YouSaid · the spoken record

José Socrates

lines on the record: 44
first: 2006-09-24
most recent: 2010-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-general-debate

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“We belong to the United Nations because we strongly believe in its values, objectives and universality; because we maintain that mutual respect should be the cornerstone of international action; and because we think that the strengthening of the United Nations and its activities is surely one of the most noble and idealistic objectives of all those who, like the Heads of State and Government participating here, strive each and every day to achieve a better world.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Our attitude is not driven by any temporary need to please some constituencies. We aspire to be judged by our actions. This is our motivation for seeking active participation in all United Nations bodies for which the composition is rotational. This universal vision of dialogue and openness to the world characterizes our current candidature for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Portugal is also a country that is accustomed to listening to its partners. We are members of the European Union, the Atlantic Alliance, and the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries, currently presided over by Angola, which I congratulate. Portuguese is the fifth most widely spoken language in the world and is present on all continents. Portugal also participates in the Alliance of Civilizations, a forum that is at the forefront of the much-needed intercultural dialogue among regions, which is ably led by Jorge Sampaio, former President of my country. Portugal’s action at the United Nations is rooted in our capacity for open dialogue with every Member State and in our ability to build bridges and forge consensus. We always seek to defend our values through dialogue, not by imposing our views.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“This year marks the beginning of the United Nations Decade for Deserts and the Fight Against Desertification. Portugal recognizes the right to water, as well as the right to education, adequate housing and health. Ensuring that every human being has access to drinking water and adequate sanitation is also a good way of accelerating the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals. My country, an independent State for almost 1,000 years, commemorates this year the centennial of the Portuguese Republic. We are today a democracy with solid credentials in terms of human rights and their promotion worldwide. We firmly believe in the rule of law and have learned through our own experience that peace and prosperity are attainable only when they are truly and freely shared by all States.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“It has the largest photovoltaic park in the world and is a leader in the area of electric vehicles. Portugal is now considered one of the 10 most promising countries for energy investment. Portugal has been sharing this experience and this knowledge with a number of developing countries, and we continue to intensify this cooperation through concrete partnerships and technology transfer and knowledge, supporting efforts towards adaptation and mitigation, in accordance with the commitments made in Copenhagen. Some of our partners are least developed countries and small island developing States. They are among those that pollute the least but suffer the most from climate change. It is urgent that the international community take the necessary measures to reduce their vulnerability.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Another field where interdependence urges us to act jointly is climate change. It is a matter of survival. We shall do our part to ensure that the Cancún summit is a step in the right direction. Portugal has consistently worked to reduce its carbon footprint by investing solidly in renewable energy. I am proud to be able to announce that we have already met the target that my country announced here last year. Portugal is already producing 45 per cent of its electricity from local renewable sources, and by 2020 it intends to reach 66 per cent. It now holds the fifth place in Europe — and in the world — in terms of use of renewable energy. It has the largest wind park in Europe — and the second largest in the world — and it holds the record for the highest amount of wind energy 10-55103 26 generated.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“The implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is urgent. Let me congratulate the Secretary-General and the members of the General Assembly on the results achieved at the recent High-level Meeting. We are firmly committed to applying the agreed political vision to mobilize efforts to meet the targets over the next five years. International stability cannot be achieved and maintained without economic and social prosperity worldwide. The present economic and financial situation shows that we all benefit from common solutions to global problems. In this context, I call for a reinforced participation of developing countries and regional groupings and communities in ongoing debates, including the reform of the international financial organizations and their interaction with the United Nations system.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“In our view, it is illogical that countries like Brazil or India, which have an irreplaceable role in today’s international economic and political life, are still not permanent members of the Security Council. Africa, as well, has to be considered in this enlargement of the permanent membership. It is of the utmost importance that Africa be fairly treated, given the remarkable political and economic progress we all have witnessed on that vast continent — continent with which Portugal feels a permanent affinity. It is only natural that we have been so closely linked to the strengthening of relations between Africa and the Europe Union (EU), having hosted the summit in Lisbon where the Joint Africa-EU Strategy was designed. We are now looking forward to the third Africa-EU summit.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Its pivotal place at the centre of the international architecture has to be preserved, for the United Nations is the only forum where no one feels excluded, the only body where all States, including small and medium-sized countries, have their own voice and their own say in solving global problems. The establishment of the Peacebuilding Commission — an idea put forward by Portugal — was a significant step in the reform process. But we also have to look at the Security Council with a view to its enlargement. I sincerely believe that we can all succeed in reshaping the Council and making it more representative, more efficient and more transparent. Mr. Ould Hadrami (Mauritania), Vice-President, took the Chair.