YouSaid · the spoken record

Wladzimierz Cimoszewicz

lines on the record: 28
first: 2001-09-24
most recent: 2002-09-24
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

“Our soldiers are now deployed in Afghanistan, alongside their colleagues from other countries, and are doing their utmost to strengthen security there and to help raise the country from the rubble and ruin inflicted upon it by two decades of war and internal strife. For us that is natural, but we cannot avoid asking ourselves the question of whether we are any closer today to fulfilling the ideals towards which we set sail half a century ago. We now have another chance to revitalize solidarity and work together for values that are priceless both to us and to generations to come. Let us all create an axis of good that will bring back the proper meaning to the term we are so proud of, the United Nations.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“The enactment of the Statute of the International Criminal Court is one such achievement. It turns a new page in both international relations and international law. It is Poland's desire for the treaty establishing the Court to become one of the most universal documents of its kind. We trust that the existing divergences between respective stands and views can be resolved through dialogue and compromise, according to international law. We have to act so as not to disappoint the hopes and expectations that the international community has placed in the Court. A year ago, the whole world joined together in an unprecedented demonstration of solidarity. Today we are more aware of the source and the character of the threat. We are also more capable of dealing with it. Poland has joined the ongoing anti-terrorist operation.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“I dare say that no country, group of countries or regional agencies meeting the Organization's criteria would be capable of taking up the totality of problems such an undertaking would have to address. Subject to appropriate consultations involving the membership of the Organization and the Secretary-General, we might wish to establish a “group of sages” made up of outstanding personalities. The group would draft an appropriate document that would then be reviewed and approved by Member States. That document should be politically binding in nature, which would make it complementary to the legal grounding contained in the Charter and provide a platform for the United Nations actions over the coming decades. We should think about the future and work on its foundations, but without losing sight of present-day achievements.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Moreover, existing United Nations principles must be expanded, or new ones developed, in order for the Organization to pursue its actions along the following three dimensions, namely, in manifestations 22 of multilateralism in the work of the United Nations while reconciling broad representation and collectivism with effectiveness; in the subsidiarity of the Organization's work to better utilize the means and resources available to Member States, specifically with regard to United Nations regional arrangements; and, finally, in getting non-governmental entities, including private capital, involved in United Nations work in a way that will not detract from the democratic nature of the Organization nor erode its governmental character and efficiency while increasing its resources and effectiveness.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Then there is acute poverty, which is evident in many parts of the world; chronic underdevelopment; pandemic disease; lack of education and medical care; and deepening differences in living conditions and developmental standards. All of these are unacceptable politically and morally. Human rights, the rule of law, democracy, good governance and civil society make up the third group of problems that I have been thinking about. The fourth group is made up of themes related to sustainable development. The focus on the protection of the human habitat, which is indispensable to the survival of the human race, and on the common heritage of mankind.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“A document that could be considered as a new act for the United Nations at the dawn of the twenty-first century could give fresh impetus to the principles, organs and mechanisms of the United Nations and make them more responsive to the needs and challenges that today dominate the life of the international community. Let me point out four groups of problems that should be tackled, starting with new threats to security. The Charter makes reference to threats traditionally raised by States. The Charter's provisions concerning the Security Council and its composition and instruments, as well as the other Chapters dealing with security, are now insufficient. That fact is borne out by the numerous developments of recent years, including the attack of 11 September and its consequences.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Some of the Charter's provisions and organs have completed the tasks assigned to them and are now redundant. But the Organization does need new mechanisms to run peacekeeping operations. It is impossible to comprehend why we still keep in place clauses on “enemy States” while the United Nations has no regulations to properly address the problems related to its humanitarian interventions. There is a general acceptance of the need for clear lines to be drawn to mark new areas of responsibility for a number of important United Nations organs. The values, purposes and principles of the United Nations, enshrined in the Preamble and in Articles 1 and 2 of the Charter, have not lost their relevance. They have stood the test of time.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“We should consider the elaboration of a document that would be neither a draft revision of the Charter nor a supplement to it. What I would like to suggest is that we make an attempt to acknowledge the new reality and try a new road. I am by no means being original or precedent-setting in calling for this. The Atlantic Charter and the New Atlantic Charter, the 1975 Helsinki Final Act and the 1990 Charter of Paris for a New Europe have all been there before. In other words, adapting an organization's mandate to make it relevant to new needs without actually revising its founding act has already been tested. There is a widespread sense that some provisions of the United Nations Charter having actually become a dead letter. That applies to both the substance of those provisions and to the procedural solutions they offer.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“He wrote that “If the international community were to create a new United Nations tomorrow, its make- up would surely be different from the one we have.” (A/54/2000, para. 352) It would be highly unfortunate if the millennium report, and especially its conclusions relating to the role of the United Nations and the reform of the Organization, were to fade into oblivion. Only the United Nations, given its exceptional legitimacy stemming from the universal character of both its membership and its mandate can — and, indeed, ought to — rise to the challenges posed to the international community. But for that to happen its prerogatives, rules and instruments would have to be geared to the needs of today and the threats of tomorrow.