YouSaid · the spoken record

GYAW

lines on the record: 246
first: 1989-09-24
most recent: 1995-09-24
sittings or episodes: 7
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

“I should like to avail myself of this opportunity to renew my country’s dedication and commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter and to pledge that Myanmar will contribute, however modestly, to the realization of a United Nations which will both serve the cause of world peace and fulfil the needs of humanity. In this new era we must strive to ensure that all nations can live together in peace and harmony. Every nation must also strive to keep its house in order. We have a responsibility in our time, just as the founding fathers of the United Nations had in theirs, to bequeath to the generations to come a world that is secure and peaceful.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“A recent landmark event was Myanmar’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation at the twenty-eighth Ministerial Meeting of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Brunei, paving the way for Myanmar’s eventual entry into ASEAN. In the light of the political and socio-economic transformations taking place in the country and the increased cooperation with its neighbours, Myanmar continues to make important contributions to peace and stability in the region and in the world. The commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations is a time for reflection and for resolution.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“On the economic front, Myanmar has made important gains. The economy registered a growth rate of 6.8 per cent in 1994-1995, and prospects look bright for the future. Foreign investment in Myanmar totals US$ 2.7 billion and is expected to reach $4 billion by the end of the year. An indicator of the pace of the development of the economy is the dramatic increase in the production of the staple crop, rice, permitting the export of over 1 million tons. In the meantime, Myanmar is fulfilling the basic needs of the people and is striving to narrow the gap in living standards between urban dwellers and the rural population. In the realm of international relations Myanmar has consistently pursued a policy of peace and friendship with all States, and especially with neighbouring countries.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“We are fully confident that once those areas are developed, the living standards of the local populace are raised and alternative means of livelihood are made available, poppy cultivation will be totally eradicated. We have relied on our own resources in promoting the development programmes in the border areas. Over 23 2,842 million kyats, the equivalent of US$ 400 million, have been expended for infrastructure-building. We are grateful that, recently, Japan approved a grant of 1 billion yen — US$ 10 million — to be used to purchase fertilizers and agricultural machinery and implements for the food- development programme in the border regions. It is our hope that others too will join hands with us to develop those regions in order that humanity may be freed from the menace posed by narcotic drugs.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“We are determined to wage war against the drug traffickers as a matter of national responsibility and we see it as our duty to humanity. Our men have sacrificed life and limb so that the world may be rid of the scourge of narcotic drugs. The actions of the Myanmar Armed Forces deserve to be accorded due recognition, just as the Blue Helmets have been commended for their valour and courage. In order to succeed in the fight against narcotic drugs the Myanmar Government in May 1989 initiated an integrated rural-development programme of an unprecedented nature and scope in the border areas. Subsequently, in 1992 a separate ministry devoted to the development of border areas and national races was established.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“A large number of individuals against whom action had been taken in accordance with the laws of the land have also been released. I am also pleased to be able to say that we in Myanmar have been shouldering our responsibilities in combating the menace posed by narcotic drugs. The Myanmar Armed Forces have been mounting major offensives against drug traffickers, including the forces of Khun Sa. Since the end of 1988 there have been 823 engagements with the drug traffickers. In these clashes, 16 officers and 567 other ranks from the armed forces sacrificed their lives for the country, 55 officers and 1,744 other ranks were wounded in action and 153 weapons were lost. Enemy losses amounted to 720 killed, 118 captured, 221 surrendered and 708 assorted weapons seized. The numbers speak for themselves.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“We are engaged in efforts to strengthen the fabric of society by rekindling the spirit of patriotism and uplifting the moral integrity of our citizens. The Government is endeavouring to preserve the national character and cultural heritage and to raise the standard of education and health of the entire country. It is a source of immense pride and satisfaction that our efforts have achieved a significant measure of success in charting a new course for the country. Insurgency, which was born with our independence, is now coming to a close. The unprecedented return to the legal fold of 15 out of the 16 armed groups speaks volumes for our efforts at national reconsolidation. On 10 July 1995 the Government also lifted the restrictions placed on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The lifting of restrictions is unconditional.