YouSaid · the spoken record

Aníbal António Cavaco Silva

lines on the record: 26
first: 2008-09-24
most recent: 2015-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-general-debate

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“It participates in many peacekeeping operations, has been in the Security Council three times, is currently a member of the Human Rights Council and fiercely stands by the guiding principles of the Charter in its international actions. In a globalized, interdependent world such as the one in which we live, only strong multilateral institutions can ensure the fundamental values of peace, human rights, sustainable development, democracy and respect for international law.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Some 250 million people from Asia to Europe and from Africa to Latin America express themselves in Portuguese in their everyday lives, in commerce and business and in cultural and social networks. It is also an official or a working language in several international organizations, including in some of the United Nations specialized agencies. The legitimate ambition of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries is to see the Portuguese language recognized as an official language of the United Nations. As we celebrate the seventieth anniversary of the United Nations, I reiterate the commitment expressed here in 2008. Portugal, 60 years now into its membership in the United Nations, remains firmly committed to effective multilateralism.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We have participated in the development of international support strategies and have strengthened our bilateral cooperation with the African States and the regional organizations. Portugal is strengthening its relations with Latin American States. We have added a mutual willingness to know each other better and to deepen our political and economic relations to our historical and cultural ties. I very much welcome the positive developments surrounding the ongoing peace negotiations in Colombia and the normalization of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States of America. The Portuguese language is a global, economically relevant communication vehicle.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“I trust its political leaders to recognize the essential value of political stability and the ability to work together in order to pursue the necessary reforms, including in the security sector, in the fight against impunity and in socioeconomic development projects. That would be the required framework for the international community to be able to fulfil its commitments to cooperation, made in March at the Brussels Conference. The democratic maturity that the people of Guinea-Bissau have demonstrated is sufficient reason for the international community to remain united and coordinated in supporting that country. We also remain engaged on matters concerning maritime safety, especially in the Gulf of Guinea.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Africa holds a special place in Portuguese foreign policy. My country has key partners in Africa, with which it maintains close relations in the most varied fields, ranging from political dialogue to economic links, from the approach to security issues to the establishment of mutually beneficial partnerships. A number of African countries where Portuguese is the official language — Mozambique, Cabo Verde, Sao Tome and Principe and Angola — are celebrating the fortieth anniversary of their independence this year, and Portugal and the Portuguese people are involved in that important historical event. The situation in Guinea-Bissau deserves special mention.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Such responses should also address the underlying forces that lead to radicalization and violent extremism, which require the involvement of States, international organizations, religious communities and civil society organizations. I must also express our concern about the deadlock affecting the peace process in the Middle East. There will be no lasting peace without a fair resolution of the Palestinian issue that also ensures Israel’s security. We urge the parties to resume the peace talks, as we are convinced that the only solution to the conflict will be the creation, based on United Nations resolutions, of two States, living side by side in democracy, peace and security. I welcome the agreement reached on Iran’s nuclear programme. It is now up to all parties involved to ensure its full implementation.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“In line with its consistently humanitarian tradition, Portugal has demonstrated dedicated solidarity from the very beginning, as demonstrated by its willingness to welcome several thousand people in need of international protection. I take this opportunity to commend the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which has epitomized the humanitarian values enshrined in the Charter. The dignity of human life is an absolute value that we have an obligation to respect and protect. On the other hand, for some years we have found ourselves facing the threat of terrorism, which continues to assume increasingly barbaric and worrying forms. That threat and its protagonists require strong, concerted responses and a determined fight on the part of the international community.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Human rights are the common heritage of humankind that we all have an obligation to defend, regardless of geography. The Security Council plays a key role in that context. In order to fulfil its mandate in the most effective manner, it should mirror the realities of our world. That will require extending membership in both categories and reviewing its working methods. The tragic humanitarian situation in Syria, Iraq, Libya and many other conflict settings should prompt us to act in a supportive and responsible manner. Some of those crises, particularly in Syria, have already claimed many thousands of human lives and given rise to one of the largest flows of refugees since the Second World War. The resolution of those crises can no longer remain hostage to blockages that prolong and aggravate the misery and suffering of vast populations.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Combating violence against women is a clear priority in that context. I draw attention to the alarming number of cases of domestic violence that span the most diverse societies and social strata, which cannot continue to go unpunished. I invite all States to step up their efforts to put an end to that scourge, and I hope that the relative indicator will be taken into account in the overall assessment of compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals. I also stress the importance that we attach to children’s rights, including the right to education and to youth policies. At a time when we are witnessing the proliferation of violent clashes in a number of regions, it must be emphasized that no conflict, no matter how complex it may be, can possibly justify barbarism, whether by States or by non-State parties.