YouSaid · the spoken record

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani

lines on the record: 87
first: 2001-09-24
most recent: 2012-09-24
sittings or episodes: 7
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We were eager to participate in the activities of this session being held in this holy month in order to stress our conviction in the need to contribute to promoting coexistence among nations and to raise an important issue related to the purposes of the international community with respect to the future of peace and progress. Given its great significance, I would like to refer to Security Council resolution 1770 (2007), on the subject of Iraq, which was adopted on 10 August 2007. That resolution has partly restored to the United Nations its rightful role in addressing Iraq’s tragedy, after it was proven that it is no longer possible for that matter to remain confined to a single State or to a coalition of States of converging interests. The world’s major conflicts have become far too big for a single Power to handle them on its own.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“At the outset, I would like to congratulate you, Sir, on your election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its sixty- second session. I wish you every success in your mission. I would like also to thank your predecessor, Sheikha Haya Rashed Al-Khalifa, for successfully presiding over the previous session. I would like further to pay tribute to Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon, who has assumed his post at a critical moment in which the Organization is facing several serious challenges that threaten international peace and security. The current session has begun at a time when more than one fifth of the world’s population of Muslims are observing mandatory fasting during the month of Ramadan.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“While building bridges among developing counties, it has actively sought to reach out to the developed countries and convince them that the interest of the international economic order lies in narrowing the gap, rather than widening it. Moreover, it will always remain committed to the principles of the United Nations, mindful of the need for continuous coordination with its organs and bodies.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“We also welcome the accords that were signed to find a peaceful settlement to the problem of southern Sudan and urge the international community to support the efforts of the Government of the Sudan in this regard. These last issues which I have raised, although seemingly of a political nature related to chronic regional problems, mainly in the Middle East, are not, in fact, far removed from the endeavours of the Group of 77 and China to achieve a more equitable international order. The regional stability that is sought in each of these cases will allow economic reconstruction on a sound basis in every instance. The Group of 77 has been striving for more than 40 years on more than one front.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Also, we will spare no effort in supporting the reconstruction of Iraq, and we affirm our position of principle regarding the need to safeguard its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and non-interference in its internal affairs. We would also like to emphasize the central role of the United Nations in Iraq. We note with satisfaction the commitment of the Sudan to work closely with the international community to resolve the conflict in the Darfur region. This makes it incumbent on the international community to cooperate positively with the Sudanese Government, especially since it has initiated actions to restore the rule of law to mitigate the suffering of the inhabitants of that region.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Related to this is the need to achieve a comprehensive peaceful settlement to the Arab-Israeli conflict on the basis of Israel’s withdrawal from all the territories occupied in 1967, including the Syrian Golan and the Lebanese Shaba’a farms. In this regard, we stress the need to transform the Middle East into a zone free of weapons of mass destruction, without any exception. As regards Iraq, it is our hope that Security Council resolution 1546 (2004) will help stabilize the situation so as to allow the implementation of the resolution’s timetable regarding the holding of free, democratic elections and the timely drafting of a permanent constitution as a prelude to the establishment of an elected constitutional government.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Also, Israel must fulfil the commitments it has made, in accordance with the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice issued on 9 July 2004 and later endorsed by the General Assembly at its tenth emergency special session. This includes its commitment to the road map; halting the construction of the separation wall, which has harmed the Palestinian homeland and disrupted livelihoods; and enabling the Palestinian people to exercise its right to self determination and to establish an independent State, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, that would coexist in security and peace with Israel.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“However, the Israeli occupation remains a crushing burden on the legitimate Palestinian dreams of freedom and development. For more than 50 years, the question of Palestine has been on the agenda of the General Assembly. Hence, the international community needs to listen to its conscience and to reconsider its position, bearing in mind that this question despite its humanitarian nature and manifest legitimacy, has been allowed to fester from one century to the next, thus compounding the tragedy of the Palestinian people before the might of the Israeli occupation forces. Compelling Israel to implement the resolutions of international legitimacy is more than a mere duty, because such legitimacy must not be applied selectively.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“There is no lesson to be learned from the experience of the countries of the South which undertake political reform one moment then regress the next or take one step towards democracy to serve a selfish interest then take two steps backwards once that interest has been satisfied. One must instead look for guidance to the long history of development, which shows that those States which succeed are those which realize that their economies must be based on efficiency and that efficiency can be achieved, not by fiat and policies of 14 intimidation and confinement, but only by discussion of and participation in public affairs. The question of Palestine embodies the suffering of a people deprived of both its political and its economic rights and struggling, despite its difficulties, to remedy the situation.