YouSaid · the spoken record

Navinchandra RAMGOOLAM

lines on the record: 196
first: 1996-09-24
most recent: 2013-09-24
sittings or episodes: 8
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

“As the economic centre of gravity shifts eastward and creates new opportunities, we must ensure that those formidable global challenges do not create economic insecurity for those who feel left behind and that they do not lead to other threats to international security. It is imperative that we manage these transformations judiciously and with pragmatism. In that context, I must stress the particular economic vulnerabilities of small island developing States (SIDS). The economies of SIDS remain highly volatile because of their open economies, small economic size, narrow resource base, disadvantages in economies of scale, high export concentration, dependency on imports and high vulnerability to energy- and food- price shocks.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Today, Europe and North America struggle with budget deficits, unsustainable debts and high unemployment. At the same time, the recent political turmoil across the Middle East could mean that oil and food prices will continue to rise. As developed economies grapple with these serious challenges, the developing world finds itself negatively impacted by economic and financial crises resulting from failures in which it had absolutely no part. While the ability of established developed countries to deal with economic and financial problems is in question, the world is witnessing the rapid rise of a number of emerging economies.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Insecurity also results from the absence of an adequate international mechanism for the redress of grievances and the peaceful settlement of disputes. I propose to deal with four of the constitutive elements of present-day security that the international community and the United Nations should address, 11-51360 24 namely, the elements of economic, environmental, human and legal security. When peoples and nations feel inextricably mired in poverty and face bleak prospects for development, they are insecure about their future. That economic insecurity may ultimately threaten global peace. The current economic turmoil is deepening the despair of those who live in need and is spreading despondency, even in relatively affluent countries. The world economy has yet to recover from the crisis of 2008.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The primary purpose of the United Nations is to maintain peace and security, as set out in the very first Article of its Charter. This remains the top priority of the international community and of the United Nations. However, 66 years after the adoption of the Charter, our definition of peace and security differs from what it was in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War. Our concerns today are wider than the mere suppression of aggression or similar breaches of peace. We are now equally concerned about the threats to peace and security resulting from factors other than armed aggression. Tensions exist, within nations and among nations, as a result of unequal access to resources, the lack of food security, or existential threats because of the inability to address climate change issues.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The respect for plurality that this forum demands must neither make us forget our differences nor contribute to the emergence of a dominant discourse. I commend the topic that the President has chosen for this year. If the Assembly manages to foster cross- pollenization of cultures and to highlight what human beings have in common, we shall, to a large extent, have achieved our goal.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We are indeed becoming aware that, whatever latitude we develop in, we have a common destiny. I am one of a people steeped in several cultures, whose men and women worship Shiva, Jesus, Allah and Buddha, in diverse languages. The history of the populating of our island and its geographical position have made our country a true crossroads of cultures. We have made the right to difference on the one hand and the right to equality on the other our watchwords. I am happy to remind my multi-ethnic people that each individual shares with all other humans 99.9 per cent of the same genetic code. Those of us gathered here have much to learn from each other. Exchanging our experiences and knowledge enriches us and makes us stronger.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“My Government and the French authorities are also in the process of addressing the issue of Tromelin. We are discussing the modalities of co-management of the island in a spirit of friendship and trust, pending the settlement of the sovereignty issue, which has to be resolved and not left on the back burner. (spoke in French) Nobody can deny the key role that the United Nations is called upon to play in the concert of nations. At the same time, we agree that the Organization needs to be reformed. The attendance at this session of the Assembly, where each year a number of points of view and perceptions converge, emphasizes our desire to act and build together. The concerns and aspirations of our peoples are echoed and thus take on universal resonance.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The dismemberment of the territory of Mauritius was in total disregard of General Assembly resolutions 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960 and 2066 (XX) of 16 December 1965. As President Obama said two days ago from this very rostrum, we must “demonstrate that international law is not an empty promise” (). We must all abide by it. We have consistently urged the United Kingdom to engage in a meaningful dialogue with Mauritius for the early return of the Chagos Archipelago. We are pleased to inform the Assembly that two rounds of 45 09-52463 talks have been held with the United Kingdom this year. We look forward to those discussions coming to fruition, and hope that Mauritius will be able to exercise its sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, in the near future.