YouSaid · the spoken record

Fathulla JAMEEL

lines on the record: 149
first: 1996-09-24
most recent: 2004-09-24
sittings or episodes: 8
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

“We need to find ways and means to diversify our economic base and strengthen its sustainability. We welcome the recent resolution adopted by the Economic and Social Council to extend our transition period until the next triennial review of the list of least developed countries in 2003. At the same time, we wish to reiterate our belief that ensuring a smooth transition for graduating countries, in accordance with General Assembly resolution 46/206, is an essential obligation of the entire international community. Indeed, a decision that affects the future destiny of a nation should not be based on hastily compiled information that may contain erroneous assumptions and dubious facts that could mislead the competent authorities, leading them to reach questionable conclusions.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Given these realities, my country is convinced that the present criteria for identifying least developed countries need to be refined to reflect the impediments in full. We appeal to the Committee for Development Policy and the international community to consider these realities on the ground and to look beyond abstract indicators into the inherent vulnerabilities of small island developing States in determining the criteria for graduation. We do not wish to remain indefinitely in the category of least developed countries. However, should graduation be thrust upon us prematurely, its negative consequences could easily overwhelm us and result in serious erosion of our achievements. We need to strengthen the capacity of our human resources and institutions to cope with existing and emerging challenges to our development efforts.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“As a country with little more than a quarter of a million inhabitants spread over more than 200 islands, bereft of natural resources and with a fragile economy based on fisheries and tourism, which are sensitive to the harsh realities of ecology and the environment, the Maldives provides a perfect example of this dilemma of the small island developing States. The stable political environment that the Maldives has enjoyed for the past two decades, combined with the continued flow of assistance from our development partners, have indeed given us the opportunity to improve the quality of life of our people. Our efforts towards development have remained relentless, as the structural constraints we face are both persistent and formidable.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“The special circumstances and needs of the small island developing States (SIDS) have been recognized and acknowledged by this Assembly on numerous occasions. The Barbados Programme of Action very clearly spells out these special needs of SIDS. Although many SIDS may appear to be relatively more prosperous on the basis of per capita income level, it is also a documented fact that, due to the special characteristics of small islands, they are generally among the most economically vulnerable and handicapped countries in the world today.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“The uneven playing field has indeed contributed to widening the gap between the rich and the poor. In fact, the obstacles to the development of the least developed countries have grown in number and magnitude over the years and have marginalized those countries in the world economy. My country, the Maldives, is heartened by the goodwill and solidarity extended by the international community to the least developed countries during the Third United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries held in Brussels early this year. It is now time for delivery on the commitments made at the Brussels Conference. Unless those commitments are fulfilled, the plight of the least developed countries will continue to worsen.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“It is therefore a collective responsibility of the entire international community, including the private-sector stakeholders and civil society, to muster the necessary political will that is so vital in this regard. We are eagerly looking forward to the International Conference on Financing for Development to be held in Mexico early next year. We hope that that event will provide the international community with an opportunity to agree on new, innovative and additional sources and strategies to mobilize funds for development. Globalization is now a reality. Many in the developed world are enjoying the unprecedented yield of globalization, while its powerful forces are depressing the fragile economies of many developing and least developed countries, including structurally weak countries.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“On each and every such occasion, we demonstrated our firm resolve to uphold the objectives set forth in the Millennium Declaration. The major cross-cutting theme that runs deep in all these issues is the dehumanizing scourge of poverty. Poverty remains the major stumbling block for sustainable social and economic development in the developing world. Eradicating poverty, therefore, is core to the attainment of peace and development. Let us therefore make the elimination of poverty our top priority and pursue 30 vigorously the target set by our leaders during the Millennium Summit: to halve poverty by 2015. The commitments we have undertaken at such conferences involve high price tags. Unless new and additional financial resources are made available in a timely and predictable manner, no action plans or programmes can be implemented.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“The projection and portrayal of Islam as an enemy of civilization or of the free world is an insult to its noble principles. It is a perverted view and a falsification of Islam and its principles. Such perversions are nothing but propaganda hatched by evil people who wish to breed hatred among human beings; their claims are no less harmful than terrorism itself. At the Millennium Summit last year, our leaders charted a course for a better world, a world in which the whole of humanity can prosper in mutual respect and dignity. Navigating smoothly along that course will be a difficult task. We have to be ready to boldly address the challenges in our way. Over the past year, we met in several special sessions to address some specific important issues.