majority of the work force.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“If we do not, these demons, once having manifested themselves in men, communities or entire nations, could destroy the entire world. Today I would like to take note of a historic day for Lithuania, the Baltic States and all of Europe. It is all the more significant in that the General Assembly will discuss at this forty-ninth session, the complete withdrawal of foreign military forces from the territories of the Baltic States, as called for by a General Assembly resolution adopted at the forty-eighth session. On 31 August 1993 the withdrawal of the Russian military from Lithuania was completed, and exactly one year later the same historic event took place in Estonia and Latvia. That date also coincided with the withdrawal of Russian troops from Germany.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“On the eve of the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations, it is appropriate to recall the circumstances of its creation. It is important that we examine the strengths and weaknesses of the United Nations predecessor, the League of Nations. We must learn from this analysis so as to ensure that the United Nations shall not become a mere bystander to world events. It is true, of course, that the global situation today is fundamentally different from that which existed at the outbreak of the Second World War. We no longer suffer from the presence of dictatorial bandit States led by fanatics. But potential dangers exist today; they are multifaceted and have spread throughout the world. Together we must overcome racism, hatred of foreigners, fanatical nationalism and intolerance.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“I fully concur with Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali in his belief that today as never before our international community needs a new and forward-looking vision of our future. The time has long been ripe for us to discuss within the United Nations agenda the creation of a new and universal concept of development that would embrace peace, economic development, a clean environment, social justice and democratic governance as the five spokes supporting the wheel of humanity’s progress. It is clear, I believe, that our generation must take up the task of rediscovering the world and building within it new, mutually supportive relationships. One of the fundamental instruments at our disposal in this global task is the United Nations.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“I sincerely thank you, Sir, for the honour and opportunity of addressing this forum, and I extend my congratulations to you upon your election to lead the forty-ninth session of the General Assembly. In this Hall, we see representatives of the entire world, a world in which there has been unprecedented global change. Our planet is growing more unified in all areas of life; economic and political integration is well under way. Nations, States and entire continents are drawing closer together. It is unfortunate that not all changes lead to progress. A new avalanche of problems confronts the United Nations and other international organizations, affecting rich and poor countries alike.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Every step towards progress, even if taken in a small country or with regard to improved relations between two States, diminishes the possibility of global conflict, and vice versa. I should therefore like to believe that the withdrawal of the Russian military from Lithuania was an achievement for more than just two countries. The entire world became somewhat better, somewhat more just, and the threat that hung over it was abated. I think that there will be more and more such successes. The United Nations system contributes, and will continue to contribute, significantly to their attainment.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We welcome the initiative by some Members of the United Nations to establish a forum for new and restored democracies. It is our sincere hope that this movement, begun in the Philippines, will help bring developing countries and countries in transition closer together, so that they may reach common approaches down the path to democracy and a free market. The spirit of the approaching twenty-first century already fills this Hall. At the turn of the third millennium mankind is faced with critical global problems that threaten its very existence: ecological, social and spiritual problems and the nuclear threat, which has not yet been abolished. National and regional problems seem to pale in comparison, but I do not think that that is really the case.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Such a conference, under the auspices of the Council of Europe or perhaps some other organization, could provide an opportunity to discuss in a down-to-earth way how to recover more quickly from the maladies of national egoism and ethnocentricity that may be unavoidable in young States and fragile democracies. All of us in post-communist countries should, as quickly as possible, learn how to cooperate among ourselves and with the rest of the world and strive to be better full-fledged members of our planet’s democratic community. Other countries have learned the art of cooperation over decades. We have not had that much time. It is very important that we succeed through a joint effort in making this period as brief as possible.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“In seeking to ensure these principles and finally to resolve this problem, we are prepared to exchange ideas with, and we hope for the cooperation of, all delegations. I reiterate my support for Lithuania’s proposal, made here at the United Nations exactly a year ago, that new permanent members could be added to the Security Council. Lithuania not only supports peace-keeping efforts, but would like eventually to become a contributor to military and civilian operations. When Lithuania became a member of the Council of Europe I suggested a meeting of all the Heads of State of post-communist countries. This would not be an attempt to create some sort of new bloc or to console each other about our economic hardships.