YouSaid · the spoken record

Litokwa Tomeing

lines on the record: 27
first: 2008-09-24
most recent: 2009-09-24
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

“Evidence of progress in the confidence-building process between China and the Republic of China (Taiwan) deserves praise and encouragement from the international community. Taiwan’s membership in the United Nations specialized agencies will enable its 23 million people to play an active part in the affairs of the family of nations. Not a single nation can escape the powerful grip of the challenges of climate change. Its deadly virus is here already. The remedy is clear: collective and resolute action, now more than ever. The choice is 53 09-52425 ours. We implore Almighty God to give us courage and wisdom.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We express our firm support for the efforts of the United States and its allies in combating terrorism, and we are proud of our young Marshallese men and women serving in the armed forces of the United States. The support also provided by Japan, the Republic of China (Taiwan), the European Union, Australia and our other donor partners is sincerely acknowledged. The increasing complexity of the management of evolving global affairs demands a reconstitution of the membership of the Security Council. Japan’s distinguished leadership and achievements in the area of human security match its aspirations to seek a permanent seat on the Council and thus deserve favourable consideration.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The stark realities of the experience of the people of the Marshall Islands have deepened our profound conviction that, in a world irreversibly moving towards a global society, it becomes imperative that we recast our perspective, a perspective in which national impulses and interests will find their fullest expression when subordinated to the needs and interests of the planet, our collective homeland, a perspective that does not regard that subordination as being disloyal to the nation. Amid our deepening economic and financial woes, the Republic of the Marshall Islands continues to remain buoyant through the generous support of our friends and partners. Our special relationship with the United States within the framework of the Compact of Free Association provides a unique partnership that is enduring and stable.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We call for the formulation of a new perspective by which the spectre of war and of the use of nuclear weapons may forever be dismissed from the surface of the Earth. Banning nuclear weapons will not by itself remove the root cause of war. Important as it may be, it does not exert an enduring influence. People are too ingenious not to invent still other forms of warfare. Political agreements or good intentions alone are not enough. The world craves something much more deep- seated than pure pragmatism. It yearns for permanent peace that springs from an inner state supported by a moral attitude. There is no lack of recognition by national leaders of the nature of the problem, but there is a paralysis of will.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Our first-hand experience as victims of nuclear weapon testing on our islands, and the painful memories that continue to haunt us after six decades, are nightmares we would not wish on anyone. The toll in human suffering and environmental damage has been devastating. Now, sixty years since the detonation of some 67 nuclear bombs, the Marshall Islands is still grappling with the after-effects. Complete recovery in terms of restoring affected islands to full economic productivity and adequate compensation of the victims remains uncertain. We have not come here to condemn or to point fingers. However, we are compelled by our moral duty to humanity to raise our voice in gatherings such as this and to appeal to the conscience of the world community.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Our efforts to adapt continue to suffer from the lack of adequate funding, compounded by the sheer complexity in accessing it from the sources. Simplifying the process by direct access to those sources could enable us to fast-track some of our adaptation priorities, such as seawalls, coastal management and safe water projects. I now turn to a matter that is very dear to the heart of every Marshallese. We are deeply encouraged by the Security Council meeting today, moderated by President Obama, on the use and testing of nuclear weapons. Nuclear weapon testing was conducted on our islands between 1946 and 1958, at the time when we were a ward of the United Nations trusteeship system.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“It will question the ability of the Charter of the United Nations to safeguard our pre-existing sovereign rights. In short, the world and the most vulnerable in it cannot afford the cost of failure. Closer to home, even though the rate of emission of the Marshall Islands is insignificant in relative terms, we have set for ourselves a reduction target of 40 per cent by 2020. Over the years, and subject to 09-52425 52 accessibility of funding, we have been pursuing a systematic programme of solar power use. Nearly 40 per cent of the households in our outer islands are now drawing on that power as one of their main sources of energy. We intend to pursue this initiative until all 33 islands in our country are fully covered. On the Micronesian subregional front, we are committed to the goals of the Micronesia Challenge.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“For, in our interdependent global community, the moral duty of the collective must always be the protection of the weak and the most vulnerable. Short of that, however, Copenhagen will be no more than the continuation of the law of the jungle, the survival of the strongest. It will be a moral and political failure. For Copenhagen is not about mathematics. It is not about raw power; it is not competition for the survival of the few. It is about unleashing the moral and political forces and synergies inherent in the collective body of nations for the good of all. What else does political will mean but this? Failure in Copenhagen will make a mockery of the Millennium Development Goals, for their achievement will be beyond our capacity to attain.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We appeal to them to be as unrestrained as the wind and set the limit on the increase in global average temperature above the pre-industrial period at a level that will ensure our survival. We appeal to them to be fair-minded and to act with determination to reduce global emissions from 1990 levels by at least 85 per cent by 2050. We appeal to them to ensure that global emissions peak no later than 2015. Finally, we appeal to the leaders of all nations to construct in Copenhagen the ark of salvation in which all nations and peoples will find shelter. I believe that the success of Copenhagen will be ultimately judged by the extent to which small, low- lying island States — the most vulnerable — will feel a sense of guaranteed safety and security.