YouSaid · the spoken record

Pinheiro

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS PINHEIRO

lines on the record: 112
first: 1987-09-24
most recent: 1992-09-24
sittings or episodes: 4
sources: un-general-debate

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“To that end, we have spared no effort and look forward to hearing the results of the Secretary-General's initiative when, in the next few days in New York, he will host an informal meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Portugal and Indonesia. In conclusion, I recall that a year ago I exhorted all States Members of the Organization to work together to achieve the essential aims of the Charter. The responsibilities placed upon my Government in the course of 1992 have given us a clearer perception of the nature of the arduous tasks before us. It is our duty to correct history's errors towards man, guided by legal and, above all, ethical principles, so that future generations may remember us through a legacy of justice and peace.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“To avoid the repetition of massacres and other grave violations of human rights, we must address the true causes of this situation and initiate a new stage of consideration of the issue. Portugal, in its capacity as administering Power recognized by the United Nations, presented to the Secretary-General last January a proposal for a dialogue, without preconditions and under his auspices, with Indonesia and all the parties directly involved. The objective is a just, comprehensive and internationally acceptable solution, with full respect for the legitimate interests of the East Timorese people, including the right to self-determination, in conformity with the principles of the Charter and international law.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Nevertheless, it refused to accept any inquiry under international supervision which could shed light on what had happened and clarify the circumstances which made it possible. The subsequently released report of the inquiry that did take place did little in this respect. On the other hand, heavy prison sentences including a life term were given to survivors of the killing, not indicted for violent activities, while the military personnel involved in the shooting were charged with mere disciplinary offences and given purely token prison terms. All of this contradicted the undertaking in the Commission on Human Rights, as the Sub-commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities recently recognized in a resolution adopted for the first time by an absolute majority.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“I should like once more to alert the international community to the situation in East Timor, a Non-Self-Governing Territory under Portuguese authority illegally occupied by Indonesia, in violation of the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council. We all recall the tragic events that took place in Dili's Santa Cruz cemetery on 12 November 1991, which rightly received universal condemnation. When faced with unprecedented criticism, the Indonesian Government made promises, set up committees of inquiry, offered condolences and subscribed to a consensus statement of the Commission on Human Rights.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Portugal maintains that condemnation of any violations of such rights can no longer be considered to be interference in the internal affairs of a State. We believe that the observance of the main international covenants is a fundamental condition for peace and progress. In this respect, we state unequivocally that there is a direct link between human rights, democracy and development; that is, development aid, in order to be productive and therefore justifiable presupposes the practice of democracy and fundamental freedoms at the receiving end. We still have a long way to go.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Situations such as these must be faced and dealt with in a different way. Relief for the afflicted populations comes before any local political conditionalities and cannot be subject to any preconditions or distortions whatsoever in it's distribution. There is clearly a need for preventive action by the United Nations, making available the necessary humanitarian aid and peace-keeping forces in the early stages of crises whenever possible. The defence of each individual's dignity, an aim which must guide us at all times, has been the leitmotif of my statement as the representative of Portugal. The universal and indivisible nature of human rights is a principle which deserves general acceptance.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“At both meetings, new forms of cooperation were established agreement on the promotion of human rights at the first and on greater involvement of the European Investment Bank in programmes for the development of the South American continent at the second. Man is the reason for all our efforts. His dignity is, after all, our guiding universal value. Thus it is not legitimate to allow the collapse of Governments, civil wars or adverse natural conditions to jeopardize human lives and render mere survival a daily battle. Portugal associates itself with the efforts under way to ease the suffering of the civilian population of Somalia, a crisis which is constantly in our minds. Despite all the actions carried out by the international community, a solution to this tragedy is yet to be found.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Portugal wholeheartedly supports the sending of United Nations, European Community and Organization of African Unity observers to South Africa. These observers may play a significant role. We see no credible alternative to this concerted effort. We have sought to encourage the dialogue between Europe and Latin America in this period of noteworthy development and regional integration initiatives. In this respect I should like to emphasize the significance of the Eighth Ministerial Meeting of the San Jose countries, held in Lisbon, and the Second Institutionalized Ministerial Meeting of the Rio Group, held in Santiago.