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Gurirab

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1991-09-24
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1995-09-24
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un-general-debate

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  1. The vision of the founders 50 years ago focused on the welfare and security of succeeding generations. Nations and peoples, as represented by non- governmental organizations, should move forward together into the next millennium for a better world in which children will feel safer.

    1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)

  2. The latest coup on one of the islands of the Comoros has made this an extremely serious matter which now calls for urgent action by the international community. Namibia therefore welcomes the action taken to restore the Government and law and order on the island. The address His Holiness Pope John Paul II delivered from this rostrum yesterday was a thoughtful message conveying optimism, hope and good will as we stand on the threshold of the next millennium. The Pope stressed universal love and family, subjects which embrace the entire human race. Let me conclude by expressing my sincere wish that this historic commemorative session of the General Assembly will not fail to highlight public awareness of the work of the United Nations and the continued relevance of the Organization to the lives of individuals and communities everywhere.

    1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)

  3. Since the signing of the Lusaka Protocol on Angola last year, the peace process in that sisterly country is 8 making steady progress. The spirit of reconciliation and dialogue is permeating the entire society, encouraged by the regular face-to-face talks between President José Eduardo dos Santos of Angola and Mr. Jonas Savimbi of UNITA. It is Namibia’s sincere hope that the pledges made in Brussels at the recent round-table conference on Angola will be translated into actual resources for reconstruction and development in that country, a neighbour of ours. Africa is long overdue to root out, once and for all, all the criminal activities of mercenaries, which, like acts of terrorism, stand condemned in the resolutions of both the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity.

    1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)

  4. Namibia therefore supports the early exercise by the Saharan people of their right to self-determination on the basis of a free, fair and transparent referendum in Western Sahara, under the joint supervision and control of the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity. There can be no military solution to the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina conflict. Therefore, Namibia urges all parties involved to end the suffering of their people and find a lasting and peaceful political solution to that conflict. As the year comes to an end, it is heartening to note that the conflict in Liberia has been resolved with the establishment of a broad-based, multi-party provisional Government. We welcome this wholeheartedly. Let us hope that this is a good omen for the resolution of the conflicts in Somalia, Sudan, Burundi and Sierra Leone.

    1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)

  5. The new world order, which is thought of as offering the best hope for economic cooperation and free trade, should liberate itself from the remaining shackles of the cold war and replace confrontation with dialogue wherever differences still exist. Namibia welcomes the latest agreement on Palestinian self-rule, signed between the State of Israel and the Palestinian Authority. We look forward to the early achievement of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, leading to the establishment of a Palestinian State. The decolonization of Africa is not yet complete.

    1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)

  6. It is only in this way that the authority, legitimacy, credibility and effectiveness of the Security Council can be ensured. Namibia sees no problem in the addition of Germany and Japan as permanent members of the Security Council. But at the same time, it is Namibia’s strong view that Africa, Asia and Latin America are entitled to representation as permanent members as well as through the allocation of additional seats in the Security Council for non-permanent members. What we seek is the acceptance of the principle. The mechanism of how to bring this about is the subject of ongoing consultations in the relevant Open-ended Working Group. The new world order has no place, in Namibia’s view, for the outmoded veto power, and it must be abolished.

    1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)

  7. In this regard, Namibia deplores the new spate of nuclear testing. Namibia will continue to participate actively towards the early completion of the draft treaty of the denuclearization of Africa. With regard to United Nations reform, Namibia believes that the decision-making machinery of the Security Council, as it exists today, cannot effectively serve the international community in the twentieth century. The phenomenal numerical growth in the membership of the United Nations must be reflected in representation on the Security Council. The reform, restructuring and enlargement of the Security Council should reflect the cardinal principles of sovereign equality of all States, universality, democracy and transparency.

