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

“The Government of the Union of Myanmar is undertaking these measures with conviction and dedication. It is fully aware of the dangers and pitfalls faced by nations in transition from one political and economic system to another. The Government and the people of Myanmar are determined to carry out their tasks at a sure and steady pace to ensure that the aspirations of the people for a democratic Myanmar are realized.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“These include: the suspension of all offensive operations in Kayin State and other parts of the country to consolidate national solidarity and unity; the release from detention of individuals against whom action had been taken under existing laws and who no longer pose a threat to the security of the country and the lifting of restrictions on them; the reopening of universities, colleges and other institutes of higher learning that had been temporarily closed; the rescinding of the curfew order throughout the whole country; the revocation of martial law orders that had been in force since July 1989; the reconstitution of township-level Law and Order Restoration Councils that are responsible for local administration with civilian service personnel in anticipation of the future democratic administrative structure and the creation of a separate Ministry of Development of Border Areas and National Races in order to implement more effectively measures for the welfare of the national races living in the remote regions of the country.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“In parallel with the preparations being made for the convening of the national convention, the Government has undertaken various measures designed to create an atmosphere and conditions conducive to the establishment of a democratic system in Myanmar.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“With the successful conclusion of the coordination meeting, the country has crossed a threshold, and an important political process has been set in motion. The national convention is expected to be convened at the end of the year or by the beginning of next year at the latest. To this end, a commission has already been constituted and is now actively making the necessary preparations for the holding of the national convention. Delegates representing a broad spectrum of the entire Myanmar population will identify and lay down basic principles for the drafting of a firm and stable constitution. The actual task of drafting the constitution will be entrusted to the elected representatives.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Following a free and frank exchange of views among the participants, there was general agreement that elected representatives, representatives of the political parties, the national races, peasants, workers, the intelligentsia and technocrats, service personnel and specially invited persons are to be included in the national convention. Terrorist groups which renounce the path of armed struggle and return to the legal fold will also have an opportunity to participate. There is a complete convergence of view to the effect that the constitution to be drafted should uphold and safeguard the three main national causes, namely: non-disintegration of the Union; non-disintegration of national solidarity; and perpetuation of national sovereignty.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Our past and sometimes bitter experiences have shown that only a firm constitution can guarantee a strong government which will assure the peace, tranquillity and prosperity of the nation. In accordance with the programme of implementation, a 15-member Steering Committee was established on 28 May 1992. The Steering Committee met with leaders of the elected representatives of political parties and with elected independent representatives in June and July to discuss and cooordinate the category and number of delegates to be invited to the national convention.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“They have been part of the educational and training process of the Myanmar armed forces and of the values cherished by our people. This year has witnessed many significant developments in our country's march towards a multiparty democratic State. These developments attest to the Restoration Council in upholding its assurances to fulfil its declared commitment to meet the aspirations of the people of Myanmar. In accordance with the programme of action spelled out in its Declaration 1/90 of 27 July 1990, the Government issued a follow-up Declaration on 24 April 1992 which maps out the programme to be implemented in a specific time-frame in respect of the national convention that will set out the basic principles for a new constitution.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“I should like to inform the Assembly that although we dissociated ourselves from the decision taken at the forty-eighth session of the Commission on Human Rights, we will be receiving the Special Rapporteur appointed by the Commission, in deference to the United Nations and to demonstrate our good will and cooperation. We are confident that his visit will be worthwhile. He will have the opportunity to observe at first hand the true situation obtaining in the country. I am pleased to inform the Assembly that on 24 August 1992 the Union of Myanmar acceded to the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention, thus affirming our international commitment to humanitarian principles. The principles enshrined in the Conventions are not new to us.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Critics have unjustifiably portrayed Myanmar as a land where gross violations of human rights have been perpetrated this, despite the full cooperation we have extended, and are continuing to extend, to the United Nations bodies concerned with the question of human rights, providing clarification or information requested of us. We have also furnished information sought by the Commission on Human Rights and by the Sub-Commission on the Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities. As a gesture of cooperation we received the two independent experts appointed by the Commission on Human Rights in 1990 and 1991 respectively.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Talks have also been initiated between Myanmar and Laos on bilateral cooperation in the control of drug abuse. It is also our intention to initiate discussions with our other two neighbours, India and Bangladesh, with a view to setting up similar cooperative arrangements. We are confident that these subregional cooperative arrangements will succeed and promote global cooperation to rid our world of the scourge of narcotic drugs. In the realm of human rights, Myanmar has been subjected to undue and unwarranted criticism from some quarters.