YouSaid · the spoken record

Tommy Remengesau, Jr.

lines on the record: 24
first: 1999-09-24
most recent: 2001-09-24
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

“Delay on either matter is unacceptable and will only further compromise our well-being. For perhaps the first time in its glorious history, the phrase “United Nations” literally describes this Organization. While we remain shocked, saddened and deeply offended by the events giving rise to the new unity, we must acknowledge and nurture whatever good those events can be turned to. We now have the ability to see the clear advantages of close cooperation on matters which affect us all. Let us use the knowledge, that wisdom gained from pain, and forge even stronger, institutional reliance on cooperation, consensus and coalition-building across the widest possible constituency as we go forward in this new global system.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“These attacks, infinitely less dramatic than those of 11 September, are nonetheless equally systemic in nature and equally threatening to us all. It is time to apply the same new understanding of global dynamics, so forcefully driven home on 11 September, to our environment. We applaud and are very much encouraged by the developments of the recently concluded seventh session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Morocco. To that end, I want to repeat my oft-stated call for all nations to finalize negotiations on, sign, ratify and implement the Kyoto Protocol as soon as possible. Just as we must now directly confront the effects of transnational acts of terror, we must now directly confront the environmental consequences of our own actions.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Finally, if it can be said that any good came from the abominations of 11 September, it would be this: countries of the world that gave little thought to engagement and cooperation in a larger, global system are now fully engaged and working side by side with countries to which they were formerly antagonistic or to which they gave only passing thought, at best. This 3 new perspective can and should be applied to respond to another global attack, one that is even more basic than terrorism and will remain a threat to humanity after the criminals of 11 September are brought to justice. This threat arises from the attack on our own ecosystem through desertification, through the reduction in global biodiversity and through global warming and sea-level rise, all resulting from human activities.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Moreover, it is equally important in this new globalization and world order that the most important organ of the United Nations, the Security Council, be reorganized and restructured to reflect true representation of this Organization. While we commend and applaud the five permanent members of the Security Council for their efforts and contributions to world peace and security, the time has come for this body to consider the inclusion of several Member States as permanent members of the Security Council. Japan, among few others, has certainly reached the level and capacity to be one of the permanent members of the Security Council. In this respect, we applaud the recent decision of the Japanese Government to send support forces to the United States-led coalition war against international terrorism.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“It is time to change that; to deal more fully with the Pacific island countries as such, rather than as an afterthought tagged onto Asia. Resolutions have been put forward which could correct the erroneous exclusion of the Republic of China on Taiwan, pave the way to providing a properly expanded role for the Pacific island countries as such, and produce greater cooperation and broader support in all the key works of the United Nations. Now is the time for the membership to adopt those resolutions in recognition of the need for full participation of all peoples in the global events unfolding now and sure to develop in the foreseeable future.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Similarly, it makes no sense, in this new global system, to ignore an entire bloc of nations because of perceptions left over from an earlier, colonial-era world. Yet the Pacific island countries are still being marginalized in the various United Nations bodies and processes. It is time to recognize that the Pacific island countries are unique entities, island countries with distinct traditions, cultures, needs, interests and concerns and are not merely the leftovers of colonialism. It is time to recognize that they are among the youngest nations of the world, with special requirements for assistance in assuming their proper place in the global arena. Those needs, interests and concerns are often overlooked against the larger backdrop of the Asia-Pacific Group in the United Nations.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Not only is the exclusion of Taiwan contrary to the fundamental, inclusive principles of the United Nations, but on a more pragmatic level it compromises security in Asia and the Pacific. Lacking a neutral forum for the non-violent, diplomatic resolution of any disputes it might have with the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of China on Taiwan is at a great disadvantage in maintaining stable and peaceful relations in the region. It is simply counterproductive, from either a practical or a political viewpoint, to exclude from this body a peaceful, democratically governed, economically vibrant nation which embraces human rights and plays a major role in other international organizations.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“As I have said, in this new spirit of cooperation, the process of decision-making and the implementation of those decisions must be as open and participatory as possible. This is especially true in the light of the need to weave together military, financial, law enforcement, trade, intelligence-gathering and foreign aid issues. In these troubled times, it simply makes no sense to isolate a proven ally in the fight against terrorism. Yet that is what is happening. The Republic of China on Taiwan, which could and should be a very valuable asset in these and other cooperative actions, is significantly restricted in the role it can play because it has been barred from membership in this body. In fact, it is the only nation in the world which has no voice in this Organization.