YouSaid · the spoken record

Leonardo Santos Simão

lines on the record: 121
first: 1996-09-24
most recent: 2002-09-24
sittings or episodes: 5
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

“It is our hope that wisdom and statesmanship will prevail, and that peace and stability will ultimately become a reality in Somalia, the Horn of Africa, the Sudan and other troubled regions of the African continent and beyond. We are encouraged by the recent developments concerning East Timor, as illustrated by the outcome of the most recent meeting, held in New York, between the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia and of Portugal under the auspices of the Secretary-General. We wish to encourage them to pursue further these efforts with a view to finding a lasting and internationally acceptable solution to this issue. My Government has been following with keen interest the latest developments in the Middle East. We have good reason to be disappointed by the course of events since the last session of the General Assembly.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Both the international community and the parties concerned have an obligation to rescue the suffering people of Angola from the prospect of yet another conflict of major proportions. The attainment of peace in Angola would undoubtedly contribute to bringing about needed stability in the region. We are fully associated with the progress made by the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries and by the Economic Community of West African States in the search for the peace which has eluded Guinea-Bissau since the outbreak of hostilities in that country. These positive developments underline the importance of political will by the parties concerned, which should prevail in conflict situations. My Government is also encouraged by the developments concerning Western Sahara, and looks forward to the holding of the referendum in that Territory.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“We believe that with good will there can be a solution addressing the concerns of all parties involved in this conflict. Neither Africa nor the international community can afford to add a new chapter of conflicts of regional proportions, especially taking into account that virtually all other long-standing conflicts in that continent continue to defy our collective imagination. With respect to Angola, we are equally concerned with continued procrastination by Mr. Savimbi in the implementation of undertakings within the framework of the Lusaka Protocol and of relevant Security Council resolutions. It is, indeed, the failure of União Nacional para a Independência Total de Angola (UNITA) to live up to its obligations which is leading the peace process in Angola to the brink of collapse.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“We therefore hope that the ongoing reform of the United Nations will open new windows for the Organization to strengthen its role and functions in the promotion of international cooperation for the social and economic development of developing countries. As has been emphasized, the United Nations, by virtue of its universal membership, is the most credible instrument for performing development tasks. Regional conflicts continue to be a major concern on the agenda of the United Nations. Despite the recent signing of understandings at Victoria Falls, the hostilities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continue unabated. We are deeply concerned by the course of 33 events, which threatens not only the territorial integrity of that country but also peace and stability in the Great Lakes region as a whole.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“The new vision which appears to emerge from the Bretton Woods institutions, bringing together the United Nations and other partners in the solution of social problems, will contribute to addressing major challenges facing our countries today. I would like to take this opportunity to praise the two-day high-level meetings of the General Assembly held a few days ago on renewal of the dialogue on strengthening international cooperation for development through partnership and on the social and economic impact of globalization and interdependence and their policy implications. The meetings demonstrated the need to bring together governments, the private sector and other relevant segments of civil society in the search for solutions to global problems.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“As an African, I am certain that Africa is prepared to shoulder its responsibilities in this regard, so that together we will be able to work towards a common goal. The crisis which initially begun as an isolated case in the Asian economies has rapidly spread to virtually all continents. Its consequences have demonstrated that no country in this globalized economy is immune to the suffering of other nations. Adequate solutions lie in sustainable development based on partnership in development cooperation. The persistence of extreme poverty in developing countries, particularly in the least developed ones, will continue to represent a threat to the economies of developed countries.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“For these reasons, I wish to endorse the proposed holding of Security Council meetings at ministerial level on a biennial basis to assess efforts undertaken and actions needed in this regard. Moreover, the convening of the Security Council at summit level within five years to discuss the situation in Africa could not be more timely. Indeed, it is high time for the Council to devote the necessary attention to African problems if the international community is to ensure a better future for the African continent. Today as yesterday, globalization is a matter of fact. However, we cannot afford to leave vast segments of nations and peoples unattended and still confronting basic challenges such as famine, epidemic diseases and inadequate water distribution, among other challenges.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“As outlined in these recommendations: conditionalities should not be antithetical to peace processes; donors should not cut off funds from weak governments which, in good faith, are making popularly supported efforts to implement peace agreements; aid should be focused on high-impact areas to reduce dependence; donors should strive to ensure that at least 50 per cent of their aid to Africa is spent in Africa; and the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Debt Initiative should be expanded to benefit more African countries. These recommendations deserve our full support, and what is now required of us is to find the best ways and means of putting them into practice. I would also agree with the Secretary-General when he stresses that, without political will, Africa will remain behind, with nothing to offer to future generations.