    1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)

  8. Namibia is proud of its contribution to the preparation for the Fourth World Conference on Women and the honour bestowed upon its delegation to serve as Rapporteur-General at that Conference, in Beijing. It therefore goes without saying that Namibia will do everything possible to ensure implementation of the Platform for Action adopted at the Conference. The scientific and technological achievements of humankind should be used for peace and development. All weapons of mass destruction must be destroyed. The time has come for complete nuclear disarmament. Furthermore, Namibia calls upon the nuclear-weapon States to fulfil the commitment made at the last Conference on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and to move speedily towards the destruction of all nuclear weapons.

    1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)

  9. 7 The realization of the commitments made at all these conferences should form the centrepiece of the agenda for the twenty-first century. For Namibia, protection of the environment is enshrined in our Constitution. The promotion and defence of democracy and human rights have become the vital pillars of Namibia’s Government and society. In keeping with the Programme of Action adopted at the International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo, Namibia has fully integrated population issues into its First National Development Plan. Similarly, the commitments we made at the World Summit for Social Development continue to be a top priority of the Government. The Law Reform Commission is finalizing recommendations to the Namibian Parliament for enactment of the necessary legislation.

    1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)

  10. As regards major United Nations conferences, we may say that never before in the history of our Organization have the social needs of humankind taken centre stage. Humanity has recognized that conservation of the environment is tantamount to preservation of human life; respect for and protection of human rights is the basis for democracy, good governance and development; addressing population issues within the framework of development is necessary in order to identify the impact of socio-demographic trends on the well-being of people; peace is not only the absence of war but also a necessary condition for the attainment of social and economic development; and gender equality is central to development and peace.

    1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)

  11. The strengthening of South-South cooperation is more than ever a vehicle that is needed for the enhancement of the trade and economic development of the countries of the South. Namibia therefore supports the South Centre and appeals for financial and material contributions to its programmes. It is also Namibia’s firm belief that the recently inaugurated African-Latin American Institute, with regional headquarters in Namibia and Uruguay respectively, will further strengthen South-South cooperation. Namibia also welcomes the emerging initiatives aimed at encouraging horizontal dialogue and cooperation among SADC, the Association of South-East Asian Nations, the Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR) and other economic groupings of the countries of the South.

    1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)

  12. On international economic cooperation, Namibia subscribes to the view, emphasized by the Economic and Social Council at its last meeting, that development cannot flourish in the midst of conflict and instability. It follows from this that mutually beneficial economic cooperation is not possible as long as an unjust international economic system exists. Until we all become equal partners in the global economy, developing countries, especially African countries, will for ever remain underdeveloped. Contrary to the views being expressed in some quarters, Namibia maintains that the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization have played a vital and constructive role in assisting developing countries.

    1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)

  13. May I reassure him here of Namibia’s firm commitment to continue working closely with the Government and people of South Africa for the achievement of genuine peace, stability, development and prosperity throughout southern Africa. The completion of the Trans-Caprivi and Trans- Kalahari highways connecting land-locked neighbouring countries to the Namibian port of Walvis Bay will further strengthen regional cooperation, trade and integration. We do all this pursuant to the letter and spirit of the Abuja Treaty establishing the African Economic Community. There is no doubt that a successful SADC will strengthen the African Economic Community.

    1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)

  14. Additional areas in which SADC member States are coordinating their policies include de-mining, combating crime, gun-running, drug-trafficking, money-laundering, illicit cross-border trade, and other forms of criminal activity. It is hoped that these efforts will lead to an ideal situation allowing for free movement of people, capital, goods and services, thereby transforming SADC into a community of shared experiences and aspirations. Moreover, mechanisms for conflict resolution, political consultation and peace-keeping are enjoying high priority among these regional concerns. I felt reinforced after listening to the inspiring statement delivered this morning by my brother and colleague, His Excellency, Mr. Alfred Nzo, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Africa.

    1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)

  15. Regional cooperation: in southern Africa, member States of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which now includes Mauritius, have combined their efforts to bring about genuine reconstruction and development in our subregion. Peace is a prerequisite of development. Without sustainable development, there can be neither peace nor stability. While achievement of peace has created favourable conditions for socio-economic development in southern Africa, the scars of apartheid and destabilization remain. For example, to realize these objectives, States members of SADC have decided to pool their resources in order to implement joint projects in the fields of energy and water. With this in mind, several protocols were signed at the recent SADC Summit in Johannesburg.