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Everything indicates that the United Nations will play a preponderant role in the subsequent stages of the process. In the wake of the success of the United Nations involvement in Angola, I appeal to the Organization to give the attention, the means and the resources needed so that Mozambique in its turn, in the near future, may reach peace, democracy and long-sought economic progress. As for South Africa, a country which is vital to regional stability, Portugal has maintained close contacts with its major political forces, urging them to engage in dialogue and practise tolerance. A drastic reduction in social tension and the resumption of talks in the framework of the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) are an absolute priority which we must pursue so as to eradicate the structural causes of a decades-old conflict.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“We follow with expectancy and optimism the processes of reconciliation and democratization under way throughout southern Africa. In Angola the day of the long-awaited general elections is nearing. In spite of the structural and logistical difficulties, I am certain that, whatever the outcome, the Angolan people will find their way towards a pluralistic and tolerant society, whose foundations will be the nation's enormous potential and its human and natural resources. Turning to Mozambique, Portugal gladly welcomes the recent meeting between President Chissano and Mr. Afonso Dhlkama, President of RENAMO. Mutual trust and open dialogue are, and will continue to be, decisive for an irreversible advance of the Mozambican peace process. We therefore hope that the spirit of Rome will remain alive among all the participants.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Geographical proximity, a common history and close ties justify the genuine concern with which we have followed the political, social and economic problems the Maghreb is experiencing. We are aware that their effects threaten a delicate balance and the well-being of its populations. For these reasons, the European Community is committed to strengthening regional solidarity and establishing innovative forms of dialogue and cooperation reflecting the aims of partnership that motivate both sides. The Lisbon meeting of the European Community Council confirmed this view of the future in a clear Declaration which will renew the ties between the European Community and the Maghreb in all fields. Though an Atlantic country, Portugal does not forsake its Mediterranean heritage. Portugal devotes special attention to Africa.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“That belief was reiterated in June, together with a message of hope from the European Community Council meeting in Lisbon. It is now reinforced by the new policies of the Israeli Government, and it will be further strengthened by gestures of reciprocity from the Arab Governments. We have always advocated the presence of the United Nations in the peace process, commensurate with the importance of its role in international politics in general and the Middle East in particular. Security and stability in the Mediterranean are vital strategic factors for Europe, especially for those States that, like ours, are close neighbours of that region. In this regard, the Maghreb is particularly relevant for us.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“To that aim we must add the demand for full respect for the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the commitments of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE). Such conduct is essential for continued assistance and the process of democratic reform. We are witnessing events of great scope and significance in other parts of the world. The Middle East peace process exhibits a new and encouraging vitality which must be fostered by all. There are no viable alternatives to that process, which was initiated in Madrid. Portugal, like its partners in the Community, considers that any just, lasting and comprehensive settlement of the question of the Middle East must be based upon Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973).”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Following the first Conference on that subject, the Washington Conference, we sought to give an answer to the challenges presented by the collapse of the Soviet Union, an event which I then considered to be among the most significant of the century. Aware of the obstacles to be overcome, the participating countries agreed to lend their support to structural programmes of assistance and economic cooperation in a macroeconomic sense. Such actions would complement and not duplicate the programmes being implemented by several financial institutions. As for the political side of the Conference, it was restated that the new States must try to develop progressively a regional form of cooperation reflecting the mutual dependence that exists in so many vital sectors.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The foundation of that process consists of work already done in the framework of the Conference presided over by Lord Carrington, to whom I am grateful for his competence and dedication. Lastly, I must pay tribute, for the tasks they have performed, under circumstances of extreme hardship, even involving the sacrifice of their own lives, to the members of the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR), in which Portugal has the privilege of participating, the European Community monitoring mission and all the humanitarian agencies involved. I have been emphasizing that the road to progress is built on a sharing of responsibility by various actors in the international community. It was in that light that Lisbon hosted last May the Conference on assistance to the newly independent States.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“We sought from the beginning to generate synergism between the efforts of the European Community and the action of the Secretary-General and the Security Council. I believe that the degree achieved, both at the level of the decision-making bodies of the two organizations and in the field, where European Community monitors and United Nations peace-keeping forces are deployed, is extremely positive. I am certain that it will have to continue to be so. I should like to take this opportunity to reiterate Portugal's full agreement with the principles and measures defined at the recent London Conference. They are the basis for a negotiated settlement of the problems of the former Yugoslavia. We support the peace process that was relaunched on that occasion under the experienced guidance of Lord Owen and Mr. Cyrus Vance.