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“The first issue of ensuring the stability of the State. National reconsolidation is an indispensable component of my Government’s policy to achieve peace and tranquillity. A national convention has been convened to draft a new Constitution which would be in harmony with present-day realities and would reflect the aspirations of the entire nation. Secondly, in the economic sector guidelines have been formulated to promote all-round development of agriculture, which forms the mainstay of the nation’s economy. At the same time, Myanmar has laid out a welcome mat to foreign and domestic investors in order to attract capital and technical know-how. Thirdly, progress is sought in the social sector in order to buttress political stability and economic progress, which constitute foundation-stones for a peaceful, prosperous and modern State.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“The Government has set 12 objectives in the political, economic and social fields and is working steadfastly to achieve them. A unique feature of Myanmar is that it is a union composed of well over a hundred national races. Unity among the different national races is essential for the preservation of our independence and sovereignty as well as for the economic and social progress of the country. The Government has adopted policies to prevent the disintegration of the Union, ensure the non-disintegration of national solidarity, and ensure the perpetuity of our country’s sovereignty. Moreover, with a view to building a peaceful, prosperous and modern nation, my Government has formulated and is pursuing clear objectives in the political, economic and social spheres. Allow me to focus briefly on some of the main issues on our national agenda.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“I am pleased to note that the perceptible improvement in the international climate is generating a favourable impact on some long-standing issues such as the Middle East peace process. The initial steps taken two years ago towards a durable peace have now been followed by firm strides. Myanmar joins other nations in 22 welcoming the accord signed by Prime Minister Rabin and Chairman Arafat in Washington, D.C. on 28 September 1995. We hope that it will pave the way to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East. Just as the family of nations must work together to ensure international peace and stability, individual States must promote peace within their territories. I am happy to be able to say that in Myanmar peace reigns as never before and that the momentum for positive change continues.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“In this regard I am pleased to note that in his recommendations on an Agenda for Development the Secretary-General last November stressed that development should be recognized as the foremost and most far-reaching task of our time. The United Nations was established on the principle of the equality of all its Members. The mandate of the Organization is to advance peace and security, and bring international justice and economic and social development to all peoples. While it deserves to be commended for its vital role in the historic process of decolonization which led to the independence of more than 80 countries, much less can be said for its efforts to create an equitable international economic order.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“The limitations of the United Nations should not encourage Member States to take precipitate action. As a Myanmar saying goes: “When mice enter the granary, we must catch the mice and not set fire to the granary”. The founders of the United Nations also envisaged it as an international body for the promotion of the economic and social welfare of all peoples. Even though the right to development is recognized as an inalienable human right, the disparity between developed and developing countries continues to widen. Member States should reaffirm their commitment to cooperate in creating an international economic environment conducive to the realization of the right to development. Without development there can be no prospect for lasting peace.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“In some others, like Bosnia and Herzegovina and Somalia, it has come under heavy strain and has proved to be ineffective. The lesson to be learned is that the Security Council should be far more conscious of when and under what mandate to begin peace-keeping operations. Such operations must have clearly defined objectives. More important, agreement among major Powers must carry with it the support of the majority of the Member States if it is to have the desired result. If the United Nations system is to be revitalized and strengthened, the basic issue of adequate financing, particularly of peace-keeping operations, must be addressed. Whether that happens depends on us. The United Nations can only be as strong or as effective as Member States choose to make it.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“At the same time, the role of the General Assembly — the one forum where all the Member States are represented — should be reviewed to enable it to deal more effectively with outstanding problems and to allow it to focus on the new challenges of our times. We consider it vital that there be a more dynamic relationship between the main organs of the Organization — the General Assembly, the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council. In recent years the United Nations, despite constraints, has been in the forefront of the international community’s efforts to deal with the unresolved problems of the cold-war decades as well as new ones that have surfaced. It has been called upon to meet the burgeoning demand for peace-keeping. In some cases, like Angola, Cambodia, El Salvador and Mozambique, it has scored successes.