YouSaid · the spoken record

Olusegun Obasanjo

lines on the record: 130
first: 1977-09-24
most recent: 2005-09-24
sittings or episodes: 6
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

“Finally, as Chairman of the African Union for the past year, I have had the privilege of working closely with brother African heads of State or Government in transforming the African Union into a truly potent and effective organization for the development of African peoples. Through our collective efforts, we have 14 brought hope and confidence to Africa. We do not, under any circumstances, intend to waver in this renewed commitment of repositioning Africa for peace, security, stability, growth, sustainable development and enduring democracy. I am optimistic that with the invaluable cooperation of the United Nations, our development partners and the international community with respect to the MDGs and other NEPAD initiatives, the African Union will successfully pursue the noble objectives enshrined in its Constitutive Act.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“As far as the proposal for the expansion of the Security Council is concerned, Nigeria has consistently supported, and as a member of the African Union Follow-up Mechanism remains faithful to, the implementation of the Ezulwini Consensus. We have done so without any second thought or national colourations with the sole aim of achieving the best for Africa in the obligatory negotiations with other regions and Members of the United Nations, whose support Africa must necessarily attract to achieve its fundamental requirement of increasing the number and quality of its membership on the Security Council.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“We strongly support the proposal for the establishment of a Peacebuilding Commission, since this will go a long way in filling a yawning gap in the consolidation of sustainable peace and security in post-conflict countries, particularly in Africa. We also support the proposed Human Rights Council. However, we do not believe that the mere exchange of the Commission on Human Rights for the proposed Council would address perceived deficiencies in the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, unless the proposed Council adopts a new culture of treating all cases of violation with a standard yardstick capable of attracting wide support and generating confidence.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“We urge the international community to adopt an effective, comprehensive, durable and development-oriented solution to the debt problem of developing countries, which has become for them a cog in the wheel of development, growth and progress. Since 1986, the HIV/AIDS epidemic has rapidly grown into a monster all over the world. In tackling the scourge, many African countries, including Nigeria, have adopted the multisectoral response strategy recommended by the United Nations. Nigeria has followed with great interest and participated actively in the various proposals on the reform of our Organization, the United Nations.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“The pivotal role of trade as a veritable engine for economic growth cannot be overstated. Access to markets of developed countries, withdrawal of agricultural subsidies as well as elimination of distorting tariffs are measures that should be addressed decisively by our industrialized development partners to enhance the ability of developing countries to benefit from trade. The successful completion of the Doha multilateral trade negotiations would be a litmus test of our resolve. I wish to recognize the statesmanship displayed by members of the Paris Club, which recently granted African countries, among others, debt cancellation and debt relief.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“We are, however, grateful for the renewed commitment of our development partners to redeem their ODA pledges, increase foreign direct investment, remodel trading architecture and provide better and effective technical and structural support to our efforts. We have also begun to emphasize well-managed and development- focused tourism as a veritable source of wealth and job creation and an effective contributor to several of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). We remain committed to providing the necessary conducive environment that will encourage investment and generate wealth and liberate our peoples from poverty. Our agricultural policies and practices are tailored to expansion capable of feeding our people, exporting some of the produce and providing raw materials for our industries.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“It was our concern regarding those challenges that compelled African leaders to commit themselves to the ideals of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), whose principal objective was to encourage good governance, democracy, the rule of law, security, stability and macro-economic reforms, among other things. Four years on, NEPAD has made some modest progress that reflects our determination to make Africa work for Africans in an interdependent world and towards the achievement of sustainable development. However, notwithstanding our efforts, poverty remains endemic in Africa. The dangerous correlation between grinding poverty and alienation from government as a veritable source of political instability on the continent leaves much to be desired.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“To that end, my country welcomes the adoption, on 13 April 2005, of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, and commits itself to work with others to mobilize the political will necessary to ensure the early entry into force of a comprehensive convention on terrorism. We also welcome the Security Council 13 resolution against the incitement of terrorism and terrorist acts. As we embark upon a review of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the challenges of hunger, poverty and disease continue to override our conscience as well as the conscience of the international community.