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“We fully agree with what the Secretary-General said, that we can only succeed if we make full use of multilateral 21 institutions. We share the position of President Bush that the United Nations must be effective and successful and that its resolutions must be enforced. We are convinced that the Security Council must find enough strength in the nearest future to set the course for a decision-making process in the United Nations aimed at concrete action. This time, we are left with a very small margin. This is a test that international community has to pass. Failure would undermine both the integrity of the United Nations and the security of the whole world. I think the most appropriate motto for my further reflections on the future of the United Nations is contained in the Secretary-General's millennium report.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“In that regard, we also share the opinions expressed by a number of other speakers, in particular by the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mr. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, speaking in his capacity as the President of the European Union. Today the United Nations stands at a crossroads, facing a choice that needs to be made. Either we will find internal strength to stand up to the challenge and prove that the United Nations is more than a mere discussion forum or we will lose credibility forever. Once again, as was the case at the inception of the Organization over half a century ago, we must take the issue of security seriously, especially as terrorism has given it a new dimension. As a founding Member of the United Nations, Poland will continue to support all efforts aimed at preserving the Organization's unique position.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“All of us must have asked ourselves what is being expected of us, where we are today and what obligations we are to fulfil to ensure that such horror never happens again. No doubt, 11 September was a wake-up call for all of us. It may have not changed the world, but it certainly has fundamentally changed the way we perceive it. History has yet again given us the responsibility to face the challenge and to leave a better and safer world for future generations. But then, after all, is that not what we are really here for? Many of my colleague representatives touched upon that issue in recent days. The messages delivered here just four days ago by Secretary-General Kofi Annan and President George W. Bush are especially significant.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“I convey my congratulations to Mr. Jan Kavan on his election to the presidency of this body. I should also like to express once again to Secretary-General Kofi Annan my highest appreciation and to assure him of my support. It is with satisfaction that Poland welcomes in our midst the newest Member of the United Nations, Switzerland, and looks forward to welcoming soon the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. Wisława Szymborska, the Polish poet and Nobel Prize winner, wrote the following words dedicated to the victims of 11 September: “They plunged down from heights ablaze ... For them, I can do but two things — depict their flight and leave the last sentence unfinished ...” I believe that every one of us travelling to this brave city shared similar thoughts.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“My country, Poland, is ready to be an active participant in the process of searching for a new role for the United Nations. We have been active throughout the entire history of the United Nations, and we want to be active in the immediate future as well.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Thus I wish to emphasize the importance of the full implementation of the set of principles and practical measures embodied in the Millennium Declaration. We are mindful, of course, that the translation of that programme into practical steps cannot be the responsibility of the United Nations alone. It is essential for other institutions and organizations, including financial, trade and regional ones, to help in that effort. Above all, individual States must become directly involved, otherwise the smooth and timely implementation of the Millennium Declaration could be seriously jeopardized. The United Nations is now facing enormous and unprecedented challenges. These challenges ñ arising as they do at the dawn of the new millennium - mean growing divisions and, indeed, pose a risk of fragmentation of the international community.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“We should immediately move to quote the Secretary-General from a culture of reaction to a culture of prevention. While imperative, the struggle against terrorism must not obscure the necessity for the United Nations to effectively discharge the mandate entrusted to it by the international community a mandate whose scope is expanding over the years. This is not only true with respect to the international security problems which I have just referred to, but also concerns problems related to socio-economic cooperation, the protection of human rights and humanitarian issues, particularly those concerning refugees and the protection of the environment. Also of major importance, in our view, is the elaboration and adoption of a package of regulations and commitments in respect of development aid, indebtedness and trade.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“It is my Government's firm view that, in the face of the threats which will forever be symbolized by the atrocities of 11 September, the interests of international security would be well served by the earliest possible signature and ratification of, or adherence to, the multilateral conventions against terrorism which have been elaborated under the auspices of the United Nations. In particular, the spreading anthrax scare, which represents but the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the potential danger of bioterrorism, and the spreading of fissile materials and chemical weapons are a powerful argument for the urgent need to strengthen and strictly enforce the Biological Weapons Convention of 1972 and other legal instruments in this field.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“8 This calls for a new approach to international cooperation, for a new role on the part of multilateral institutions, and for the restoration of the primacy of courageous political decisions and intergovernmental accords. This also calls, on the one hand, for greater moderation on the part of the strong and the rich, and, on the other, for more determined endeavours on the part of the weak and the poor, who must be convinced that their consistent aspirations to improve their own lot will ultimately pay off. In my opinion, the promotion of democracy and good governance offers one of the most important paths towards such a goal. Poland's own experience in the past 12 years, since the historic transformations of 1989, testifies to the merits of that path.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“For them, the same question arises every morning a question that sounds like the classical phrase to be or not to be. That question is how to survive. Extreme poverty deprives people of their inherent dignity and human rights and of their chance for a better tomorrow, thus pushing them to take desperate steps. Let the tragedy of 11 September teach all of us to collectively combat evil. Let us do everything to ensure that the forces of darkness never prevail. In the course of the last few years it has been eloquently argued, from this very rostrum, that globalization is a very positive force which will ultimately usher in an era of prosperity and stability and a global society. Alas, this has not happened.