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“As the history of economic relations has shown, the States that have made the greatest economic achievements — whether in the North or in the South — have been those which were most committed to the exercise of democracy. The few exceptions — States that have managed to improve their economic performance without following the principles of democracy — have known limited success and have continued to be vulnerable to sudden economic upheavals. Just as international economic relations are dominated by the discourse on sustainable development, another discourse must be launched on what I would term “sustainable reform”.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Allow me now to address, on behalf of my country, Qatar, a number of political issues closely related to our aim of enabling the developing countries and peoples to enjoy their full economic rights. In particular, I wish to single out the absence of democracy and the prolonged slackening of political reform evident in a number of countries of the South, and probably most apparent in the past few years in the Middle East, where they have been at the root of most of the harsh social and economic suffering currently plaguing that region. Political reform and people’s participation in decision-making are no longer an option but have become a definite necessity.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“At the 2005 review of the Declaration, the Group of 77 and China will present a series of implementing proposals, most of which focus on the development of multilateral international relations, with particular emphasis on the situation in Africa, the least developed countries and the landlocked developing countries. We have participated actively in seeking practical solutions to the problems besetting those regions and will participate in the forthcoming review of the Barbados Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States early in 2005. I take this opportunity to urge the international community to support the Barbados Programme of Action, as it is an integral part of our efforts to move towards a better world.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“A review of the implementation of the Millennium Declaration indicates that its objectives relating to the countries of Africa and the least developed countries have so far seemed unattainable. This is due in large measure to the failure of countries to fulfil the commitments they so generously made at various United Nations conferences and summits. As the General Assembly is going to undertake the first review of the Millennium Declaration next year, we should seize the opportunity of our meeting today to renew our commitment to the prompt implementation of the Declaration.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“While noting the progress achieved in the Doha negotiations on the question of agriculture, we support the access to the world market of other products from developing countries and urge that this issue should be accorded the priority it deserves. Moreover, there should be agreement on specific measures to ensure sufficient financial flows to developing countries, especially foreign direct investment, to assist those countries in building the production capacity they need to compete in the world market. We would also stress the importance of enabling everyone to benefit from the achievements of science and technology and thereby to gain access to sources of knowledge and receive help in achieving development.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Such a system requires the elimination of bias in the liberalization of trade between the developed and the developing countries and the discontinuation of practices that continue to impede freedom of commerce, such as recourse to agricultural subsidies, support for certain products and restrictions on the movement of individuals, which make it impossible for developing countries to tap their potential or market many of their products. In this regard we call on the developed countries to liberalize trade at a faster rate by removing the various obstacles that have so far deprived the developing countries of their right to enjoy international trade relations based on equal opportunity.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Accordingly, it is necessary to eliminate the obstacles that make it difficult for developing countries to reap the fruits of world economic growth, and the international community must reaffirm its commitment to the eradication of poverty and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals through a deeper and more comprehensive integration of the developing countries in the world economy. 13 The Group of 77 and China urgently calls for the establishment of an open multilateral trading system, one which takes into account the norms of justice and the rule of law and is geared to assisting developing countries combat poverty and underdevelopment.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“It is indisputable that globalization has acquired an immense momentum and yielded positive results. Nevertheless, it has been accompanied by some adverse effects as well, and a review and reconsideration of a number of current international economic policies is needed before globalization can acquire the human face it is supposed to have. The continued imbalance in the distribution of the benefits of international economic interdependence, the progressive widening of the gap between the developed and the developing countries, and the deterioration of the economic conditions in quite a few countries of the South, with the attendant adverse effects on the environment, will accentuate feelings of discontent and frustration and could even lead to abhorrent forms of international conflict.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The history of international relations over the second half of the last century has shown that it is almost impossible to maintain peace and security as long as people lack the minimum requirements for a basic dignified livelihood. Poverty and destitution have often resulted in tensions that have led to breaches of international peace and security, and it is no coincidence that the poorest regions in the world are the ones that have suffered the most complicated regional conflicts. To achieve the aims of security and development simultaneously, the international community needs to adopt more equitable policies that do justice to a large segment of the members of the international community who still lack many of the basic necessities of life.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“While the ministerial meetings of the Group highlight with utmost certainty its close relationship with the international organizations, the actions of its States since April 2000, when it convened its first meeting at the level of presidents and heads of Government, reaffirm the interest of its members in promoting coordination among themselves, inspired by the principles of the United Nations to achieve their aims. In the view of the Group of 77 and China, the difficult challenge facing the international community today is that of maintaining international peace and security while achieving economic welfare and development.