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The comity of nations should work together, in a spirit of solidarity, to reach a unified position on the reform of this important body. The reform of the Council should cover the categories of both permanent and non-permanent members, with a revised set of working methods. We fully support India’s having a permanent seat in a reformed Security Council. And we once again express our unequivocal support for the Common African Position. We also support permanent membership of a Latin American and Caribbean country in a reformed Security Council. I take this opportunity to reaffirm the sovereignty of Mauritius over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, which was detached by the United Kingdom from the territory of Mauritius prior to our independence.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Pending its ultimate realization, we support all measures aimed at halting the further spread of such weapons. In this regard, we welcome the comprehensive agenda of President Obama to achieve the goal of a world without nuclear weapons. Multilateralism is the cornerstone of the United Nations, and should be strengthened in the face of the current global challenges. Global challenges need a global response. We follow with keen interest the process under way to revitalize the General Assembly and improve its working methods, to bring more coherence to the United Nation system, and to reform the Security Council. We are particularly satisfied by the start of the intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform earlier this year in an informal plenary session of the General Assembly.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“It is a moral challenge, the negation of the fundamental values of civilization: the sanctity of human life and the intrinsic worth of the human person. Every terrorist attack causes us pain, anguish and revulsion. But the one in Mumbai last November took on a special poignancy for the people of Mauritius. In the blind and mindless carnage unleashed by the terrorists on that city, one of the victims was a compatriot of ours. We have condemned in no uncertain terms this dastardly, cowardly act, and we expect that everything will be done to ensure that the terrorist organization behind it is brought to justice. My Government unreservedly supports all campaigns and initiatives against terrorism. Mauritius nurtures the hope of the complete elimination of all nuclear weapons one day.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The international community’s neglect of the country and its indifference to the suffering of the Somali people have resulted in a quintessential failed State. That neglect and indifference have come back to haunt us in the form of piracy. Armed bands led by warlords have filled the political vacuum left by the deliquescence of the Somali State. Today the territory of Somalia provides not only a haven for pirates, but also a base for terrorist groups. The Transitional Federal Government has to be assisted to regain control of the country, to put an end to the suffering of the Somali people and to deal with the problem of piracy. Terrorism is an insidious, tentacular malignancy — a bane of our times. It is not only a security threat.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We call on all the parties to the conflict to join in the search for peace in Darfur. We hope that conditions will speedily be created for the return of refugees and internally displaced persons. We have high expectations that the preliminary agreement reached in Maputo will provide the political framework for resolution of the troubled situation in Madagascar. We are heartened by the active involvement and solicitude of various international bodies in trying to return the country to constitutional order. We cannot and should not condone unconstitutional Governments anywhere, be it in Honduras or Madagascar. Somalia reminds us that we cannot with impunity wash our hands of any country, however remote it may be or however unimportant it may seem.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The European Union deserves our appreciation for its contribution, to the tune of €500 million under the 10th European Development Fund, for the implementation of the Africa Peace Facility. Allow me also to highlight some of the progress that has been achieved on the continent this year, including the formation of an all-inclusive Government in Zimbabwe and the holding of presidential elections in Mauritania. We welcome the Agreement of Goodwill and Confidence-Building for the Settlement of the Problem in Darfur reached in February by Sudan’s Government of National Unity and the Justice and Equality Movement. 09-52463 44 We commend the role played by the African Union-United Nations joint mediation team and particularly the Government of Qatar, which has done so much to drive the process.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“A study carried out by Oxfam last year indicates that between 1990 and 2005 conflict cost the continent $300 billion, which is almost equivalent to all the international aid received by sub-Saharan Africa during that period. The African Union has moved ahead with the creation of an African Standby Force. Once fully established, the Force will, hopefully, help in the advancement of peace and security at the continental level. The creation of the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution is also a positive step in improving the peace and security architecture of Africa. I take this opportunity to commend the United Nations and the European Union for helping Africa enhance its capacity to respond adequately and in a timely manner to security threats on the continent.