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“For the small island States, however, the question is whether Copenhagen will diminish or enhance their security and their chances of survival, whether the populations of the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, Tokelau and others should make haste to evacuate and head to safer regions, as foreshadowed in a recent warning from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Therefore, our message to the leaders in Copenhagen is clear: we appeal to them to strive with every fibre of their being to increase their level of commitment to combating climate change, to show the world by their deeds — not words — their unbending commitment to secure an effective post-Kyoto global agreement.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“It will be an event of historic significance where, despite our differences, everyone can now view the entire planet through a common perspective. Now, a few weeks away from Copenhagen, I feel moved to ask what it is that we want to see happening in there. What kind of outcome do we expect? How should we and future generations judge the success of Copenhagen? The answer, it seems to me, is a matter of perspective. Major economies will no doubt be watchful that Copenhagen does not disturb too much an established way of life and all its benefits. I ask these nations to consider the implicit moral obligation that comes with their privileged and affluent status.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Although some may consider as insufficient the Group of 8 commitment in Italy this year, I believe it is an encouraging and a necessary step forward. We cherish the hope that the increasing participation of the United States in debates on issues relating to climate change is a signal of its intention to take its rightful place at the forefront of the global war against climate change. Likewise, we are encouraged by Japan’s bold and new commitment to address the adverse effects of climate change. Let me express my appreciation to the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) for its leadership in assisting small island developing countries to prepare for negotiations in Copenhagen. We assure AOSIS of our unwavering support. Full of expectation, the world has its eyes on Copenhagen.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Our hope is that other United Nations agencies — including the World Health Organization, the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), the Food and Agriculture Organization and the United Nations 51 09-52425 Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific — will follow suit and make their presence felt more prominently, producing concrete results on the ground. I wish to acknowledge the personal commitment of the Secretary-General to meeting the challenges of climate change. His reminder to take our best to the table in Copenhagen in service of a higher calling to save the planet is well noted. His call for a clear moral imperative for bold and decisive urgent action and his recognition of the duty of the larger economies to the most vulnerable have not gone unnoticed by us small island States.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“I bring the greetings and best wishes of the people of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. I congratulate the President on his election to chair the Assembly at this session. He has our confidence and support. I offer my gratitude to the United Nations for its continuing role in coordinating and leading the world’s efforts to meet challenges affecting the interests of all nations. The United Nations Joint Presence Office in the Marshall Islands has brought the ideals of the Organization closer to our people and country.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Such a bold step will draw our attention more sharply to our true nature, to existing constructive forces and to the need for unifying social structures that can foster the establishment of a truly new world order, a global society animated by principles of social justice. Today nothing is more urgent, more imperative and more important for this great institution than the establishment of a world peace that is permanent and that rests firmly on the bedrock of justice. And as we jointly undertake to gradually build that edifice of lasting international peace, let us draw our strength and take comfort in these words from the Gospel of Matthew: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God”.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Today, we see vast increases in movements and organizations devoted to humanitarian work, empowerment of women and mobilization of youth. We see young and older nations engaged in matters of mutual concern. The United Nations has demonstrated our collective capacity for united action in a wide range of social and economic initiatives. It has affirmed our collective will to build a better future. I believe the time has come for the United Nations to convoke an international convention where the fundamental principles and tenets of permanent world peace can be deliberated.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“I am proud to say that, in Afghanistan and Iraq, Marshallese young men and women have been participating actively in coalition forces as part of the United States armed services personnel, demonstrating our commitment to shared democratic ideals. I take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude to the United States for its continuing constructive role in our partnership under the Compact of Free Association, as well as for its leadership in advancing the cause of freedom around the world. While the ideal of peace envisioned by the framers of the Charter of the United Nations 63 years ago is yet to be fully achieved, this should not be a cause for despair. People of goodwill everywhere have expressed their yearning for world peace.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Japan is a world economic and industrial power, and its leadership and contribution to the United Nations is admirable and self-evident. We are confident that, as a permanent member of the Security Council, Japan will bring much that is good to the Council and to the United Nations as a whole. Earlier this month, the United Sates marked the seventh anniversary of the tragic loss of lives resulting from barbaric acts carried out against the American people on 11 September 2001. That event threatened our collective security, prompting a response against acts of terrorism. It is a matter of personal gratification for me to say that, over the past few decades, the special relationship between the Marshalls and the United States has continued to deepen with encouraging outcomes.