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Just as the United Nations has grown, its membership has increased and the scope of its activity has expanded, so, too, the Group of 77 and China has attracted new members into its membership — which now stands at 132 States, constituting more than two thirds of the membership of the United Nations. Our Group embodies the commitment of the developing countries to the mission of the United Nations and their determination to be guided by the lofty principles enshrined in its Charter.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The United Nations was established six decades ago as an expression of the aspirations of all the members of the international community to save the world from the scourge of war, to maintain international peace and security, and to achieve cooperation among nations and people in various fields. Roughly two decades after its inception, on 15 June 1964, to be exact, the Group of 77 was established to express the aspirations of scores of developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America to work with each other under the umbrella of the United Nations, with a view to promoting their common economic interests, developing their negotiating capacity regarding various international economic issues and increasing the bonds of their technical cooperation.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“It gives me great pleasure to address the General Assembly on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, currently chaired by my country, Qatar. I would like to seize this opportunity to extend congratulations to Mr. Jean Ping on his assumption of the presidency of the current session of the General Assembly, wishing His Excellency every success in the discharge of his functions. I would also like to extend thanks to his predecessor, Mr. Julian Hunte, for guiding the work of the previous session. It also gives me pleasure to express my appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Kofi Annan, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, for his judicious conduct of the work of this Organization during a critical period in which international relations have faced and are still facing immense challenges.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“In this way, our cultural distinctions could be turned into a source of strength and wealth, our social disparities could become an element of diversity and contribution, and our political and geographical borders could become points of cooperation, convergence and communication among our peoples and nations. That would provide an opportunity for all of us to live in a world whose inhabitants take pride in their humanity and look forward to a future of prosperity and well- being for their children and grandchildren without any discrimination or distinction. May the peace and blessings of God be upon the Assembly.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“The State of Qatar is convinced of the importance of — indeed, the necessity for — such a dialogue. As we would be one of those to benefit from the outcome of such a dialogue, we are willing to contribute in many different ways in order to make this a year for democratic dialogue that would truly reflect the principles of the United Nations Charter at the beginning of this millennium. If approached with conviction and resolve, this endeavour will lead to the interaction of different views, and could help to unify our efforts against current threats and future challenges and dangers.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“We also support restrictions on the use of the veto on the part of permanent members, regulating the ability to exercise that right within limits established by specific conditions and provisions to be agreed upon by the international Organization. From this rostrum, I would like to say that the time has come for us to take steps immediately to activate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In implementing it, international organizations should not confine their role to merely recording the violations of its principles. They should move towards a comprehensive, democratic dialogue that consolidates its provisions guaranteeing people’s right to participate in governance, expands its scope and makes it more responsive, not just for today’s requirements, but also for those of the future.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“In this respect, we are convinced of the necessity of reforming the United Nations so as to step up the effectiveness of its organs and agencies and to promote its efficiency. Equally, as States Members of the Organization, we are required to shoulder our political responsibilities and honour our financial and moral obligations towards the Organization. In this context, we support the idea of expanding the membership of the Security Council to make it more democratic and more representative of the international community in our contemporary world. We also support the idea of expanding the permanent membership of the Council in order to secure wider international representation.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“We urge the Taliban authorities to cooperate fully with relief organizations to ensure that essential food and medicines can reach all of their people. We urge the international community to designate a safe corridor for such supplies before winter sets in. In addressing these urgent humanitarian concerns, we believe that it is essential to seek a long-term solution of the Afghan problem, as proposed by the Organization of the Islamic Conference. Such a solution would be based simply on maintaining the territorial integrity and Islamic identity of Afghanistan, and forming a government representing all factions of Afghan society, excluding none. It is the responsibility of the international community to elaborate comprehensive programmes and plans to confront all forms of global challenges.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“The ultimate test will be whether they implement measures reflecting the positions that they have taken and move from making statements to taking action. We must emphasize the need to address the human tragedy of the people of Afghanistan. We believe that it is our duty to provide all possible assistance to those people, most of whom are living under extremely difficult conditions — conditions that further exacerbate their suffering, which was already acute years before the crisis brought about by the events of 11 September. We therefore appeal to the international community to provide assistance and aid to save the lives of millions of Afghans who are facing a bleak future. There is an urgent and immediate need for relief as the Afghan winter approaches.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“That is indispensable if we want to avert an imminent human catastrophe, which would lead only to a further cycle of violence, terrorism and destruction in our region. We urge everyone to support their political leaders when they call for restraint so as to avoid the loss of innocent civilian life and so that the right climate can be created for a just peace to prevail in that troubled region. 