YouSaid · the spoken record

Mapopa Chipeta

lines on the record: 45
first: 1997-09-24
most recent: 1998-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“What is needed is action to realize fully the economic, social and cultural rights that we also seek. The founding fathers of this Organization gave us an instrument which has withstood the test of time. It remains a relevant instrument. As we prepare for the third millennium, let us operationalize it in partnership for the global community, so that we may together triumph over suffering and despair.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“External debt, deteriorating terms of trade, difficulties in or lack of access to international markets, declining official development assistance and the negative effect of structural adjustment programmes all form a myriad of issues that require urgent attention. All these issues have to be addressed within the context of the need for the rational utilization of the world’s natural resources and the need to protect the environment. The world cannot remain aloof as poverty and despair wreak havoc on many of our people. The many gains that we will have made in civil and political rights will have no meaning at all if the socioeconomic ills that the people confront are not addressed. We are encouraged by the high-level dialogue held here recently.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“The economic and financial reforms that we have embarked on can be successfully sustained only if they are backed by adequate support from the international community, including a favourable international economic climate. The world trade and financial outlook, however, appears hostile for commodity-dependent countries like Malawi. As we approach the next millennium, the negative effects of globalization and liberalization, particularly on weak economies, should be addressed with the necessary resolve and in a holistic fashion. The persistence of poverty in the world, particularly in Africa, requires the elaboration within the various bodies of coherent policies to confront the major problems that impede development.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Since the multiparty Government was ushered in, it has striven to increase the pace of economic reform in Malawi. We value economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development, in the same way as we do civil and political rights. We believe that the private sector should be the engine of economic growth and that the duty of the Government is to create a conducive environment. In this respect, the Government of Malawi has embarked on a privatization process, disengaging itself from the commercially oriented parastatals. Apart from the conducive investment climate obtaining in Malawi, banking and financial services have also been liberalized.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“The change that we decided upon is irreversible, and all necessary measures are being 23 taken to consolidate the new dispensation. We are committed to facilitating the exercise by all of our people of their civil and political rights. The Government of Malawi is committed to holding free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections. We therefore invite the international community to come to Malawi and witness the electoral process. At the same time, we appeal to it, particularly development partners, to help us with logistical, financial and human resource support. Free and fair elections can be realized only through the provision of adequate resources. We expect the United Nations to play a critical role in this overall effort, which the people of Malawi so desire.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“It is in this spirit of helping the powers of healing that Malawi stands to reiterate its conviction that the question of the participation of the Republic of China on Taiwan in the activities of the United Nations on the basis of respect for the principle of universality and the sovereign equality of States deserves consideration. Malawi believes that appropriate participation by the Republic of China on Taiwan in the international community would be an important factor for peace, stability and international cooperation in that part of the world. Malawi will hold general elections next year. This follows the multiparty elections held in 1994, the first in 30 years. During that election, the United Democratic Front took the reins of power following a free, fair and credible electoral process.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“As with civilization, peace and security in the Middle East would no doubt have a reverberating effect on developments in world affairs as we enter into the next century. We call upon Israel and the Palestinian Authority to bring fresh impetus to their negotiations. Malawi welcomes the current initiatives aimed at giving new momentum to the negotiations. Malawi also welcomes the recent developments on the question relating to the Lockerbie disaster. We trust these developments will lead to an early resolution of the matter and therefore an urgent lifting of sanctions against Libya. One of the major issues for the United Nations is the concern for national identity. In this century nations have been born. Great nations have disintegrated, while others have found new solutions and come back together.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“We applaud the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the OAU in this regard. We support the initiatives that President Kabbah is pursuing as the country starts the long, slow process of reconstruction and rehabilitation. Malawi welcomes the developments in Nigeria, and we encourage President Abubakar to forge ahead with all the necessary reforms towards the restoration of democratic rule in Nigeria. In Western Sahara, Malawi is following the developments with keen interest. We welcome the Houston accords and look forward to the referendum later in the year. The overwhelming adoption on 7 July last of resolution 52/250 on Palestine was a clear manifestation of the international community’s desire to begin a new chapter in the Middle East.