YouSaid · the spoken record

Durão Barroso

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS DURÃO BARROSO

lines on the record: 106
first: 1993-09-24
most recent: 1995-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-general-debate

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“It is my opinion that we have today well-founded reasons to believe that a comprehensive peace in the Middle East will be a reality in the not-too-distant future. The accords already signed between Israel and the Palestinians on the one hand and Israel and Jordan on the other testify to their determination in seeking a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. The achievements already made will certainly serve as a catalyst for new initiatives. From this perspective, the decisions and resolutions of the United Nations should reflect the positive developments already registered. It is also necessary that the international community, and in particular the countries of the region, support the efforts under way.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Following the Corfu meeting of the European Council, 18 which attached particular importance to stability and security in the Mediterranean, we reaffirm our dedication to a dialogue and a deepening of ties with the countries of the region. Nor can we defend any other approach when we consider the geographical proximity and close historical ties that unite Portugal and North Africa. In fact, it is important that the countries of both sides of the Mediterranean deepen their dialogue so that we can avoid the spread of an idea which we reject - that of conflict between civilizations. On the contrary, we should value the concept that countries with different political ideas and whose populations espouse diverse religions are able to establish ties of trust and true cooperation.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“That very positive evolution contrasts even more strongly with such shocking situations as that of Haiti, a country where conditions are being created for the re-establishment of democratic constitutional order following the intervention of a multinational force authorized by the United Nations Security Council. Portugal continues to devote special attention to the evolution of the situation in North Africa. To that end, we have advocated a rapprochement with the countries of that area in accordance with the Lisbon Declaration of the European Council, which, I recall, defined a new concept for a political, economic, social and cultural relationship between the European Union and the Maghreb.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“We are also seeking to deepen the political dialogue and cooperation between Europe and Latin America. That cooperation is institutionalized in its own mechanisms, among which I single out the dialogue between the European Union and the Rio Group as well as the Ibero-American Summits. These in turn have allowed open and profound discussions of political questions of common interest to countries united by close historical and cultural ties and by shared sensitivities. This is what happened, once again, at the Summit in Cartagena, Colombia. I am glad to be able to acknowledge here the clear evolution towards democracy and respect for human rights that has occurred in all of Latin America and the Caribbean.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“From the very beginning, Portugal has supported the creation of this mechanism and, in conjunction with African and other like-minded countries, is prepared to participate actively in the search for means that will permit the empowerment of such an instrument. I cannot end this reference to Africa without welcoming the way in which the first democratic and free elections were held in Guinea-Bissau and expressing satisfaction at the peaceful and orderly climate that has characterized the campaign for the elections in Sao Tome and Principe, to be held in a few days. One of the current priorities of our foreign policy is the convergence of efforts with those countries which share with us the Portuguese language. With them we are building a community which I am sure will come to represent a new and exemplary political reality.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“As was stated in the Berlin Declaration, the aim of this dialogue is, inter alia, the promotion and development of trade, investment and cooperation, in order to stimulate a balanced development of that region which may, in turn, provide an engine for progress in the rest of the continent. The dramatic situation in Rwanda shows how important the role of the Organization of African Unity is in the prevention of similar situations, namely through the implementation of its mechanism for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts created last year on 29 July at the Cairo Summit.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“I appeal here to the Angolan Government and UNITA to do all in their power so that this opportunity is not lost. I also appeal to the international community to redouble its commitment and support. Despite the continuation of the conflict in Angola, the historical changes under way in southern Africa offer possibilities which must be consolidated and developed. Portugal has from the very beginning supported the project for a dialogue between the European Union and that region of Africa, an idea that has just been expressed in the recent Berlin Conference between the European Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The Lusaka negotiations, which seek to promote - within the context of respect for the peace accords and relevant resolutions of the Security Council - a genuine reconciliation in Angola, have reached a crucial stage. The complete acceptance by the Angolan Government and UNITA of the set of proposals of the mediation on national reconciliation constitutes an important step. UNAVEM II must be given the necessary means to complete its mission. For this to happen, appropriate forces must be placed on the ground immediately following the initialling of the accords and the correct dimensions of that peace-keeping operation must be defined. In any case, peace will not be possible unless there is a genuine will on the part of the Angolans themselves.