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“During the first half of 1992 the Portuguese Presidency of the Council sought to promote a greater opening of the Community to the outside. I do not speak merely of enlargement and political dialogue; I speak of modalities of cooperation and assistance and the presentation of constructive proposals to deal with important issues in international economic relations. I also speak of the incentives for regional integration throughout the world. Furthermore, the external activity of the European Community did not ignore crisis situations. In this respect, the conflict involving several republics of the former Yugoslavia stands out. Priority was given to the involvement of the United Nations in the search for a political solution to that grave crisis.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Portugal views "An Agenda for Peace" (A/47/277) in that light. As was made clear by the British Foreign Secretary Mr. Douglas Hurd, who spoke this morning on behalf of the European Community and its member States, we believe that the proposals presented by Mr. Boutros-Ghali deserve special attention. It fell to Portugal to preside over the European Community Council of Ministers during a period of turmoil in recent history. Everywhere traditional alignments are disappearing. Regimes which until recently were held to be unchangeable are giving way to new institutions, oriented towards the defence of human dignity and democratic pluralism. The legacy of several decades has been shaken up in a few short years.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“At the outset, I should like to congratulate the President and the Vice-Presidents of the General Assembly on their respective election. I am certain that their recognized personal qualities guarantee, in the eyes of all those present, an outstanding stewardship of our work. I thank the outgoing President, Ambassador Samir Shihabi, for the dedication he showed throughout the last session of the General Assembly, thereby contributing to the consolidation of the process leading to the reform of the Assembly. I also address the Secretary-General, under whose aegis it has already been possible to take concrete and decisive steps towards a thorough reform of the Organization and the restructuring of the Secretariat along more flexible and operational lines. My Government appreciates that initiative and gives it its full support.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“This is a challenge for all of us, as we share the common responsibility of eliminating the deep political, social and economic imbalances that continue to affect the peoples of this planet, particularly in the context of North-South relations. Only in an integrated way and through dialogue and international cooperation will it be possible to overcome the difficulties and roadblocks that affect the international community. Portugal will do everything within its power to achieve these goals. It is in this spirit that we are participating in the present session of the General Assembly. It is also in this spirit that we look forward to undertaking the presidency of the European Community in 1992.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“To conclude, I should like to state the Portuguese position regarding the responsibility that the Member States should have in the future activities of our Organisation. The developments I have been mentioning are raising expectations in world public opinion. Most answers can be found within the framework of the United Nations. In fact this forum is going through a crucial period of its history and for the first time, owing to the considerable easing of international tensions, is in a position to address pending issues related to the essential objectives of the Charter. Portugal urges all Member States to participate actively in this task and stresses that the United Nations of tomorrow will constitute a forum where the problems and conflicts still besetting the globe can be discussed freely, without any restriction.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“We appeal for the timely ratification of this instrument, whose geographical implementation is, unfortunately, still limited. Portugal joins the overwhelming majority of countries in their concern for the tragic situation faced by victims of natural disasters and conflicts over which, in most cases, they have no control. The solution to these situations must be provided by a better coordination of existing humanitarian aid mechanisms. Therefore, we hope that the Assembly will take into account the initiative of the States members of the European Community on emergency humanitarian aid and will approve a resolution on this issue. This is an instance where solidarity among the various countries and the United Nations can alleviate the suffering of millions.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“Portugal hopes that at the Conference all participants will pledge their firm political commitment to enable a rational exploration of natural resources and alleviate the damaging effects of environmental degradation. In the human rights field, Portugal reaffirms its commitment to the cause of the immediate abolition of capital punishment, consistent with the positions that we have put forward in various forums, namely, within the framework of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), the Council of Europe and the United Nations. We welcome the recent entering into force of the Second Additional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which aims at the abolition of capital punishment.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“I wish now to address briefly a few issues that, because of their significance, have increasingly become the focus of attention in the United Nations and, naturally in my country. I shall refer first to the preservation of the environment. The issues to be discussed in this area concern Governments and citizens, and industrialized and developing countries. The environmental policies established now will ultimately determine the inheritance of future generations. We must not fail in this endeavour. The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development that will take place in June of next year in Rio de Janeiro deserves special mention.