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the whole Great Lakes region will only make Africa realize its vast potential. In Burundi, the Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, the Comoros and Guinea-Bissau, and between Ethiopia and Eritrea, dialogue must prevail in the search for solutions to the problems that affect them. We call on all parties to give a peaceful resolution of their problems a chance in order for them to achieve a lasting solution. Kosovo and Afghanistan continue to bleed, while hunger and despair ravage the southern belly of the Sudan, and the humanitarian crisis in Somalia continues. The international community can indeed make a difference. In Sierra Leone, we express our relief that the democratically elected Government of President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah has resumed its rightful place.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“The delay in the implementation of the Lusaka peace accord and the non-compliance with various Security Council resolutions are of grave concern to us. The people of Angola deserve much better. The ultimate tribute to the late Mr. Alioune Blondin Beye and all the many others that have died in the quest for peace would be the restoration of peace and reconciliation in Angola. We therefore call on UNITA in particular to take all necessary steps to facilitate the implementation of the remaining issues under the Lusaka peace accord in order to give the people of Angola a chance for peace and security. We are equally concerned with the developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Malawi supports the decisions taken by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) at its recent summit meeting in Mauritius.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“The debate of the Security Council last week at Foreign Minister level will only fortify Africa’s resolve to galvanize its collective political will. Indeed, Malawi applauds the commitment of the United Nations in the maintenance of international peace and security. Despite all the efforts of the United Nations — during which many have lost their lives in the service of peace — conflicts and factional wars continue in various parts of the world, causing death, massive displacements of populations and floods of refugees and loss of property. Angola, Kosovo, Afghanistan and other parts of the globe continue to furnish tragic examples of the problems that beset us. We are disturbed by developments in Angola.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Within our region Malawi attaches considerable importance to cooperation with respect to conflict prevention and resolution. The commendable work undertaken through the Organization of African Unity (OAU) Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution deserves special mention. Given the magnitude and complexity of the problems to be resolved, that body needs increased support from the international community to accomplish its laudable goals. 22 We believe that the best way to resolve disputes or conflicts in order to guarantee durable peace, security and stability is through amicable negotiation and not force. Malawi therefore welcomes the Secretary-General’s report on Africa and the interest it has generated. We are encouraged by the positive interventions that the United Nations has made to date.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“We appeal to all States which have not yet done so to become parties to these instruments without further delay. Malawi has a long-standing history of peace, as well as social and political stability. In 1994 Malawians opted for a democratic multi-party system of government which guarantees fundamental freedoms to every citizen. In the last four years we have established democratic institutions that stand for the rule of law and good governance, as well as respect for fundamental freedoms such as transparency and accountability. We have managed to achieve these because of the peace and stability that now prevail in our country. The right to peace is a right that we cherish for all. The development that we seek for the world cannot be realized without security and peace.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“The Treaty on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) regimes are not an end in themselves. We believe that our ultimate goal should be the complete elimination of all these dangerous weapons within a specific time frame, so as to guarantee the safety of the world. As we approach the new millennium, it is important that all the existing contradictions which hinder the achievement of global peace and security be removed. One way of doing this is to abide by relevant international instruments. In this regard, I wish to inform the Assembly that Malawi has recently ratified the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Convention on anti-personnel mines. Malawi welcomes the coming into force of the Convention on anti-personnel mines.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“We condemn terrorism and reject this cowardly phenomenon as a means of resolving disputes, misunderstandings or political differences. We believe that collectively we should redouble our efforts to deal with terrorism by establishing more measures aimed at its total elimination. Malawi also strongly condemns the barbaric acts of terrorism that took place during August in Nairobi, Kenya; Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania; Omagh, Northern Ireland; and Cape Town, South Africa. Similarly, we are gravely concerned about the amassing of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, which threaten the future of mankind. Recent tests by some countries confirm our fears. We cannot place blame on these countries alone, so long as others possess these weapons.