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Portugal, as a member of the troika of observer countries, will continue to do all it can in actively supporting the United Nations mediation in the person of 17 the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, whose efforts I take this opportunity to salute, in the search for a definitive solution to the Angolan conflict. The international community cannot and must not forget the origins of the current conflict, which frustrated the hopes of the Angolan people created after the Bicesse accords and the elections of September 1992. Beyond attributing blame, it is now more important not to give up the efforts to bring this terrible conflict to an end.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Portugal was an observer at the negotiations and is represented in all the commissions created by the peace accord, playing a major role in the formation of the new army, as well as participating significantly in the United Nations Operation in Mozambique (ONUMOZ). Portugal will remain committed to following this process closely in the context of the accords and we consider it important that the international community support Mozambique not only during this particular phase but also in what we hope will be the following stage of national reconstruction and reconciliation. In southern Africa, one of the longest, and surely deadliest, conflicts the world has ever known rages on. Angola continues to be the stage for a war that has already claimed hundreds of thousands of innocent victims.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“In Mozambique also there are signs that the hopes of its people with regard to the peace process will not be disappointed. The completion of the cantonment and demobilization processes, the formation, despite some delays, of the new armed forces and the peaceful manner in which the electoral campaign has been conducted are all crucial achievements to be recognized, and foretell the coming elections of 27 and 28 October 1994 as being a crucial moment for the future of Mozambique. We appeal to the main Mozambican political forces to find the forms of dialogue and understanding conducive to guaranteeing a true national reconciliation with full respect for democratic principles.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The first free and democratic elections in South Africa and the investiture of Nelson Mandela as its Head of State, as well as the formation of a Government of national unity, represent historic achievements not only because they have left apartheid behind but also because they have proved the viability of finding in Africa peaceful solutions to complex situations. Portugal, which actively participated in all efforts to support the process of democratic transition in that country, warmly salutes the new South Africa, a country which is host to an important Portuguese community. We believe that the human, economic and technological potential of that country can undoubtedly constitute an important factor for economic recovery in all of southern Africa.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Portugal has defended the idea that the international community should grant Africa first priority, commensurate with the unparalleled magnitude of the problems that need to be overcome. But firstly, Africans themselves must prove that underdevelopment is not inevitable. And the greatest contribution that they can make in this direction is a determined commitment to search for peaceful solutions to both existing and potential conflicts, and a continued deepening of the process of political and social democratization on the continent, as well as the adoption of indispensable economic reforms.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“We must, however, recognize that this progress is insufficient and that, without real political will shown by all parties directly involved, a stable and long-lasting solution will never be found. Portugal has actively participated in the efforts of the international community with both men and matériel, and will continue to remain on the ground for as long as it is useful and necessary. We are, in fact, reinforcing the Portuguese contingent in the area within the activities of the Western European Union (WEU). Sub-Saharan Africa, to which my country is linked by particularly strong cultural and historical ties, continues to be the region of the planet with the most worrying levels of development.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Such an initiative could not be more timely and, for our part, I can announce here that Portugal is in the process of preparing legislation to outlaw the commercialization of those weapons and their production. In the context of Europe, I cannot avoid referring to the situation in the former Yugoslavia and, in particular, to the terrible conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite all the efforts applied towards bringing an end to that situation, war goes on with its tragic fare of death, destruction and suffering. The international community has demonstrated that it possesses a common interest in the search for a political solution to the conflict.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Therefore, Portugal affirms that all the possibilities of the Partnership for Peace, a mechanism aimed at uniting countries of the Eurasian region in activities of military cooperation, must be pursued. 16 Last year, I stated here that Portugal considers the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty fundamental for international security. As we approach the 1995 Conference I should like to reiterate the intention of my Government to support all efforts that will lead to the unconditional and indefinite extension of that instrument. While referring to security, I should like to welcome and support the initiative announced here yesterday by President Clinton to reach an agreement on reducing the proliferation of anti-personnel mines.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“If the democratization of Eastern Europe has created the possibility of future adhesions to the European Union, it has also led to a new relationship as regards security on the continent. We understand the desire already expressed by many countries of Central and Eastern Europe to join the defence and security organizations, and we are ready to consider, in due time, a gradual and balanced enlargement of NATO to include those States that share with us the same democratic values and respect for human rights and the rule of law. The question of the enlargement of NATO to the east cannot, however, overshadow the essential transatlantic dimension which must remain the cornerstone of European security. On the other hand, any increase in the membership of NATO must not create new divisions in Europe.