    1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)

  16. Namibia participated in the peace-keeping operation in Cambodia and sent election observers to Angola under United Nations auspices. Namibia also sent a legal expert as a rapporteur to represent the Human Rights Commission in Somalia. But more than that, Namibia has been paying its assessed and voluntary contributions on time and in full, for we believe membership is not enough: without resources the Organization cannot carry out its mandate. 6 As we look towards the next millennium, I should like to state the position of the Government of the Republic of Namibia on the following issues: regional cooperation; international economic cooperation; major United Nations conferences; nuclear disarmament; and reform of the United Nations.

    1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)

  17. This success story stands out today as a model of successful United Nations peace-keeping and decolonization. Other major United Nations success stories followed — in Cambodia, El Salvador, Mozambique and Haiti. We hope for the same positive outcome in Angola and other places. In all these cases, what ensured success was a combination of political consensus, peace-keeping, peace enforcement and humanitarian assistance. It has been said many times in so many ways that if the United Nations had not existed, collective yearning to create it would have been irresistible. That is why Namibia attaches great importance to its membership of the United Nations. Since joining the United Nations, Namibia has been playing an active role in all the activities of the Organization.

    1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)

  18. The world witnessed an unprecedented and unstoppable wave of demands, by millions the world over, for freedom and the exercise of the right to self-determination. This, happily, led to the achievement of independence by so many countries in Asia, Latin America — especially the Caribbean — and Africa, which swelled the membership of the United Nations beyond 100. Today the number of Members, at 185, is more than three times the original number — the 51 founding nations of 1945. In Namibia, the moment came for the United Nations to put its resources where its convictions and responsibilities were. It demonstrated its firm commitment by providing necessary funds and technical capacity to the United Nations Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG), which facilitated Namibia’s smooth transition to nationhood in 1990.

    1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)

  19. The arms race and espionage, as well as competing alignments, seriously sapped the vital resources, time and energies of nations, creating more and more hotbeds of tension, thus militating against peaceful coexistence and mutually beneficial inter-State relations. Fortunately, a nuclear holocaust was averted. A third world war did not happen. But violence, distrust and military build-up characterized world affairs for a very long time. During this dangerous period the planet Earth teetered on the brink of a ghastly disaster. In the face of all this, men and women of peace, wisdom and compassion, from all corners of the Earth, kept raising voices of reason and appealing for sanity, disarmament and dialogue. Decolonization is perhaps the most laudable achievement of the United Nations.

    1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)

  20. With the hindsight of 50 years, we know that the United Nations was at the start, and remains today, more than a mere response to the horrors and circumstances of the Second World War and its tormenting legacies. It is a sacred trust of life itself and an indispensable vehicle for the preservation of civilization, in the interests of all nations and peoples. One of those tormenting legacies was the cold war. The hopes and expectations of millions the world over were held hostage for decades by the politics of confrontation and the division of the world into hostile military blocs and rival ideological camps. This resulted in the derailing of the purposes and objectives for which the United Nations stands.

    1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)

  21. The most important of all the commitments that the global community must fulfil is to use the collective political will and resources of the States Members the United Nations “to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom”. This is the soul of the Charter of the United Nations. Today, the world is united behind the promotion of democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law. Let me, however, hasten to add that the eradication of poverty on a sustainable basis, through the provision of adequate education, health care, employment and housing and the empowerment of women, needs to be placed at the top of the priority list of the United Nations and its specialized agencies, which have been playing a vital role in social and economic development.

    1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)

  22. Namibia therefore pays a well-deserved tribute to the Secretary-General for his tireless efforts in the service of the United Nations and for fresh initiatives to further advance peace and development in the world. Reviewing history and past achievements, on this occasion marking the fiftieth anniversary of the United 5 Nations, is necessarily in order. At the same time, however, balancing present challenges and opportunities requires leadership, vision, commitment and courage on the part of world leaders. Let us hope that this commemorative session will show the way forward and achieve the desired objectives.