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“In light of that, the Marshall Islands firmly believes that the time is now ripe for the 23 million people of Taiwan to be accorded full participation in the specialized agencies of the United Nations. This is a starting benchmark that is consistent with the principle of true universality. As we continue to build a United Nations that better represents our global diversity, the Marshall Islands believes that membership in the Security Council should not be guarded as something that is overly sacred and untouchable. To do so would be to fail to keep in tandem with the principle of change. Council membership should instead be enlarged to reflect reality. Japan’s fitting aspirations to seek a permanent seat on the Security Council deserve favourable consideration.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“I urge the United Nations to elevate this threat — this nightmare — as justification for total war against climate change. Recent positive developments, evidenced by the easing of tension and the improvement of relations between the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan 13 08-51845 have begun a new era of good will and hope for improved economic possibilities and political stability. In the context of those emerging dynamics now maturing between China and Taiwan, we see evidence of a mutual desire for dialogue and engagement in a process that can forge better relations and understanding. It is a development worthy of our respect, and it presents an excellent opportunity for the international community to encourage and strengthen that process.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Our own very survival is at stake. If sea levels rise by two metres, Tokelau, Tuvalu, Kiribati and the Marshall Islands will be completely submerged under sea. Thus, clearly the only alteration or adjustment that is possible is in the mindset and the moral, economic and political behaviour of the heaviest emitters of greenhouse gas. In summary, nothing is more glaring now than the fact that not only are those issues interrelated, but that their cross-cutting global character clearly demands an effective and immediate global response. If wars have been waged to protect the rights of people to live in freedom and to safeguard their security, why will they not be waged to protect our right to survive the onslaught of climate change? Is the former more morally imperative than the latter?”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The litmus test of the international community’s commitment to those agreements should be reflected in its ability to provide sustainable financing for immediate and concrete adaptation programmes on the ground in small island States. It is one thing to produce agreements or resolutions; it is another to give them real meaning in concrete terms. Our commitments must show themselves in deeds, not in words alone. On the scale that we have experienced over the past few months, the effect of rising fuel costs could bring everything to a standstill. Nevertheless, some in-country adjustments could be made, however painful and agonizing those might be. Insofar as climate change is concerned, however, we have no option. We can alter neither the size nor the height of our islands. They are our natural givens and we are stuck with them.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The Marshall Islands supports international initiatives aimed at stemming the tide of climate change. In that context, we endorse the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the European Union-Pacific declaration; Japan’s Cool Earth 50 Programme — which provides funding for adaptation and mitigation — and the Niue Declaration on Climate Change. In further pursuit of greater guarantees of our territorial integrity, the Pacific island countries intend to introduce at this sixty-third session of the General Assembly a draft resolution calling for climate change to be addressed by the Security Council as nothing less than a security concern of the utmost serious nature.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“As a small island developing State and a member of the Pacific Islands Forum, we are now exploring the concept of bulk purchasing of petroleum, as endorsed by Pacific Forum leaders in Niue last month. Given our painful experience, we request that the international community give special consideration to the creation of a comprehensive financial facility that can help small island States to cope in times of crisis. In addition, such a facility should also help small island States transition from fossil fuel-based energy to affordable and renewable energy sources. Our small island States in the Pacific region are among the lowest greenhouse gas emitters in the world, yet we bear the full brunt of climate change and its frightful consequences.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Its adverse impact has been immediate and severe. The transportation of essential goods and the movement of people to and from far- flung islands have been sharply curtailed. The distribution of essential services and food products has been acutely impaired, crippling our ability to sustain normal public services and posing a particular threat to food security and medical services. The rising cost of fossil fuels occurring in rapid succession has left the Marshall Islands with no choice but to declare a state of economic emergency. I am sure, and the International Monetary Fund has observed, that at the height of the crisis, when the cost of a barrel of oil was over $140, numerous other countries were also at the tipping point.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Rather, it is that we now have an international forum in which nations can talk over and deliberate issues of mutual concern. One could well imagine what the alternative to talking might be in certain circumstances. 08-51845 12 Like its sister island States in the Pacific region, the Marshall Islands is struggling with the implementation of its Millennium Development Goals. Our effort has been made difficult by unforeseen global forces capable of draining every ounce of our resources. The Marshall Islands is a small economy and inter-island distances are vast, making transportation excessively expensive. Formulating development strategies that address the new conditions has not been easy. An excellent example in this case may be found in the current energy crisis arising from the escalation in the cost of fossil fuel.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“I am honoured and privileged to be able to speak in this great Assembly on behalf of the people of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. I sincerely congratulate Mr. D’Escoto Brockmann on his election. We have every confidence in his wisdom and able leadership to guide us through our deliberations. I extend my sincere appreciation to the Secretary-General for his leadership and commitment to the work of the United Nations. As this body enters its sixty-third year, I am moved to express my profound appreciation to those visionaries who foresaw the importance of the United Nations and took it upon themselves to establish the necessary structures for the governance of our collective affairs. It is not that the creation of this body has led to the cessation of war; it has not.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)