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“Myanmar welcomes the actions already taken to enhance the relationship between the Council and the general membership as well as measures to improve its working methods and procedures. We are particularly pleased to see that the Council has initiated the holding of orientation debates and briefings by the President of the Council for States non-members of the Security Council. We see the need to enhance cooperation between the Security Council and the General Assembly in accordance with Articles 10, 11, 12 and 14 of the Charter. We also share the view that reforms can best be achieved through a combination of means that include General Assembly resolutions, changes in the rules of procedure, and appropriate amendments to the Charter where necessary.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“To judge from the work done during the last two sessions of the General Assembly by the Open- ended Working Group on the Question of Equitable Representation on and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council, it is clear that there is a convergence of views that the Council should be enlarged. The enlargement should however be accompanied by measures to make it more effective. It should ensure equitable geographical representation and at the same time preserve the possibility for smaller States to serve on the Council. Myanmar fully supports the position of the non-aligned countries which stresses the importance of enhancing the effective and efficient functioning of the Security Council by adopting measures geared towards reforming its working methods and procedures.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“The significant increase in the membership — from the original 51 to the present 185 — underscores the continuing relevance of the United Nations. However, vast transformations are now taking place, and reforms in the structure and work of the Organization must be instituted to reflect the new realities. We wish to see a more efficient and result- oriented Organization — one that retains mechanisms which have proved effective and adopts innovative measures to ensure cooperation in the post-bloc world. Security Council reforms constitute one of the most important issues to be addressed. Myanmar stands for a pragmatic approach that will ensure that the Council evolves into a more representative, effective and 21 democratic body.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“It gives me great pleasure to extend warm congratulations, on behalf of the delegation of Myanmar and on my own behalf, to Mr. Diogo Freitas do Amaral on his assumption of the presidency of the General Assembly at its fiftieth session. The diplomatic skills and experience he brings to his high office assure us of a successful session. Allow me to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to Mr. Amara Essy, Foreign Minister of Côte d’Ivoire, for having so successfully guided the deliberations of the last session. The United Nations is 50 years old this year. It is both a time for celebration and an opportunity for reflection. The Organization has evolved over time and has served us well for half a century.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“There will be equality of status, equality of opportunity and equality before the law. The entire Myanmar nation is currently engaged in our national endeavour to establish a truly democratic and modern society in accordance with the aspirations of our people. We the people of the Union of Myanmar are doing our utmost to advance the ongoing political and constitutional process and the current programme of national economic development in the interest of all our national brethren. We have a popular saying in Myanmar: “As we sow in our deeds, so shall we surely reap in our future destiny.” We are therefore fully confident that, with continued dedication, determination and diligence in our national endeavour, we will surely be able to successfully establish a democratic society based on the universal values of justice, liberty and equality.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Among the fundamental principles already laid down, independent administration of justice in accordance with the law, administration of justice in public except where restricted by law, the right to defence and the right of appeal will be guaranteed. Furthermore, there will be constitutional remedies, and the Supreme Court will have the power to issue writs. Citizens will be able to enjoy the rule of law, which is the fundamental legal safeguard necessary for a democratic State. Because of the separation of powers envisaged in the new constitution, the judiciary will be the ultimate guardian of fundamental rights. Freedom of thought, freedom of expression, freedom of belief, freedom of worship, freedom to seek a livelihood and freedom of organization will be guaranteed.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The very fact that the new State structure will be a union system is a manifestation of the consensus that has been reached by the Convention. The new Union of Myanmar that is envisaged by the National Convention will be a genuine multi-party, democratic State in order to bring the nation modernity, unity, stability, peace and harmony. The new constitution will have safeguards to guarantee non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty and territorial integrity. As in the case of other modern Constitutions, the three organs of government - the legislative, executive and judicial — will be properly constituted and separated as much as possible and will be able to exert reciprocal control with checks and balances among themselves.