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“All efforts should be deployed to ensure that that report does not follow the negative examples of other similarly important reports prepared by the United Nations before. I am particularly thankful for the recommendation that economic sanctions should be better targeted in order to prevent the unnecessary suffering of innocent people, as we have been witnessing over the years. The concept of peace-friendly structural adjustment programmes should be fully implemented in order to minimize the negative consequences of such programmes for the well-being of peoples.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“32 Let me take this opportunity to express my Government?s deep gratitude and appreciation to the pioneering role of Canada on this issue. It is my hope that all interested parties will take an active part in the deliberations within the framework of the draft resolution to be presented in the First Committee. Last April, the Secretary-General presented his report to the Security Council on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa. We wish to commend him for his vision in preparing that report. The Secretary-General?s report represents a valuable contribution for a better understanding of African problems and offers concrete recommendations for durable solutions by the international community.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“We warmly welcome the fortieth ratification, by Burkina Faso, which will enable the Convention to enter into force, and we hope other countries will do the same as soon as possible. In this regard, my Government offered to host in Maputo next year the first meeting of States parties to the Ottawa Convention, in accordance with article 11 of the Convention. It is our hope that the meeting will result in the adoption of meaningful recommendations to address in a comprehensive manner the issue of anti-personnel landmines, particularly international cooperation and assistance and other relevant issues envisaged by this important instrument of international humanitarian law. We are eager to welcome all of you to Maputo.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“The holding of this meeting on Mozambican soil for the first time symbolizes the growing relationship between Mozambique and its partners, and my Government will do its utmost to ensure a successful outcome of the proceedings with the creditor community. Moreover, we are still confronted with the issue of the prevailing threat of anti-personnel landmines, which continue to disrupt the very existence of nations and peoples. For this reason, my Government has signed and ratified the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-personnel Mines and on Their Destruction. We did so as a recognition of the imperative need to find durable solutions to this issue.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Further assistance by the international community, and the creditor community in particular, is required. We need to ensure the irreversibility of the positive developments, especially taking into account that even with current relief measures, poor countries, particularly the least developed countries, remain poor. We would therefore encourage the creditor and donor communities to continue to review and consider new relief measures, including the cancellation of official bilateral debt, in order to ensure that the affected countries can redirect their meagre resources to social programmes. As a matter of fact, the eleventh meeting of the Consultative Group for Mozambique is taking place tomorrow in Maputo.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“The most critical of these, without a doubt, is the debt burden, which continues to be the single most significant impediment to national development. My Government welcomes the decision taken in April this year by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) with regard to the eligibility of Mozambique to debt relief within the framework of Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Debt Initiative. We regard this Initiative as a recognition by the international community of my Government?s continued commitment to undertake sound political and economic reforms, and also of the suffering endured by our people throughout these years of the implementation of such measures. While representing a significant step in the right direction, the Initiative in its present form is not yet a definite solution to the debt problem.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Moreover, the Governments of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, in close cooperation with the private sector, are taking aggressive steps towards regional integration. These include, inter alia, the launching of mega-projects, such as the Maputo Development Corridor, a joint initiative by the Governments of Mozambique and of South Africa; the $1.3 billion MOZAL aluminum smelter, recently announced by the London Metals Exchange, a multi-partnership investment; and the Libombo Spatial Development Initiative, involving Mozambique, Swaziland and South Africa. Notwithstanding these positive developments, we are still faced with acute problems whose solution is vital if the country is to maintain the needed stability.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“These measures have enabled Mozambique to achieve a growth of 14 per cent in its gross domestic product last year, compared to a real average growth of about 6.6 per cent from 1991 to 1996. In addition, increased agricultural production, coupled with the privatization of over 900 Government-owned companies and the rehabilitation and restructuring of the main elements of infrastructure — such as roads, ports and railways — have significantly contributed to raising productivity and have played a critical role in achieving these encouraging economic results. The report of the Secretary-General on assistance to Mozambique, which I highly commend, provides a further account of the state of the Mozambican economy today.