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“My country fully supports the early convening of a high- level conference, under the auspices of the United Nations, to formulate a clear definition of terrorism and to draw up a joint, far-sighted reaction to the ever- growing phenomena of terrorism in its various forms and manifestations. We are also looking forward to the early conclusion of a comprehensive convention on international terrorism and of an international convention for the prevention of acts of terrorism using nuclear, biological or chemical material or agents. As a people who have devoted themselves to the practice of Islamic faith and values for nearly a millennium, we are deeply offended by the notion that terrorism is linked to Islam or to Muslims. On the contrary, Islam advocates peace, compassion, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“In combating such a cruel enemy, it is important that international action against terrorism be supported and that it be complemented by measures at the regional and national levels. At the international level, the legal doctrine against all aspects of terrorism must be strengthened and universalized. Concomitantly, action at the regional and national levels must be brought into line with international obligations in fighting this global menace. The United Nations, as the global organization responsible for international peace and security, must play the pivotal role in this fight against terrorism.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“By their faceless act of violence, they changed the peaceful life we had had in our country for centuries into one full of fear and apprehension. On 11 September this year, the most powerful country, the United States of America, itself became a target and the victim of a horrendous act of terrorism. The world community was shocked and promptly condemned the barbaric attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and the murder of thousands of innocent people. Consistent with its stand against terrorism, the Maldives found itself among the first States to condemn those attacks in the strongest possible terms. The tragedy of 11 September has reminded us that terrorism is one of the biggest challenges facing the world community today. It has emerged as an enemy of nations, be they large or small, and as a vicious threat to humanity.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Kofi Annan, on his reappointment to head the Organization for a second term. His dynamic leadership has earned the United Nations the confidence of the international community and has raised fresh hopes about the Organization's ability to facilitate a world atmosphere more conducive to peace, justice and human dignity as we enter the twenty-first century. The award of the Nobel Peace Prize to the Secretary-General and to the United Nations is testimony to that confidence. Nearly 13 years ago, the Maldives woke up to the horrors of terrorism when a band of foreign terrorists attacked Male, our capital island, without the slightest warning or provocation, killing many innocent people and destroying property.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“It gives me great pleasure, on behalf of my country, to congratulate Mr. Han Seung-soo on his election to the presidency of the General Assembly. His election to that high office 29 demonstrates the international community's respect for and confidence in his ability to guide the work of this session successfully. It also demonstrates the trust and high regard that the international community has for the Republic of Korea and for the important role that country is playing in the international arena to foster peace and security in the world. I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to his predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Harri Holkeri of Finland, for the exemplary manner in which he guided the work of the fifty-fifth session. Allow me also to congratulate the Secretary- General, His Excellency Mr.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“The world has become closely integrated, and communities have become highly interwoven across national frontiers, necessitating global approaches to global problems. Advances in science and technology give us cause for optimism in our efforts to overcome several of the challenges that confront us today. These are assisted by new mindsets of cooperation and emotional intelligence. We need to nurture the positive strands and prune the negative. Yet the new century will not usher in a new age unless hope and progress become universal. The new millennium will not set an enlightened course for world politics until right can triumph over might and double standards give way to justice for all. That is the millennium challenge.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The most persuasive argument is the urgent need to increase the ability of the United Nations to realize the objectives for which it has been set up. Whatever reform is undertaken should be instrumental in that sense. Reform must enhance its legitimacy. Reform must make the United Nations more democratic and transparent, and it must also reinforce the United Nations ability to uphold equality among nations. As we step into the new century, the world has reached a major turning point. We are bidding farewell to one millennium and are marching with determination into a new one. It is one in which a stronger commitment to multilateralism will be essential. Many of the hazards that we are faced with do not recognize national borders.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Strategies of nuclear deterrence which presumably rely on the credible threat of mass destruction cannot be justified on moral grounds. We welcome the steps that are being taken to increase nuclear safety. We continue to be alarmed by the increased risk of nuclear war that accompanies proliferation. The Maldives is a staunch supporter of non-proliferation. We firmly believe that the world will be a safer place without nuclear weapons. We hope that the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) review process will find ways to achieve progress in all aspects of the non-proliferation regime. The continuation of many conflicts and the flaring up of others call into question the efficacy of this Organization. It is not only the passage of time that demands the reform and restructuring of the United Nations.