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“The European Community declarations of Venice and Madrid constitute solid reference points for Portuguese foreign policy regarding the Middle East; in our view, respect for international legality - in particular Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) - should guide all parties involved. In this context we support the initiatives of the United States Administration based on a full commitment and a profound knowledge of the nature of the conflict. He call on the parties involved to take advantage of this historic opportunity. Portugal, a country with historical and cultural links with northern Africa, has been giving its support to the pioneering integration initiatives of the Arab Maghreb Union, which have greatly contributed to cooperation with Europe and to strengthening dialogue in the Mediterranean.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“We have also cooperated closely with the mediation efforts of the Secretary-General. Under his auspices, an agreement was recently reached between Portugal and Indonesia on the terms of reference for a proposed visit to East Timor to be undertaken soon by a Portuguese parliamentary delegation in order to obtain first-hand information on the situation. We hope that this Initiative will lead to the resumption of a real dialogue involving all parties legitimately concerned and contribute to increased awareness by the international community of the need to solve that problem in accordance with the universally accepted principles that the United Nations has the mandate to promote and defend.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“In fact, it is those principles that are at stake in East Timor, and not an alleged bilateral dispute between Portugal and Indonesia. The last 15 years have proved that widespread repression and the use of force have not been able to consolidate the illegal status quo imposed upon the Territory. They have rather prompted the East Timorese people to a stubborn and undaunted resistance and to a protest movement that very few would have ever dared anticipate. Portugal, living up to its responsibilities, has been systematically drawing the international community's attention to the seriousness of the situation prevailing in East Timor and to the need to bring it to an end through the free exercise of the right to self-determination and through respect for the human rights and identity of the people.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“The defence of those principles has been a determining factor in some of the most significant actions undertaken by this Organization and, in particular, by the Security Council. I am referring to the principles of the non-use of force and the inadmissibility of illegitimate military conquest as an acceptable claim for territorial enlargement; respect for the right to self-determination of colonial peoples; and upholding the basic human rights and freedoms of both peoples and individuals. We are convinced that the international community as a whole, and the United Nations in particular, should be involved in a more consistent and committed manner in the search for a political settlement of this question based on respect for the principles I have just mentioned.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“While the last of the Non-Self-Governing Territories are being led to the final stages of their decolonization processes - and I recall in this context the recent accession to independence and admission to the United Nations of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands, both situated in the Pacific region and, like several other Member States of the United Nations, much smaller and less populous than East Timor - regrettable anachronisms still persist in East Timor in the last decade of the present century, a decade proclaimed by the United Nations as devoted to the eradication of colonialism. In the case of East Timor - a Non-Self-Governing Territory for which Portugal is still responsible as the administering Power recognized by the United Nations - fundamental principles are at stake.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“One of the main lessons we can draw from the developments we are currently witnessing - the restoration of the rights of self-determination and independence of the Baltic States and the rejection of the illegal occupation of Kuwait - is that situations based on the suppression of the legitimate rights of peoples and of their cultural, social and linguistic identity are inherently fragile and are bound to fail.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“The dramatic changes and emerging trends we have been witnessing on the international scene give us reason to believe that the right of the people of East Timor to freedom and self-determination will not be forgotten after more than 15 years of illegal Indonesian occupation carried out by the use of force and in blatant disregard of the basic principles of the Charter and the resolutions of the both General Assembly and the Security Council, which have yet to be implemented.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“Portugal has also been following with great interest the peace process in Central America, a region where the United Nations has played a major role in the search for a negotiated solution to questions that are vital to the stability of the countries involved. In this context we hope that current efforts will lead to true national reconciliation in El Salvador and in Guatemala. Within a framework of dialogue and cooperation, we hope that the eighth meeting of the San Jose conference, to be held in Lisbon, will give a significant impetus to real and harmonious progress in the region.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“My country has a centuries-old history of friendly relations with this region, strengthened by the significant social, economic and cultural contributions of the Portuguese communities that settled in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Venezuela. I cannot but underline how important it is for the international community to sponsor programmes aimed at sustained and equitable economic development. We also favour creative and flexible plans to solve the question of the region's foreign debt, which continues to be a considerable hindrance to the progress and the future of its peoples.