YouSaid · the spoken record

Kessai Note

lines on the record: 32
first: 2004-09-24
most recent: 2007-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-general-debate

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“Only then can we realize the commonly shared goal of universal peace and prosperity. My delegation looks forward to a productive session under your able leadership, Sir. Komol tata, and God bless.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The Marshall Islands is appreciative of the work currently under way for the establishment of a joint presence in our country by UNFPA, which will be the leading agency on behalf of UNDP and UNICEF. We, however, ask the General Assembly and the Secretariat to ensure that offices befitting the ideals and reputation of the United Nations are established in the other identified Pacific island countries. In closing, I wish to reassure you, Mr. President, that the Marshall Islands remains committed to the implementation of the commitments made over the last decade, and we expect our partners to fulfil their commitments as well. The sustainable development of small island developing States, such as the Marshall Islands, can only be achieved through a genuine partnership within the international community.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In June 2006, it was announced that a coalition of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) would open a total of eight new offices in the Pacific island countries. We welcomed that historic accomplishment, the progress it marked towards harmonization within the United Nations and the assistance and support the new offices would provide in developing national capacity and meeting the Millennium Development Goals. We, Member States that pay our dues, deploy peacekeepers, and discharge our responsibilities in the international community, deserve offices that give relevance to the United Nations and the implementation of its doctrines.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The absence of Taiwan in the United Nations creates a gap in the global network for cooperation, goes against the ideals and concept of justice upheld by the United Nations and contravenes the principle of universality. We reiterate our support for the reform and expansion of the Security Council and for a criteria- based approach under which potential members, such as Japan, must be well qualified, based on factors such as economic size, population, commitment to democracy and human rights, financial contributions to the United Nations and contributions to United Nations peacekeeping efforts. During the general debate of the sixtieth session, we noted in this historic Hall that the United Nations and its offices and agencies did not have a permanent presence in many of the small island developing States of the Pacific.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The Republic of the Marshall Islands was founded on the ideals of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights. We continue to observe and stand for those democratic values and the defence and promotion of human rights. The United Nation’s noble ideals of good governance, democracy, multilateralism and respect for human dignity also serve as my guiding light in my capacity of high steward of my people. However, while the United Nations continues to work with States in resolving disputes peacefully and in helping to create democratic societies, it still turns a blind eye to the 23 million people of Taiwan and silences their voices.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In my view, the successful implementation of regional commitments international obligations can be achieved only with the support and commitment of member countries, regional and international organizations, development partners and a range of stakeholders. In that regard, I wish to emphasize that the assistance of the international community, which has played a crucial role in enabling us to meet current and emerging challenges, is still very much needed. There is only so much that we can do as small island developing States; thus, now more than ever, I continue to call on the international community for considerable investments and comprehensive assistance, including the much-needed policy reorientation to address the interlinked issues of economic, social and environmental security.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The Eighth Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders, which I was honoured to chair in Washington; the Seventh Annual Micronesian President’s Summit, held in Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia, earlier this month; the seventh Food and Agriculture Organization meeting of the South West Pacific Ministers for Agriculture, held in May; and the Micronesians in Island Conservation conference, held last June in Majuro all these provided the opportunity for our leaders, development partners and non-governmental partners to meet with other leaders from the region to address the wide range of issues and challenges that continue to plague the Pacific.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Within the Pacific region, we continue to cooperate closely to ensure that effective regional actions are taken in our endeavour to combat our vulnerabilities in the economic, social and environmental areas, which are priority areas highlighted under the Pacific Plan and Kalibobo Roadmap, endorsed by Pacific leaders almost two years ago. My Government has had the pleasure of hosting and actively engaging in several regional meetings held to that effect.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The Micronesia Challenge a commitment led by the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands aims at conserving that biodiversity and our vulnerable ecosystem by effectively conserving at least 30 per cent of the near-shore marine and 20 per cent of the forest resources across Micronesia by 2020. The Micronesia Challenge is part of a much larger and growing commitment by island nations throughout the world to take the international lead in preserving primary ecosystems. I call on the international community to support the efforts that have been put in place and to develop and provide the resources for realistic financial plans in support of conservation and sustainable use of our natural resources.