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“In this context, I welcome the signing in Marrakesh of the Uruguay Round agreements and the forthcoming start-up of the World Trade Organization, which will allow for freer trade, with the simultaneous strengthening of rules and disciplines. As a member of the European Union, Portugal firmly defends the enlargement of the Union and the strengthening of ties with other countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean basin. For the entire continent, the European Union is undoubtedly an immense consolidating force of democratic ideals, stability, prosperity and respect for human rights. Other organizations, such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), the Western European Union (WEU) and the Council of Europe contribute equally to the same ideals.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“It should become more comprehensive, including respect for democratic values and human rights as well as social and economic issues and other issues related to the preservation of the environment, demographics, the prevention of endemic diseases and the fight against the traffic in drugs. Here we must also underline the importance we attach to helping countries that are truly committed to implementing social and politico-economic reforms conducive to sustainable development. However, such a process must be complemented by an increasingly liberal international system and by a set of measures that seek to reduce the burden of external debt and create the conditions for a reactivation of private investment in their economies.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“We must also keep in mind the socio-economic dimension of the issues that threaten international stability and security. More than ever, we need an integrated approach within which the preventive dimension is given priority, both in its purely political and diplomatic aspect and in its development-aid aspect. In this context, we underline the importance of the committed participation of all nations in an Agenda for Development, as the Secretary-General has invited us to do. Today more than ever, the portentous words of the Pope ring true: "Development is the new name of peace." In this regard, we need to rethink, not only the role of development aid, but also the very concept of development.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“In this perspective, I would like to underline the importance we attach to cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations and mechanisms. Such cooperation implements the concept of complementary actions and allows for more agile solutions adapted to concrete circumstances. The road to stability and the progressive development of a new concept of security also passes through the stimulation of political institutions capable of guaranteeing respect for universally recognized values. Similarly, greater international control of the use of force will require not only the best and most adequate means but also a constantly renewed political legitimacy in order to wield them. In my view, this legitimacy is tied to the goal of building an international society based on ideals which promote peace, democracy and human rights.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“As he already knows, Portugal can be counted on in the pursuit of the objectives of peace and development and in the consolidation of a substantial reform of the United Nations system. 15 My German colleague has already addressed the Assembly on behalf of the 12 member States of the European Union, expressing positions to which Portugal fully subscribes. Nevertheless, I would like to reflect on certain issues which are of particular importance to my country. The end of the bipolar era has created, somewhat perversely, greater unpredictability and uncertainty in the system of collective security, which has most visibly led to a rebirth of extreme nationalism and new focuses of conflict.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“It is with pleasure that I warmly congratulate Mr. Amara Essy on his election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its forty-ninth session. In his election I see a recognition of the role that Côte d’Ivoire, a friendly African country, has played on the international scene as well as an appreciation of his personal qualities and experience. A word of recognition is also in order for the outgoing President, Ambassador Samuel Insanally, for his dedicated and positive service during the last session of the Assembly. To the Secretary-General, Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, I renew my homage for the secure and committed manner in which he is carrying out his mission.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“At this point in its history, the United Nations is facing an unprecedented opportunity and, for the first time, can play the role originally intended for it, without restriction, in the resolution of conflicts and the maintenance of international stability and as the custodian of respect for human rights. We are all committed to providing a positive contribution to meeting this challenge. Portugal, for its part, will do everything possible to achieve these ambitious goals.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“All efforts in that direction deserve the commitment of the international community as a whole, through the implementation of policies of a continental or even global scope. The Rio Conference was merely a step on the long road to convincing the world of the need to preserve the environment and to maintain the balance between the means of production and the human component without resorting to destruction and waste. It is now important to put into practice the decisions of the Rio Conference in order to give expression to the measures decided on there. Portugal will not fail to do its part, in the full realization that only then shall we be able to build a future for coming generations.