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“Portugal will make all efforts within the framework of the international organizations of which it is a member, and in particular within the framework of the European Community, to prevent assistance from the industrialized countries to other regions from reducing the flow of financial aid and investments intended for Africa. Latin America is also moving gradually towards fuller compliance with the rules of democratic institutions and fundamental rights as well as towards new forms of economic integration and the strengthening of the market system. We reiterate our solidarity with the Governments that are pursuing these goals.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“We are certain that with the active support of the international community all Angolans will be able to recover the time lost and rapidly transform their country into one of the major poles of development in southern Africa. In this region of Africa, we continue to support efforts towards the building of a new South Africa, fully democratic and free from any form of discrimination. We welcome the measures already adopted to eliminate apartheid. We welcome too the dialogue that is being established between the main African forces. That dialogue will pave the way for a new South Africa. We also hope that the conflict which has so deeply affected Mozambique will soon come to an end. We support without reservation all initiatives aimed at fostering a genuine peace in Mozambique. We are willing to offer our best cooperation to that end.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“In Africa, a continent to which Portugal is linked by historical and cultural ties, there have been developments to which the international community should not remain indifferent. The efforts of an increasing number of countries to democratize their regimes, as well as progress in the field of human rights and the creation of market economies, deserve international recognition. I point out the cases of Cape Verde and Sao Tome and Principe as remarkable examples of a process of political renewal. It is also in this context and in a very special way that Portugal salutes the Angolan nation. Peace in Angola is now a valuable fait accompli, and general elections, in line with the terms of the Estoril agreements, will take place next year.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“The spectre of civil war and the resurgence of exacerbated nationalism in a historically key region for the stability of Europe have compelled the European Community and the member States of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe to seek a negotiated solution to the internal differences opposing the peoples of Yugoslavia. We consider the escalation of violence unacceptable and we appeal to all forums and to international public opinion to support any efforts aimed at an immediate cease-fire and to negotiations based on good faith. It is a permanent concern of Portuguese foreign policy that the European Community should not stray from its commitments to other continents.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“I cannot think of a better example than the one provided by the peoples of the Soviet Union, who championed the restoration of democracy and pluralism. I reiterate here the positions expressed this morning by my Dutch colleague on behalf of the European Community and its member States. The members of the European Community will do everything within their reach to contribute to the economic and social development of all central and eastern European countries, including Albania, to their great efforts toward democratisation and economic reform. Unfortunately, there is not just hope and optimism in Europe. Portugal is following with great apprehension the tragic developments in Yugoslavia.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“Therefore, the admission of seven new countries is particularly significant because they enhance the representativity of this forum. I welcome the simultaneous admission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea - an important sign of the Korean people's aspirations to reunification. And I also stress the special significance of the membership of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, whose commitment to independence and to democratic institutions prevailed over more than four decades of illegal occupation. We are living through a time of change. We can state today that we are in the presence of an overwhelming movement that does not spare even those regions and political regimes that seemed unchangeable.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“First of all I should like to congratulate you, Sir, on your election to the presidency of the General Assembly and to express our confidence in your ability to ensure the success of this forty-sixth session. Our appreciation is extended also to the outgoing President, Mr. Guido de Marco, for the manner in which he carried out his mandate and for his contribution to reforms in the work of the Assembly. The mandate of the present Secretary-General of the Organisation is coming to an end. Portugal wishes to join all those who have expressed their deep appreciation for the dedication with which he has carried out his duties. This dedication has been decisive for the resolution of several crises and for the enhancement of the credibility of the United Nations as an instrument of peace. The Charter of the United Nations has universal scope.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“And, if present solutions do not work, we must search with daring and creativity for new ones. Portugal once again reiterates its availability and willingness to contribute to efforts to ensure that we may all enjoy more peace in security, more freedom in democracy, more solidarity in prosperity.