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We are encouraged by international and regional agreements and treaties that aim to protect these scarce resources. However, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing continues to threaten our major source of livelihood. In protecting our ocean resources from exploitation, we continue to seek assistance from Member States with the expertise and capacity in conducting and enforcing conservation and management measures, as well as in the development of our domestic fisheries. I reiterate once again my support for a moratorium on bottom-trawling until there are clear indications on its negative effects on the ocean biodiversity.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“I commend the work of the Assembly at its sixty- first session in adopting resolution 61/109, which requests the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation to continue its work, including its activities to increase knowledge about the levels, effects and risks of ionizing radiation from all sources, and requests the United Nations Environment Programme to continue to provide support for the work of the Committee and for the dissemination of its findings and to review and strengthen the Committee’s present funding. I am confident that my people will benefit from the Committee’s work, noting that previous policy and resettlement decisions based on misleading scientific opinions have caused so much suffering among my people. My people’s survival and well-being also depend on our ocean resources.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The Marshallese people were under the care of the United Nations Trusteeship Council when the United States nuclear testing programme was in progress. Once again, I call on the United Nations and its agencies and Member States who share similar experiences and have the expertise to assist us with the restoration of our radiation- contaminated environment to provide the needed assistance for my people’s health-care needs that are linked to radiation exposure, and to support the Marshall Islands’ Changed Circumstances Petition, which was submitted to the United States Congress in 2000.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“I commend this Assembly for adopting last September the historic United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which will prevent the global scourge of terrorism. The Marshall Islands remains committed in the fight against terrorism, and we continue to take action at the national level and to cooperate at the regional and international levels to ensure that we combat terrorist threats with comprehensive and united action. In the area of disarmament and non-proliferation, our collective efforts need to be invigorated to overcome stalemate. Nuclear weapons and the testing conducted on our islands in the past is a nightmare that continues to haunt my people. The 67 atmospheric weapons detonated on my island of Bikini Atoll from 1946 to 1958 continue to inflict pain and suffering on my people to this day.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We once again renew our support for the Framework Convention and the Kyoto Protocol, and we call upon all States that have not yet done so in particular the major emitters to ratify the Protocol without further delay. We also call upon the international community to assist small island developing States in developing and implementing comprehensive adaptation strategies. I remain hopeful that the international community can reach a consensus on moving forward the necessary agreements to achieve lasting peace, security and diplomatic solutions to the seemingly endless web of issues. We are so integrated and interconnected today that we all face equal challenges, be it in terrorism or the proliferation of nuclear weapons.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“County, in Washington State in the United States, aimed at confronting the threat posed by global warming. The unwavering faith I have in this Organization is the reason why I am standing at this podium today on behalf of my people. On our shoulders, as leaders, lies the responsibility entrusted to us, to keep not only the peace to live in harmony and with dignity, but to preserve our environment to ensure the very survival of our children for generations to come. I commend the Secretary-General for convening a high-level meeting on climate change this week. I am also hopeful that we, as leaders, will come up with the necessary agreements on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in December. While we are committed to playing our part, strong leadership is required by the major industrialized countries.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“If we are to exist at all, we must put a stop to the rising tide of destruction unleashed by global warming. Our future or perhaps, our absence of future depends on the decisive actions of this Assembly. I find no pride in having coined the term “ecological refugee”. It is my deepest hope that no one, and certainly no one in the Marshall Islands, will have to bear that name. Since my election more than seven years ago, educating the world about the threat my people face as a result of sea-level rise and global warming has been one of my Government’s priorities. In addressing the issue of climate change, actions and real progress are needed. In saying this, I am proud to announce the new alliance that my Government established earlier this year with the local government of Martin Luther King Jr.