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Lithuania could support the activities of the Organization even more strongly if for three years now we had not been forced repeatedly to discuss the difficult problem of assessments with regard to the United Nations budget. Our delegation, along with other countries that have found themselves in a similar situation, has on more than one occasion suggested ways in which this problem could be solved. I wish to emphasize that the position of Lithuania remains unchanged. The scale of assessments must be determined on the basis of statistical data provided by each State, in accordance with its capacity to pay and, most important, abiding by the principle that the same methodology for calculating assessments must be applied to all States equally.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“For the United Nations to achieve its objective, it is important to continue and even expand the system reforms that are now being put into effect to increase cost-efficiency. We welcome the initiatives by several countries, among them the United States, to establish more dependable internal and external inspection machinery. The suggested creation of an office of inspector-general could help to assure Member States that the mandates that we have provided for various programmes are put to the most effective use possible. I should like to state clearly that the current financial crisis of the United Nations is of great concern to Lithuania. We are not indifferent to it. Lithuania is firmly resolved to fulfil its obligations to the Organization and it has demonstrated its readiness to do so.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“I am referring to failed States. They need international assistance that would not force upon them the protectorate of another State or provide conditions for assimilating them into some sort of sphere of influence, but would respect and protect their sovereignty and independence. Small countries have a right to rely on a firm guarantee of security. The United Nations could and should become that guarantee. In the long-term future, as democracy and cooperation become firmly established 16 General Assembly - Forty-eighth session throughout our planet, the United Nations would perhaps assume certain functions of a world government. I reiterate my support for Lithuania’s proposal, which was outlined here at the United Nations exactly one year ago, that new permanent members could be added to the Security Council.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“At this time, ideas about the sovereignty of States, the self-determination of nations, national security and the maintenance and enforcement of peace are changing rapidly. The individual problems of individual States are becoming global in scope, especially in the areas of environmental protection, refugees, narcotics and organized crime. For precisely that reason, cooperation among neighbouring States is growing in importance. Regional interaction is broadening and the role of international organizations is being extended. We approve of regional structures and arrangements that help to guarantee peace and stability in their respective regions. However, their activities should be linked with United Nations supervision, so that large and powerful nations do not transform such regional structures into instruments of domination.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“In the future the United Nations should pursue even more actively preventive diplomacy to stop conflicts before they erupt. Every illegal and violent act requires a response, not appeasement. The Secretary-General’s "An Agenda for Peace" is a welcome plan that provides a solid foundation. What should the new role of the United Nations be in an ever-changing world? As I see it, in future the Organization must not only be a guarantor of security, but also an instigator of economic development and a global defender of human and ethnic minority rights. At the Vienna Conference on Human Rights, we spoke out in favour of establishing the post of high commissioner for human rights.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“There is now a greater possibility of localized conflicts: they have flared up in precisely those places where dictatorships that suppressed nations have fallen. Such horrendous practices as "ethnic cleansing" must be severely condemned. The model of an absolutely closed nation-State is no longer a viable one for the solution of separate national problems. The Lithuanian people respect the struggle of nations for their freedom, but they condemn atrocities which occur under the guise of a noble cause. The tragedy of what was formerly Yugoslavia is truly horrible. We approve of the means that the United Nations uses to uphold peace and security, but too often resolution of the structure of a State and border issues are left to warring countries to decide by force of arms.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“For several years now, both in Europe and North America, the idea of a new "Marshall Plan" has been in the air, but it has in no way materialized. Yet investments in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe - and I have in mind not only financial investments - would really be investments in all of our futures. Greater and more effective assistance for the democratic forces in post-communist States would help decisively to rid the world of the remnants of totalitarianism and dictatorship that have so tormented mankind in the twentieth century. With the dissolution of two hostile blocs, the world has become a safer place. However, that does not solve all the security problems that mankind now faces. Indeed, the number of such problems has increased.