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“It alone is capable of confronting global threats, it alone has the capacity to respond to acute natural disasters, as we have seen in several recent situations, like the Haitian earthquake or the Pakistan floods, and it alone can effectively shelter and feed millions of refugees worldwide, thanks to the outstanding work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees, led by António Guterres, one of the most distinguished Portuguese political leaders. It is especially urgent to reform the United Nations and to adapt it to today’s international realities. Any reform must be based on the objectives that inspired its creation.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“The results of the Kabul Conference will have to be complemented at the upcoming NATO summit in Lisbon, with a view to ensuring a sustainable transition process, mainly led by the Afghans themselves. International peace and security require effective multilateral action among United Nations bodies. Effective multilateralism needs to be based on working structures with which every Member State feels comfortable. The United Nations is indispensable.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Looking at the present challenges to international peace and security, allow me to refer to the situation in the Middle East, a conflict involving many negative influences in the relations between several peoples and cultures. The coming year will be critical to the peace process. The choice is clear: peace or a return to instability. We welcome the return to direct negotiations aimed at reaching a two-State solution. We all have to 25 10-55103 join efforts for the creation of an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable Palestinian State living side by side, in mutual peace and security, with the State of Israel. I would also like to mention Afghanistan where the international community has assumed a firm commitment to support reconstruction and development.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Our efforts have always been global and generous. Tens of thousands of Portuguese have participated in peace operations. We are now present in places as diverse as Afghanistan, South Lebanon, Timor-Leste, the Western Balkans, Chad and the Democratic Republic of Congo. We participate in United Nations peacekeeping operations and other missions according to our means and, quite frequently, above and beyond what our size, would require. Nevertheless, we continue doing it with the firm conviction that collective security calls for collective efforts. Moreover, the United Nations can continue to count on the Portuguese contribution to this collective endeavour.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Allow me to underline some of them, which today are more important than ever: maintaining international peace and security, the development and progress of all peoples, friendly relations among all nations based on sovereign equality, international cooperation in solving economic, cultural and humanitarian crises and the promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The maintenance of international peace and security, is surely one of the noblest of our objectives. The Charter defines the way we, the United Nations, should act together to prevent or remove threats to peace and how to respond to acts of aggression or other violations of our universal principles. Portugal has been an active contributor to United Nations peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations in Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Its unique role in managing international relations is more evident than ever, and it is our duty to further enhance this role in order to attain a progressive and solid strengthening of the United Nations. I repeat, there are no alternative mechanisms to the United Nations. For this reason, all Member States should work to reinvigorate the Organization. Portugal is guided by the principles of national independence, respect for human rights, equality among States, peaceful solutions to conflicts and international cooperation as the main elements that drive development and the progress of humankind. These principles are all inscribed in the Portuguese Constitution. These are also the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“I wish to begin by congratulating you, Sir, on your election as President of the General Assembly. The Assembly is the central body of the United Nations architecture. Here, all Member States are truly represented and each has a vote, irrespective of its size, population or economic power. Here is where the central decisions that determine the functioning of the other bodies are made. Here, we are all permanent members, embodying the principle of the sovereign equality of all States. Here in the General Assembly, Portugal is guided by the objective of doing its best to strengthen the United Nations. There are no true alternatives to the Organization.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Political will is needed in order to adapt our international system to the challenges we face today. The General Assembly and the Secretary-General can rely on the European Union to help turn that political will into action. The response to those challenges lies in active and effective multilateralism. For all of us, it lies in the United Nations and in support for the Organization. That is the final message I wish to convey to the General Assembly on behalf of the European Union.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“I am referring to Timor-Leste, which, thanks to the efforts and commitment of the international community to consolidate the foundations of its statehood, its democracy and its development, recently successfully held its first independently organized elections. But, notwithstanding that success which is enormous the presence of all players continues to be required, to ensure the country’s political, economic and social stability. We believe and wish to make it clear, here, beyond all doubt that the only possible response to the challenges of our times lies in effective multilateralism based on the United Nations system. For that reason we remain committed to the reform of its main bodies in order to enhance the Organization’s representivity, transparency and effectiveness.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the commitment of the Group of Friends of the Alliance of Civilizations, for which we ask for everyone’s support. For centuries, international trade has been the main means of bringing different cultures and peoples together. That is why we also call for the earliest possible agreement in the World Trade Organization’s Doha Development Round. This month will be absolutely crucial for the Doha Development Agenda. Therefore, it is vital for all key members to show a spirit of compromise and constructiveness and the genuine will to commit to a fair and balanced agreement that can bring greater wealth for all. Peace must be consolidated; failing this, it can be no more than the interval between wars. One of the newest Members of the United Nations is an example of that.