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Steering the United Nations in today’s interwoven world of complex trials and tribulations remains ever more challenging, and I wish to express my country’s confidence in your stewardship and to commend you for your current efforts in taking a range of measures to strengthen the capacity of the United Nations. For the past 62 years, we have come to this Assembly to express various issues and concerns dear to our heart, as they affect the daily lives of our citizens. Education, health and the environment are among the issues at the top of my country’s priorities, but these issues are nothing if we, the community of nations, fail to attempt to avert the forthcoming ecological disaster. My people are concerned with or rather terrified by with the issue of our very survival. Will we even exist 50 years from today?”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“I bring warm greetings of “iakwe” from the people of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, on whose behalf I have the honour to address the General Assembly at its sixty-second session. I wish to convey our congratulations to you, Mr. President, on your election in the presidency of the Assembly at this session. I am confident that, under your able leadership, consensus on crucial issues will be achieved, benefiting the entire membership, particularly the often-forgotten remote small island States of the Pacific. My commendation also goes to your predecessor for her successful stewardship of the work of the Assembly at its sixty-first session. Allow me to also congratulate you, Mr. Secretary-General, for your election as the eighth Secretary-General of this Organization.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The Marshall Islands reiterates its full support for the ongoing quest of the people of Taiwan to be granted membership in this global body and in various other international organizations. Finally, the Marshall Islands reiterates its support for the expansion of the Security Council in both categories of membership. We support the allocation of a new permanent seat to Japan, and we believe that the representation on the Council of developing countries must be increased. Such expansion is crucial if the Council is to retain its legitimacy. My delegation looks forward, Mr. President, to a productive session under your able leadership.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The Marshall Islands, as a State party to the Rome Statute, welcomes the ongoing progress of the International Criminal Court. We are pleased that the Court is now fully operational and has begun its first 24 investigations. We are confident that the Court will play a valuable role in the administration of justice at the international level, and we urge those States that have not yet done so to become parties. Another issue requiring action by this body is the continued exclusion of Taiwan from the United Nations. Taiwan is a peace-loving, sovereign State, and only its democratically elected Government can be the legitimate representative of the interests of the people of Taiwan within the United Nations.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“There are, of course, many other important issues to be addressed during the upcoming session. International terrorism is obviously one of the biggest challenges facing the global community today. The reality is that no State or region is immune. All States must take action at the national level and must cooperate at the regional and international levels to ensure that we combat terrorist threats with comprehensive and unified action. Within the Pacific region, we continue to cooperate closely to ensure that effective regional action is taken to combat threats to peace and security. At the national level, we are in the process of implementing the 12 core anti-terrorism conventions and the relevant Security Council resolutions, and we have taken many steps to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Another notable achievement in the region is the entry into force of the Convention on the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. While such developments are encouraging, we reiterate our concerns regarding the prevalence of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Like many other small island developing States, we rely on fisheries resources as a primary means of survival, yet we lack the capacity to adequately monitor our exclusive economic zone. Regional and international cooperation must focus on addressing the problem of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and assisting small island developing States by building capacity for monitoring and surveillance. I have briefly mentioned a few of the major priorities for the Marshall Islands.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“We also call upon the international community to assist small island developing States in developing and implementing comprehensive adaptation strategies. As a nation whose livelihood depends on the resources of the sea, we are becoming increasingly concerned about the state of the world’s oceans and fish stocks. At the regional level, we cooperate closely with other members of the Pacific Islands Forum to ensure that the oceans and marine resources in our region are managed in a responsible and sustainable manner. The Pacific Islands Regional Ocean Policy, adopted in 2002, will be implemented throughout the region under a recently developed framework for integrated strategic action.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“We are already experiencing these dramatic effects: sea levels are rising, weather patterns are changing and coral reef systems are being harmed. Urgent action is needed at the global level to halt and ultimately reverse the devastating impact of climate change. Without such global action, our national efforts at sustainable development will ultimately be rendered meaningless. While we are committed to playing our part, strong leadership is required by the major industrialized countries. We renew our support for the Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol, and we call upon all States that have not yet done so — in particular the major emitters — to ratify the Protocol without further delay.