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We occasionally feel isolationist tendencies on the part of the most industrialized nations; having attained a high standard of living, they attempt to dissociate themselves from the countries of Eastern and Central Europe. This greatly complicates the future of these countries as they attempt to solve by themselves the difficult economic, political, psychological, cultural and historical problems that they have inherited from the recent past. In most post-communist countries there still prevails a nostalgia for the past, when authoritarian government guaranteed people their minimum needs, albeit at the expense of their freedom. Without timely and joint efforts, this nostalgia for a pseudo-socialistic past could cause the development of certain countries to follow a course that would be unacceptable to all of us.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We are reforming and stabilizing the Lithuanian economy; we are searching for ways to provide at least minimal social welfare guarantees; as much as possible we are trying to clear the way for private initiative. We cannot, however, change our economy overnight. The Lithuanian people are patient and industrious, working hard for their well-being and future. However, disillusion with democracy and the free market would be disastrous. Therefore I wish to speak very frankly to this body: even though we feel the concern and support of the world community, that is not enough. It appears that even the most authoritative international organizations lack the coordinated action and initiative for truly effective assistance.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Until people become fully aware of the possibilities that democracy and freedom provide these ideas will remain just that - ideas. After an initial wave of euphoria, disillusion may follow. One can already notice this in some post- communist countries. This causes me, as President of Lithuania, great concern. I do not think that the world community can afford to remain indifferent to this problem. Forty-eighth session - 28 September l993 15 A democratic and civic State, based on the rule of law, in which people are not segregated according to their nationality or religious and political beliefs, is being established in Lithuania. There is no tension in our country between Lithuanians and ethnic minorities.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Despite several disagreements that arose at the last minute, calm and balanced diplomacy allowed Lithuania and Russia to reach agreement on this fundamental question. On more than one occasion I had the pleasure of speaking openly and sincerely with President Boris Yeltsin of the Russian Federation. A fresh page is being turned in the relations between our two countries. Of course, the issue of compensation for damage inflicted during the years of occupation is still on the agenda for negotiations between Lithuania and Russia. The Russian army still remains in Estonia and Latvia. We believe that with the help of the United Nations this international problem will be resolved successfully and, at the same time, the stability of the region will be bolstered.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Stoyan Ganev, President of the forty-seventh session of the General Assembly, who visited Lithuania and the other Baltic States in July to discuss the army’s withdrawal. We were glad when, having made it just in time for the ceremony marking the departure of the last Russian troops, Ambassador Koh said: "My work in Lithuania is done, although some work is waiting for me in the other Baltic States." When a large State withdraws its army from a small one without issuing any ultimatums or setting conditions, this signals a new era for the world in which, thanks to international efforts in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter, even the most sensitive problems can be solved peacefully.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“In spite of the conflicts that now plague the world, it is fortunate that some good news also reaches this house in New York. We welcome the peace processes in the Middle East and the positive trends in South Africa, Cambodia, Haiti and El Salvador. On 31 August, in compliance with General Assembly resolution 47/21 of 1992, the last remaining units of the Russian army were withdrawn from Lithuania. I should like to take this opportunity to thank representatives from all the countries, large and small, that supported our legitimate goal. I should also like to sincerely thank the United Nations and Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, who monitored the fulfilment of the obligation to withdraw that army, and who, during the most critical moments, sent his envoy, Ambassador Tommy Koh, to Vilnius, and Mr.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We value close United States cooperation with Europe, including that with the structures of the CSCE and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and we sincerely wish every success for efforts to stabilize the situation in a changing world and to encourage the progress of post-Communist countries toward democracy and a free market. We turn to the United Nations, asking it to safeguard the interests of small States. The future of a more integrated world lies in democracy and in the individuality of free nations. The international community should be prepared to defend, with force if necessary, the sovereignty of small - even the smallest - nations. During his recent visit to Lithuania, Pope John Paul II stressed that "the interests of large States should never force small States to become satellites of a foreign Power".”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Lithuania is receptive to cooperation with the West and the East, and sees future opportunities in such cooperation. Despite the great distances that separate us, relations with the United States have been, and will continue to be, especially significant for Lithuania. We are grateful to the United States for resolutely adhering to the policy of non-recognition of the illegal incorporation of Lithuania into the Soviet Union. A sizeable emigré community, which found refuge in the new world, links our two countries.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)