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“In respect of the activities of the European Community, we have been striving to strengthen European ties with Latin America, through the San José process and the Rio group, by encouraging the efforts - which have already made progress possible - aimed at increasing respect for democratic institutions and human rights and developing new forms of economic integration. I should also like to mention the current negotiations on the preservation of natural resources and the maintenance of environmental balance. The obligations of States go beyond the mere signature of multilateral treaties. At stake is a legacy to future generations of sufficient, conserved and renewable resources to ensure their well-being.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Our special relationship with Brazil cannot be overemphasized. We are therefore in a position, in the spirit of the recent Ibero-American Summit in Salvador da Bahia, to enhance dialogue and cooperation with this region. In this respect, I should like to stress the importance we attach to an agenda for development in the advancement of a constructive and effective dialogue aimed at identifying and exploring new forms of solidarity in encouraging international cooperation for development.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The agreement will certainly lend a new and encouraging vitality to the peace process in both its bilateral and multilateral tracks, irreversibly consolidating the latest developments. Geographical proximity and historic and cultural ties justify the genuine attention with which my country is following the evolution of the situation in the Maghreb. Portugal has stressed, within the European Community and in other international forums, the importance of that region to security and stability in the Mediterranean. In this sense, the declaration of the Heads of State and Government at the Lisbon meeting of the Council of Europe set out a new approach to a political, economic, social and cultural dialogue between the European Community and the Maghreb. Portugal has centuries-old relations of friendship with Latin America.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“I wish to refer here to the current negotiations that are seeking to conclude the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade talks. While we hope for their successful conclusion, which we consider to be fundamental for the world economy, we also believe that the result should reflect a global and balanced solution based on an opening of markets and a reinforcement of the rules of international trade. I should like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Government of Israel and the leaders of the Palestine Liberation Organization for the realism, lucidity, courage and also imagination they displayed with the conclusion of the recent agreement, which represents a historic step towards the achievement of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace for the Middle East based upon the relevant resolutions of the United Nations.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Regarding nuclear arms control and disarmament, Portugal considers the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Forty-eighth session - 30 September l993 15 Nuclear Weapons to be an instrument of major importance, and looks forward to its indefinite extension at the 1995 Review Conference. Portugal urges all the parties that have not yet done so to ratify it, and reiterates the need for all the nuclear-weapon States that have emerged from the former Soviet Union to implement and comply with the obligations resulting from the START I and START II Treaties and the Lisbon Protocol. At this point, allow me to stress the importance my Government attaches to the work of the Conference on Disarmament, to which my country has recently presented its candidature for full membership.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We support their progressive integration into the international economy, which will prevent the political division of the past from being replaced with a new economic gap. Allow me to salute at this point President Yeltsin for his courage and determination to carry on without interruption the process of political and economic reform that is indispensable for the complete democratization and development of the Russian Federation. We lend our unequivocal support to all the efforts made by the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) and the United Nations - which constitute a good test for cooperation between regional organizations and the United Nations - to reach peaceful settlements to the disputes that have arisen on the territory of the former Soviet Union.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We are close, therefore, to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and, guided by that objective, we propose to contribute through our participation in the framework of the European Community with a view to enhancing dialogue as well as political and economic cooperation. This approach will ensure peace, stability and economic well-being. In this context of the joint responsibility of all actors on the international scene, we should encourage the ongoing political and economic reforms in the States that have emerged from the collapse of the former Soviet Union aimed at a peaceful evolution towards democratic societies based on the rule of law and fundamental human rights.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The resolutions adopted this year by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights and by its Subcommission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities are a clear demonstration of this. We sincerely hope that steps will be taken that will bring about a tangible and genuine improvement of the situation in the territory and that this can be monitored without obstruction. I therefore call upon all Governments and human rights organizations to continue to keep a close eye on the situation in East Timor. We are witnessing events of great significance in other parts of the world. Allow me to emphasize those which merit our particular attention. Portugal remains faithful to the construction of an enlarged and strengthened Europe.