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“The implementation of structural and economic reforms under the most severe circumstances over the last 11 years should be seen within this perspective. Mozambique is emerging step by step from the scourges of war and is gradually proving that, with hard work and 31 adequate international assistance, the country can and will be a valuable partner in the international market place. We believe that by concentrating on economic fundamentals — including low inflation rates, a stable currency and a transparent exchange-rate policy, stimulating private-sector growth and increasing foreign and domestic investment flows — our economy can achieve the desired results.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“I also wish to commend the Secretary-General for his continued devotion to peace and development worldwide. His recent initiatives in this regard deserve my Government?s full support, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with him. In my last address to this body, one year ago, I spoke of positive changes which had taken place in my country. I am pleased to reconfirm today that the people of Mozambique remain firm in their determination to undertake bold steps aimed at ensuring and further strengthening democracy, good governance and the rule of law. Within this context, the first municipal elections were held in June this year, thus consolidating the process initiated with the holding of the general elections four years ago. Preparations are currently under way for the forthcoming general elections, scheduled for 1999.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“At the outset, allow me to join the previous speakers in congratulating Mr. Opertti most sincerely, on his election as President of the General Assembly at its fifty-third session. His election is indeed a recognition of his excellent qualities as an experienced and seasoned diplomat committed to the ideals of peace. As I congratulate him today, I am reminded of the excellent role played by Uruguay in assisting Mozambique to consolidate peace and stability. On behalf of my Government, and on my own behalf, I wish to seize this opportunity to express our heartfelt tribute to those young men who lost their lives in the search for peace in my country. Let me also pay well-deserved tribute for the excellent manner in which his predecessor, Mr. Hennadiy Udovenko, discharged his duties as President of the General Assembly at its last session.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“At the dawn of the new millennium, we bear the responsibility of preparing the United Nations to save not only succeeding generations from the scourge of war but also to provide an Organization that will effectively and efficiently promote cooperation and development. We in Mozambique are prepared to work towards this goal.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“As we have said before, the existence of both Israel and Palestine is an undeniable reality which nobody should ignore if we are to reach a final settlement of this long-standing conflict. Dialogue and compliance with security Council and General Assembly resolutions are the instruments through which a solution should be found in the Middle East. We are also following with interest the developments concerning the conflict situations in the Persian Gulf region. In the highest interests of its peoples, we urge all the parties concerned to act together with a view to finding an internationally acceptable solution to all outstanding issues, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“We do hope that the ongoing negotiations between Portugal and Indonesia under the auspices of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and other initiatives, will finally lead to a successful outcome of this issue in accordance with the principles and purposes of the Charter. On the Middle East, my Government notes with concern the deterioration of the security situation in that 13 area, which poses great danger to the efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting solution in the region. Peace cannot be achieved at the expense of other peoples’ interests. The policy of establishing new settlements in the occupied Arab and Palestinian territories should be discontinued.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“All parties concerned must set aside their differences and work together for the attainment of a negotiated settlement to prevent further suffering of innocent civilians and destruction of property. Recent events in the Comoros islands underline the need for full respect of the independence and territorial integrity of all States, under any circumstances. We encourage permanent dialogue among all concerned parties so as to find a negotiated settlement of the dispute within the framework of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) peace initiatives. On behalf of my Government, I would like to express our solidarity to the people of East Timor.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“With the recent adoption of Security Council resolution 1130 (1997), it is now for this body to ensure that the provisions of all other relevant resolutions are fully complied with in order to bring the peace process back on track and to avoid the continued delays we have been witnessing over the three years of the implementation of the Lusaka Protocol. On the other hand, my Government remains concerned about the situation in the Congo. We support the initiative of the heads of State and Government of the region under the leadership of His Excellency President Bongo, and we call upon the parties to exercise maximum restraint in order not to jeopardize any further those efforts.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) deserves our special commendation for the role it has played in the resolution of the Liberian crisis and for its current efforts in the restoration of peace and respect for the rule of law in Sierra Leone. We equally note with satisfaction the recent progress made for the settlement of the issue of Western Sahara, and we encourage the parties concerned to continue down this positive path. The peace process in Angola continues to face serious challenges as a result of the failure of UNITA to comply fully with the agreed commitments under the Lusaka Protocol.