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The problem of narcotic drugs is multifaceted and requires a comprehensive approach. While Myanmar has taken an integrated approach, utilizing sustantial national resources, it firmly believes that these efforts should be complemented by cooperation at the subregional, regional and global levels. In June of this year, Myanmar took a significant step by signing a subregional cooperative agreement with the People's Republic of China and the United Nations International Drug Control Programme (UNIDCP). A similar agreement was also signed with Thailand and the UNIDCP. These agreements are aimed at eliminating opium poppy cultivation and reducing trafficking in narcotic drugs and chemicals used in the refining of heroin in the Myanmar-China and Myanmar-Thai border areas.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“We are also engaging in a nation-wide public awareness campaign stressing the need to preserve and protect the environment. We realize that the road from Rio is even more challenging than the one that led to it. We know that there is no room for complacency. Myanmar's commitment to the eradication of narcotic drugs remains steadfast. Significant achievements have been made in suppressing narcotic drugs through the relentless efforts of law enforcement personnel. As in previous years, the destruction of narcotic drug and opium refineries continues. Such an event held in Shan State on 5 June 1992 was witnessed by ambassadors, military attaches and representatives of the United Nations agencies in Myanmar. Activities in the field of medical treatment, rehabilitation and mass media information have been intensified.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“In our view the proposed commission will not only prove indispensable to affect the integration of environment and development envisaged in Agenda 21 but will also contribute to enhancing the role of this very Organization. Much has been achieved at Rio. But much more needs to be done if we are to achieve sustainable development for the common good at the national, regional and international levels. Myanmar is firmly committed to the cause of the environment and sustainable development, and in keeping with the spirit of Rio stands ready to shoulder its responsibilities. Having signed the Biodiversity Convention and the Climate Change Convention, we are now taking the necessary measures in accordance with our domestic procedures to ratify them at an early date. Since Rio we have redoubled our efforts at afforestation.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“A firm commitment to provide the developing countries with new, adequate additional financial resources on a predictable basis is of utmost importance if we are implement the proposed plan of action to protect and preserve planet Earth. It is hopes that during the course of the present session of the Assembly concrete steps will be taken to achieve this objective. Another important task for all of us is to determine the specific procedures and organizational modalities of the Commission on Sustainable Development and give shape to it. This being the primary intergovernmental mechanism recommended by the Conference for follow-up and implementation of its decisions, the importance of the commission cannot be overemphasized.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The Union of Myanmar, on its part, will continue, as in the past, to co-operate fully with the Organization. Myanmar's manifest desire to do so is demonstrated by its actions in such areas of global concern as the environment, narcotic drugs abuse control, and human rights. Some four months ago nations of the world gathered in Rio for the historic Conference on Environment and Development;. It is now for this Assembly to take the necessary follow-up measures to consolidate and build on the achievements attained in Rio. The three documents adopted by the Conference and sent to the Assembly for endorsement provide the broad framework for a new global partnership in our common quest for sustainable development.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Consequently the external debt problem of the developing countries remains far from being resolved, and an equitable and lasting solution to the debt crisis is urgently required. Moreover, to halt the economic slowdown and bring about renewed impetus to recovery, a determined and concerted effort by the global community, particularly by those developed countries whose policies have a direct bearing on the present state of the world economy, is a prime requisite. In the emerging new global order, the United Nations will be called upon to play an increasingly active role. The magnitude of the task ahead will require all the energy and attention the world Organization can bring to bear on them. The success of the Organization will depend on the collective will of the membership to work together to achieve the objectives of the Charter.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“That is why Myanmar places great importance on a strong multilateral trading system and special significance on the successful conclusion of the Uruguay Round, which is expected to usher in a more open international trade regime. There were, however, a few encouraging signs in 1991. Net transfer through direct investment showed an upward trend. Also, for the first time since the debt crisis in 1982, there was a positive net transfer of financial resources to capital-importing developing countries. On the other hand, the flow of official development assistance to developing countries stagnated. Interest rates retained their historical highs, and payment for debt service, bilaterally and multilaterally, continued to rise. There was also a further increase in the total external debt of the developing countries.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Now is the time for the global community to make an all-out effort for the revitalization of growth. Only a more dynamic world economy can bring about world prosperity and stability. The developing countries are faced with the very difficult task of cushioning their economies against the world economic slowdown. As commodity-dependent economies, they are adversely affected by falling demand for their exports and declining world commodity prices. Commodity prices are at record low levels and are not expected to recover substantially. These difficulties are compounded by continuing protectionist trends, moves towards unilateralism, and managed trade.