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“All terrorist acts are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, their form or their manifestation. We must therefore make resolute efforts to counter terrorism, but that must be done in accordance with our obligations under international law, while fully respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, the protection of which are essential in tackling the threat of terrorism. I wish to say a word, from the standpoint of Europe, about the Alliance of Civilizations. It is an important and timely initiative that seeks to strengthen dialogue among peoples, cultures and religions. The European Union supports the appointment of former Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio to the post of High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations and welcomes his action plan.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The European Union, as a member of the Quartet, reiterates its commitment to reaching a just, comprehensive and lasting solution to the Israeli-Arab conflict. That can happen only through the creation of an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian State living side by side with Israel in peace and security. The stabilization of Lebanon will also contribute to the stabilization of the Middle East. Resolving the present political crisis requires a special commitment and dialogue by Lebanon’s leaders and the countries of the region. For its part, the European Union is committed to ensuring Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity. In the same manner, the European Union continues to support the promotion of peace, stability and prosperity in Afghanistan and the wider region.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“For that reason, the European Union supports and participates actively in the ongoing efforts of the international community, namely those of the Troika, to bring the parties closer together and obtain a comprehensive political solution that will lead to a democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo and will contribute to the consolidation of stability and prosperity in that part of Europe: the Balkans. We urge both parties to engage constructively and creatively in that process. The European Union stands ready to play a significant role in the implementation of a future status settlement at the end of the negotiations. The reactivation of the Middle East peace process remains a priority for the international community. We have to act quickly, because the door is open at the moment, but it will not stay open for long.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Effective multilateralism also requires a concerted response to the ever-widening range of threats to international peace and security. We welcome the establishment of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur so that we can jointly contribute to the political resolution of that conflict, which has had tragic humanitarian consequences in the Sudan and the entire region. In order to address those consequences, the European Union reaffirms its support for the deployment of a multidimensional presence in eastern Chad and the northern Central African Republic and welcomes the opening of political talks on Darfur, which will take place in Libya on 27 October. But peace and security are also a challenge in Europe. We share the opinion of the Secretary-General that the status quo in Kosovo is not sustainable.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We express our solidarity with the people of that country and call on its authorities to respect human rights. In particular, we call on them to refrain from using any form of violence against people who are engaged in peaceful protest. The authorities must endeavour to promote a genuine process of political reconciliation, because that is what democracy and respect for human rights require. I wish to reaffirm the EU’s long-standing opposition to the death penalty and to reiterate once again our appeal for its total abolition throughout the world. In that regard, the EU will, together with countries from every region of the world, formulate a draft resolution on a universal moratorium on, and abolition of, the death penalty.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In that context, the EU is in favour of transforming the United Nations Environment Programme into a specialized agency a United Nations Environment Organization because we believe it is essential to take heed of international public opinion. Sustainable development also involves respecting, protecting and fulfilling human rights throughout the world. We believe that that is crucial and that it must remain at the centre of all United Nations sectoral activities. The General Assembly’s Third Committee should continue to play a central role in promoting and protecting human rights throughout the world. At the present session, the EU will do its utmost, as it has in the past, to ensure the Committee’s success. Here, I should like to say to the members of the General Assembly that the EU is following closely the situation in Myanmar.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Even more important, however, we need everyone’s support. The EU has already unilaterally committed itself to cutting its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 per cent. But we want to go further, and we are prepared to do so. That is why we announced that, as part of a future global agreement on climate rules, we would increase that commitment to 30 per cent. Here, I would like to reiterate our call for global emissions to be reduced by at least 50 per cent of their 1990 levels by 2050. I believe that by undertaking those commitments, the EU is sending a clear signal that it wishes to lead these global efforts. I also wish to say something about reform of the institutional framework for United Nations environmental efforts. The EU firmly believes that ambitious reform is required if we are to achieve real change.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“It threatens our prosperity and could undermine our ability to achieve the MDGs. Here, too, our response must be global and collective. I was pleased to take part in the high-level event on climate change. Its results are encouraging and give rise to optimism. They clearly show a political will to move forward. Sustainable development and emission reductions must go hand in hand; therefore, they are our shared responsibility. This initiative will add momentum to the formulation of a post-2012 global comprehensive agreement on a climate regime. I believe that we should agree to begin negotiations on such a regime at the Bali climate change conference, to be held in December. I wish to make it absolutely clear that the EU will make every effort to achieve an ambitious and solid international consensus at the conference.