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“What we need is a legally binding international instrument that will regulate, control and monitor the illicit trade in small arms, including their transfer to non-State actors. By pronouncing ourselves clearly and positively in that regard, Member States would send a message of their resolve not to encourage or condone the diversion of those weapons to illicit networks. Terrorism remains a great threat to peace and security at the local, national and international levels. It is inimical to the rule of law, human rights, democracy and freedom. It impedes sustainable development through the destabilization of States, particularly emerging democracies and nations in transition. Nigeria reaffirms its conviction that terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstance, and should therefore be combated in all its forms and manifestations.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Through that we can achieve the goal of the Charter of the United Nations of saving succeeding generations from the scourge of war and destruction. The availability and wide circulation of small arms and light weapons poses the greatest danger to peace and security, especially in our region. Those weapons have helped to prolong conflicts and to undermine stability, social peace and security. They have also wreaked devastation on the economies of affected States. Nigeria therefore welcomes the agreement of June 2005 on an international instrument that would enable States to identify and trace illicit small arms and light weapons in a timely and reliable manner. However, that is only a stop-gap measure.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“With the cooperation of all parties concerned and the active support of the international community, we are hopeful for an orderly return to normality and the restoration of peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Nigeria’s commitment to nuclear non- proliferation has never been in doubt. We have always supported the view that it should involve all States. Disarmament conventions merit the support of all States, small or large, nuclear or non-nuclear. My delegation regrets the failure of the 2005 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. We should not allow the relative stability in our world to lure us into the belief that the need for total disarmament no longer exists. Nor can we separate disarmament from non- proliferation.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“With regard to the Great Lakes region, we have taken note of the realistic decision of the two houses of Parliament in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to extend, for a period of six months, the transition period that expired on 30 June 2005, in accordance with the provisions of the Global and All Inclusive Agreement, signed in Pretoria in December 2002, and in line with article 196 of the transitional Constitution. The AU is determined to continue to work with the United Nations to facilitate the peaceful resolution of the conflict. In that connection, we reiterate the AU’s call to all parties to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to respect that decision. We hope that this will ensure that the elections provided for by the Agreement take place satisfactorily.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“He was encouraged by the leaders of Africa at the level of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the AU to voluntarily give up power and leave his country, in the interests of Liberia, West Africa and Africa, and of world peace and security. He was escorted to Nigeria by President Kuffor, who was the Chairman of ECOWAS at the time, and Presidents Mbeki and Chissano, who were, respectively, the outgoing and incoming Chairmen of the AU. We believe that the cause of peace in Liberia will be served if Charles Taylor stays away, or is kept away, from Liberia during the transition or early stages of nation-rebuilding in that country following the elections.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“The peace process in Liberia is in its most critical phase, and calls for the cooperation of all parties in the country. The AU is closely monitoring developments there. We are optimistic that the elections scheduled for next month will lead to a successful transition. In that connection, the use of propaganda to direct attention to issues unrelated to the conduct of the forthcoming presidential elections should be avoided and resisted. It is pertinent for me to repeat here what I said before on the issue of Charles Taylor, who was encouraged to leave Liberia in order to avoid a bloodbath.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“In particular, we welcome his intention to keep the security, political, humanitarian and human rights situation under close review. The AU is also pleased about the six-month extension of the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) and recognition of the need for a strong United Nations presence in the country after the withdrawal of UNAMSIL. We believe the presence of the United Nations system will foster confidence and guarantee stability during the critical months following its withdrawal. We call upon the international community to continue to extend assistance to the Government of Sierra Leone in its efforts to develop a credible, effective and sustainable police force, armed forces and 12 judiciary, as well as rebuild damaged infrastructure necessary to revamp economic and social activities.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“That is the situation now with regard to Mauritania. We are of course maintaining a constructive dialogue and recommending an expeditious return to democracy, including national reconciliation and the necessary reforms and legislation to move the country forward. We welcome the elections in Burundi and the Government resulting from that election, which is based on the newly agreed Constitution. We appreciate the role played by all the friends of Burundi who helped to make that happen. Like Togo and Guinea- Bissau, Burundi will need special assistance to be able to consolidate its reconciliation and democracy. We applaud the Secretary-General’s proposal contained in his recent report on the situation in Sierra Leone.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“We commend the evolving return to democracy, reconciliation, security and development in Togo, and we appreciate the efforts of the United Nations, the European Union (EU) and other development partners in this regard. The elections in Guinea-Bissau have come and gone. The reconciliation process that will precede the inauguration of the newly elected President has begun. Both Togo and Guinea-Bissau will need substantial support to build their economies, without which their situations could deteriorate. We call on the United Nations and its institutions, along with the European Union and other development partners, to help. The AU stands resolutely by its policy of not accepting to include among its members any Government that emanates from outside a Constitution and democratic processes.