    1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)

  23. In furtherance of these purposes and principles and their early realization, our illustrious Secretary-General, Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, has applied his mind and energy to the challenges of our times by formulating two seminal documents — “An Agenda for Peace” and “An Agenda for Development”. These timely and compelling initiatives call for international cooperation, as well as for the allocation of new and additional resources. Indeed, they also place domestic obligations on Governments and civil societies alike. Specifically, in the context of the fiftieth anniversary session of the General Assembly, the Secretary-General has submitted a comprehensive annual report, complete with focused recommendations for action on various fronts.

    1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)

  24. Sam Nujoma, for a big celebration, collective stock-taking, introspection and reflection, and for renewed commitment to action on the basis of a new vision for the future and rededication towards peace, development, gender equality, tolerance and brotherhood in this, our one global village. The cardinal purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, since its adoption in 1945, have been these: to save lives, to liberate all those everywhere still in bondage, to promote democratic ideals and values, to protect and defend human rights and civil liberties — codified subsequently in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights — and, above all, to protect succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which has wrought so much devastation and human suffering in the world in the course of this century.

    1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)

  25. Amara Essy, presided over the forty-ninth session of the General Assembly with great skill, wisdom and dedication. I commend him for a job well done and, in particular, for bringing excellence and industry to this important office, all aimed at partnership and development. In this context, Namibia will fully cooperate with the presidency of the General Assembly and the Secretary-General in pursuit of our common objectives that have been assigned to various open-ended working groups aimed at restructuring and strengthening the United Nations. This special commemorative session of the General Assembly will bring together a record number of world leaders including, naturally, the Head of State of the Republic of Namibia, Mr.

    1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)

  26. Mr. President, Namibia joins the preceding speakers in extending sincere congratulations and best wishes to you upon your unanimous election. This also goes for your esteemed General Committee, of which Namibia is a proud member. This historic session of the General Assembly — marking the golden jubilee of our Organization — coincides with the fifth anniversary of Namibia’s independence, brought about through a long and bitter struggle and the sacrifices of the Namibian people and, no less, in partnership with the United Nations, which played a crucial role in the process of our country’s decolonization. We are filled with immense joy and satisfaction over this happy coincidence. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Côte d’Ivoire, my good brother and colleague, His Excellency Mr.

    1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)

  27. In conclusion, I wish to reiterate my Government’s belief that the United Nations, as a unique international body, can live up to its lofty ideals of creating a peaceful, secure and just world for us and for generations to come. To this end, Namibia pledges its total commitment.

    1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)

  28. At the same time, we would like to urge everyone to ensure that the mandate and status of such a high-level international civil servant should be considered carefully and realistically. In order to meet the acute shortages of housing, the Government has embarked upon a programme to provide adequate housing to the Namibian people by the year 2000. In recognition of this national effort, Namibia was awarded the Habitat Scroll of Honour for 1993 for our National Housing Programme, called "Build Together". This award was received by my distinguished colleague, the Honourable Mrs. Libertine Amathila, Minister of Local and Regional Government and Housing, two days ago. I would like to echo the words of my colleague by thanking Habitat for this outstanding honour.

    1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)

  29. It is against this background that we in Namibia have taken measures to raise women’s awareness of their rights by translating this Convention into indigenous languages. In the same vein, we applaud the appointment of the Special Rapporteur to study the issue of violence against women. It is with this in mind that Namibia looks forward to the Fourth World Conference on Women, in anticipation that its decisions will further advance the cause of women in the world, especially in Africa. These are some of the many concerns on the social agenda of all nations. Thus to us, the appointment of a United Nations commissioner for human rights makes much sense, and we support the idea.