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Unfortunately the political process was interrupted by the violence sparked by the 17 June Boipatong massacre. We welcome the recent agreement between President De Klerk and Mr. Nelson Mandela to resume the dialogue. It is our hope that common ground can be found to bridge the gap between the principal political players so that the communal violence that has rent the fabric of the South African society can be avoided and the political process resumed to achieve the goal of a peaceful transition to a democratic, non-racial and united South Africa. The global economy remains sluggish, and the prospects for its recovery are dim, particularly in the immediate future. The uncertain and unfavourable economic environment is having a negative impact on all countries, both developed and developing, but more so on the developing ones.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“A change of attitude is essential to the resolution of outstanding issues. My delegation is encouraged to discern some flexibility now being displayed by the parties directly concerned. We continue to believe that a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region can be achieved only through the faithful application of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) in their entirety. In South Africa, a democratic reform process initiated last March was hailed as a major step towards the dismantling of apartheid, and the creation of hoped that the measure would provide a fresh and compelling impetus to the negotiations taking place within the framework of the Convention for a Democratic South Africa launched in December 1991.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The United Nations has embarked on one of the most ambitious missions in its history to restore peace with the establishment of a United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC). That organization is doing a commendable job in administering the country in the run-up to the elections. But to succeed it needs the support of the international community as well as the Cambodian parties concerned. We urge all parties to the conflict to cooperate fully with UNTAC in keeping with the letter and spirit of the agreement to ensure a smooth path to the elections. The Middle East question continues to be of concern to the international community. Notwithstanding the fact that the peace process has been kept alive by the ongoing talks in Washington, the question still remains unresolved.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“As a country that neither possesses nor manufactures those weapons of mass destruction, nor has any intention of acquiring them in the future, we welcome the convention and intend to become an original signatory. The peace Agreement signed on 23 October 1991 provided a comprehensive framework for ending 12 years of conflict in Cambodia. Myanmar, as a friend and neighbour, rejoiced at the positive development and looked forward to the early implementation of the Agreement. But today Cambodia is faced with a complex of problems. If these problems are not addressed expeditiously, both the peace and the economic development that all parties concerned are looking for will remain elusive.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“It was only because of the complexity of the issues involved such as on-site verification activity and national rights to economic and technological developments to be guaranteed as nations implement their obligations under the agreement that the convention took years in the making. The convention is one of the most important achievements in the history of multilateral disarmament negotiations, and the delegation of Myanmar would like to pay tribute to Ambassador Adolf Ritter von Wagner, Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Chemical Weapons, for his unremitting efforts and to all delegations that have contributed towards the achievement of the consensus text. Myanmar has consistently sought a total ban on chemical weapons one that is comprehensive, universal and effectively verifiable.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Arrangements are in hand to deposit the instruments of accession in London, Moscow and Washington. In the light of the momentous changes in the world, the time has arrived for the nuclear Powers to reassess their need for nuclear testing. We continue to believe that a comprehensive test ban is an indispensable step towards a nuclear-weapon-free world. We are therefore encouraged by the decision of France and Russia to suspend nuclear tests for 1992, and hope that others will follow their good example. This year is a landmark year for chemical-weapon disarmament. The successful conclusion of a convention on chemical weapons is the culmination of years of hard work. For several years now, there has been complete unanimity in the international community on the urgent need to conclude such a convention.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“This augurs well for the future of NPT, the review conference for which is less than three years away. Since the twentieth session of the General Assembly, when Myanmar joined other countries in proposing a nuclear non-proliferation treaty, we have sought an acceptable balance of mutual responsibilities and obligations between nuclear and non-nuclear-weapon States. It was only because these responsibilities and obligations were unfulfilled that Myanmar did not become a signatory. Now that the principal nuclear-weapon States have initiated measures in the direction of effective nuclear disarmament in keeping with the declaration made in the Treaty and relevant resolutions of the General Assembly, the Myanmar Government has decided to accede to the NPT.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“While the Union of Myanmar is encouraged by these recent measures, we believe that even more significant cuts in nuclear arsenals by all the nuclear-weapon States are called for, so as to remove the sword of Damocles that hangs over our heads. In the wake of the Gulf war and the ongoing conflicts in parts of Europe which are in the throes of transition, there is a heightened sensitivity to the proliferation of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. My delegation feels that recent accession by the People's Republic of China and France to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) is a positive step that will buttress the existing nuclear non-proliferation regime. All five nuclear Powers with permanent seats on the Security Council are now States parties to this important multilateral instrument.