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“At the same time, I wish to indicate to certain observers that in our society reaching consensus is more important than debating who is right or wrong or who won the debate. We would like the constitution to reflect as much as possible the wishes of the national races, while at the same time we would be most happy if consensus on the remaining chapters could be reached as soon as possible. What the Government has done, and is doing at the moment, is to ensure peace, stability, law and order while striving for the economic development of the entire nation so that the transition to democracy will be smooth and tranquil. Today the National Convention is in full session for further discussions on the fundamental principles to be enshrined in the new constitution.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“As for those who allege that the process is moving too slowly, let me ask: Is the world today not full of examples where too much haste has led to chaos and confusion, even to armed conflict and the disintegration of nations? At the same time, let me assure the Assembly that the State Law and Order Restoration Council has no intention of unnecessarily prolonging the process or causing delays. However, a balance must be struck between the need to reach consensus among the nearly 700 delegates on very urgent and vital issues, such as the national races, and the desire for the process to be completed in timely fashion. Anyone following these deliberations closely will realize that they lucidly give the lie to the allegations that the deliberations in the National Convention were orchestrated by the Government.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“At this juncture, let me turn to another aspect of the Government’s objectives: the drafting of a firm and enduring constitution. Towards this end, a National Convention has been meeting since the beginning of last year to draft a new constitution. Consensus has already been reached on the 15 chapter headings for the 104 fundamental principles of the State and for the chapters on State, State structure and Head of State. At the resumed session of the National Convention, which commenced on 2 September 1994, the Chairman of the National Convention Convening Work Committee elucidated the points relative to the matter of self- administered divisions or self-administered zones in the 12 Union, and to constituting the legislative, executive and judicial branches for detailed discussions and deliberations among the delegates.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“With the Shan State Nationalities Peoples’ Liberation Organization, which returned to the legal fold on 9 October 1994, the armed groups in the reconciliation process now number 13. They will be integrated in the same manner as previous groups that are participating in the National Convention. To the remaining groups that have yet to return to the legal fold, the Myanmar Government reiterates its call not to miss this golden opportunity but to join hands in building a peaceful, democratic and modern union. Guns have fallen silent in the country as never before in the history of modern Myanmar, and these groups should look at the greater interest of the country and work for the benefit of all the national races, in accordance with the proclamations they themselves have been making for so long.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Since April 1992, the armed forces have suspended military offensives against the armed groups in the interest of national reconciliation. Over four decades of internal strife has not benefited anyone, but has only caused death and destruction and untold suffering for the people. No one appreciates peace more than a soldier. It is therefore most gratifying that a total of 12 groups having trust in the sincerity of the Government’s offer have returned to the legal fold and are working together with the Government for the development of their regions. These groups are also being provided with the opportunity to participate in the national political process — the National Convention — to shape the country’s future.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Since regaining independence in 1948, Myanmar unfortunately has had to face internal strife started by various armed groups. Because of this, the country has suffered immensely and lagged behind in economic development in comparison with other nations of the region. In these dire circumstances, it is only natural that the State Law and Order Restoration Council should attach the utmost importance to the preservation of independence and the strengthening of unity and national solidarity among all the national races of Myanmar. Since it assumed the responsibilities of the State, the State Law and Order Restoration Council has given priority to the achievement of national reconciliation. Beginning in 1989, less than one year after it assumed responsibility, the Government made overtures to the armed groups to return to the legal fold.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“There are those who express doubt about our commitment to the eradication of narcotics, and I would ask them: “Which country in the world has sacrificed the lives of over 190 soldiers, with an additional 350 wounded, in the combat against drug traffickers in a matter of only four weeks?” With this serious dedication and commitment in the fight against illicit drugs, we in Myanmar are ready and willing to cooperate fully with all our neighbours and the international community for sustained efforts against this scourge. Myanmar is a union of over 100 different national races residing there. Unity among the different national races is essential for the preservation of our independence and sovereignty as well as for the economic and social progress of our country.