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“As a long-time proponent of a two-State solution, Mauritius welcomes the Quartet’s commitment, renewed in Trieste in June, to actively and vigorously work for a comprehensive solution of the Arab-Israeli conflict. The Arab League’s commitment to peace with Israel and the Arab Peace Initiative have been encouraging developments. We hope that those most directly concerned will display the courage and maturity to engage in meaningful dialogue in earnest. The United Nations is, more than ever, the ultimate guardian of mankind’s aspiration to global peace and security. I salute its unceasing effort in resolving conflicts around the world, in particular on the African continent. Conflicts and insecurity in Africa have been a major cause of the continent’s underdevelopment.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We must show the world that there will be no double standards in our approach. I urge those countries that give comfort and sustenance to the regime not to let their short-term, mercantile interests perpetuate the misery of this long-suffering people. The Arab-Israeli conflict, with the question of Palestine at its core, remains an issue of deep concern not only to the region, but also to the world at large. We take heart in the efforts of the Administration of President Obama to impart new impetus to the Middle East peace process. And we could not agree more with President Obama that continuing to build new settlements flies in the face of logic if lasting peace is to be achieved.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“This appeal is more than ever relevant. We cannot condone the condemnation of Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi by a kangaroo court. We reaffirm our solidarity with and support for Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, an emblematic lady who personifies the courage and dignity of her people, a people battered and bruised but unbowed. It is imperative that we convey a clear and strong signal to the military junta that the international community will not tolerate its confiscation of the Burmese people’s sovereignty. In this respect, I welcome the recent decision of the EU to extend the sanctions imposed on Burma. For its part, Mauritius will continue to implement the decision I took in 1997 to suspend importations of rice from Burma. This decision has a cost, but it is a price we are prepared to pay in defence of principles we hold dear.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“43 09-52463 In line with our commitment to see that perpetrators of grave human rights violations are brought to justice, we wish to reaffirm our unflinching support for the International Criminal Court (ICC). At the national level, we have adopted legislation such as the Equal Opportunities Act and the Truth and Justice Commission Act to further entrench human rights. Our achievements in the field of human rights were widely acknowledged during the Universal Periodic Review conducted earlier this year by the Human Rights Council. We were gratified by the unique opportunity provided to us by the Review to make a critical self-assessment of the situation in Mauritius. When I addressed the Assembly in September 2007 I called on the international community to do more than just stand by the people of Burma.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We appeal to the international community to be more forthcoming in assisting SIDS in their efforts to become integrated into the global economy. A one-size- fits-all approach to development threatens to further marginalize SIDS in an increasingly globalized world. It is patently obvious that SIDS deserve special treatment and need to be recognized as a group of countries having specificities of their own. The promotion and protection of human rights is a key priority of my Government. I wish to extend our appreciation to the United Nations membership for the re-election of Mauritius to the Human Rights Council. We will continue to work with other members of the Council in a spirit of dialogue, cooperation and objectivity to ensure that human rights violations are effectively addressed.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“This is an ambitious programme focusing on the use of renewable energy and the emergence of small power producers. Its implementation will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels considerably and facilitate the transition to a clean, energy-efficient economy. We have mobilized appropriate resources, with the collaboration of the private sector and development partners, to build a green and ecological future for Mauritius. We are doing our utmost to contribute, in full measure, to the global effort required. The inherent constraints faced by small island developing States (SIDS) — in particular limited resources, remoteness, small domestic markets and vulnerability to natural disasters — cannot be ignored. We share a common future, and the welfare of one is unsustainable without the welfare of all.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“But any action, to be fair, must be proportional. Those who have polluted the most should bear most of the burden. Developing countries need extra help so that their growth path is not thwarted. We must create a financial mechanism to assist developing countries to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. This mechanism has to be credible and sustainable, and be managed according to the principles of good governance. It should also be a channel for the transfer of technology. I therefore make a strong appeal that we unite to act collectively and quickly in our own interest and that of future generations. For its part, Mauritius is implementing the “Maurice île durable” project to respond to climate change and the energy crisis.