    1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)

  30. The 20/20 Vision programme we adopted at Dakar must be implemented if we are to achieve tangible results by the year 1995, when we shall review progress made since the 1990 World Summit, including in particular the fate and welfare of those children engulfed in war situations. The recent World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna has further exposed the unmitigated violence and other forms of injustice being perpetrated against women throughout the world. The Namibian Constitution contains specific provisions on protection of the rights of women and promotion of their welfare. Furthermore, Namibia is a party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

    1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)

  31. In Africa, problems of hunger, malnutrition, disease, and so on, continue to thwart the commitment we made last year at Dakar during the International Conference on Assistance for the African Child, to place children first. In furtherance of this commitment, and convinced that the problems of the Namibian children can be addressed only in a comprehensive manner, we have already integrated the National Programme of Action on children into the overall National Development Plan. This National Development Plan constitutes the basis for social and economic development in Namibia. In this context, primary health care, education, provision of water and rural development are among the priorities of our National Development Plan.

    1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)

  32. 22 General Assembly - Forty-eighth session To this end, and in line with the provisions of our Constitution, Namibia has launched a countrywide programme of tree planting to prevent further deforestation and degradation of the environment. Naturally, Namibia, like the other developing countries, is anxious to see generous financing and implementing of Agenda 21. Let me now turn to the socio-economic problems we are facing today. Despite the promise world leaders made to children at the World Summit for Children here in New York in 1990, education, health, water, shelter and food security remain inaccessible to millions of children in the developing world - and Namibia is no exception.

    1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)

  33. This will, at last, mark the completion of the decolonization of Namibia and the unification of our nation. I take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation to the Member States for their consistent support, over the years, of Security Council resolution 432 (1978) on Walvis Bay. I would also like to thank, in particular, the South African Multi-Party Negotiating Forum for adopting an important resolution which speeded up this process. The Rio Earth Summit marked an historic turning-point in the long struggle to increase international awareness about the true nature of the global environmental crisis. The Summit effectively moved a long way towards a better understanding of how future economic development is inextricably linked to sound policies aimed at promoting and protecting the environment.

    1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)

  34. In this context, Namibia associates itself with Security Council resolution 833 (1993) of 27 May 1993, dealing with the territorial integrity of Kuwait and inviolability of its borders. We reiterate our full support for the right of the people of Kuwait and its Government to defend their sovereignty and independence. Namibia is a small State, and we understand the predicament of small States. During the last session, I updated this august Assembly on the progress made in our bilateral negotiations with the Government of South Africa on the issue of the transfer and reintegration of Walvis Bay and the Offshore Islands into Namibia. Today, I am happy to report that the matter has finally been resolved. On 28 February 1994, the transfer and reintegration of Walvis Bay and the Offshore Islands into Namibia will take place.

    1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)

  35. Encouraged by the historic and momentous breakthrough in the Middle East and the positive developments in South Africa, and also taking into consideration the emerging climate in favour of rapprochement in inter-State relations, we believe that the time has now come for the leaders of the United States of America and the Republic of Cuba to travel the short distance of 90 miles to reconciliation and peaceful coexistence. We are convinced that this can be done in the interest of the children of the two countries, who, like those of South Africa, Israel and Palestine, hope for a peaceful and brighter future. Peace and stability in the Middle East are critically important not only to that region but also to the world as a whole.

    1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)

  36. Namibia welcomes the historic breakthrough represented by mutual recognition and the declaration of principles signed between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) on Palestinian self-rule in Gaza and the city of Jericho. Despite their long enmity, the leaders of the State of Israel and the PLO summoned the political courage to embrace peace. We can only hope that the historic handshake between Mr. Rabin, Prime Minister of Israel, and Mr. Arafat, Chairman of the PLO, will usher in a new era in that region. Granted, this is only a first step, but it constitutes a firm basis for building a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East. However, for this undertaking to succeed, the infusion of large-scale and sustained international financial and humanitarian assistance is required.