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We reiterate our belief that the United Nations has an obligation to uphold the security and territorial integrity of all Member States, including smaller States. The post-cold-war years have seen the bitter betrayal of the promise of greater freedom and development. Rather than seeing a celebration of human rights and the legitimate rights of communities to their own identity and cultural values, arrogant ethnocentrism and intolerance appear to be rampant. Indeed, the violent disintegration of States and civil wars have led to the most gruesome crimes against humanity. Genuine aspirations have often been met with brutal force, as in Bosnia and Kosovo. Protracted disputes, such as in Kashmir, are continuing to exact a high price in human lives and constantly endanger security at both the regional and international levels.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Once again, we express our full support to the Palestinian cause and call for the full implementation of the relevant United Nations resolutions on lasting peace in the region. Eight years after the Gulf war, there are still many unresolved issues that affect the security and progress of the region. The Maldives calls upon all parties concerned to fully comply with the resolutions of the United Nations on the subject. We regret the suspension of talks between Kuwait and Iraq on outstanding bilateral issues, including that of missing persons, and believe that the resolution of these issues should be pursued within the existing framework of relevant United Nations resolutions. The Maldives reaffirms its unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Kuwait.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We are grateful for the support 37 of the international community for our initiative on this issue, but we remain concerned that time and again the response of the United Nations to crises, especially those involving small States, has been found wanting in speed and in effectiveness. It is a pity that we have to enter the new century and the new millennium still carrying baggage containing many unresolved and deep-seated problems that confronted the United Nations at its birth. One such problem is the Middle East problem. Peace in the Middle East still remains elusive. Hesitant steps have been taken, but many issues remain unresolved. The Maldives has welcomed the Middle East peace process from the beginning. We are disappointed at its slow progress and look forward to a more earnest and bold search for peace.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Should the sea level rise by one metre, the developed countries too would be affected significantly, and the direct impact on biodiversity would be unfathomable. The Maldives is therefore deeply disappointed by the lack of action in implementing the Barbados pledges. While great Powers may be able to look after their own security needs, the small States need to rely on institutions of collective security. I am happy to recall that 10 years ago, the Assembly adopted resolution 44/51, which recognized that the international community has an obligation to make provision for the protection and security of small States.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Yet, the clear message that has emerged from the review of the Barbados Programme of Action completed this week is that of weak commitment and poor implementation. Our deeds must match the sentiments we have expressed. We must deliver on our promises. Small island developing States have few options that they can pursue on their own. International cooperation is vital to ensure that sustainable development strategies are viable for them. It is also necessary to help them adapt to the dangers posed by global warming and climate change. As we have reiterated on numerous occasions, the Maldives could very well cease to exist if the sea level rises by one metre. Many other low-lying regions would suffer a similar fate.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“I hope that the convention will be adopted as we mark the tenth anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The international social agenda is indeed a demanding one. It cannot be addressed by national Governments acting alone. Cooperation among States and partnerships with inter-governmental and non- governmental organizations are essential for victory on this front. At the same time, our approach to economic performance needs to be re-oriented towards human security and ecological safety. We need to temper our obsession over economic growth with concerns for the quality of life. We all accept the importance of sustainable development. We all agree on the need for effective global action to achieve environment-friendly progress.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The world's present focus on poverty eradication only underscores its past failure to narrow the gap between the rich and the poor. It is disheartening to note that the gap has more than doubled since 1950. I am happy that a number of international initiatives on social issues have taken place during this decade. The Maldives attaches great importance to the fulfilment of the Copenhagen commitments and the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. We look forward to their review meetings next year to give a fresh impetus to our action. In South Asia, the Maldives has called for the drawing up of a social charter that will institutionalize social development in the region. We are also pressing for a SAARC convention on regional arrangements to promote and protect child welfare.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The seven nations of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) are working together to enhance our prospects in the new international economic climate through greater regional cooperation. Yet, ominously, on a global scale the gulf between rich and poor nations has reached tragic proportions. These harsh economic realities have been accompanied by the fragmentation of the international will to foster greater equality. Aid programmes had previously supplemented domestic savings in recipient countries, but today they are not even adequate to save the destitute, leaving many developing countries with little choice but to replace their visions of advancement with those of survival and life- support.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The General Assembly is to review the graduation process and its criteria this year. I appeal to you to consider the realities on the ground. I call upon you to look beyond abstract indicators to the inherent vulnerabilities of small States. My President has already conveyed our concerns in detail to the President of the Economic and Social Council. The Commonwealth has strongly supported our case. The liberalization of trade and the globalization of the economy have created windows of opportunity for increased economic growth. Their impact, though, has created a particularly difficult economic road for developing countries. Globalization must progress without marginalization and without further impoverishment.