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Our principal goal at present is to ease peoples' fears - fears that have been imposed on them by the enemies of mankind. The horrible scenario in which public order and the safety of peoples is threatened, passenger planes hijacked and destroyed, deadly viruses spread and water poisoned must not be repeated. We must defeat those who participate in, or contribute to creating, such a threat. Our approach must be a comprehensive one. Let me make it clear: there is no room for any selectivity, flexibility or relativism when the most fundamental values of humankind are openly and furiously attacked. However, we need to reconsider our position on how to respond to the needs of those millions who every day suffer from hunger, disease and a lack of clean water.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“The declaration adopted by the Conference indicates a strong political commitment to fight against that plague at the dawn of the twenty- first century, in close collaboration with the United States and the entire international community. The plan of action adopted at that Conference spells out concrete measures. It is significant that the leaders of that region of Europe gave unanimous backing to the relevant actions of the United Nations, the European Union and other organizations. In the course of Poland's very complicated history, my nation has on several occasions been betrayed by disloyal neighbours and allies and has paid the highest price for this. Therefore we understand better than anyone how priceless and crucial true loyalty and alliances are. Thus we will continue to support our friends and allies by all available means.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“From the very beginning, Poland has proclaimed itself entirely on the side of the international anti- terrorist coalition. We are working seriously and diligently on the implementation of Security Council resolution 1373 (2001). Regional undertakings can make a significant contribution to drafting a global strategy for the struggle against terrorism. With that in mind, last week in Warsaw we organized a very successful international Conference on Combating Terrorism. The Conference was attended by representatives of 17 Central European, Baltic and Balkan States, including 13 Presidents. The Conference also provided a direct connection with the White House and President Bush, who had the opportunity to talk directly with the Conference's participants.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“This is a time for collective and resolute action. Perhaps as ominous as terrorism itself is the fact that in some countries, the monstrous acts of violence that have taken place have been met with some sympathy on the part of those who are destitute, deprived of any hope, and who, driven to the margins of social life, have become frustrated and desperate. Terrorists must never be exculpated or their actions justified. We need to do away with the reasons why many perceive terrorists as present-day Robin Hoods. Though such a perception can be described as groundless, this does not release us from our responsibility to take a careful and courageous look at the phenomena that are emerging in the present international order, which tend to consolidate inequalities and lead to various social calamities.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“And 7 the most dangerous fragmentation process of the current era is being generated by the widening development gap between regions and States, which has been so well attested and documented by many United Nations publications. In this, the role of the United Nations is particularly fundamental and crucial. There is no better-equipped and more universal forum to deal with those issues. At the Headquarters of an Organization which the peoples of the United Nations established 56 years ago in order to maintain international peace and security, that axiom should be self-evident. The whole world is trying to respond to the challenges of globalization, the new scientific revolution, and quite recently the destabilizing forces of terror. The United Nations should find adequate answers to those challenges.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“In Poland's view, all aspects of security need urgent, thorough and imaginative reassessment. In this context particularly searching reflection must be focused on the role of the State an entity that operates in entirely new circumstances in an era of dramatically increasing integration, globalization and fragmentation. This is a time of interdependence and multiculturalism, in which openness, close international cooperation and interaction should be seen as countermeasures against diverse processes of fragmentation and disintegration, which can lead us even further towards the nationalism, separatism, closure and isolation that loom all around. Fragmentation is creating instability and conflicts.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“The terrorist attack of 11 September, the way it came about and the circumstances by which it was conditioned should be seized by the international community as an occasion for an in-depth reassessment of the very foundations of the international order. Preoccupied as we are with ever-new developments each day, we tend to be mentally incapable of following signals that predict new trends in international relations. We have hardly been able to afford the time for searching reflection on, and adjustment to, negative phenomena that, if ignored, can, in time, become the breeding ground for upheavals and conflicts. In this era of enormous new challenges, it is time for creative thinking, vision and intellectual courage. The essence of security has changed dramatically.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Kofi Annan, the distinguished Secretary-General, my sincere greetings, and to say how pleased Poland is at his second term in that high post. May I also take this opportunity to renew to him, and indeed to this Organization as a whole, my Government's congratulations on the recent Nobel Peace Prize. The award comes as a timely token of appreciation of the way the United Nations and the Secretary-General have been meeting their formidable challenge. The appalling tragedy of 11 September calls for resolute reaction of the entire international community, for active solidarity with the United States and for effective counter-measures against those who sow death, hatred and terror.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“We have just learned of the crash of an American Airlines plane in New York. We the Polish delegation, offer our heartfelt condolences, and express our sympathy to the Government of the United States and the Dominican Republic and to the families of the victims of this tragedy. At the outset, let me offer Mr. Han my sincere congratulations on his election to the prestigious office of the President of the fifty-sixth session of the General Assembly. The delegation of the Republic of Poland extends to him its firm support in his demanding mandate. Let me likewise express to the former President, Mr. Harri Holkeri, of Finland, our appreciation for his remarkable leadership, which he brought to the fifty- fifth session of the Assembly. I should also like to convey to Mr.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)