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“We hope that the new authorities will play a positive role in our collective efforts for regional peace and stability, particularly in the Great Lakes region. The challenges facing the new Government are indeed immense and deserve assistance and support from the international community. Likewise, we commend the successful outcome of the electoral process in Liberia, which symbolizes the completion of the peace process in that country. We look forward to the reinvigoration of a united, peaceful and prosperous country which is ready to contribute to the effort towards the economic stabilization of the entire region. It is our hope that the international community will spare no efforts in assisting Liberia to overcome the tragedy that has fallen on it for so many years.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Its fundamental principles include the facilitation and promotion of economic cooperation, bringing together representatives of government, business and academia. My Government follows with renewed interest the efforts towards the mitigation of conflicts throughout the world. We are conscious of the fact that economic and social development are possible only when we live in peace and political stability. Therefore, prevention, management and conflict resolution constitute a fundamental issue in our foreign policy. In this regard, I wish to associate myself with previous speakers in congratulating most sincerely the establishment of the Democratic Republic of the Congo following decades of uncertainty.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“12 The trends towards the establishment of regional and continental blocs require deep cooperation and integrated economies. Only combined unity of purpose and action can lend greater leverage and capacity to negotiate and make economies competitive for investment. This must be complemented by political stability and an enabling environment for domestic and foreign investment. We in southern Africa are joining our efforts towards this goal within the framework of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). These efforts will be further enhanced to a great extent by the recently established Indian Ocean Rim-Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC). The new organization assembles a variety of countries from Asia and Africa, plus Australia.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Given the complexity of the issues to be looked at, the commission should be established on the basis of geographic representation, after adequate consultations, and should be provided with clear and precise terms of reference in order to guarantee that its views are universal and as consensual as possible. It is our hope that the proposed reforms — those being implemented within the purview of the Secretary- General, as well as the ones under discussion in the Working Group — will result in greater focus of the United Nations in the economic and social spheres. Now that we have gathered consensus on an Agenda for Development, we need to ensure that appropriate steps are taken by a reformed, more efficient United Nations to realize our goals.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“More significantly, the need for decentralization and flexibility in decision-making at the country level should be safeguarded and further enhanced so as to ensure that everyone benefits from the proposed consolidation. It is my Government’s hope that the new arrangement will result in a united, cooperative and coherent framework at the country level. The experience of coordination of all of the United Nations programmes and funds in Mozambique is positive and encouraging. We have taken due note of the proposal for the establishment of a ministerial-level commission to examine possible changes in the Charter with a view to preparing our Organization for the challenges of the next century.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“In the light of the new realities, it is our firm belief that the information gathered by this Unit will be brought to the attention not only of that body but also of the General Assembly, in accordance with the provisions of Articles 10 and 11 of the Charter. As for the proposed establishment of the “UN House” under a single United Nations flag, it is important to ensure that the identity and the vast individual and unique experience — as well as the expertise — accumulated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) are preserved.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“I equally commend the proposed establishment of a development account resulting from reductions in non- programme costs over the next few years. We regard the establishment of such an account as an important contribution in addressing the economic and social needs of developing countries on a more consistent and predictable basis. We also endorse the proposed establishment of the post of Deputy Secretary-General within the framework of strengthening the leadership capacity of the Secretariat. The creation of a Strategic Planing Unit, in our view, will further enhance the ability of the Secretary- General to act in accordance with the provisions of the Article 99 of the Charter.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“We pledge to her our full support, both within the context of the Commission on Human Rights, of which Mozambique is a member, and also within the context of promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms worldwide. With respect to financing our Organization, I fully agree with the Secretary-General that the current financial crisis facing us “is directly linked to the failure of ... Member States to discharge their ... obligations regarding prompt and full payment of assessed ... contributions”. [A/51/950, para. 82] We would really hope that the very same countries that so far have failed to fulfil their treaty obligations, will this time not only pay their dues but also assist the Secretary- General by contributing to the proposed Revolving Credit Fund.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“In the field of human rights, I welcome the proposed consolidation of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Centre for Human Rights into a single new Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. I commend the Secretary- General for this course of action, which is in line with the sentiments expressed by Member States not only in the General Assembly but also within the framework of the Commission on Human Rights. The merging of the two bodies will in fact eliminate the duplication of tasks and expenditures and streamline the work of the new, consolidated body. On behalf of my Government, I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate Mrs. Mary Robinson on her assumption of the post of High Commissioner for Human Rights.