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“It is the only feature of globalization that Pacific island countries such as Palau can see as being truly and inherently positive — a feature that the Pacific island countries have recognized among themselves for decades. That feature is the acknowledgement that, ultimately, there is only one system in which we exist, and the related understanding that any act or condition within that system affects each of us, although in varying ways and degrees. In such a system, problems are best addressed through coalition-building and a consensus-driven approach, a process of give and take, involving the widest possible range of participants. We see proof of this as the world continues to cooperate in responding to the 11 September attacks against humanity.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“We are united in our recognition that, for all their claims to holiness, those responsible for these criminal acts of terror bear no legitimate claim to any civilized religion and certainly do not represent the noble and honourable beliefs of Islam. We are united in our understanding that the peoples of Afghanistan are also victims of the corruption and ill-fated control of their Government by these criminals and their supporters, as well as in our desire to assist in improving the quality of life of the people of Afghanistan. In all these things and more, we are united to a degree that would have been unthinkable before 11 September. 2 This new spirit of cooperation reflects the most positive feature of globalization — the feature which pro-globalization factions do not often put forward and anti-globalization forces never consider.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“We are united in our sorrow over the losses arising from 11 September — the loss of lives, the loss of friends and loved ones, the loss of livelihoods and the loss of innocence, for want of a better word. We are united in our condemnation of the horrific acts perpetrated by an isolated group of extremists who have no respect for human life. We are united in our resolve that those responsible for the atrocities of 11 September, and those who support them, are a cancer in the body of nations — a systemic blight which extends beyond the individual perpetrators and which must be utterly eradicated, lest it return and spread. At the same time, we are united in our conviction that their evil cannot be allowed to force us to abandon respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law, which are fundamental principles of this Organization.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Let me begin by conveying my deepest sympathy and condolences to the families and relatives of the victims of American Airlines flight 587, which crashed in this great city two days ago, exactly two months and one day after the 11 September terrorist attack. The people of New York are once again being put to the test, and once again they will come out of this tragedy more resolved and determined, under the leadership of Mayor Giuliani and Governor Pataki. While we pray for the victims and their families, let us also pray that the crash, as tragic as it was, will prove to be an accident and not an act of terrorism. In the wake of an unfathomable, barbarous act of terror against a civilian population made up of citizens from nations around the globe, we gather together in unprecedented unity.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“If we can all come to terms with the intent of the Kyoto mechanisms and develop a fair and realistic approach to their use, there will be no sufficient reason why we cannot enter the new millennium with positive remedies to the issue of climate change. Maybe we can even enter the new millennium with a breath of fresh air. As we travel towards the new millennium, let us move forward with the tools that we have developed as an international family, so that the benefits, although they may go unseen in our generation, may be fully appreciated by our children and their children. These initiatives shall be our imprint, our assurance of a healthier environment for generations to come.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Entering into relevant agreements and conventions which target international response to environmental issues is another responsibility that our Republic has to its people and this world community. It is one that we are fulfilling as time goes on, being a signatory and party to eight international agreements, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Republic of Palau views climate change as being in the forefront of issues that need to be addressed, and that can only be effectively addressed if all Member States meaningfully contribute on the basis of common but differentiated responsibilities. The use of the Kyoto mechanisms is an integral component of a global solution to the issue of climate change. Therefore, it is critical that no artificial restrictions be placed on the use of these mechanisms.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We have established a national policy, the National Energy Goal, to subsidize renewable energy programmes, and have audited all Government facilities for energy efficiency. At our national hospital we replaced standard incandescent lights with energy efficient compact fluorescent lamps. Solar panels provide lights for our outer islands and isolated villages. Solar beacons light our reef channels. Our national energy programme and public utility corporation are in partnership with the Million Solar Rooftops initiative to educate the public about renewable energy applications. Let us start off the new century with a dynamic move away from fossil fuels and towards a commitment to environment friendly energy alternatives.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We are taking steps necessary to ensure that our forests and reefs are available for future generations. The Republic of Palau has incorporated the grave issues of climate change and rises in sea level into long- term strategic planning. Instruments for accession to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol are in transmission, and we humbly request international assistance to develop a comprehensive vulnerability index that encompasses economic and environmental factors like climate change. We enthusiastically support efforts to adjust energy prices to accurately reflect the environmental 2 consequences of fossil fuel use. Alongside climate change, energy conservation is critical to Palau's economy and the environment.