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In that context, I must mention one of the stated objectives of the European Union: the adoption of a joint EU-Africa strategy to be endorsed by the second EU-Africa summit, to be held in Lisbon in December. I mention that objective because it is a clear sign of our times: a strategy, defined jointly by Africans and Europeans, that reflects our commitment to the MDGs and is in keeping with the activities of both continents’ multilateral institutions. It is an inclusive and ambitious strategy that reflects the progress made in Euro-African cooperation in a broad range of areas and sets standards to be met through shared responses to the challenges likewise shared by the continents of Africa and Europe. Climate change is one of the great global challenges facing humanity today.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The message that I wish to leave with members today, on behalf of the EU, is that they can rely on us to make effective multilateralism a reality, today. I propose to begin with what is undoubtedly one of the greatest objectives that we in the United Nations have so far set for ourselves, which is to meet the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Those goals are demanding, but they should not discourage us; on the contrary, they should inspire us to accelerate our work and enhance its effectiveness in eradicating poverty, building a true partnership for development, promoting education for all and decent health standards and combating climate change.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In this globalized and interdependent world in which we live, only strong multilateral institutions can promote the fundamental values of peace, democracy, human rights and development. This is why the EU supports the primacy of the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security as the foundation and focal point of our shared ambitions and concerted efforts. And that is why we adopted effective multilateralism and a rules-based international order as the objective of the European security strategy. Let me make this clear: if the new century has taught us only one lesson, it is that global challenges require global responses. What is needed is effective multilateralism. That is what we are engaged in here at the United Nations, and that is what we are seeking to promote in the United Nations.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“I have the honour to address this General Assembly on behalf of the European Union. I would like to start, Mr. President, by wishing you all the best in the mandate you are beginning. I would like you to know that you can count on the firm support of the European Union (EU) throughout this General Assembly, certain that you will continue the excellent work of your predecessor, Ms. Haya Al- Khalifa, whom I would also like to congratulate. Since this is the first session of the General Assembly to be convened since our Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, assumed office, I also wish to take this opportunity, on behalf of the EU, to renew our solid support to him in his leadership of the United Nations.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“But, at the same time, they give us the opportunity to live in accordance with our ideals and put into practice the principles that have guided us for more than six decades. The only way out is for us to look for answers together. That is why we need a stronger and more cohesive United Nations. We owe this to ourselves. We owe it to our children. But, above all, we owe it to future generations.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“In Bissau, on the tenth anniversary, we pledged our commitment to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, by defining and implementing a general cooperation strategy where the highest priority is given to achieving these Goals. This is our priority in our domestic policy in Portugal; at the top of our priorities are the Millennium Development Goals. We shall implement them with a bilateral and multilateral cooperation strategy that will help to fight poverty, alleviate the pressure on migratory flows and promote sustainable development. September in New York, above all else, should not be some sort of annual pilgrimage to rediscover this Organization. At the end of the day, the credibility of the United Nations is in our hands. We all face the same challenges.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“In recent years, with the consolidation of the African Union and various regional organizations and initiatives, very significant progress has been made in many fields on the African continent, and this has been driven by the continent itself and its own institutions. It is our duty to recognize these developments, support them with renewed support and vigour, and develop them further. I would also like to recall that last July, in Bissau, the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries celebrated its tenth anniversary. This organization has been consolidating itself and strengthening its involvement within the United Nations system, where it currently holds observer status, presenting itself as a credible organization in the fostering of international partnerships.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“I am pleased to stress here today the determination with which the European Union has been reinforcing its partnership and its strategy with the African continent. The current drafting of a Euro- African joint strategy will lead to a script for our relations with Africa in the fundamental areas of peace and security, good governance and human rights, regional trade and integration, and also aspects relating to human development. I stress the word “joint”. All of us share the responsibility — Africans and Europeans alike. I trust that the conditions will soon be right for this strategy to be adopted. And I hope that it will be at the highest level, when we hold in Lisbon the second European Union-Africa summit.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“It is a challenge where the United Nations and the European Union assume shared responsibilities in promoting peace and stability, through an effective multilateral dialogue. 