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“As we commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, our optimism about a better future based on the rule of law and respect for the rights of others has been further fortified by the adoption last July in Rome of the Statute on the establishment of the International Criminal Court. Malawi fully supports this Court and looks forward to the early entry into force of the Statute and the finalization of the outstanding issues before the Preparatory Commission. However, we pause in our optimism about a better world because of certain trends and developments. Malawi is particularly disturbed by the recent wave of terrorist acts. Terrorism is a threat to peace, security and stability, and therefore cannot be condoned in whatever form or manifestation.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“We should therefore not only preach the promotion and protection of human rights but also put into practice what we preach and deepen our understanding of the subject. Since the concept of human rights may not be clearly understood by many sectors of our societies, the success of building a human rights culture across our societies will depend on the ability of our Governments and civil society to provide civic education to the people. In Malawi we have created necessary institutions, such as the Human Rights Commission, the Law Reform Commission, the Office of the Ombudsman and the Anti- corruption Bureau which, together with various non- governmental organizations, are playing a critical role in enhancing a deeper understanding of human rights as well as related issues of governance.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“We believe it is now time to take stock of the progress that has been made in the promotion and protection of human rights since the Universal Declaration 21 was adopted in 1948 and identify additional ways and means to help enhance the promotion and protection of human rights universally. The United Nations machinery for the promotion and protection of human rights has done an impeccable job in the past, and Malawi places a lot of trust in it to do even better in the near future, particularly in a reformed United Nations where a human rights culture will permeate the system as a whole. While recognizing the critical role played by the United Nations in this field, we also believe that Member States hold the key to a world free of impunity, a global society where human rights transcend all our apparent divisions.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“I believe that with this new office the United Nations will continue to play a central role in promoting economic and social development and enhancing assistance for development, particularly to developing countries. The development agenda, focusing on the eradication of poverty and the provision of basic amenities to humankind, corresponds to the efforts of the Organization in the area of peace and security. They indeed complement each other. Malawi looks forward to the finalization of the remaining issues on the reform package, including proposals on the Millennium Assembly, which we fully support. This year’s session of the General Assembly comes at a time when we are commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“His outstanding leadership role, particularly with regard to United Nations reform, the problems of my own continent, Africa, and during the recent Iraq crisis has put the United Nations back at centre stage in its meaningful engagement in international affairs. We encourage the Secretary-General to continue his good work with the same dynamic spirit so as to better adapt the Organization to the current and future needs of mankind. Malawi fully supports the reforms that are being undertaken by the United Nations. We have no doubt that they will not only increase the effectiveness and efficiency of our Organization, but also enable it to respond effectively and in a timely manner to new challenges. I particularly welcome the creation of the post of Deputy Secretary-General.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Hennadiy Udovenko of Ukraine, for the innovative and constructive manner in which he carried out his task during the fifty-second session. His wit and sense of humour helped the Assembly accomplish so much during a very difficult session, which was probably a turning- point in the work of the United Nations. The reforms that we agreed upon during the reform Assembly should surely provide the necessary momentum for a more efficient and effective United Nations. Let me also express my sincere appreciation to the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, especially for the manner in which he has shouldered his important responsibilities.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“It was the wish of His Excellency Mr. Bakili Muluzi, President of the Republic of Malawi, to come and address the General Assembly in person, but owing to pressing commitments at home he has been unable to do so. I therefore deliver this statement on his behalf. Let me join preceding speakers in conveying deep sympathy to the peoples of the Caribbean region and of the southern United States with regard to the natural disaster, in the form of a hurricane, which has struck them over the past few days. Let me congratulate Mr. Didier Opertti on his election to the presidency of the current session of the General Assembly and to affirm our confidence in his ability to conduct the work of this session successfully. I would like also to pay a special tribute to his predecessor, Mr.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“We all seek a United Nations that responds effectively and efficiently to the needs of all people. Let me reaffirm the commitment of the Government and the people of Malawi to the noble goals and ideals of 26 the United Nations, an institution that continues to make a difference for humankind. We will continue to make our modest contribution to this intergovernmental process, for which we find no credible or viable alternative to its service to “We the peoples of the United Nations”.