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“We urge the United States Government to fully address the issue of adequate compensation for populations affected by the nuclear testing programme and to fulfil its responsibilities regarding the safe resettlement of displaced populations. On broader issues of disarmament and non- proliferation, we urge the international community to retain a focus on disarmament by the nuclear-weapon States, as well as on non-proliferation measures. We look forward to next year’s Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and we hope that the Conference will produce substantial progress on the 13 steps towards complete nuclear disarmament. I wish to reiterate our critical concern regarding climate change. Along with other low-lying island nations, we are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“23 An ongoing issue of the utmost concern for the people of the Marshall Islands is that of nuclear- weapon testing. Between 1946 and 1958, the United States conducted a series of nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands, which included the detonation of 23 atomic and hydrogen bombs. On 1 March this year we commemorated the fiftieth anniversary of the Bravo test at Bikini atoll. The Bravo blast was 1,000 times more powerful than Hiroshima, and its fallout spread radioactive debris across the neighbouring islands. Today, many of our people continue to suffer from the long-term health effects, while others remain displaced from their homes because of ongoing contamination.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“In striving to achieve internationally agreed development goals, we are severely constrained by our lack of human and technical resources. Thus we continue to seek to form partnerships that will assist us through capacity-building and technology transfer. We were pleased that the twelfth session of the Commission on Sustainable Development focused on water, sanitation and human settlements. We in the Pacific region are working hard to improve access to fresh water and to develop environmentally responsible waste-management systems. We seek the support of the international community to assist us in the implementation of regional projects such as the Pacific Regional Action Plan on Sustainable Water Management. We look forward to the thirteenth session of the Commission’s providing further policy guidance in these areas.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Our environment is extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change and natural disasters; our small population faces the challenge of managing high levels of major diseases such as diabetes, and the risk of the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases; and our limited resource base and remoteness restrict our ability to integrate into the global economy. With these challenges in mind, the Marshall Islands is particularly concerned about the following issues. First, regarding sustainable development, the Marshall Islands has developed a national sustainable development strategy, and we are in the process of establishing a task force to ensure that the Millennium Development Goals are fully integrated into our national strategy.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“I encourage the international community to become engaged in the ongoing preparatory process and to participate in the international meeting at the highest level. It is our fervent hope that the meeting will produce practical outcomes that will assist small island developing States in implementing the Programme of Action to benefit people at the local level. In this increasingly globalized world, the Marshall Islands faces challenges shared by many other small island States.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“In January 2005, the international community will meet in Mauritius to conduct the 10-year review of the Barbados Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States. Over the past year, members of AOSIS have been engaged in a detailed process of preparation for the international meeting. At an interregional meeting in January, small island developing States adopted the AOSIS Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action, which addresses critical issues including climate change and sea-level rise, renewable energy, trade access and others. It is vital that we maintain the momentum in the lead-up to Mauritius in order to ensure a successful outcome for small island developing States.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Over the past year, the Forum has conducted a comprehensive review of existing regional mechanisms. Last month Pacific leaders met in Samoa, where they endorsed the terms of reference of a new Pacific Plan, which will develop a strategy for broader regional cooperation based on the key goals of economic growth, sustainable development, good governance and security. At the international level, the Marshall Islands reaffirms its solidarity with the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), which continues to act as a powerful voice for small island developing States. It has long been recognized that small island developing States suffer from unique vulnerabilities and disadvantages.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“I am honoured to address the General Assembly at its fifty-ninth session on behalf of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Allow me to extend my congratulations to you, Mr. President, on your election, and to wish you well in your endeavours throughout this session. This year has seen important landmarks for the Marshall Islands at the domestic level. On 1 May we celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of the adoption of our Constitution. The same day also marked the entry into force of our amended Compact of Free Association with the United States. The renewal of that agreement reaffirms the special relationship between our two countries. At the regional level, we continue to place great importance on our membership in the Pacific Islands Forum.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)