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Climate change poses an existential challenge to mankind. Our profligacy puts at stake the very future of our planet and the forms of life it supports. This is an environmental threat with far-reaching social and economic implications that we have yet to mainstream into our national planning and decision-making processes. We cannot with impunity treat our home planet with contempt. We can yet forestall bringing upon ourselves the full wrath of nature. But time is running out. Divergences must be resolved at all costs, and quickly, at Copenhagen. To move forward in a pragmatic manner, we need to break away from the finger-pointing, recrimination and brinkmanship of the past. In Copenhagen, it is imperative that we agree to a targeted reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that will restrict global temperature rise to no more than 1.5° C.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“In Mauritius, we have adopted a comprehensive strategy to achieve a reasonable level of food self- sufficiency. We are mobilizing technological, financial and human resources to produce locally as much food as is practically possible. To this end, we have set up a one-billion-rupee Food Security Fund to optimize efficiency and boost agricultural production. To benefit from economies of scale, we are encouraging production in surplus of local consumption for export. We are establishing partnerships regionally to jointly produce food crops, livestock and marine products. The effective implementation of this strategy will contribute to improving our national food security. We are currently working with Mozambique on a rice production project which will contribute to improving food availability in both countries, and probably in the region.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The present relative decline in food prices must not make us lose sight of the structural long-term deficit the world faces. This age-old problem is complicated by uncertainties linked to climate change and the diversion of food crops for bio-fuel production. We must strengthen measures to improve food security globally. Existing funding mechanisms must 09-52463 42 be improved to assist the World Food Programme to effectively avoid recurrent outbreaks of famine. Mauritius welcomes the initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to convene the World Summit on Food Security in Rome in November. It is our earnest hope that it will not be just another conference, but will propose practical measures to alleviate hunger and malnutrition.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Recently, the A (H1N1) pandemic has rapidly taken on alarming proportions. Although we have taken all possible steps to effectively deal with this new influenza virus, the escalation of the outbreak could stretch our health resources and infrastructure. In this connection, developing countries require early access to the vaccines that are in the pipeline, once their safety is assured. Food security should have been an absolute priority of development strategies. It has for far too long been neglected. Many countries struggle to guarantee adequate food for their people. The present economic recession compounds an already difficult situation. Over a billion people, mostly in developing countries, do not have sufficient food to meet their daily basic nutritional needs. One in six of the human family goes to bed hungry and angry.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We are committed to the attainment of the MDGs on schedule, and look forward to the high-level review meeting next year. Ensuring the fulfilment of the MDGs demands a stronger commitment by national Governments in the fight against HIV/AIDS. We are heartened in this instance by the response of the international community, which has been timely, generous and effective. Each and every nation must be fully engaged in this fight. In Mauritius, we treat HIV/AIDS as a national priority. I have set up a National AIDS Committee, which I chair. We have put in place a multisectoral strategy to protect the population at large, with special emphasis on vulnerable groups. And yesterday I was delighted to learn about the breakthrough of an HIV/AIDS vaccine which could be available in the not too distant future.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Such a plan was successful in uplifting the economies of Europe after the Second World War. I have no doubt that it can be adapted to meet the same measure of success for developing countries. At the national level, my Government is mobilizing considerable resources to meet the Millennium Development Goals. In a relentless drive to fight poverty, we have introduced an eradication of absolute poverty programme, which aims to break the vicious circle of poverty begetting poverty. And, to show our commitment to eradicating poverty in our region, Mauritius took the initiative to host the Southern African Development Community (SADC) International Consultative Conference on Poverty and Development last year so that we can develop a common pragmatic approach.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We need to urgently apply ourselves to making pro-business policy reforms instead of just relying on aid. That is the way to create wealth and prosperity. Charity is a noble endeavour, but relying on charity alone is not the answer to future prosperity and opportunity for all. We need to unleash the entrepreneurial drive of our people. That is the ultimate answer to the eradication of poverty. We all know that it is better to show a man how to fish than to give him a fish every day. And we need to coordinate our actions to bring down trade barriers. In fact, what the developing countries need is a Marshall Plan, with a single coordinated programme. To qualify, countries need to meet benchmarks for good governance, respect for human rights, accessible health care and education and predictable economic policies.