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“We are also carrying out a series of measures in implementation of the recommendations contained in the Global Programme of Action adopted at the seventeenth special session of the General Assembly in February 1990. Members of the Myanmar security forces are engaged in a relentless war against drug trafficking. They may not be wearing blue helmets like the men and women from different lands serving as guardians of peace under the United Nations banner, but the cause for which hundreds of them have sacrificed life and limb is no less internationalist and no less worthy.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“In 11 October 1993, in New York, Myanmar, the People’s Republic of China, Laos, Thailand and the UNDCP signed a Memorandum of Understanding which would further harmonize collective activities aimed at reducing drug trafficking and production, eliminating poppy cultivation and reducing drug demand and consumption. There have been two ministerial conferences at the subregional level in which Myanmar has actively participated. Myanmar is a State party to the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and to the 1988 United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Moreover, on 7 June this year Myanmar deposited the instrument of accession to the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“It is evident that the most effective approach to the eradication of poppy cultivation would be to implement a comprehensive programme for the social and economic development of the national races in the border areas. We have now established a mechanism for coordinating action against illicit drugs in all their aspects. We have also been coordinating our national efforts with those of our neighbours to ensure a maximum impact in drug eradication in the region. The Myanmar Government has signed agreements with the People’s Republic of China and the United Nations International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP), as well as with Thailand and the UNDCP. Bilateral narcotics-suppression agreements have been signed with Laos and India, and we aim to work out a similar agreement with Bangladesh.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“A new law against narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances was enacted in 1993, encompassing effective measures against the widening scope of the drug menace. In our national strategies against drugs, a new approach was launched in 1988, the key concept of which was to alleviate the poverty of the peoples of the border areas by providing them with a means of alternative income, while at the same time working to raise their awareness of the magnitude of human misery resulting from drugs. This approach is being carried out as one of the main objectives of our master plan for the development of the border areas and national races.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Marrack Goulding, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs of the United Nations, and that the dialogue between the Myanmar Government and the United Nations is now well under way. The global spread of drug abuse has become a major international concern in recent years. The evil consequences of illicit drugs transcend borders and the threat of illicit drugs can be overcome only with effective international cooperation. We share the view that concerted action is needed at the national, subregional, regional and global levels. Myanmar has always treated anti-narcotics measures as a national responsibility. At the national level, the Government has adopted comprehensive plans for the effective implementation of drug-suppression measures.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Secretary I, in his acknowledgment, informed the Secretary-General that a communication would be made on this subject in the near future. While attending the Ministerial Meeting of the Association of South-East Asian Nations in Bangkok, I transmitted, through the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, on 21 July 1994, our initial response to the Secretary-General. Further to this response, the Myanmar Government informed the Executive Secretary of ESCAP that the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Myanmar had been designated to initiate the dialogue proposed by the Secretary-General at a mutually agreeable date and, in this regard, sought his advice on the modalities of carrying out such a dialogue more fruitfully. I am happy to apprise the Assembly through you, Sir, that I had two meetings earlier this month with Mr.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Rafeeudin Ahmed, Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), delivered a letter and a verbal message from the Secretary-General to Secretary I of the State Law and Order Restoration Council. The Secretary- General, in his letter, made constructive remarks in regard to the measures taken by the Myanmar Government and showed keen interest in the developments in Myanmar, particularly the process of national reconciliation and steps taken in drafting a firm constitution through the National Convention. The Secretary-General also expressed his desire to establish a dialogue with the Government of the Union of Myanmar to exchange views on the various issues with a view to considering how the United Nations could assist in facilitating continued progress towards the resolution of these issues.