25 06-52988 Portugal fulfils its duty and supports the urgent implementation of this resolution, and we are present in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon to help implement it. I would like to draw attention, once more, to Africa. Portugal has given it great attention, and invested great efforts there, and it is our duty to ensure that the continent is not forgotten. There is progress in Africa that we should encourage, and we also have a historical responsibility on which the developed world should not and cannot turn its back.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“One of the biggest political challenges that we face in this dialogue of cultures and civilizations is undoubtedly the Middle East. The region remains one of the main focal points of instability in the world. We all have in our minds the painful images of the most recent crisis in Lebanon, where we witnessed the suffering of civilians on both sides of the conflict. This reinforces all the more the need to actively pursue a permanent and balanced solution, which may bring about a dynamic of hope and peace in the region. The Middle East is not a military issue. The Middle East is, above all, one of the greatest political and diplomatic challenges that today’s world faces. We should not, therefore, miss the window of opportunity offered to us by Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The dialogue between cultures and civilizations also imposes demanding domestic political agendas, in the respect for differences and the inclusion of all citizens in society — the inclusion of immigrants; the inclusion of all, irrespective of their beliefs or religions. On the other hand, the dialogue between civilizations also imposes steps forward on the international scene, the strengthening of economic bonds between North and South. The strengthening of world trade mechanisms constitutes an investment in our own security, and is an essential part of that dialogue; hence the importance of overcoming the obstacles of the Doha Round in the context of the current negotiations in the World Trade Organization. We all have to be prepared to give up something so that at the end of the day everyone can win.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“I would therefore like to underline Portugal’s commitment to multilateralism, because we firmly believe that this is the path where one can best uphold the essential values of peace and development. A big part of this multilateral action rests on a dialogue between cultures and civilizations. It is through this dialogue that we assume a collective responsibility to overcome obstacles, prejudices, preconceived ideas and, principally, ignorance. Our challenge here in this dialogue is not to limit ourselves to mere declarations, but to take firm and concrete steps towards greater interaction between peoples and cultures. Despite the huge uncertainties and misunderstandings in the world today, we have a set of principles — contained in our Charter — that can inspire us and guide us. They are our best help.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The United Nations is today one of the greatest guarantors of our collective security. It is our duty to preserve and strengthen it. It is an investment from which we all stand to benefit. Each one of us is a Member of this Organization not only to serve and promote our own national interests, but also — and I would go so far as to say above all — to fulfil the hopes and dreams of the people of the whole world. The world today, as we know, is full of risks and threats that no country can face alone. If we do not unite in our efforts, we are halfway down the road to failure. Reality, particularly in recent years, has proved this to us quite clearly.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“In this regard, I would also like to pay due tribute to the memory of Sergio Vieira de Mello, brutally murdered three years ago in Baghdad in the service of the United Nations. We will not forget all that he did for the just cause of the Timorese people, and in defence of the values that the United Nations embodies. This last decade has been one of great changes. The United Nations has had undoubted successes, but there have also been missed opportunities. Many accuse the Organization of undue complexity, slowness in its decision-making process and excessive bureaucracy. It is true that diplomacy requires time, but it does produce results. If there is something that we have learned over these last years, it is that there is no alternative to multilateralism; multilateralism is where the United Nations plays a determinant role.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“There is still a long way to go, it is true. But it is important that the Timorese people be aware that they can count on the United Nations. Unfortunately, the 06-52988 24 recent internal crisis raised a serious question about security, and it is vital that this be resolved if the country is to find stability. We therefore applaud the new United Nations peace mission, the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste, which represents a continuity of the significant investment made by the international community, to which Portugal belongs. We participate actively in this Mission, consistent with our ongoing commitment, going back over three decades, to the political process of the new State of Timor-Leste.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“I therefore solemnly express on behalf of the Portuguese people our heartfelt, deep appreciation for the way in which he has carried out his duties over the last 10 years, contributing concretely and decisively to international peace and stability in a world that we all wish were more just. It was on his watch — and with his indispensable personal help — that we saw the birth of the new State of Timor-Leste. Portugal will not forget that this was one of the great recent victories of the United Nations, in peoples’ fight for self-determination, and in defence of the values in the Charter. This Organization has carried out a crucial task in Timor-Leste, in maintaining peace, consolidating the rule of law and, together with donor countries, creating the foundations for a more prosperous economic and social future for the Timorese people.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“I would like to begin, like previous speakers, by extending my warmest congratulations to Ms. Haya Rasheed Al- Khalifa, the first woman in nearly 40 years to take up the position of President of the General Assembly. This is good news for international politics. I wish her every success in discharging the mandate on which she is now beginning, in which she can be assured of Portugal’s firm support. We are confident that she will continue the excellent work carried out by her predecessor, Minister Jan Eliasson, whom I am very happy to remember here. This session of the Assembly is also notable for being the last during which Secretary-General Kofi Annan will be in office.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)