    1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)

  37. Nelson Mandela, to lift all remaining economic sanctions against South Africa. Namibia further supports the lifting of the oil embargo after the establishment and commencement of the work of the Transitional Executive Council, as well as the establishment or restoration of full diplomatic relations with South Africa, following the installation of an elected Interim Government of National Unity, pursuant to democratic elections next year. The Middle East, the cradle of some of the world’s major religions, has witnessed bloody conflicts for the greater part of this century and has been on the agenda of the United Nations since its inception.

    1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)

  38. For the first time in the history of that neighbouring country, all the people of South Africa will finally participate in a free and democratic election on 27 April next year. We would like, nevertheless, to urge all the people of South Africa to ensure that this process remains on course, and we call upon all the parties to participate in the work of the Transitional Executive Council. In the same vein, we call upon them, with the assistance of the international community, to put an immediate end to the ever-escalating violence. Violence and the ballot box do not go together. Namibia, along with the other members of the Ad Hoc Committee on Southern Africa of the Organization of African Unity, supports the call made by the President of the African National Congress, Mr.

    1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)

  39. Any precipitous withdrawal, however, would be to the detriment of innocent Somali people and is likely to reverse the whole process. This should not be allowed to happen. In Mozambique, we are encouraged to note that the cease-fire continues to hold and that the process appears to be moving forward. I can hardly overemphasize that it is absolutely imperative for elections to be conducted in an atmosphere of peace, trust and cooperation - and this means that the armed forces must first be confined to base and demobilized, in accordance with the General Peace Agreement agreed to last year by the two parties. Forty-eighth session - 6 October l993 21 Namibia welcomes with satisfaction the recent encouraging developments that have taken place in South Africa.

    1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)

  40. We believe also that if UNITA continues to flout Security Council resolutions, additional forms of punitive sanctions should be imposed. Concerning the situation in Somalia, Namibia supports the United Nations peace-keeping operation there. My delegation holds the view that disarming the various factions would allow the people of Somalia to build genuine bridges of reconciliation and bring about the restoration of a civil society. Under the present circumstances, and in spite of provocations by General Aidid’s faction, the United Nations Operation in Somalia should continue to carry out its mandate. Our hearts go out in sympathy to all those countries whose nationals, including innocent Somalis, have made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the United Nations and human brotherhood.

    1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)

  41. It is the view of the Namibian Government that the resumption of negotiations should lead to an early cease-fire, which will allow the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the suffering Angolan people, reconciliation and consolidation of the Government of National Unity. To this end, and in the face of Mr. Savimbi’s persistent intransigence, the Security Council had no other alternative but to impose sanctions against UNITA. Namibia, therefore, supports Security Council resolution 864 (1993) which, inter alia, calls for the prohibition of all sale or supply to UNITA of arms and related materiél and military assistance, as well as petroleum and petroleum products, and urges all Member States to implement these measures.

    1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)

  42. Savimbi’s rejection of last year’s election results was a major set-back. It has plunged that sister country further into a most horrible human tragedy. The horrendous carnage there continues to claim about 1,000 innocent lives a day. It is further reported that from 2 million to 3 million innocent Angolans are at risk of dying of either direct or indirect effects of this senseless war. The international community must exert concerted pressure on Mr. Savimbi to accept the will of the Angolan people without any further delay. What is now expected of Mr. Savimbi is the speedy implementation of the Bicesse Accords, the relevant Security Council resolutions, the Abidjan Protocol and last year’s election results, which, taken together, provide the framework for resuming negotiations with the Angolan Government.

    1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)

  43. In Cambodia, the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) accomplished its task satisfactorily. Namibia was happy to have contributed polling officers and a staffed contingent of reinforced vehicles, called wolves, to UNTAC. We did this because it was, after all, in Namibia that a United Nations peace-keeping operation scored its first large-scale victory. Namibia will favourably consider participation in future United Nations peace-keeping operations. Unfortunately, other peace-keeping operations have not as yet achieved the same positive results. It is our hope that the United Nations will continue to help resolve the conflicts in Somalia, Angola, Rwanda, Liberia, Mozambique, Haiti and Bosnia and Herzegovina, among others. With regard to Angola, Mr.