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Although some quarters tried to exaggerate the situation by invoking potential regional destabilization, our two countries were able to resolve the situation in a spirit of mutual friendship and understanding resulting in the repatriation so far of nearly 70,000 returnees to their hearths and homes. At the initiative of the Secretary-General, Myanmar decided to establish a dialogue with the United Nations to exchange views on various issues of common concern. I should like briefly to apprise the Assembly of the developments leading to this decision. During his visit to Myanmar in March this year, Under-Secretary-General Mr.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“10 The Memorandum of Understanding between Myanmar and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) signed on 5 November 1993, setting out UNHCR’s role in Myanmar’s border development projects, is an illustration of our steady cooperation with the United Nations and its subsidiary bodies. It is normal that some issues should arise from time to time between neighbouring States. In such cases, we always seek peaceful solutions based on mutual goodwill, respect and understanding. A case in point is the matter of transport and movement of people between Myanmar and Bangladesh across our common border.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“In fact, it is totally against them. We have cooperated fully with the United Nations in every field and, in this regard, with the Commission on Human Rights by providing information in connection with communications and queries concerning the situation in Myanmar. Not only have we provided information sought by the Commission, but we have also received the Independent Experts and the Special Rapporteur appointed by the Commission on Human Rights. The Special Rapporteur, Mr. Yozo Yokota, was received in 1992 and in 1993. In deference to the United Nations and as a gesture of our goodwill and cooperation, we will receive him again this year.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“At this delicate juncture in our history, when Myanmar is in the midst of transforming itself to a multi-party democracy with a market economy, the interests of its 45 million people as a whole must take precedence over the interests of any individual. Confrontation and incitement to unrest and instability have no place when the nation is in the process of reconciliation and reconsolidation. In keeping with the aspirations of all the national races, Myanmar is also at present at the critical stage of drafting a firm constitution. My Government would certainly not like to see the present momentum of the constitutional process and the efforts for national reconciliation impeded in any way, nor can it allow a return to the chaos and anarchy of the incidents of 1988. The Myanmar Government does not condone human rights abuses.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“We wish to see human rights promoted through cooperation and consensus-building, and not through the imposition of values that we do not share. We believe that, even as we seek universality of human rights, we must never minimize or forget diversity in historical, cultural and religious backgrounds. We are also against double standards and the temptation to use human rights as a means of achieving political ends. The right to sufficient food, clothing and shelter, the right to a decent quality of life and the right to live peacefully and in security are often neglected in the clamour for individual rights.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“As a responsible Member of the United Nations and as an unwavering advocate of the values that the Organization represents, the Union of Myanmar has always upheld and adhered to the basic norms of human rights, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As is confirmed by the Bangkok Declaration, the principles of national sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs should be respected by all nations, and attempts to use human rights to encroach on the essentially domestic jurisdiction of States should be avoided. In saying this we do not mean that human rights may be systematically violated behind the barrier of non-interference.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association — a non-- governmental organization — is actively carrying out its assigned task in this field. Much has been accomplished by the United Nations in the field of human rights. The Organization’s most recent accomplishment in this area is the appointment by consensus, at the General Assembly’s last session, of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The appointment of such an important personage by consensus testifies to the fact that both the developed and the developing countries attach importance to the promotion and protection of human rights, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. My delegation wishes the High Commissioner every success in carrying out his mandate.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The Government’s current development activities in the forest sector include the special project for greening the nine driest districts of the country; extension of the area under reserved forests; the establishment of new plantations; overall reforestation of the dry zone to provide much-needed timber and fuel wood for rural communities; and measures to improve the watersheds. Myanmar attaches high importance to population issues and recognizes the close link between population and sustainable development. We participated in the Cairo Conference, and we heartily welcome the adoption by consensus of a non-binding 20-year Programme of Action. Our population-policy focus is on voluntary birth-spacing to promote the health of mother and child.