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“For this positive trend to continue, it is imperative that the momentum generated by the Treaty on the Elimination of Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles (INF Treaty), the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE), and the Strategic Arms Reductions Talks (START) be carried forward. The agreement of 16 June 1992 between Presidents Bush and Yeltsin on further cuts in nuclear-weapon arsenals is therefore encouraging. Noteworthy also is the unilateral decision of the United Kingdom, announced on 15 June 1992, to reduce and in some instances even eliminate naval and maritime air tactical nuclear weapons.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“In the light of the evolving world situation the Movement can and must play an increasingly active role in international affairs to bring about a new world order of justice, peace and security. For this reason, Myanmar resumed participation at the Tenth Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement, held last month in Jakarta. As a founding member we have always cherished and adhered to the principles of the Movement and are confident that we will be able to contribute positively to the long-term interests of the Movement. One field of human endeavour which has benefited from the winds of change sweeping our world is disarmament. Within the short span of a few years, there has been a significant number of agreements on disarmament that together have effectively diminished the possibility of a nuclear conflict between nuclear-weapon States.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The Non-Aligned Movement, whose membership encompasses close to 110 developing countries from around the globe, stands out as an organization that can not only safeguard the political, economic and social independence of its member States but also play a constructive role in charting a course to a new global order that is just, peaceful and secure. Although the world has witnessed unprecedented changes in recent years, the principles on which the Movement is firmly anchored remain as valid today as they were four decades ago. So long as the world is faced with adverse situations, and the freedom and independence of nations are challenged, and so long as the strong exploit the weak, the Non-Aligned Movement, under whatever name, will continue to be relevant.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The time is ripe to examine whether the constitutional balance between the principal bodies of the Organization, particularly between the General Assembly and the Security Council, is being consistently maintained as envisaged in the Charter. If attempts at reform are to succeed, trust must prevail; and trust, as the Secretary-General states in his report, "reguires o sense of confidence that the world Organization will react swiftly, surely and impartially and that it will not be debilitated by political opportunism or by administrative or financial inadequacy". (A/47/277, para. 83) Transformations and uncertainties prevailing in the present international environment underscore the need for countries of the world to work together to remove the root causes of strife and conflict.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Most important, caution must be exercised to guarantee that the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of States within the established international system are not allowed to be eroded. To be truly effective the United Nations must by its own actions inspire and command the confidence of all Member countries. Its actions must be governed by a sense of justice and guided by the principles of the Charter. The decisions of the Organization must reflect that collective will and not the narrow interests or predilections of a nation or a group of nations. Any departure from those principles is bound to be divisive and to detract from our efforts to construct a fair and equitable international order.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Against that backdrop, the delegation of Myanmar is pleased to note that steps have been initiated to strengthen the capacity of the United Nations to meet the twin challenges of maintaining international peace and security and of dealing with global problems. The summit meeting of the Security Council on 31 January 1992 provided an historic opportunity for taking stock of the situation and exploring ways and means of strengthening cooperation, particularly in the field of maintaining international peace and security. The fresh look contained in the Secretary-General's report, "An Agenda for Peace", is indeed timely, as the Organization, now more than 45 years old, needs to adapt to the rapidly changing world. In this process, however, care needs to be taken to ensure consistent adherence to the principles articulated in the Charter.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The admittance of those new Members to the United Nations reflects the significant changes taking place in contemporary international life and has brought the United Nations closer to achieving universality of membership. We feel sure that the new Members will have positive contributions to make to our Organization. This session of the General Assembly takes place in an international environment that is markedly different from that which existed even a year ago. Although the end of the cold war has effectively ended ideological posturing and has led to renewed confidence in the United Nations, it has, unfortunately, not eliminated all sources of strife and conflict. The recourse to arms in the Balkans, the Horn of Africa and other parts of the world serve to remind us of the fragility of peace in our contemporary world.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“This world Organization is fortunate to have at its helm a statesman of his stature and experience at this moment in history. He heads our Organization at a time when it is not only seized of momentous peace-keeping operations but also challenged by uncertainties in several parts of the world. May I assure him of the full support of the delegation of Myanmar. I should also like to take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation to Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, the former Secretary-General, for the wise and skilful manner in which he led our Organization through difficult and trying times. Within a short span of 10 months our Organization has grown rapidly with the addition of 13 new Members. The delegation of Myanmar warmly welcomes them to our midst.