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Three rounds of discussions have already taken place at the Ministerial level, and we are in the process of adopting a set of confidence-building measures in order to improve the atmosphere of dialogue and to foster the advancement of the process. Allow me to quote, in this context, a passage of the progress report submitted, just a few days ago, by the Secretary-General to the General Assembly: "Equally important and intrinsically linked to the peace process is the human rights situation in East Timor. The improvement of the conditions in East Timor is sine qua non to progress in the talks". (A/48/418, para. 5) I am sorry to have to say that, unfortunately, the human rights situation prevailing in the territory continues to elicit condemnation on the part of the international community.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“That settlement must not fail to meet the standards of international law and must fully respect the legitimate rights of the East Timorese, who are those most directly concerned and who have been the principal victims of this painful and long-protracted problem. I should especially like to applaud the efforts of the Secretary-General - and those of his collaborators - under whose auspices talks have been held with Indonesia aimed at settling this issue. We do recognize how very difficult this task is as a result of the wide gap between the positions of the parties on the substance of the question, which is the conclusion of the process of the decolonization of the Territory.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“These resolutions reaffirm the need to apply, in the case of East Timor, the essential principles and rules adopted by this Organization on decolonization; those contained not only in the Charter, but in the historic resolutions 1514 (XV) and 1541 (XV) as well. The rejection of military conquest as the basis for claiming territorial enlargement, the need to respect East Timor’s territorial integrity and the right of its people to self-determination are clearly established in those resolutions. We remain firmly committed to achieving, in a peaceful and negotiated manner, a just, comprehensive and internationally acceptable settlement to this question.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Leaving now the African continent, I would say that Portugal, because of its very important legal, moral and 14 General Assembly - Forty-eighth session historic responsibilities in the case, continues to devote, as a matter of priority, particular attention to the question of East Timor, a Non-Self-Governing Territory recognized by the United Nations as being under Portuguese administration, its decolonization process not having been completed. I should like to reaffirm, at this rostrum, my country’s position of principle on this question: Portugal accepts in full the relevant resolutions adopted by the General Assembly and Security Council regarding East Timor.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“This was achieved by the efforts of the various parties that believe in a consensus solution for the political transition in South Africa. I should also like to refer to Mr. Nelson Mandela’s praiseworthy appeal, before the Special Committee against Apartheid, for an end to the economic sanctions imposed against South Africa, an appeal which constitutes a valuable encouragement to the process of political reform initiated by President F. W. de Klerk.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The withdrawal of significant forces in South African society from those negotiations is a cause for concern, and could have a negative impact on the normal course of the transition process, which, as we all hope, will end with the holding of elections next year. The spread of violence in South Africa provides a special cause for concern, as pointed out by the European Community observer mission in South Africa and the Goldstone Commission, in both of which Portugal is participating actively. We deeply regret the violence, which cannot but jeopardize the path to national reconciliation. We must stress, however, the positive aspect, namely the progress achieved with the 7 September agreement at the multiparty negotiations on the creation of the Transitional Executive Council.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We also welcome the results of the recent meeting between the President of Mozambique and the leader of RENAMO, which represented a breakthrough and gave reason for hope in a future of peace and prosperity in Mozambique. The positive outcome of that meeting, namely, the agreement on the issues of territorial administration and police, has been recognized by Security Council resolution 863 (1993), in which all parties are urged to implement without delay all the provisions of the General Peace Agreement so that the elections can be held in October 1994 at the latest. Concerning South Africa, we are following events there closely, in particular the multiparty negotiations, which we hope will meet with success and constitute the foundations of a new, multiracial reality.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“In this respect, the efforts already made by the specialized agencies of the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross are to be commended. Regarding Mozambique, the role of the United Nations in conducting the peace process is for us a source of satisfaction. In this context, we welcome the adoption of Security Council resolution 850 (1993), which is a sign of the Organization’s unequivocal commitment to bringing this process to a satisfactory conclusion. Portugal is deeply involved in the Mozambique peace process, not only through its active contribution to the United Nations Operation in Mozambique but also through its participation in the structures created by the General Peace Agreement and through our contributions pledged during the donors’ conference last December.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“I therefore once again urge UNITA to return to the negotiating table, on the basis of the Acordos de Paz and full acceptance of the outcome of the September 1992 elections and the Abidjan guidelines, which were reached with the invaluable help of President Houphouet-Boigny and the Government of Côte d’Ivoire. I applaud the peace initiatives undertaken by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, to which Portugal, together with the two other countries of the troika of observers, the United States and Russia, has given its strongest support. Only with the restoration of peace will it be possible to bring about an end to the suffering of the Angolan people and make possible the provision of the much-needed humanitarian assistance that the international community is ready to provide.