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“In the West African subregion, the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have continued to remain fully engaged with efforts to find a lasting solution to the crisis in Côte d’Ivoire. In this connection, we acknowledge the valuable support of the United Nations to the peace process. We appreciate the efforts deployed by President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa to mediate in Côte d’Ivoire on behalf of the AU. In view of President Mbeki’s report of 30 August 2005 and the recent declaration that the elections scheduled for October may not take place, it would be necessary for ECOWAS, and then the AU, to revisit the situation in Côte d’Ivoire. We will do so in full consultation with the Secretary-General and the Security Council of the United Nations.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Similarly, it is equally important to maintain and sustain the current level of peace between northern and southern Sudan. In this connection, I salute the courage of the late Mr. John Garang in leading the southern Sudanese people into reaching an accord with the Government of the Sudan. We regret the death of Mr. John Garang and extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family and to the Government and people of the Sudan. The situation in Somalia continues to give hope to the ability of the contending parties to resolve their differences in the higher interest of their beloved country. The African Union will continue to play an active role in this regard, together with the IGAD and countries in the region to help Somalis realize their dream of a united and peaceful country.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“However, with the combined efforts of the United Nations, the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), we have managed to usher in an era of hope in that country. A Comprehensive Peace Agreement has been signed and implemented on the long-drawn north-south conflict, and the fifth round of inter-Sudanese peace talks on Darfur resumed in Abuja in June 2005 and is currently in progress. I take this opportunity to once again appeal to the parties to shed their hard-line approach to negotiation and adopt a policy of give-and-take in the interest of posterity. The international community has demonstrated tremendous goodwill in facilitating the peace process in Darfur, and this must be sustained by the parties.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“In this regard, Nigeria is firmly anchored in its belief, commitment to and support for the strengthening of the United Nations and the protection of its ideals, in particular, the maintenance of international peace and security, prevention and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms and promotion of international cooperation in solving international economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems. There remains so much to do in these areas that only a rejuvenated United Nations can optimally respond to the challenges. 11 Last year, the situation in the Sudan, including the Darfur region, was a cause of serious concern to Africa and indeed to the international community.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Besides pursuing the reform process, launched by the report of the Secretary-General’s High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change, entitled “A more secure world: our shared responsibility” (A/59/565), and the Secretary-General’s own report entitled “In larger freedom” (A/59/2005), the session will also mark the tenth year of implementation of the Declaration and Platform for Action of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the Declaration and Programme of Action of the World Summit for Social Development, held in Beijing and Copenhagen, respectively. I have no doubt, Sir, that, with your vast experience in diplomacy and statecraft, you will pilot the session to a successful conclusion. The United Nations continues to play a pivotal role in the lives of all people with its vast network of activities.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“I would also like to express appreciation to your predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Jean Ping of the Republic of Gabon, for his leadership and dedication. I commend the Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Kofi Annan, for his tenacity and leadership qualities, which sustain the role of the United Nations and underlie the current reform process of the United Nations system. You, Sir, have assumed the presidency of the sixtieth session at a time when the United Nations is witnessing epoch-making historic events. The session has in the last three days taken the assessment and review of the five-year implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Nigeria, and in my capacity as the current Chairman of the African Union (AU), I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to you, Sir, and your country, Sweden, on your election as President of the sixtieth session of the General Assembly. I should also commend you for the leadership you provided at the High-level Plenary Meeting over the past three days. The theme you have chosen for this year’s general debate — “For a stronger and more effective United Nations: the follow-up and implementation of the High-level Plenary Meeting in September 2005” — is indeed most appropriate and timely, as it encapsulates our common desire for a renewed and invigorated Organization. I assure you of the full support and cooperation of the Nigerian delegation.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Africa, whose issues occupy a substantial part of the Security Council’s time, ought to be accorded priority consideration for permanent membership, and Nigeria, I strongly believe, is a well-qualified candidate.