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The report, the most comprehensive and far-reaching ever produced in the annals of the Organization, addresses vital elements that require in-depth discussion by Member States. As a country striving to strengthen peace and security both within its borders and in the regional context, as well as in the world as a whole, Mozambique regards preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping and post- conflict peace-building as important elements that must be 11 strengthened in the new international context. In this connection, we are participating with other countries of the region in joint efforts aimed at reinforcing our preparedness for emergencies. We therefore encourage and support the Secretary-General in his endeavours to enable the United Nations to deploy peacekeeping operations rapidly.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“In the past 12 months, the issue of United Nations reforms has gained new impetus with new developments which have taken place quite recently. It is a fact that there is a broad consensus with regard to the need for such reforms. Nevertheless, in carrying them out it will be important to find ways and means that will ensure that the legitimate rights and aspirations of all Member States, and in particular the developing countries, are safeguarded. This is particularly relevant with respect to the proposals for the enlargement of the Security Council. Similarly, my Government has taken due note of and welcomes the reform package presented by the Secretary- General in his report entitled “Renewing the United Nations: A Programme for Reform”.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The establishment of such a court, with the purpose of bringing to justice individuals accused of committing the most heinous crimes, is an important contribution to the promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The court must be entrusted with clear powers in order fully to discharge its mandate. In particular, its competence and jurisdiction should be clearly defined in conformity with its objectives and taking into account the principle of complementarity. In the African continent, we are participating in discussions for the establishment of an African court of human and peoples’ rights. It is our hope that the high- level meeting scheduled for next year at Addis Ababa will succeed in finding the needed consensus on all outstanding issues pertaining to the court.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, with which my country fully associates itself, represents the commitment by all peoples of the world to their faith in human dignity. The nationwide celebrations, encompassing a variety of activities, will afford a unique opportunity to all Mozambicans — and, indeed, to other peoples elsewhere — to review and educate themselves on such an important issue for mankind. It will be an opportunity to underscore the importance of the non- selectivity, indivisibility and universality of human rights. Within that framework, my Government follows with keen attention the progress being made in the Preparatory Committee on the Establishment of an International Criminal Court.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“In this respect, I wish to highlight the importance my Government attaches to the question of assistance to victims of landmines before, during and following mine clearance, in order to ensure the early and safe return and resettlement of displaced persons with a view to ensuring a speedy resumption of economic activity, in particular in rural areas. I would like to express our deep gratitude to those countries and organizations that are providing generous assistance in demining activities, and invite others to join us in implementing our national demining programme. In August this year, the Government and civil society jointly launched a national campaign for the commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which will take place on 10 December 1998.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“We urge all countries to heed the call of the peoples of the world and to join the majority of nations in signing the international treaty on the total ban of anti-personnel landmines in December this year. We wish to launch a vigorous appeal to the international community to ensure that all the provisions of that treaty with respect to, inter alia, the destruction of stockpiled anti-personnel mines and those laid within minefields and in areas outside minefields, and with respect to international cooperation and assistance, are fully implemented.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“These horrible weapons have killed and continue to kill and wound hundreds of innocent citizens. With that in mind, at the fourth International Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations on Landmines, which met at Maputo in February of this year, my Government approved a resolution that prohibits, with immediate effect, the production, commercialization, utilization and non-authorized transportation of anti- personnel landmines in the territory of Mozambique. My Government has been participating fully in the negotiations within the framework of the Ottawa process. In this respect, we welcome the results achieved at the recently concluded Oslo Diplomatic Conference.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“We hope that as soon as possible all least developed countries may accede to the Initiative. In this regard, my Government welcomes the recent admission of Russia to both the Group of 8 and the Paris Club. It is our hope that those steps will enable that country to play a more active and constructive role in matters related to debt forgiveness and relief, particularly 10 in relation to countries like Mozambique. For our part, we will continue to undertake and deepen further our political and economic reforms, as we have over the past 10 years, with particular emphasis on the provision of basic health care and education. The rehabilitation of the economic and social fabrics, especially in the rural areas, is seriously hampered by the scourge of landmines.