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We look forward to significant progress at the seventh session of the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference, scheduled for December in Geneva. The negative impact of the economic crisis on the most vulnerable populations causes us great concern. The global economic slowdown has further delayed the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Confronted with this grave setback, the developing world looks for a strong demonstration of solidarity. We hope that the donor community will do more than just honour its previous commitments. The Millennium Declaration, the Monterrey Consensus and the Doha Declaration on Financing for Development have been overtaken by the events of the past year. But I strongly believe that what we need now is a change in our approach in the developing economies.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The implementation of the Conference’s recommendations should avoid a further deterioration in the conditions of the world’s poor. And we look forward to the recommendations of the Group of 20 (G20) Summit, which starts today in Pittsburgh. In coping with the effects of the crisis, we have to resist the temptation to resort to trade protectionism. We should not forget that international trade has been a powerful engine for development and has generated substantial economic growth. From our perspective as a vulnerable small island developing State, it is vital that markets remain open and that international trade flows are not impeded. It is essential that the Doha Round, with development at its core, be successfully concluded, 41 09-52463 without, however, any unravelling of the July 2008 convergence package.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Institutions that make global decisions must reflect the changing nature of the global economic environment. For too long we have condoned a clear democratic deficit in global economic governance. We need to reshape the global economy into a more equitable system, responsive to the needs of all countries and reflecting the realities of the day. In this regard, we appreciate the convening of the United Nations Conference on the World Financial and Economic Crisis and Its Impact on Development, held last June. The Conference provided a uniquely inclusive platform to address the urgent concerns of all nations. It has allowed the formulation of proposals to lessen the impact of the crisis, especially on vulnerable populations.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“In this uncertain economic situation, the priority of Mauritius is to safeguard the hard-earned gains from past reforms. We have been collateral victims of financial imbalances, over-leveraged financial institutions, inadequate regulation and deficient supervision. Developing countries benefit little from periods of boom, and pay an inordinately high price for the busts that often follow. We hope that strengthening regulations and supervision will prevent the accumulation of high-risk, toxic assets that led to the crisis in the first place. The crisis has also made it clear that the Bretton Woods institutions stand in need of fundamental reform. However, reforms will be effective only if they take into account the long-term stability and sustainability of the global economy.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Growth has been slowed; we expect growth of around 2.7 per cent this year. But our economy is now structurally more sound, more competitive and resilient. We are concerned that a prolonged crisis could drive our export-oriented economy into reverse gear, with further declines in trade and capital flows, exchange rate volatility, and further falls in tourist arrivals. To mitigate the damage to our economy, we reacted as soon as the first signs of the subprime crisis started in the United States. We introduced an expansionary budget with emphasis on infrastructural projects, and as the crisis spread into a worldwide financial and economic crisis we put in place a stimulus package to save jobs, protect people and prepare for the recovery. We have, in other words, been ahead of the curve.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Developing countries have experienced declining capital flows, stagnating foreign aid and a fall in remittances and export revenues. Mauritius, with a small open economy, has been exceptionally exposed to the adverse effects of the crisis. Although both our manufacturing sector and our tourism industry have been negatively impacted, we have registered positive economic growth. This is due to the reforms my Government has implemented since 2005. Bold reforms have succeeded in making our economy more resilient. In 2008, our gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5.3 per cent and the unemployment rate dropped to 7.2 per cent. Mauritius attracted foreign direct investment amounting to almost 5 per cent of GDP, and achieved the highest level of job creation in more than a decade. However, the global crisis has been a severe blow.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“09-52463 40 As we confronted the severe food and energy crises of a year ago, little did we realize that the world was about to be engulfed in an unprecedented economic crisis. The most severe meltdown since the Great Depression has spared no country, precisely because we live in an interconnected world. Millions of people all over the world have lost their jobs, their incomes and their savings. It is estimated that an additional 50 million people have already been driven into extreme poverty. Whatever modest progress developing countries had achieved has been severely set back. The world may be witnessing the early signs of a slow recovery. However, the aftershocks of the crisis will continue to be felt for much longer.