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Last year, the Secretary-General launched a United Nations reform initiative that we all warmly commended. In pursuit of that initiative, the Secretary- General appointed last year a high-level Panel of Eminent Personalities to examine ways of strengthening the United Nations through institutional reforms and processes. We are looking forward to the report of the Panel. Nigeria — and indeed the rest of Africa — holds the view that the Security Council should be expanded in its permanent and non-permanent categories to make it more representative, more effective and more acceptable. We hope that those regions of the world that are not currently represented in the permanent membership category will be given membership.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“In that connection, we welcome the outcome of the recent International Conference on HIV/AIDS in Bangkok, Thailand. We thank the United Nations agencies and all stakeholders for their collective efforts to stem the spread of the disease worldwide. With regard to other deadly preventable diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis, polio and whooping cough, my Government has stepped up its efforts. In a few days, on 2 October 2004, my Government will once again embark on a polio immunization programme, in coordination with six African States — Chad, the Sudan, Cameroon, Niger, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire — to ensure maximum effectiveness. These are countries where polio has been reported fairly recently. Significantly and symbolically, the programme’s launch, with all my brothers and colleagues present, will take place in Kano.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“This cannot be otherwise if the Millennium Development Goals are to be achieved and the benefits of expanding trade are to be enjoyed by all peoples and societies. By launching a new initiative to commence a new round of multilateral trade negotiations, developing countries have issued a challenge to our development partners to exploit global opportunities for growth and development. We hope they will respond. Africa remains committed to the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic, malaria, tuberculosis and related diseases. Since the last series of high-level plenary meetings on implementation of the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS, we have taken bold steps to deal with the pandemic. Towards that end, we in Nigeria have established a national scientific institute for research on HIV/AIDS and intensified public awareness programmes.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Africa requires a genuine partnership anchored on the principle of mutual benefits to ensure the attainment of sustainable development. One area of partnership concerns Africa’s external debts. The negative impact of debt on the economic situation of African countries, particularly the least developed countries, can no longer be denied. We remain convinced that comprehensively resolving the lingering debt crisis through innovative action would brighten the prospects of development in Africa. Africa welcomes the consensus that emerged from the recent meeting of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in São Paulo, Brazil. That consensus reflects a shared conviction that the Organization can continue to coordinate our views on trade and development matters.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“To further our efforts at self-help, the heads of State and Government of the African Union held the Extraordinary Summit on Employment and Poverty Alleviation in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, from 5 to 9 September 2004. We adopted a far-reaching declaration and programme of action. We also adopted mechanisms for implementation and monitoring at the national, regional and continental levels. What may act as an obstacle to implementation in this most important area for lifting the African population out of poverty and misery is the inevitable issue of having adequate resources for meeting our otherwise realistic goals. On behalf of the African Union, I appeal to our partners to act once again in the interest of our shared, common global interdependence and common humanity.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“To demonstrate our commitment to the principles of good governance, transparency and the rule of law, 23 African countries have already subscribed to the African Peer Review Mechanism. It should be recalled that the Mechanism represents 12 Africa’s voluntary commitment to a set of performance codes and standards to foster best practices and share lessons in the management of national affairs. The promotion of agriculture is being vigorously pursued both for its export potential and for poverty alleviation. Encouraging growth rates in agricultural production are already being recorded in several African countries. Simultaneously, we are intensifying our efforts in the promotion of agro-based industries.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“67) The report also concludes that “The development partners of Africa can give further practical expression to their support for the efforts of African countries by taking action in three important areas: first, by creating an enabling international environment that is supportive of growth and development in Africa; second, by bringing much needed coherence to trade, aid and debt policies, so that African countries are the net beneficiaries of international actions in those areas; and third, by undertaking concrete measures to accelerate the implementation of NEPAD by making significant financial outlays to fund the key sectoral priorities of NEPAD.” (ibid., para. 68) I believe that the message to our development partners is very clear.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“In that context, we appreciate the conclusion in the Secretary-General’s second consolidated report on progress in implementation and international support for NEPAD that “African countries have demonstrated their commitment to advancing the implementation of NEPAD by earmarking financial allocations to selected sectoral priorities.” (A/59/206, para.