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Portugal had the honour to co-chair the Ad Hoc Working Group of the Whole on the Regular Process for Global Reporting and Assessment of the State of the Marine Environment, including Socioeconomic Aspects in setting up a reliable and detailed system of information on the marine environment. The issuance of the first global integrated marine assessment (see A/70/112) is a step in the right direction. Members can rely on the engagement of Portugal in the preparation of a legally binding instrument on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas that go beyond national jurisdiction. Portugal’s course of action has been geared towards the defence of the universal and individual nature of all human rights — not only civil and political rights but also economic, social and cultural rights.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Closely related to climate change, the issue of the oceans holds a crucial importance for Portugal in the light of its history, its geography and its identity. In June, my country organized an international event on the use of the oceans, Blue Week, which brought together more than 70 countries and international institutions. It offered an occasion for open debate and strategic reflection on the challenges of global management of the oceans and the responsible use of their potential. We continue to take a strong interest in deepening the multilateral dialogue on the sustainability of the oceans and enhancing the overall efforts of the United Nations.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“The Charter of the United Nations and the principles and values that it encapsulates remain a reference and a sign of hope for our collective future. I welcome the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (resolution 70/1), which is an unparalleled opportunity to usher in an era in which poverty is eradicated, leading to a world of justice and dignity for all. The year 2015 is also key for negotiations on climate change. Seventeen years after Kyoto, the international community must be ambitious in fighting that particular threat to its sustainable development. It is imperative that at the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris in December, we reach a lasting agreement that is global, fair and binding for all.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“At the outset, I would like to congratulate the President of the General Assembly at its seventieth session on his election and to express my good wishes for the success of the General Assembly’s work in the seventieth-anniversary year of the United Nations. I would also like to express my deep appreciation for the work of the Secretary-General. As ever, he can continue to count on Portugal’s support. The establishment of the United Nations marked a unique time in the collective history of humankind. The pursuit of lasting peace, development and the respect for human rights, the founding purposes and principles of the Organization that we still look to today, after 70 years, are major achievements of the contemporary world.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“In 2000, Portugal submitted its candidacy for a non-permanent seat in the Security Council for the biennium 2011-2012. Our candidacy must be considered in the light of the principles and values of the United Nations that we have long defended and which are enshrined in the Portuguese Constitution. We stand for service to peace and stability, sustainable development and human rights. We also believe in the central role of the Organization in pursuing those goals. We stand for equal representation for those States that constitute the majority in this house because we believe that that is the best way to guarantee a sense of justice, which is essential if decisions are to be accepted by all.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“I would now like to refer to the humanitarian situation of refugees. Portugal acknowledges the remarkable work carried out by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. We must continue our collective efforts. In that regard, my country has responded to the need by tripling its refugee quota. We are the United Nations. Its destiny is in our hands. The success of the Organization is closely linked to its capacity for regeneration and increased democratization, representation and effectiveness. I therefore wish to commend the consensus in the General Assembly as regards the Security Council reform process, which should enable intergovernmental negotiations to begin shortly. Portugal is honoured to be directly associated with that outcome.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“It is therefore important that we join efforts to ensure that negotiations are completed by December next year on a global and transparent agreement on a post-2012 climate regime. Economic development is not an end in itself; it is a means towards the progress of humankind and the affirmation of human rights. Portugal has been the driving force behind the draft optional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which the Assembly will be called upon to adopt. It is our opinion that the draft protocol represents a landmark in the promotion of democracy that will enable us to properly celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Let us always bear in mind that the dignity of human beings is not negotiable.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Combating hunger and poverty requires a strengthened global partnership in which the United Nations and the Bretton Woods institutions have a central role to play. Ensuring sustainable development requires that we confront the challenges posed by climate change together. Failure to act now will result in an irreversible legacy for future generations, as shown by the last progress report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. In that common effort, we must support those who are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as small island developing States and least developed countries. Oceans, seas, islands and coastal areas, which are vital for human life and economic prosperity, deserve our utmost attention.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is fundamental to success in combating that common enemy. In that regard, it is crucial to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, the promotion of which contributes to preventing terrorism. Hunger and extreme poverty are other, more insidious but equally destructive common enemies. 