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Nevertheless, we remain firm in our determination to achieve the goals we have set for ourselves. But for 36 that to happen, our own efforts must be supplemented by a supportive international environment. That much we need and that much we seek. Nevertheless, the withdrawal of that supportive framework seems, regrettably, to be imminent. The Maldives has been earmarked for graduation from the list of least developed countries (LDC) next year. We do not feel entirely comfortable with the LDC label. Indeed, we would like to enter the new millennium as a self-reliant country. National pride, however, cannot transcend harsh economic reality. Our economy is small and narrowly based. Capacity for economic diversification in the immediate future is limited. Graduation would therefore impose unbearable burdens on us.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“As we get ready to enter the new century and the new millennium, we in the Maldives have developed Vision 2020 for our country, based on the lessons of the past. The Vision sets out major directions for the next two decades. We envision a community that is just, caring and peaceful. Our country must continue to be one in which good governance, democracy and the welfare of the people are given the highest priority. We seek a society where gender equality is a reality and where everyone has the opportunity for self-actualization. We want our children to be happy, creative and safe. These aims can be realized only through a high level of economic achievement and social progress. However, our resources are meagre. We face numerous natural hazards and are vulnerable to a wide range of man-made threats.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The United Nations, as the only truly global Organization, is best suited to address these problems. Its role, therefore, must be reaffirmed and must remain central to our efforts in the reconstruction of a more just world order where human security is guaranteed. Since the establishment of this Organization, small States have earned a legitimate voice in multilateral diplomacy. I am delighted today to welcome the three new Members of the United Nations, the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru and the Kingdom of Tonga. As small States, Maldives and the three new Members share numerous interests and concerns which are vital to our common survival and progress. We stand at a crossroads. This is an ideal opportunity to review our past performance and to map out innovative approaches to address existing and emerging problems.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“At the outset, I would like to congratulate Mr. Gurirab on his election to preside over this historic session of the General Assembly. It is a tribute to his rich experience and to his great country, Namibia. His predecessor, Mr. Didier Opertti of Uruguay, also deserves our appreciation for the excellent manner in which he discharged his important responsibilities. Permit me also to pay tribute to the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, for his dedication and commitment to the ideals of the United Nations. As we meet for the final session of this century, and, indeed, of this millennium, we are faced with a future that holds for us promises and perils, hopes and fears, opportunities and challenges. We cannot secure a better future unless the root causes of the problems of our times are resolved.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“If the present-day predictions for climate change were to come true, the Maldives and many other small island countries would have to face the frightful reality of extinction. Time is running out. Let us do something immediately. Otherwise, we will be no more.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“The horrifying crimes against humanity committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and elsewhere cannot be allowed to recur at any time or at any place. The perpetrators of those crimes should be brought to justice. My delegation strongly believes that the ultimate legal guarantee of peace and justice in the world lies in the strength and resolve of the international community and not in the strength and resolve of a single country. In conclusion, I once again would like to stress the vulnerability of small island developing States. My delegation believes that urgent and immediate action is absolutely necessary to alleviate the difficulties faced by these countries due to environmental degradation.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“My delegation believes that in the face of these threats it is in the interest of the international community to provide adequate safeguards for small States, which are in reality the front-line States against most of these evil deeds. We are happy to see the establishment of the International Criminal Court. Those who perpetrate war crimes, genocide and other crimes against humanity must not be allowed to cross a border to safety or anonymity. This is why an international court that can systematically prosecute major war criminals wherever they are has to be established. This need has become more urgent in this post- cold-war period, which is characterized by the proliferation of conflicts of unprecedented ferocity.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“For small States the threats posed by terrorists are allied with and magnified by the activities of drug-traffickers, money-launderers and other manifestations of organized crime. That is why we have acceded to many international conventions against terrorism and are actively considering acceding to the remaining conventions. I would also like to take this opportunity to repeat the appeal made by my President at the historic fiftieth anniversary commemorative session of this body for the signature and early ratification of the International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries in order to expedite its entry in to force.