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“In speaking on this very important subject I would like to underscore the high importance we attach to the need for flexibility with respect to the implementation of initiatives for debt relief and sustainability. My Government is encouraged by recent indications from international financial institutions concerning the impending decision on the eligibility of Mozambique to the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Debt Initiative. I would hope that once such a decision is made the time- frame between the decision point and the completion point might be as short as possible so as to have the desired impact on the economy. Without far-reaching debt relief measures, it will be virtually impossible for the country to sustain the current growth and stabilization of the economy.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The next step will be to hold the country’s first municipal elections, which will complement the process initiated in 1994 with the holding of multi-party general elections. The implementation of the structural adjustment programme initiated in 1987 has indeed created an attractive environment for private investment, both domestic and foreign, which is gradually and steadily leading the country to economic and social progress. It is within this multidisciplinary and global action that economic reforms are taking place, with results that are already positive and tangible. Preliminary indications of the performance of the economy during the first half of 1997 estimate that growth in gross domestic product will reach about 7 per cent by the end of this year, a figure which is higher than that originally forecast.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“In the political sphere, we have succeeded in creating an enabling environment in which political discussions are being carried out positively both in Parliament and by civil society at large. As we deepen this positive experience within the framework of a pluralistic society, there is broad consensus among all Mozambicans that dialogue must continue to be the way to overcome differences and to address the development needs of our country. To this end, my Government will spare no effort in order to ensure that Parliament continues to function normally, for we believe that this course of action remains a key factor for the consolidation of peace, democracy and national reconciliation.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Let me pay a well-deserved tribute to the Secretary- General of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Annan, for his leadership and the commitment to the ideals of international peace and security demonstrated in his first year of office. I wish him well and pledge our full support and cooperation as he discharges his responsibilities in our Organization in times of change. Within two days, Mozambique will celebrate five years of peace and stability. Looking back, albeit to see the challenges we have encountered, our nation has, without a doubt, made significant progress in its quest for the consolidation of peace and tranquillity, democracy and development, and we are determined further to pursue these goals.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“On behalf of my Government and on my own behalf, allow me to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your unanimous election as President of the General Assembly at its fifty- second session. Your election to this office bears testimony to your commitment to the cause of international peace and security. I am sure that with your guidance and wide experience in international affairs, our work will record a successful outcome. You can rest assured of my delegation’s full support during your term of office. I would also like to put on record our appreciation of the manner in which your predecessor, Ambassador Razali Ismail of Malaysia, presided over the deliberations of the fifty-first session of the General Assembly. His performance and innovative ideas will indeed help us tackle the challenges before our Organization in the years to come.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“In its 51 years of existence the United Nations, despite numerous difficulties during this period, has been able to achieve its crucial objective of halting the emergence of a third world war. Therefore, it must be allowed to continue to preserve the gains already achieved and draw lessons from mistakes of the past so as to ensure the feasibility of its mandate, as we approach the twenty-first century, in the maintenance of international peace and security, in monitoring the implementation of important decisions taken in the economic, social and environmental fields and in playing a more dynamic role in the quest for the development of our countries.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“Therefore, nobody can deny the arguments calling for an expansion of that body. Lack of progress on the enlargement of the Security Council will only undermine the ability of the United Nations to discharge fully its obligations and limit the confidence of international public opinion on the future of our Organization. It is only by addressing the issue of enlargement and by each one’s fulfilling its financial obligations that we can reaffirm our commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter and expect a well-functioning and dynamic United Nations ready to face the challenges of the next century. What is necessary is a genuine political will to change the status quo, which has favoured a limited number of Member States to the detriment of the legitimate interests of the vast majority of its membership.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“Reforms should also reflect the dynamics of international relations and the growing need for enhanced democracy, equitable geographic representation and the changes in the composition of its membership since the establishment of the United Nations 51 years ago. Above all, they should ensure the needed legitimacy, transparency and efficiency of its decisions. In this connection, my delegation shares the frustrations expressed by a number of delegations regarding the lack of tangible progress within the Open-ended Working Group on the Question of Equitable Representation on and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council. Since the beginning of its procedures, important and interesting ideas have been advanced in this regard.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)