    1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)

  44. Now more than ever, much is expected of the United Nations in the area of conflict resolution. The Organization has a golden opportunity to ensure that those expectations which "We the peoples" set forth in the Charter, are met by further enhancing its effectiveness. It is an accepted fact that peace and stability are necessary, albeit not sufficient, conditions for economic development. Therefore, peace-keeping, peacemaking and peace-building should go hand in hand with economic development. For peace-keeping operations to be effective, Member States should pay promptly their assessed contributions to the regular budget and to peace-keeping operations. In this context, we support the establishment of the reserve fund aimed at improving the start-up financing of peace-keeping operations.

    1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)

  45. We in Namibia believe that now is the opportune moment to establish a new role and purpose for a conflict- resolution mechanism which is appropriate to the post-cold- war era and to the needs and aspirations of succeeding generations. The renewed commitment towards conflict resolution must be transformed into a realistic programme of action, relating to preventive diplomacy, peacemaking, 20 General Assembly - Forty-eighth session peace-keeping and peace-building. Humanity is yearning for a peaceful, just and prosperous world. On this score, Namibia envisages a meaningful partnership and enhanced cooperation between the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity in the field of conflict resolution and humanitarian relief operations in Africa.

    1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)

  46. Likewise, there is a compelling need for the restructuring of other organs, such as the General Assembly itself and the Economic and Social Council. The member States of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, working in close partnership with the Group of 77, should involve themselves fully in the ongoing discussions on the restructuring of these vital organs of the United Nations. Today we are witnessing a new phenomenon in international relations, characterized by a sense of consensus deriving from shared interests, in which the credibility and centrality of the United Nations in dealing with global conflicts has been greatly enhanced. Indeed, we have witnessed the Organization fulfilling its mandate in the area of the maintenance of international peace and security.

    1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)

  47. But if the Security Council is to be a credible organ of the United Nations, it must fulfil these expectations of a changing and demanding world. It is with this in mind that the "Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council" should be addressed. Changes towards a more representative Council would, no doubt, enhance its credibility, legitimacy and authority. Namibia supports the view that the membership of the Security Council should be increased and more permanent and non-permanent members added, taking into consideration equitable geographical representation. Africa itself needs an effective presence on the Council, as do Asia and Latin America. The outmoded and undemocratic veto power should be abolished altogether.

    1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)

  48. On the threshold of a new millennium, and as we are about to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations, it is an appropriate time to reflect and take stock. This is a period of great hope and confidence in the efficacy of the United Nations. New vision and foresight are thus called for; bold and imaginative decisions are required. At its forty-seventh session the General Assembly, in resolution 47/62, on the "Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council", recognized that in the changing global situation there was a need to reorganize, revitalize and democratize the Security Council. The end of the cold war has created new expectations that the Security Council will take on larger responsibilities and a greater role in the maintenance of international peace and security.

    1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)

  49. His sterling stewardship is already so effectively manifest that the successful conclusion of our deliberations is assured. I also wish to place on record our sincere appreciation to his predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Stoyan Ganev of Bulgaria, for the effective leadership he provided last session. Our illustrious Secretary-General, Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, has since his appointment been spearheading an effective and innovative global campaign aimed at streamlining and strengthening the role of the United Nations in peace-keeping operations and in economic and humanitarian issues. His "Agenda for Peace" has provided a useful framework for discussing these and other pressing issues relating to the maintenance of world peace and security. Namibia commends the Secretary-General for his tireless efforts.

    1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)

  50. The Government and people of Guyana spared no effort in manifesting, in word and deed, their unswerving support for and solidarity with the Namibian cause in different world forums. I know all this because I have spent many years at the United Nations and during this time I visited Georgetown, his nation’s capital, and other parts of Guyana on more than one occasion. The hospitality and camaraderie of his brotherly people always touched me very deeply. In his past and present incarnations in the service of his great country, he and I have collaborated on various issues of common interest. It is against this background of mutual friendship and solidarity, therefore, that I congratulate him most warmly on his brilliant election as President of this challenging session of the Assembly.

    1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)