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The result will be conservation and the regeneration of forest resources in the fragile mountain ecosystem. The sustainable management and conservation of forests has long occupied a place of pride in Myanmar’s environmental efforts. Sustainable production from forest 9 resources and the conservation of biodiversity are assured by a forest working plan and a time-tested selective felling system. About 50 per cent of Myanmar’s total land surface is still covered by natural forests. Even though the forest area is about 33 million hectares, the prescribed allowable annual cut is less than 3 million cubic metres for teak and other hardwoods. This volume of commercial extraction is significantly less than the volume harvested by other countries in the region.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The border areas, which are inhabited by the national races, have lagged far behind in all aspects of development, owing mainly to the difficult terrain and the lack of an adequate infrastructure. However, the situation is being improved rapidly. There is extensive building of roads, bridges, schools, hospitals and reservoirs. The Government’s support for the development of mini-plants to generate hydroelectric power will result in the provision of alternative sources of energy, which will enable towns and villages to promote rural industries and, at the same time, lessen their dependence on fuel wood. This integrated rural-area-development programme will not only have positive effects on the socio-economic environment but also drastically reduce the area under shifting cultivation.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“We must therefore formulate strategies that will set out to alleviate poverty and provide the basic needs — food, water, clothing, shelter, energy and health care — of our peoples, while protecting the environment. Aware of the fact that poverty is the fundamental cause of environmental degradation, we in Myanmar are concentrating on breaking the vicious circle of poverty and environmental degradation. With a view to remedying the situation, the Government launched in 1989 a programme for the development of border areas and national races. This integrated approach is expected to generate higher incomes and productivity by providing employment opportunities and increased welfare.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“In many of our countries the eradication of poverty and greater equity in income distribution remain major challenges. Poverty and environmental degradation are closely related. Therefore, the alleviation of poverty is no longer simply a moral issue; it is a practical imperative. At the same time, achieving sustainable development will require that all countries, particularly the developed countries, change their consumption patterns. In the past we have tended to focus more on remedial measures than on the causes of environmental degradation. But if we are to overcome the challenges that we face we must deal with the underlying causes. As in the case of health care, prevention is just as important as, if not more important than, cure.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“A regional meeting to prepare for the 1995 report on the state of the environment was held in Yangon in July this year. This meeting provided senior Government officials with an opportunity to discuss, in an integrated manner, issues related to the assessment of the state of the environment at the national and regional levels. The region of Asia and the Pacific comprises a large number of nations differing in size, resource endowment and stage of economic development. It is a region facing all the conceivable environmental problems of the world - deforestation, desertification, climate change, and so on. While several countries of the region, particularly those in South-East and North-East Asia, have registered remarkable economic growth in the last few decades; others have yet to achieve their objectives.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The Earth Summit held in Rio two years ago firmly placed environmental issues on the global agenda, and since then hardly any international meeting has taken place without calls for common action to save our planet. The protection and promotion of the environment has emerged as one of the most pressing issues facing the world. No longer is the natural world perceived as a vast and inexhaustible frontier to be explored and exploited. Today there is growing recognition that the environment is not to be subjugated, but is to be treated with respect and care. An increasing number of countries now recognize that environmental issues warrant as much attention and effort as issues such as disarmament, narcotics and human rights. Myanmar is pleased to note that, in all of this, the region of Asia and the Pacific has not been left behind.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“In my country, we attach great importance to the cooperative sector as one of the main pillars of our economy and as an effective means of accelerating socio-economic development. It is an important part of the economic strategy of the Myanmar Government to promote and expand the cooperative sector in our national economy. As we shall next year be celebrating the centenary of the establishment of the International Cooperative Alliance, it is most fitting that the Assembly should proclaim the first Saturday of July 1995 the International Day of Cooperatives and that Member States should observe this day in future years as an annual event.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)