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“On behalf of my delegation, and in my own name, I extend to the President our warmest congratulations on his well- deserved election to preside over the sixty-fourth session of the Assembly. I also commend the Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, for his tireless efforts at the helm of our Organization in the cause of international peace and security. In this globalized world, nations will increasingly face unconventional, emerging threats to their security. The recent rapid spread of the A (H1N1) virus is a case in point. The commitment of the entire membership of our Organization is required to forge a consensus to deal with the uncertainties of the times ahead. More than ever before, multilateralism will be the way forward.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We fully appreciate their continued support in the development of our country. We have been striving to reach an amicable agreement on these issues but we cannot and will not compromise on our territorial integrity and our sovereignty over those islands. To conclude, I should like to reaffirm my country’s full faith in the United Nations. It remains the only organization that offers us hope for peace and security for a better world for future generations.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“6) The excision of the Chagos Archipelago by the colonial Power at the time of our independence constitutes a dismemberment of our territory in total disregard of resolutions 1514 (1960) and 2066 (1965). Furthermore, it is also a violation of the Charter of the United Nations itself. We therefore, once again, reiterate our request to the United Kingdom to engage in bilateral dialogue with us as soon as possible with a view to enabling us exercise our sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago. Equally, on the question of our sovereignty over Tromelin, we note the progress registered at the recent Mauritius-French joint commission. The United Kingdom and France, two permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, are two major and important economic, trade and development partners of Mauritius.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“India can be a source of inspiration as well as a testing ground for the outcome of the forthcoming United Nations High-level Dialogue on Interreligious and Intercultural Understanding and Cooperation for Peace. In 1965 at the Constitutional Conference for the granting of independence to Mauritius, the Chagos Archipelago, among many other islands, formed an integral part of the territory of Mauritius and should have remained as such in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and General Assembly resolutions 1514 (1960) and 2066 (1965). Resolution 1514 (1960) states, inter alia: Any attempt aimed at the partial or total disruption of the national unity and the territorial integrity of a country is incompatible with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. (para.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“My Government welcomes the decision of the Open- ended Working Group dealing with the reform of the Security Council, which has decided, inter alia, to start intergovernmental negotiations on the reform of the Security Council. We are convinced that the intergovernmental negotiations should be results- oriented. Mauritius remains committed to the African common position, which calls for two permanent seats and five non-permanent seats for Africa in a reformed Security Council. We continue to support the legitimate aspirations of the Latin American and Caribbean countries for a permanent seat. Mauritius reiterates that a permanent seat for India in the Security Council is long overdue. As the largest democracy and a secular state, India is a living example of the peaceful coexistence of major religions, cultures and faiths.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“But the United Nations still needs improvement in its structure and functioning, and we hope that reform will soon be brought about. We continue to follow with keen interest and participate actively in the ongoing reform process of the United Nations, particularly on the question of the reform of the Security Council, the revitalization of the General Assembly, system-wide coherence, the mandate review and the management reform. For us, meaningful reform of the United Nations must first pass through a comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council. At the 2005 World Summit, we expressed our resolve to support early reform of the Security Council with a view to making it more broadly representative, efficient and transparent. There has been enough talk on this subject and it should not remain as mere words and intentions.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“All of us here are sincerely concerned about the multiple tensions across the world. I am convinced that we all wish to make our full contribution to the search for practical, viable and long-term solutions. We are all inspired by the same will to manage our differences in dialogue and understanding. We want to call attention to the problems of globalization and participate in launching and strengthening the economies of our countries. We recognize and welcome the enormous role that the United Nations plays on the international scene, a role that needs to be considerably enhanced. The scope of diplomacy has considerably widened in recent years. Through the lever of international relations, the United Nations has the means and the duty to promote cooperation based on conflict prevention and the efficient management of natural disasters.