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Our resolve to root out an evil that has adversely affected the lives of many in the world shall remain undeterred. The support garnered for the Convention within a short period of time is a clear sign of what human beings can achieve when working together for a common goal. We welcome the Convention and look forward to its universal acceptance. The United Nations today stands at the threshold of a new millennium. We pray that it continues to play its rightful role in the many issues that occupy us all in our everyday life. As we approach the twenty-first century, the relevance of the United Nations in enhancing international cooperation in all areas of human endeavour is, to us, no longer a matter of doubt but reality. We believe that the reforms we all desire will harness the gains already made in the area of international cooperation.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“We appeal for the utmost restraint and the quick resumption of negotiations. My Government is similarly pleased to note that the two Governments on the Korean peninsula are working together, although in a limited sense. It is our hope that this is a starting point from which a lasting solution to the existing tensions on the peninsula will be realized. In recent years the world has made major strides in the field of disarmament. The adoption last year of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty was indeed a major breakthrough for all peace-loving nations. For Malawi, however, the recent adoption of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction stands out as most significant.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“It is our sincere hope that the recent appointment by the Secretary-General of Mr. James Baker as his Personal Envoy for Western Sahara will help in the resolution of that problem. We call upon the main actors to honour their obligations without further delay. My delegation is gravely concerned about developments in the Middle East. A few years back, we hailed the Middle East peace process as having acquired irreversible momentum. Malawi strongly believes that there is no alternative to the peace process launched in Madrid on 10 October 1991; there is no cogent alternative to this process for genuine peace and stability in the Middle East. However, recent developments have obviously shown that any provocative moves by any of the parties concerned will not help the process.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“While supporting wholeheartedly the Security Council resolutions on the situation in Angola, we make an earnest appeal to the UNITA leadership to fulfil its obligations in the peace process without further delay so that the people of Angola and the entire southern African region may realize their desire for a peaceful and prosperous future. We similarly regret the recent developments in the Republic of the Congo. We appeal to all the major players in this senseless struggle to exercise restraint and amicably resolve their differences. The Congolese people definitely deserve much better. We note with growing concern the apparent lack of meaningful progress in the implementation of the settlement plan for Western Sahara. Malawi applauds the indefatigable efforts of the United Nations in its search for a lasting solution to Western Sahara.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“We strongly urge the people of Burundi to set aside their differences and negotiate so that they may put in place a Government that would bring that country once again to normalcy. My Government has followed closely developments in the painstaking peace process for Angola. We have admired the magnanimity of the Government of Angola in fulfilling its obligations under the Lusaka Protocol and related agreements. We on the other hand regret the continued intransigence of Dr. Jonas Savimbi and his National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA).”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“It is unfortunate, though, that there are some around us today who believe that they can continue to deprive their own people of their birth rights and freedoms. We deeply regret that in Sierra Leone a military junta that usurped power from a democratically elected Government is still holding on, in spite of the international community’s opposition. Malawi calls upon the junta to hand over power to the democratically elected Government and President Kabbah so that the people of Sierra Leone can experience the peace that has eluded them for so long. The situation in Burundi continues to be as depressing as it was last year. We remain convinced that there is no alternative to freedom and democracy.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Developments in Liberia and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are among the most recent examples. We congratulate the people of Liberia on choosing the way of peace. The role played by the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL), by the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group, and by other international observers in the Liberian peace and electoral processes once again 25 demonstrates that a global partnership for the maintenance of international peace and security can succeed and is perhaps the only way forward. Democracy, transparent and accountable governance and the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms are necessary for successful people- centred development to take place in our countries.