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Angolans therefore participated massively in the elections of last September. The resurgence of war in Angola cause by UNITA’s failure to accept the results of the elections calls for a new effort from the international community to re-- establish the cease-fire and to safeguard the democratic process, in accordance with the legitimate wishes for peace and democracy of the Angolan people. Portugal welcomed the adoption on 15 September of Security Council resolution 864 (1993), in which the Council, in the wake of previous resolutions and under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, decided upon a set of important measures. I remain convinced that dialogue is possible, and that only through direct negotiations between the Government of Angola and UNITA can a lasting solution and a durable peace be found.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Based on a common culture and values, we are developing, together with Brazil and these African countries, a true community of Portuguese-speaking nations that is characterized by solidarity and tolerance. It was precisely because of these special ties that my Government interceded in the Angolan conflict. The mediation efforts it deployed there, together with the United States and Russia, resulted in the signing in Lisbon of the Acordos de Paz on 31 May 1991. The year and a half of peace that followed those agreements raised in all the Angolan people the legitimate expectation that almost 30 years of war were coming to an end. It also revealed Forty-eighth session - 30 September l993 13 stimulating signs of economic recovery and the advent of a new era of democracy and national reconciliation.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“It is in Africa that we should concentrate our principal efforts to end wars that are sometimes forgotten, but that are laying waste to large areas, and it is to Africa that we should be directing economic resources in quantities commensurate with the unparalleled scale of the problems it is facing. Only by increasing trade flows, economic ties and humanitarian assistance can we provide a degree of certainty for the success of democratization and progress. I should like to refer also to the utmost importance that we attach to the work of the Organization of African Unity in the search for solutions to bring an end to the conflicts that overshadow Africa. In Africa, there are five countries that officially use Portuguese. With these countries we have steadily deepened our ties in all areas.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Portugal considers that it is extremely urgent for a viable and just peace agreement to be signed: Only thus will the conditions for a return to peace be met. Lastly, I wish to pay a tribute to the United Nations Protection Force - in which Portugal has the privilege of being included - to the European Community monitoring mission and to all humanitarian organizations operating in the area of the former Yugoslavia for the tasks they have performed under circumstances of particular hardship. Portugal, a country which is historically and culturally linked to Africa, is profoundly aware of the unparalleled, appalling and ever-deteriorating living conditions prevailing in vast regions of the continent. Today, Africa certainly deserves the international community’s special attention.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“It is precisely because of the imperatives of human solidarity, and because we believe that the international community has an important role to play, that Portugal, both as a State and as a member of the European Community, is following with deep concern the conflict that, for the last two years, has been devastating parts of the territory of the former Yugoslavia. Portugal reiterates its firm position that only a settlement accepted by the three parties can put an end to this blood-stained chapter in European history. The Portuguese Government truly regrets the interruption of the latest negotiating round in Geneva at a time when an agreement seemed within reach. We once again urge all the parties involved in the conflict to show the necessary good will and flexibility so as to put an end to the suffering of the affected populations.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“With this aim, it is now urgent for the General Assembly to discuss, without delay, the establishment of the post of high commissioner for human rights. A commonality of values that reflect the dignity of the human person is an indispensable component of a better international order allowing the development of peaceful and lasting international relations. Thus, together with peace, development and democracy, we consider human rights to be one of the basic principles that should govern international society.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“An important development that has resulted from the end of the cold war concerns respect for human rights, which are inalienable and universal and figure above all other considerations when we look at a particular political regime or model of society. We believe that it is necessary for the international community today to judge violations of human rights without double standards. In this respect, I should like to stress the importance of the final declaration of the Vienna Conference, which emphasizes fundamental ideas and principles, specifically, those that concern the responsibilities of the international community in this area and define human rights as a priority for the United Nations.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Only then will the Organization be able to cope with the present and future challenges of maintaining peace, 12 General Assembly - Forty-eighth session giving humanitarian assistance and providing aid for development. Unfortunately, as I speak, the United Nations is confronting its greatest financial crisis in 48 years of existence and is facing the risk of not being able to assume its responsibilities in the important domain of maintaining international security. This question remains the cornerstone of the future activity of the United Nations. If it remains unanswered, the consequences for the United Nation credibility and for world peace will be dramatic.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)