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Such an interest acquires a new and powerful thrust when one consider the committed and active participation of my country in many international organizations - from the United Nations to the EEC, from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to the Council of Europe, to mention only a few. We are aware, however, that it is not enough simply to observe the international scene and to react to events. Together with other countries of good will Portugal has a part to play in combating situations of injustice and war which, unfortunately, still occur. We have to overcome inertia and mobilize wills in order to change ineffective practices of co-operation. Above all, we must work hard to co-ordinate efforts to ensure that existing or potentially dangerous situations do not prevail.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“In the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, my country has striven to comply with the mandate entrusted to it, rejecting duplicity of criteria and working towards the strengthening of the effectiveness of existing mechanisms. To achieve full enjoyment of the fundamental freedoms of each individual, it is indispensable to keep in mind the complementary nature of civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights. Throughout the past five centuries, Portugal has enriched its history, its culture and its language in all parts of the world. That would be enough to justify its interest in the international scene.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“The commemoration of the fortieth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights should provide support to the efforts of the international community to ensure the exercise of the rights and fundamental freedoms inherent in the human person everywhere in the world. Now that the United Nations already has available to it several international instruments for defining and guaranteeing such rights, it is therefore important to ensure their effective implementation and the strengthening of international control mechanisms. As a priority of its foreign policy, Portugal contributes to the promotion and protection of human rights.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Aware of the historical significance of this event and of its implications for the future relationship between the two organizations and the respective member States, Portugal welcomed it and believes that a major step has been taken towards a new era of international co-operation extending to the most diverse fields. Ws trust that multilateral co-operation, reflected also in the relations between the EEC and the European Free Trade Association, the Association of South-East Asian Nations and the Gulf Co-operation Council, will be expanded and intensified.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“In this perspective we recognize the importance and the opportunities provided by the Uruguay Round, the satisfactory outcome of which would, without any doubt, contribute to a better balance in the world's trade relations. I reaffirm that the goal of those negotiations will be reached only if the principle of globality is strictly upheld. The joint declaration by the European Economic Community (EEC) and the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (COMECON) establishing official acknowledgement between the two organizations, issued in Luxembourg on 25 June 1988, ended 30 years of non-recognition of each other by the two Europes.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“That well-being is closely linked to economic development and is based on sound international trade, free of protectionism, be it open or concealed. This has been the position which ray country has clearly assumed. As a member of the European Community, Portugal considers it indispensable to have reciprocity in the opening up of markets. That is our practice and a fundamental feature of the Community's trade policy. My Government firmly believes that we are in the final stage of the setting up of the institutions necessary for the full participation of Portugal in the world market, in accordance with the objectives of the Contracting Parties to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“It is time to restore peace, dignity and hope to a country that has been successively martyrized by the intolerance of a minority that shows disrespect for the most elementary human rights and by a foreign military occupation that cannot be legitimised under any pretext. On the other hand, the Geneva agreements on Afghanistan constitute a significant stride towards solution of a conflict which, for almost a decade, sowed suffering and misery among the Afghan people. I cannot but note the courage and spirit of self-sacrifice of the Afghan resistance and the humanitarian solidarity displayed by Pakistan in receiving millions of refugees displaced by the conflict. Peace among nations and respect for human rights are the aspiration of us all and are inseparable from the well-being of each and every individual in the world community.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Portugal believes that the solution to this situation should be sought, in the first instance, at the regional level, in a climate of mutual trust and within the framework of strict respect for human rights, pluralist democracy and the principle of the inviolability of frontiers. He have always taken into consideration the unjust and unfavourable social conditions that have contributed to the present state of affairs in that region and we therefore believe that economic co-operation among the countries of the region and the industrialized countries will also have a determining influence in achieving the desired peace and progress for the region. Reaching a political solution for Cambodia is also an imperative necessity for the international community and one which is daily becoming more pressing.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“1 am convinced that the developed countries can help significantly in ameliorating these problems and in the search, together with the countries of the region, for new and imaginative forms of co-operation. The question of external indebtedness, in particular, must be seen in the context of economic growth, given that it is important to reduce the social burden that it imposes. I must also make a special reference to the situation in Central America, where the hope generated by the signing of the Esquipulas Agreement was followed by a stalemate in the peace process.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)