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Today, the United Nations continues to utilize most of its resources in managing or containing conflicts of varying origins and intensity. The role of the Organization in the maintenance of international peace and security has become more relevant than before. The situations in Angola, Burundi, the Republic of the Congo, the Great Lakes Region, Sierra Leone, Western Sahara, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Middle East, among many others, continue to occupy the work of this Organization. It certainly should be possible to resolve many of these problems that beset the world so that the United Nations can rechannel its efforts towards promoting the most refreshing aspects of the human experience. And there are many examples where the human spirit has triumphed over forces of doom and despair.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“There is absolutely no doubt that increased international assistance and initiatives for debt relief or cancellation, increased official development assistance to meet agreed targets, private capital flows, increased foreign direct investment, and improved terms of trade would play a catalytic role in Africa’s efforts to achieve economic development. The remarkable progress achieved in the areas of regional integration and South- South cooperation gives us hope. Africa is indeed not a hopeless case. A genuine partnership in development and finance is, therefore, imperative. The demise of the cold war rekindled all our aspirations for lasting global peace and prosperity. The highly symbolic tumbling down of the Berlin Wall heightened expectations for a peace dividend. Unfortunately, the situation has not improved.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“We will play our part in the protection of the environment for the benefit of present and future generations. The critical socio-economic situation of Africa continues to be an area of priority concern to us. More than one year after the United Nations System-wide Special Initiative on Africa, the situation still leaves something to be desired — though there are, of course, some hopeful signs for improvement. We find gratification in the fact that African ownership of African development is becoming a reality. We look forward to the consolidation of a global partnership for Africa. Malawi appreciates the assistance that it receives from the donor community.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The Government of Malawi participated in the nineteenth special session of the General Assembly, devoted to the overall review and appraisal of the implementation of Agenda 21, held in this very Hall from 23 to 27 June 1997. We trust that having candidly taken stock of the state of implementation of Agenda 21, and taking into account the shortfall at mid-decade, the international community will now redouble its efforts to fulfil its commitments in the next five years and beyond. The common and differentiated responsibilities that were agreed upon at the Earth Summit regarding the protection and preservation of the environment in order to achieve sustainable development were reaffirmed and accentuated, once again underscoring the importance of international cooperation.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Free primary education was introduced in 1994 to develop our human resources. This is coupled with the provision of free tuition at secondary school for the girl child. The aim of the Malawi Government is to double the average literacy rate by 1999. The efforts and impact of globalization are well-known to us all. Malawi cannot go it alone in the implementation of its development programmes. International cooperation among all nations in all sectors of human endeavour is no longer an option, but necessary for the very existence and survival of humankind. The truth of this proposition is very apparent and clear today, particularly in the areas of environment, development and international peace and security. We in Malawi recognize the importance of protecting the environment for the sustainable livelihood of all the people.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“A combination of these domestic as well as other factors of an international character bear the 24 frightening potential of reversing the noble gains we have made over the past three years. Despite these adverse forces, the Government is determined to broaden the economic base of our country. Political stability now obtaining in the country has created a conducive atmosphere for foreign investment. Malawi has abolished all retrogressive legislation which hindered both domestic and foreign investment. The economy has been liberalized, and a number of incentives have been introduced for potential investors. Measures include a comprehensive privatization programme. In a further effort to tackle the root cause of poverty in my country, our Government has instituted measures which seek to empower the common person, including youth, and women.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The level of expectation has generated insurmountable pressure on the limited resources which the Government has at its disposal. As a developing country, and one of the least developed among them, we are not yet able to mobilize adequate resources to accomplish all our national development programmes. Recurrent drought in the southern Africa region this decade, the weak economic base of the country, which is almost exclusively agricultural, a rather unbalanced social infrastructure, which is partly due to the low literacy rate inherited from the previous regime, and the problem of disease, including HIV/AIDS, pose a serious threat to our nascent democracy.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Against the background of prudent economic management, we have succeeded in arresting rising inflation and the stagnation in industry and construction as well as the total loss of confidence in the business sector. Although the situation is currently manageable, we are the first to realize that much more needs to be done. Like many other small countries, our economy continues to weather stormy turbulence caused by many exogenous factors. Drought has wrought havoc in the region in recent years. According to the current forecast, this season the region will experience yet another drought. Poverty continues to be the main source of concern. There is no doubt that democracy in Malawi has engendered massive expectations among the people, especially after having lived in an atmosphere of deprivation for decades.