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The Republic of Palau recognizes the link between climate change and biodiversity, and is committed to preserving our biodiversity. Protecting our forests is one of the most effective mechanisms to slow climate change. Forests, as we know, are carbon sinks, which absorb carbon dioxide rather than releasing it as a harmful greenhouse gas. Because of this, the destruction of forest has a dramatic impact on climate change. The Republic of Palau has taken responsibility for its forests through the National Forest Act and Mangrove Management Plan. Progress is being made on national regulations requiring protective vegetative zones along our wetland and coastal areas. The Republic of Palau sponsors a summer tree planting programme for our children in order to teach our youth the importance of our natural resources.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Palau and our Pacific region are also suffering from unusually high rises in tide tables, causing our farmlands to be infiltrated with salt water that eventually will have dire effects on our crops. This high sea level rise has literally caused islands to disappear, and others are in imminent danger of disappearing. Abnormally warm ocean temperatures have also caused extensive coral bleaching, and rising atmospheric temperatures devastate agriculture. According to the 1999-2000 World Development Report, a 1 metre sea level rise due to climate change would force about 70 million people to move, and would have a dramatic effect on food security in central Asia and the Pacific. Many other examples exist, I am sure. These few examples, and examples in other countries, beg for global cooperation on climate change.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“To expand on just a few examples, the El Niño phenomenon, which impacted many communities throughout the globe, had far- reaching and devastating effects in Palau as well. At least one third of all our hard coral communities died. Our reefs are home to over 500 species of corals and 1,500 species of fish, and are vibrant with marine life. The loss of our coral communities effects our entire ecosystem and eventually our people and their economic livelihoods. The El Niño phenomenon also caused extreme drought that dried up our main water reservoir and destroyed over 1,400 patches of our most important root crop, taro, which of course added another burden to our daily lives.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“When there are easterly winds, the sky is not so telling before the rain. As the rain commences, one may think it is just a light shower. However, it actually comes in a downpour. In the old days our raincoat was simply several leaves sewn together and put over our heads. So we would get soaked through and through during this downpour. The message is: do not underestimate the easterly winds, or you will get deluged with water. That is our message from yesterday, and it is our message today: do not take climate change lightly, or there will be dire consequences. Climate change for small island nations such as the Republic of Palau has great consequences because of our fragile ecosystem.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The existence of the Earth in the next millennium may, however, be in great jeopardy if the environment and nature's forces can no longer support the human population. Global warming or climate change may merit the upmost attention and our concerted effort. I call upon every Member State, large and small, developed and developing, rich and poor, to work cooperatively to find meaningful solutions and preventive actions for this growing international problem and challenge. I am confident that through sharing information on climate change we can learn from one another and take the necessary steps to meet this very dangerous global problem. Let me share a Palauan proverb with the Assembly, one that foreshadows climate change. In Palau the winds are mainly from the east or from the west.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Before I proceed, let me take this rare opportunity to welcome three of our regional neighbours — the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru and the Kingdom of Tonga — and to congratulate them on joining this important Organization. Palau also expresses its appreciation and support for the efforts of the Security Council in promoting peace, security and the protection of human rights and democracy throughout the world, and especially in troubled areas in need of United Nations intervention. Today we have less than 100 days left before entering the new millennium — 97 days to be exact. There are indeed many global issues and problems that certainly deserve our attention.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Since attaining membership of the United Nations in 1994, the Republic of Palau has benefitted greatly from a variety of United Nations-sponsored programmes and from international cooperation, which have helped us play our role in promoting peace and democracy in our region. This year, on 1 October, we proudly celebrate the fifth anniversary of our independence, which came about as a result of a unique and very successful political treaty with the United States of America under the Compact of Free Association. Diplomatic relations and economic cooperation with a growing number of members of this body assure stability and promise great economic potential for the future.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Let me first congratulate you, Sir, on your unanimous election as President of the General Assembly at its fifty-fourth session. We likewise extend our appreciation to Mr. Didier Opertti, the President of the Assembly at its fifty-third session. We wish also to convey our appreciation and thanks to His Excellency Mr. Kofi Annan for his leadership in promoting the objectives and the mission of the United Nations. I wish to convey the warm greetings of President Kuniwo Nakamura, the entire leadership and the people of the Republic of Palau to the Assembly on the occasion of the fifty-fourth session. On behalf of the Government and the people of Palau, I extend our sincere appreciation to the members of this body for their assistance.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)