15 In this context, we should like to put on record our support for the positive stance of the President of the United States, George W. Bush, and his Administration, with regard to the establishment of a Palestinian State. We would also like to pay tribute in this respect to friendly European countries and other international bodies concerned with the settlement of the crisis.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“The seeds of terrorism lie in places where pluralism is rejected, corruption is allowed to spread, authority is exploited and political opponents are hounded in the guise of protecting the security of homelands and people. It is neither just nor logical for anyone to claim to improve internal conditions by resorting to oppressive practices or to suspending democracy. In this context, we feel it is high time to put an urgent end to the tragedy of the Palestinian people at the hands of the Israeli occupation forces. We call on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities in providing the necessary international protection for these people against the unjustified and unacceptable daily aggression to which they are exposed.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Therefore, it is now necessary to stand resolutely against all forms of harassment against Arab and Muslim communities in any country that take place under the pretext of combating terrorism and the pursuit of terrorists. We need to have a clear definition of terrorism and distinguish between this phenomenon, which is based on criminal practices and attacks against innocent civilians, and legitimate struggles to throw off the yoke of colonialism and subjugation. Terrorism has taken root not only because of our inability to tackle the sources of tension in the world’s hot spots, but also because we have tolerated for too long those who pursue policies of repression and deny their citizens fundamental liberties and basic human rights.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“In this connection, I would like to stress that what deepens our conviction and strengthens our stance towards these eternal cultural values is our realization and understanding of the geopolitical importance of the Muslim nation, with its diverse peoples, which makes it a strategic partner in the process of building balanced international relations. In fact, this is what makes Muslims deplore those who deliberately and desperately try to link Islam with terrorism. Our peoples condemn and reject terrorism as well as all attempts to distort the image of Islam, which is the last of divine faiths, and those who abuse and terrorize its adherents and jeopardize their lives, dignity and interests.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“We now live in a world where liberties are increasingly restricted, where democracy is in retreat and where caution and isolation are replacing freedom and openness. The State of Qatar, along with all other Islamic countries, has condemned the terrorist acts that took place on 11 September. This stand was explicitly expressed at the emergency meeting of the Organization of the Islamic Conference Ministers for Foreign Affairs held in Doha last month. Our unanimous agreement condemning what happened emanated from the values of our true Islamic religion and its sublime sharia, which is based on tolerance, justice, equality and cooperation among people and forbids the unjust taking of human life. It urges us to rebuild and to propagate peace and tranquillity.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Thus, we are all involved in an unconventional war for which we are not yet prepared. As we know, terrorism is neither a temporary phenomenon nor confined to a certain continent, creed, culture or race; it is everywhere, concealed like time bombs in our midst. We should therefore ask ourselves, what have we done as an international community about this situation? Have we actually faced up to it? What have we done to rebuild confidence among people? What have we done to contain the fear that is demoralizing our citizens? What are we going to do now to stop the economic recession and social anxiety that threaten us all? Furthermore, is this the world we promised at the Millennium Summit a year ago — a world that would be ruled by amity, peace and cooperation? If anything, we have moved away from these ideals.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“There may be some strategic planners who see the events as confirming their predictions, but for the rest of us they would have seemed like fiction only a short time ago. Sadly, the events were all too real, and we watched with amazement, horror and sympathy as we realized their full import for the future of humanity. Dealing with the repercussions of these events should not be a matter of merely punishing those whose guilt in masterminding and carrying out these criminal acts is proved. Inflicting punishment, though imperative, will not, in my opinion, prevent the 14 repetition of similar or even more terrible acts in the future. We face an extremely serious situation. We are seeing what could be described as a globalization of terrorism through the evil utilization of the revolution of technology and communications.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“We are all aware of the critical and extraordinary circumstances in which this session is being held and of the political situation prevailing in the world in the wake of the events of 11 September. An analysis of these terrible events, which we condemn, prompts us to say that humanity has actually reached a tremendous turning point. Personally, I believe that the way to offer the greatest peace and serenity to the souls of the victims of that criminal act, the sincerest consolation to their families and the most effective support to the friendly United States of America, where these events took place, is for the international community as a whole not only to confront what happened but also to act decisively to avoid the repetition of such acts. What happened in New York and Washington is unprecedented and almost beyond our imagination.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“It is my pleasure to address the General Assembly today in my capacity as the Emir of the State of Qatar and as Chairman of the Ninth Summit of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. It is our duty to make this important session of the General Assembly a session for rebuilding confidence and realizing the aspirations and expectations of our peoples for a world where peace and prosperity prevail. I take this opportunity to extend to you, Sir, my congratulations on your election to the presidency of this session, and would like to extend my thanks to your predecessor, Mr. Harri Holkeri. I must also congratulate Mr. Kofi Annan on his re-election as United Nations Secretary-General and on receiving the Nobel Peace Prize along with the United Nations.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)