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“At this juncture, we particularly stress the importance of the establishment of the proposed 8 nuclear-weapon-free zone in South Asia, and take this opportunity to call upon all countries in South Asia to exercise maximum restraint and contribute to the realization of this noble objective. In our quest to make the world a safer place we must not think only of the big Powers and the big bangs. Security is indivisible, whether in terms of geography or range of threat. The continuing scourge of terrorism, which rears its ugly and murderous head all too frequently, is as much the bane of international security today as is the spread of nuclear and other dangerous weapons. That terrorist groups may gain access to such weapons is an alarming thought.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“We signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) last year and are presently going through the process of ratifying it. This morning we have signed the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction. My delegation is happy to note the considerable progress the international community has made in the field of arms control and disarmament, and commends the bilateral initiatives that have been proved to be so successful. We believe that both bilateral and multilateral approaches must reinforce and complement each other if we are to successfully achieve complete disarmament. In my delegation’s view, the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones and zones of peace in various regions of the world is a positive step towards achieving nuclear disarmament.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“However, we remain concerned about the lack of progress in its proceedings, and are worried about the prevailing difficulties which are preventing an early agreement on this important issue. We remain convinced of the importance of the early and successful conclusion of the efforts to make the Security Council more responsive to and representative of the current world realities in order to make it more effective. The commitment of the Maldives to arms control, disarmament and international peace and security remains unwavering. We are parties to all major multilateral instruments relating to arms control and disarmament. Since its inception, we have been faithfully and regularly contributing to the international Register of Conventional Arms.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“However, it is important that we remain focused on the central issue of making this Organization ready and capable of delivering the promise of peace, justice and prosperity for all human beings, irrespective of their colour, race, gender or belief, and the promise of providing the means to protect our environment and enjoy our fundamental freedoms. This means that reform should cover the United Nations system in its entirety. On the specific question of the reform of the Security Council, my delegation appreciates the efforts of the Open-ended Working Group on the Question of Equitable Representation on and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council and Other Matters Related to the Security Council.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“We have also been able to achieve remarkable progress in the realization of social, economic and cultural rights of the people through continued economic development and social progress. We believe that democracy, development and peace are essential for the realization of human rights. The question of reform of the Organization has been on the agenda of the General Assembly for quite some time. Although the process of reform has proved to be a difficult one, my delegation does not wish to see it prolonged, for we believe that its momentum cannot be maintained indefinitely.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a major milestone in the promotion and protection of human rights, providing an essential basis for democracy, freedom and justice. Human rights apply without regard to race, gender, creed, age, colour or economic status. But everywhere we look — north, south, east or west — the reality often falls short of the ideal. Therefore, we must redouble our efforts to promote and protect human rights the world over. The Maldives remains firmly committed to the cause of promotion and protection of human rights. I am happy to report that this year a new Constitution has come into force in the Maldives, providing stronger safeguards for civil liberties and the fundamental rights of the people, and strengthening the foundations and processes of our democracy.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Moreover, while the Committee itself has identified the obstacles to integration into the global economy and has called for continued official development assistance for least developed countries for at least another 10 years, some of the countries most in need of such assistance have been earmarked for graduation by the year 2000. My delegation feels that it would be grossly unfair to graduate countries from least developed country status unless they are able to sustain the momentum of growth that they have been able to achieve. Furthermore, the criteria which were adopted in 1991 need to be reviewed in the context of the increased pace of globalization during the 1990s. Until such time as a vulnerability index is developed, it would be very imprudent to graduate any small island States.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“We believe that the criteria now used by the Committee for Development Policy in identifying least developed countries do not take 7 into consideration the special circumstances of the small island developing States and their vulnerability. The Committee has already recommended the graduation of four small island developing States from the list of least developed countries. The Maldives is, unfortunately, one of them. The irony of this is that the economies of these countries are heavily dependent on one or two industries, which may be extremely vulnerable to global economic and environmental changes and other external factors.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Market access for least developed countries is becoming narrower. Poverty still remains a stumbling-block in their quest for achieving sustainable social and economic development. Therefore, we would like to take this opportunity to call upon the major players in the world economy and upon our development partners to pay special attention to assisting small island States and other least developed countries in their efforts to become integrated into the world economy. When gross domestic product is used as an indicator to determine the developmental status of a country, the small island developing States may appear to be more prosperous than they really are.