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Yet by now, the alarm is being raised that, if present trends continue, that target may not be met, particularly in Africa, which aside from the challenges of development, is also being ravaged by pandemic diseases. Speaking on behalf of the African Union as its current Chairperson, I should like to assure the General Assembly that we Africans are determined to exert all our efforts to overcome those obstacles to development that are within our control. To that end, we are pursuing, with the personal commitment and involvement of our heads of State and Government themselves, the implementation of the priorities set out in our flagship programme, the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Let me take this opportunity to soundly condemn the totally unacceptable role of mercenaries and their sponsors in Africa. The recent attempted invasion of Equatorial Guinea and other such attempts go against every imaginable rational effort at promoting stability and democracy on the continent. We call on the United Nations to join the African Union in sending the right signals of condemnation to those mercenaries and their sponsors. Our quest for global peace and security will prove unsuccessful unless we intensify international cooperation for development and the reduction of poverty. Just four years ago, we adopted the Millennium Development Goals, which pointedly fixed the target of reducing by half the number of those living in poverty by 2015.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“While the United Nations is justifiably seized of the issue of weapons of mass destruction — such as nuclear, chemical and biological weapons — the question of small arms and light weapons can no longer be ignored. While the threat of weapons of mass destruction is awesome, small arms and light weapons are killing people every day at a rate that, cumulatively, amounts to monumental destruction. Nigeria and the African Union welcome the commencement of negotiations on a legally binding international instrument to enable States to identify and trace illicit small arms and light weapons globally. Of particular interest to Africa is the enormous potential that such a legally binding instrument can have on peace and security in our region. We should therefore not relent in our efforts.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“In the margins of the Accra summit, we also addressed problems that were retarding the implementation of the Liberian Comprehensive Peace Agreement. In discussions with all the Liberian leaders, we agreed decisions on the main issues, and we have since witnessed encouraging signs that those decisions are being implemented. Here, I should like to remark once again that the delay in providing the resources promised by countries during the Liberian pledging conference held at United Nations Headquarters in February 2004 constitutes an avoidable hindrance to the advancement of peace in Liberia. I therefore call on all our well-meaning partners who were kind enough to make pledges to kindly redeem them.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“With regard to the West African subregion, the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are continuing their efforts, with the constant support of the United Nations, to ensure steady progress in the peace processes in Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia. To that end, and in order to address the standstill in the implementation of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement on Côte d’Ivoire, an extraordinary summit was held under ECOWAS auspices in Accra, Ghana, on 29 July 2004. The 11 meeting benefited from the presence of Secretary- General Kofi Annan and some non-ECOWAS African heads of State. If the agreements reached at that summit are faithfully implemented, an end to the conflict should be in sight.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The Great Lakes region remains a flash point of violence, as exemplified by the recent massacre of more than 150 persons in a refugee camp in Burundi. On 25 June 2004, President Kabila of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and President Kagame of Rwanda met in Abuja at my invitation and agreed to activate the Joint Verification Mechanism. Thereafter, with the participation of the Secretary-General, a meeting of all stakeholders was held during the third African Union Summit, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 6 to 8 July 2004, in order to accelerate the activation of the Joint Verification Mechanism. I am hopeful that this renewed process will facilitate a better understanding of how to stem the spate of massacres and engender a peaceful resolution of the protracted crisis in the Great Lakes region.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“A follow-up meeting is expected to be convened in Abuja around 21 October 2004 on the other issues: political and economic and social issues. I am closely following the developments, in consultation with the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union and others, and I now call upon the international community to continue to lend us its support in resolving the Darfur conflict and its consequences. It is cheering to note the progress being made in Somalia, particularly in constituting the Parliament. The efforts of the regional countries, which are demonstrating unprecedented collaboration in helping the Somalis to move the process forward, should be applauded. The Somalis themselves must continue to demonstrate their commitment to repair past errors and to make their country a respectable member of the AU and the United Nations.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“On behalf of the AU, I want to thank the international community for the humanitarian intervention being undertaken. As is well known, the AU has deployed troops to the region to monitor a ceasefire between the Government of the Sudan and the opposing movements — the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army and the Justice and Equality Movement. Moreover, the first substantive peace talks took place under the auspices of the AU in the Nigerian capital of Abuja from 23 August to 18 September 2004. At that meeting, the Sudanese parties reached agreement on the first of the four points on the agenda, namely, humanitarian issues. They also made progress on the second point, security issues, before adjourning for consultations.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Nevertheless, we believe that some improvements are still necessary to enable United Nations peace operations to address the social and economic challenges that inevitably confront countries emerging from conflict. Those socio- economic issues invariably form an important part of the original causes of the conflict. We also appeal for continued enhancement of the capacity of regional organizations to undertake initiatives on crisis resolution in their respective regions. For its part, the African Union has worked to improve its Mechanism for Conflict Resolution, and in May this year established a Peace and Security Council. The first challenge the AU Peace and Security Council has faced has been the situation in the Darfur region of western Sudan, which aroused world attention because of the reported carnage there.