08-51749 12 Much has also been said in that connection, and some measures have been taken. However, much more is required. We reiterate our unwavering support for the Millennium Development Goals. Portugal, which is contributing to the limit of its capabilities, is directing most of its development aid to Africa, where the levels of poverty are most striking. We are pleased to note the establishment of the High-level Task Force on the Global Food Crisis.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We are honoured by those mandates, which we intend to exercise with determination and confidence. Portugal believes that the natural vocation of the Alliance of Civilizations to bring together peoples, cultures and religions will be instrumental in establishing a world where dialogue prevails over conflict and where tolerance, respect for cultural diversity and individual identity, and mutual understanding overcome built-up tensions. We therefore resolutely support the Implementation Plan of the High Representative of the Secretary-General. Seven years have passed since New York suffered one of the most infamous acts the world has witnessed in our time. Although much has been done since then, terrorism continues to be a threat.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The recent Lisbon summit of the CPLP, at which Portugal took over the presidency of the Community, confirmed its members’ determination to promote peace, democracy, human rights and development. It also led to the definition of a common strategy of international assertiveness based on our shared asset: the Portuguese language — the fifth most spoken language in the world, connecting nations and peoples in five continents. This assertiveness should lead to the increased use of Portuguese as an official or working language of international organizations. Recently, Portugal also assumed the presidency of the Community of Democracies. Very soon, we will be presiding over the Ibero-American Summit — a genuine reference point for political cooperation based on shared cultures and values.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The legislative elections had a profound bearing on the consolidation of democracy in Angola, with important regional political repercussions. I also welcome the political agreement in Zimbabwe, which we hope will mark a new period of national reconciliation as well as political and economic development. I wish also to congratulate Guinea-Bissau on the anniversary of its independence. Guinea-Bissau is one of the States Members of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP), from which it has received strong political support. The CPLP has undertaken increasing responsibilities as an operational partner of the regional organizations to which its member States belong, such as the European Union and the African Union, and of global organizations such as the United Nations.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The shared principles, the commitments undertaken and the EU-Africa Joint Strategy illustrate a renewed partnership based on cooperation in areas such as peace and security, development, good governance and human rights, trade and regional integration. Peace, sustainable development, access to education and health care and the integration of African economies in the international markets are essential objectives in building a more just, peaceful and balanced international order. Accordingly, we must support the efforts of the African nations to achieve those objectives. In that context, I would like to congratulate the Angolan people for the civic-minded manner in which they conducted their recent electoral process.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“I would like to commend the many thousands of Portuguese who have participated in over 20 missions led by the United Nations and those who currently are taking part in missions in Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Chad, Kosovo, Lebanon and Timor-Leste. This year we celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of United Nations peacekeeping operations, and I would like to pay tribute to all of the Blue Helmets. In particular I pay tribute to the memory of all of those, including Portuguese nationals, who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the ideals of the United Nations Charter. Africa must remain a priority. That belief led us, together with our African partners, to hold the Cairo and Lisbon summits between the European Union (EU) and Africa, which began to further the dialogue between the two continents.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Is it reasonable to continue having a Security Council without reforming its working methods, when countries such as Brazil and India have no permanent seat and when Africa is not permanently represented? We surely do not think so and are open to the possibility of broader solutions. 11 08-51749 Thirdly, we must guarantee the fulfilment of the declarations on human rights approved by all of us. The Organization must bear in mind that the ultimate beneficiaries of its actions are not States as such, but the citizens and peoples that compose them. Portugal has been committed to this common effort — first, by participating in peacekeeping operations.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“In a globalized and interdependent world, only strong multilateral institutions can promote the fundamental values of peace, democracy, human rights and sustainable development. Portugal is committed to supporting effective multilateralism based on a cohesive and efficient United Nations. Our words cannot be empty rhetoric. Therefore we must be consistent and put into practice the values and principles we defend. Our actions must be based on very clear assumptions. First, we must make every effort to ensure that the United Nations has the means necessary to fulfil its mission, and we must contribute to the achievement of the mandates with which we entrust it. Secondly, we must ensure broader representation in the United Nations bodies and make their actions more transparent.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Mr. President, I wish you all success for your tenure in office. Guaranteeing international peace and security as well as the sustainable development of our peoples is our shared responsibility. The way we carry it out will determine our common destiny. The centrality of the United Nations has never been so clear. The United Nations will be what we, as sovereign and equal Member States, want it to be. We live in a time of historic acceleration, a time of great opportunities but also of challenges on a global scale. Global challenges imply a collective responsibility. The United Nations is the forum that best embodies that collective responsibility. That is also why I strongly support the statement made by the President of the French Republic, current President of the Council of the European Union.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)