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“May I begin by extending to you. Sir, on behalf of my delegation and on my own behalf, warmest congratulations on your well-deserved election to the presidency of the United Nations General Assembly at its forty-seventh session. We are confident that under your leadership our deliberations will be fruitful. Allow me also to express our admiration for the very able and dynamic manner in which your predecessor, Mr. Samir Shihabi, guided the work of the last session. His stewardship of the Assembly at a most crucial juncture in mankind's history has left an indelible mark on the institution of the presidency. The delegation of Myanmar notes with appreciation the remarkable achievements of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in the brief period since his assumption of his high office.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“At this critical stage in the life of my country, the constitutional process is an undertaking to be pursued in a peaceful, systematic and orderly manner. It is a task that can be best accomplished by the people of Myanmar itself at a pace and in a manner best suited to the conditions of the country. In conclusion I should like to state categorically that, once the political process I have outlined is completed, the State Law and Order Restoration Council will transfer the reins of the State to a strong and stable government formed in accordance with the new constitution.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“The entire people took part in the thorough and systematic process, which lasted over two years. The final text was adopted in a nation-wide referendum on 3 January 1974 by an overwhelming vote of 90.19 per cent. Notwithstanding this, the Constitution was short-lived and was rendered inoperative in 1988, when, in response to the aspirations of the people, the State Law and Order Restoration Council abolished the single-party system and introduced a multi-party democratic system. In the light of these experiences, it goes without saying that the new constitution now being contemplated should be a living instrument reflecting the hopes and aspirations of this generation as well as generations to come.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“It will continue to shoulder its responsibility to lead the nation until the time a strong government can be formed on the basis of the new constitution. Undoubtedly, a strong and enduring constitution is a prerequisite for a strong and stable government, the more so in Myanmar because of its historical experiences. The first Constitution, drawn up in 1947 while Myanmar was still under British colonial rule, had flaws and shortcomings. In the early 1960s, a few politicians with secessionist ambitions attempted to take advantage of them. As a result the country was brought to the brink of disintegration in 1962 and the Defence Services were compelled to step in to save it. The second Constitution was promulgated in 1974, during the time of the one-party socialist system.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“The convention will be entrusted with the task of working out a broad national consensus, which will form the basis for framing a new constitution. In addition to the elected representatives, leaders of political parties, leaders and representatives of all national races and respected veteran politicians will participate in the convention. On the basis of the national consensus arrived at the convention, the elected representatives will draw up a new constitution. The State Law and Order Restoration Council, in the best traditions of the Myanmar Defence Services, will make suggestions and render all necessary assistance for the successful drafting and adoption of an enduring constitution. The State Law and Order Restoration Council is above party politics. It is not a political organization nor does it have any intention of forming one.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“The Election Commission, which is an independent body, issued two progress reports this year in which it indicated that it was continuing with its task of concluding a final report in accordance with the Election Law and the election rules and that the scrutiny of the financial returns of the candidates could not proceed at a more rapid rate owing to the failure of candidates to maintain accounts systematically. In accordance with the election law, a number of candidates have contested the results, and tribunals have been set up to investigate the objections. This due process of law must be allowed to complete its course. Once the Election Commission has submitted its final report, the State Law and Order Restoration Council will meet with the elected representatives to discuss the holding of a national convention.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“Some have even gone so far as to assert that the Myanmar Government has shown no sign of respecting the wishes of the people. Without prejudice to the firmly held position of my Government that the political process now under way in the country is a matter falling essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of my country - a principle clearly enshrined in the Charter - I should like to apprise the Assembly of the facts. Two months after the successful holding of multi-party elections in May 1990, which were recognized by all as the most free and fair elections in the history of Myanmar, the State Law and Order Restoration Council on 27 July 1990 issued Declaration 1/90 setting forth a post-election programme. All political parties have agreed to abide by the programme.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“With the active support of the Government, religious groups of diverse faiths are flourishing as never before, which gives the lie to the fallacious allegations being spread by certain quarters with ulterior motives. An unprecedented event, which contributes to consolidating stability in the country, has been the return to the legal fold of eight insurgent groups. Having renounced the path of violence, they have now joined hands with the Government and the people to transform their respective areas into thriving and prosperous communities. For the first time in decades, guns have fallen silent and peace and tranquillity now prevail in remote areas of the country where terror and lawlessness previously reigned. Questions have been raised in some quarters about the perceived delay in the transfer of power.