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Nigeria remains unshakeable in its commitment to and support for the strengthening of the United Nations and the protection of its cherished ideals, in particular the maintenance of international peace and security and cooperation among States to resolve international economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems. The problem posed by the unremitting conflicts in various regions of the world and the increasingly difficult task of finding solutions to them continue to pose serious challenges to the world body. Nigeria and the African Union (AU) commend the United Nations for its determined engagement in crisis resolution and peacekeeping, particularly in Africa. We have noted with appreciation the changes in the concept of peacekeeping.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, and in my capacity as the current Chairman of the African Union (AU), I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to you, Mr. President, on your election as President of the fifty-ninth session of the General Assembly. I assure you of the support and cooperation of Africa, of which 10 you are an illustrious son. I would also like to express appreciation to your predecessor, His Excellency The Right Honourable Julian R. Hunte, Minister for External Affairs of Saint Lucia, for the dedication and skill with which he presided over the affairs of the fifty-eighth session. I commend Secretary-General Kofi Annan for his effective leadership and for his efforts to maintain the status of the United Nations in the face of enormous global challenges.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Let us therefore undertake the necessary reforms in order to make our Organization work for all of us so that we 21 can deal effectively and adequately with the pressing issues of the twenty-first century.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“That point is now becoming evident in the context of the current situation of Iraq. Whatever the circumstances in which the Iraqi war occurred, the role played by the United Nations will be decisive in resolving the present impasse. Our Organization has now established itself in the post-conflict pacification of States. We can use that vast United Nations experience to our advantage in managing the current post-conflict situation in Iraq. We now have the possibility of an independent democratic Iraq, and we must not waste this opportunity. One obvious point of disagreement relates to the issue of decision-making, both prior to and after the Iraqi war. This may be symptomatic of the deficiencies — to which I alluded — that are not conducive to the well-being of our Organization.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“The changes that are being made in the Council’s working methods to make it more open to non-members are appreciated; however, these are no more than marginal. I wish again to reiterate Nigeria’s long held conviction that what is required is a more fundamental reform that would democratize the Security Council and thus reposition it to enable it to respond to issues of international peace and security in a more comprehensive, objective and effective manner. The overwhelming membership of our Organization demands no less in the interest of its continued relevance. We cannot preach and endeavour to practise participation and inclusiveness at the national level while denying it at the global level of the United Nations, and expect that all will be well. Yet we have no substitute for this universal Organization.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“We call on the parties to halt the new cycle of violence — a cycle from which neither side stands to gain. We believe that any violation of the terms of the peace plan by either side does a great disservice to the Palestinians, as well as to the Israelis. We therefore appeal to both sides to demonstrate their full commitment to the implementation of the plan so as to create conditions for the peaceful coexistence of a Palestinian State, side by side with the State of Israel. In conclusion, I would like to comment briefly on the issue of the reform of our Organization so as to make it more responsive to contemporary global needs and challenges. Nigeria has noted with dismay that obstacles continue to be placed in the way of the adoption of any of the constructive proposals for the reform of the Security Council.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Several instances of terrorist attacks continue to surface in different parts of the world, involving the loss of innocent lives and vast destruction of properties. Nigeria reiterates its condemnation of terrorism in all its manifestations, and joins other Member States in the global determination to combat this veritable threat to national and international security. We support the work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, and reaffirm our conviction that a comprehensive convention on international terrorism will constitute an important instrument for the protection of the individual and collective rights to life. The situation in the Middle East, which we had hoped would improve with the adoption of the road map for a peaceful settlement of the conflict, has again deteriorated.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Let me urge all countries that have not yet made pledges to the Global Fund to do so urgently. Those that have made pledges should kindly redeem them early. I wish to acknowledge with gratitude, the efforts so far deployed by the international community on the pandemic, and to thank Secretary-General Kofi Annan for convening yesterday the high-level plenary meeting devoted to HIV/AIDS. However, a lot still needs to be done in a more concerted way to address all aspects of the problem, including the issue of more international funding and access to affordable drugs. These actions must be taken urgently if the Millennium Development Goal of halting and reversing the spread of this dreaded disease by 2015 is to be achieved. The issue of terrorism has been of great preoccupation to our Organization in the past few years.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)