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Therefore, we are fully convinced that without adequate, new and additional financial resources, transfer of environmentally sound technology on concessional and preferential terms, and provision for human resources development, even the mere survival of our countries will be impossible. The vulnerability to external factors of the economies of small island developing States, especially the least developed countries among them, is a well- known fact. Globalization, coupled with the ecological fragility of small island developing States, has marginalized those countries from the present multilateral trading system. Exports from least developed countries have grown far more slowly than world trade over the past two decades, resulting in a continued decline in their share of world trade.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Tourism and fishing are the two dominant economic sectors in the Maldives, and in a number of other small island States as well. For the Maldives, the tourism sector has been the main source of foreign exchange earnings and has accounted for more than 40 per cent of gross domestic product. Effects of global warming such as sea level rise, beach erosion, coral bleaching, increasing stress on coastal ecosystems, salinization of freshwater aquifers and damage to infrastructure from tropical storms are, however, threatening to jeopardize the viability and the long-term sustainability of our tourist industry. Given the limited availability of resources, many small island developing States, including the Maldives, are not in a position to carry the burden of the high cost of environmental protection on their own.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Although we were happy with some of the agreements reached at the Kyoto Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change last year, I regret to say that we were not fully satisfied with the achievements there. We accepted the Kyoto Protocol because we felt that it contained some important elements that deserved recognition and implementation, and because it is the best negotiated agreement available at present. In order to demonstrate our firm commitment to the climate change negotiations, we went one step further and signed the Kyoto Protocol as the first signatory State. We call upon all States to become parties to the Protocol and implement the targets specified in it. In our small island States, the environment and the economy are intertwined very closely.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“It is important that we fully and urgently implement the commitments that we ourselves have undertaken at various international conferences. In this regard, I urge the international community, and especially the industrialized countries, to honour their commitments without any further delay. My delegation believes that full and unconditional implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States is essential for the continued development of those countries. My country, for its part, has done and will continue to do everything that is required of it to contribute to this goal, and we hope that the other Members of this Organization will fulfil their commitments.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Our fears have become more alarming since we have seen the death and destruction caused by the tsunami in Papua New Guinea and the devastating floods in Bangladesh. We have been forced to wonder what would happen if such a disaster struck our tiny, low-lying country. When my President addressed this Assembly on the impending dangers of global warming and sea level rise over a decade ago, the extent of the threat posed by climate change was not yet widely known or accepted. Today we note that the realities of global warming are being acknowledged by scientists and politicians all over the world. However, mere acknowledgement of the danger is not enough. As we have stated repeatedly over the years, if we are to arrest and reverse this lurking threat, we need the unwavering commitment and cooperation of the entire international community.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“The excessive effects of the environmental phenomena known as El Niño and La Niña are sweeping across four continents with deadly consequences. Record-breaking temperatures around the globe have spared no country. My country also experienced record high temperatures early this year, bleaching and killing coral reefs and causing enormous 6 imbalance in the ever so fragile ecosystem that surrounds our tiny islands. The Maldives may be situated outside the cyclone belt; we may have no rivers to flood, volcanoes to erupt or large forests to burn. But my country is as vulnerable to natural disasters as any other. Indeed, for the past decade we have lived with the fear of being slowly engulfed by the rising waters of the mighty Indian Ocean that surrounds us.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Kofi Annan, for his untiring work and dedication in promoting the cause of this Organization. The Secretary- General deserves every assistance and cooperation from all the States Members of the Organization in his endeavours to fulfil the enormous responsibilities that we have placed upon his shoulders in achieving the goals of the United Nations in a world full of political unrest, ethnic conflicts and natural disasters. From the forest fires in South-East Asia, Europe and North America to the horrendous floods and droughts in Asia, Africa and the Americas, we have been witnessing a drastic increase in the number of natural disasters occurring in various regions of the world with immense loss to human life and property.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Allow me first of all to congratulate Mr. Didier Opertti on his election to the presidency of the General Assembly. His election to that high office demonstrates not only the support that Uruguay enjoys in the international arena, but also the confidence and trust that the members of the Assembly have in his ability to guide the work of this session to a successful conclusion. Allow me also to record my delegation’s profound gratitude and appreciation to his predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Hennadiy Udovenko, former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, for the exemplary manner in which he steered the work of the General Assembly throughout the past year. I would also like to take this opportunity, on behalf of my delegation, to express our sincere thanks and admiration to the Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)