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“With respect to the combat of illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, Malawi has acceded to the 1988 Convention, and activities are under way to put in place an effective administrative machinery to coordinate the activities of government departments and civil society. We expect to establish a national commission on drug control as a focal point for internal and international activities, including the promotion of cooperation within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region in the fight against drug- trafficking. Malawi would greatly appreciate any assistance from the international community, including the United Nations International Drug Control Programme, to improve our own and the region’s ability to deal with the drug problem. We continue to make strides in socio-economic development.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“With regard to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights aiming at the Abolition of the Death Penalty, the Government has decided to hold national consultations on whether or not the death penalty should be abolished. The initiative, whose modalities are being worked out, has received wide publicity. In this regard, I wish to register Malawi’s appreciation for the offer of assistance by Amnesty International to facilitate these consultations. In the meantime, our President, His Excellency Dr. Bakili Muluzi, has announced a stay until the outcome of the national consultations is known.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“While a time-frame may not be imposed, we believe the time for change for the Organization is now, as we approach the next millennium. Progress in the three remaining Working Groups will make complete the changes that we all seek for the Organization. It is now over three years since the dawn of true democracy in Malawi. The Government of Malawi continues to work towards consolidation of good governance and respect for human rights. We seek to build a Malawi that is democratic and economically viable. Malawi has made commendable efforts to improve the promotion, protection and enforcement of human rights. A number of independent institutions for the protection and promotion of human rights are now in place. Let me also note that Malawi has acceded to the major international human rights instruments.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“We need a strong United Nations in development — a United Nations that is efficient, effective, relevant, able and well-resourced, to respond to the many needs of Member States. Such an Organization, however, cannot exist without meaningful progress in the other areas of reform. We therefore look for some tangible progress in the work of the Working Groups on An Agenda for Peace, on Security Council reform and on the financial situation of the United Nations during the current session. Last year my delegation observed that Malawi did not believe that the Working Groups that we had established were open-ended in time. We continue to hold this view. We need to seize the opportunity for change when the time is ripe.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“My delegation expresses its satisfaction with the recent adoption of the report of the General Assembly’s High-level Open-ended Working Group on the Strengthening of the United Nations System. By focusing attention on the institutional aspects and 23 operations of the United Nations, the outcome of the Working Group represents an indispensable input to the overall programme of reform. The two-track programme of reform submitted to us by the Secretary General adds, in our view, a comprehensive and useful thrust in the reform and transformation of this world body. My delegation looks forward to participating in the consultations that are necessary to carry through these proposals during this session. We welcome, too, the conclusion of negotiations on An Agenda for Development.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“His punctuality and forthrightness are attributes which will inspire us all as we move forward. My delegation wishes him well in all his future endeavours. Special tribute is due to the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, who, within a short period of time, has demonstrated that a revitalized United Nations can work meaningfully towards the full realization of the principles and purposes of the Charter. He can count on Malawi’s support as he continues to discharge his responsibilities. Malawi welcomes the reforms that are taking place within the Organization. The Secretary-General’s commendable efforts in this regard will surely complement the work that has been, and continues to be, undertaken through the various intergovernmental processes.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the President on his assumption of the office of the presidency of the fifty-second session of the United Nations General Assembly. His election to preside during this critical stage of change and reform in the United Nations system is a reflection of the confidence that the entire membership has in him and his country, Ukraine. I wish him a successful term of office, and assure him of Malawi’s full cooperation. Allow me to pay tribute to last year’s President, His Excellency Mr. Razali Ismail, for the excellent manner in which he handled the recently concluded fifty-first session of the General Assembly. President Razali Ismail brought with him a refreshing sense of purpose in the work of the General Assembly and the United Nations.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)