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Mauritius is merely 0.2 per cent, with between 20 and 30 per cent of the cases affecting vulnerable groups, such as prison inmates and intravenous drug users. Our policies are geared towards containing the level of contamination, in particular by combating transmission via the sharing of contaminated needles. We are providing substantial funds for the development of a needle exchange programme and a public awareness information and communication campaign on HIV/AIDS. I wish here to put on record our appreciation to the Clinton Foundation for having included Mauritius amongst the countries that can benefit from the Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative. Every year at this time heads of State and Government meet here in this Assembly, because we believe in the virtues of multilateral diplomacy.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“It would require greater coherence between the international trading, monetary and financial systems. We therefore reaffirm our dedication to the establishment of a new international economic order which emphasizes globalization with a human face whose benefits will be more widely shared. More than six years after the 2001 Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS “Global Crisis Global Action”, the pandemic still remains a global crisis requiring global action. The negative impact of HIV/AIDS on human resources in the 25-45 age group, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa is simply overwhelming. The alarming rate with which the HIV/AIDS pandemic is ravaging innocent lives in our societies has far-reaching implications for our socio- economic development. It undermines the efforts towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In our efforts to find ways and means to alleviate and ultimately eliminate poverty in our subregion, Mauritius, jointly with the Southern African Development Community will be hosting an International Conference on Poverty Alleviation and Development in April 2008. While there is no denying the fact that globalization has led in its wake to economic growth in the world including developing countries, it is also true that many countries, especially the most vulnerable ones, are unfortunately not reaping the benefits of globalization. This is particularly true of LDCs, lower- and middle-income countries and countries in transition, which continue to face huge difficulties in integrating the globalizing economy. We call for a new global strategy that would create an enabling economic environment for development.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Mauritius for its part, is on track to meet the MDGs by the year 2015. Nonetheless, since my Government took office in 2005, we have allocated considerable resources in our national budget for the empowerment of the poor and the social uplifting of vulnerable groups. The development challenges of Mauritius go well beyond the achievement of the MDGs. In order to improve the prospects for attaining the MDGs, it is essential for donors and development partners to honour their undertakings and commitments made at the 2002 Monterrey International Conference on Financing for Development. In that respect, we hope that the follow-up International Conference on Financing for Development in 2008 will provide the much-awaited response from the concerned parties to adequately address international commitments on financing for development.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“While it is true that if the present pace of climate change goes unchecked, the face of the world may change dramatically in the next hundred years with devastating effects for future generations, it is equally true that underdevelopment, poverty, hunger and diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis in the developing world are the present challenges that require the immediate and undivided attention of the world as laid down in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The 2007 Millennium Development Goals midterm report underscores that “the MDGs will be attained only if concerted additional action is taken immediately and sustained until 2015” (Millennium Development Goals Report 2007, p. 4). Africa, unfortunately, in spite of serious and strenuous efforts, continues to lag far behind on the MDGs.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In that respect we call for the full and effective implementation of the commitments, programmes and targets adopted in the Barbados Programme of Action and the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States. A special SIDS fund to assist the development and implementation of adaptation measures in the same manner as the special fund for the least developed countries under the umbrella of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and regional climate observational systems to better monitor climate variations associated with global warming and sea-level rise, need to be set up.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The rise in sea level constitutes a danger that threatens most of the low-lying island developing States. Those States have limited capacity to withstand the negative effects of natural disasters and external economic shocks. Their sustainable development becomes more trying and rigorous in the light of their inherent vulnerabilities. Mitigation and adaptation capabilities of countries may vary depending on the level of their economic development. Small island developing States (SIDS) face, in their adaptation choices, fundamental constraints of inadequate data and technical capacity, weak institutional capacity and limited financial resources.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)