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“Just as the world stands at the crossroads of change and transformation, we in Myanmar find ourselves on the threshold of a new era. At this important juncture, the Government of Myanmar is undertaking a wide range of endeavours to usher in a process leading to peace and prosperity and the fulfilment of the aspirations of the people to a democratic State. In the past year, significant progress has been made in restoring law and order throughout the country and in laying the foundations for a democratic State. That all schools, colleges, universities and other institutions of higher learning have now been reopened attests to the return to normality in the entire country. Complete freedom of religion continues to be promoted in the country.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“At the international level, Myanmar's accession to the 1988 United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances marks an important milestone in the history of our endeavours to combat the menace of illicit drugs, and our participation in the international campaign against this horrible scourge. With all these concrete measures and tangible results behind us and with definite future plans effectively to eradicate the drug menace, we in Myanmar are confident that we shall in the near future win a resounding and decisive victory in our war on illicit drugs. In so doing, we hope that Myanmar will be able to make a significant contribution to the success of the world-wide efforts to combat the scourge of illicit drugs, rendering an invaluable service to mankind.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“Later, in May, a similar agreement was entered into with China on the conclusion of high-level discussions held in Beijing in which the representatives of the Myanmar and Chinese Governments and the Executive Director of the United Nations Drug Control Programme took part. In September talks were initiated in Yangon between Myanmar and Laotian representatives on matters relating to bilateral cooperation in drug-abuse control. These will b« continued in Vientiane in the near future. As these bilateral arrangements for cooperation progress and become increasingly concretised, we hope to raise them to the subregional level involving all four countries and covering the crucial Golden Triangle area as well as all areas contiguous to it.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“The programme for the development of border areas and national races therein that is now being implemented is fully supportive of our national anti-drug campaign efforts, and we believe that the programme will contribute effectively to the total and early eradication of poppy cultivation. At the bilateral level, our active cooperation with neighbouring countries in drug-abuse control is making significant headway. Following two rounds of discussion in which representatives of the United Nations International Drug Control Programme participated, an agreement for Myanmar-Thailand cooperation on a wide range of anti-narcotics activities was signed by representatives of the two Governments in March this year.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“The magnitude of Myanmar's contribution to the international campaign against narcotic drugs cannot be measured in monetary terms alone. In terms of lives saved and of human misery and social problems averted in drug-affected foreign countries, the magnitude of our contribution is immeasurably higher and cannot, indeed, be quantified. A novel approach that we have adopted as an integral part of the comprehensive campaign against drug abuse has been to win the hearts and minds of the local populace in the poppy-growing areas and to secure their willing and wholehearted cooperation in achieving the total eradication of poppy cultivation. Significant results have already been achieved in this respect also.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“Earlier in the year, at a series of special occasions attended by diplomats and military attaches accredited to Myanmar, representatives of various United Nations agencies and of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and the international media, 1,500 acres of poppy fields together with four drug refineries and large quantities of narcotic drugs and drug-producing paraphernalia were destroyed on site. The total value of drug refineries, paraphernalia, narcotic drugs and poppy fields destroyed in public from 1990 to date is approximately $4.33 billion. Drug-supply-reduction activities being carried out in my country also include destruction of poppy fields: between 1975 and 1991 over 200,000 acres of poppy fields, with a potential annual yield of 940 tonnes of opium, were destroyed.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“The National Commission, which has jurisdiction over all environmental .natters, coordinates the environmental efforts of various ministries and departments. It also acts as a national focal point for environmental matters vis-à-vis other countries and international organizations. The union of Myanmar is stepping up its campaign against drug abuse - which has become the foremost social problem in the world today - at the national, bilateral and international levels. At the national level, the Myanmar authorities, during 1991, in continuation of their narcotic-drugs-supply-reduction activities, conducted a public destruction of narcotic drugs in Yangon on 1 July.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“Myanmar's abundant forests, a resource of considerable economic value, have been managed on a rational and sustainable basis. To accomplish this the Government has been implementing a series of five-year forest plans. Central to this is the time-tested method of environmentally sound timber extraction commonly known as the Myanmar selection system. This is complemented by a significant reforestation programme, carried out by the Forest Department as well as by the public at large. The sixth five-year plan, for the period 1992 to 1996, envisages a five-fold increase in the area of natural forest reserves. The setting up of the National Commission for Environmental Affairs in February 1990 has also enabled Myanmar to enhance its environmental endeavours both nationally and internationally.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)