YouSaid · the spoken record

Melescanu

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS MELESCANU

lines on the record: 49
first: 1993-09-24
most recent: 1995-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-general-debate

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“Our presence among the Members of the United Nations for 40 years is based on the prestige and the moral authority which the United Nations enjoys in the eyes of the Romanian people. For this reason, we shall, with all our energy and our available resources, remain committed to the noble duty of serving the ideas and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“If we look back over the long road the United Nations has travelled during its half century existence and, in particular, if we look at the efforts it has made to adapt itself to the dynamics of international life in the last five years, we are convinced of the value and the historic destiny of the United Nations. I should like to assure the Assembly that Romania, with its dedication to peace, its desire to cooperate at all levels — bilateral, regional, multilateral — its firm commitment to protect international peace and security, its commitment to democratic values and respect for human rights, is determined to support the common heritage of values of the United Nations.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“39 Romania has made known its interest in limiting and preventing conflicts in different areas of the globe, not only by promoting and encouraging the discovery of political solutions, but also by participating in United Nations peace- keeping operations in Iraq and Kuwait, in Somalia, in Rwanda and in Angola. Romania is determined to make a substantial contribution to such operations and initiatives. To this end, a special programme has been adopted to increase our capacity to react adequately to any request from the United Nations or other bodies while strictly respecting the principles governing the activities of the United Nations.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“If we take into account that the great majority of present conflicts involving United Nations peace- keeping operations are internal, we have to admit that the international community has very limited means for exerting pressure. Continuing ineffective operations does not serve to achieve the goals of the United Nations satisfactorily, and consequently the Romanian delegation supports the trend towards a closer and more rigorous examination of all decisions related to launching new peace-keeping operations or continuing existing ones.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“The United Nations is today faced with a severe financial crisis. One possible approach to this crisis should be to consider the more effective use of available internal resources, the elimination of duplication in activities, more effective document control, productive use of human resources, strict financial monitoring and a permanent process of cost-benefit analysis. With regard to the use of resources, peace-keeping operations deserve special mention. The unprecedented increase in these operations indicates, among other things, a more active involvement on the part of the United Nations in the management of crises and in preventive diplomacy. This new trend has necessitated an increase in resources.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“The usefulness of this document was reconfirmed at a regional seminar on its implementation in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe which was organized recently in Romania in cooperation with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). At the same time, I should like to express my Government’s readiness to organize a similar meeting in Bucharest next year to consider the progress achieved at the regional level in implementing the provisions of the Platform for Action adopted by the World Conference on Women, held in Beijing. It is clear that the major global problems taken up by the United Nations cannot be resolved without adequate financial support. The unparalleled increase in the number of major problems brought to the attention of the United Nations has not been accompanied by an increase in necessary resources.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“These conferences have emphasized the urgency, the seriousness and the complexity of the topics they have dealt with and have expanded the sphere of action of international consensus regarding programmes throughout the world related to the environment, population, social development, human rights and the status of women. We feel that the United Nations and Member States must focus their efforts on the ways and means necessary to implement the decisions adopted by those conferences. In this sense, I should like to mention the Plan of Action adopted by the Cairo International Conference on Population and Development.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“The United Nations has quite rightly been given a principal role in designing a new world order, one capable of responding to the hopes and aspirations of peoples. To achieve that goal, we believe, the United Nations must adapt its structures to the requirements of economic development and must pay increased attention to harmonizing commercial practices, technical cooperation and monetary policies of Member States and international financial institutions. Recent United Nations activity has been marked by an important series of summit conferences which have dealt with topics of major interest to all mankind.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“The situation in the eastern area of the Republic of Moldova is still a source of some tension. We are convinced that the immediate withdrawal of foreign troops, whatever their form or denomination, from the territory of that independent and sovereign State remains the key to the solution of the conflict in the eastern regions of the Republic of Moldova. Indeed, we note with satisfaction that the international community shares that view. We welcome the agreement reached between the Republic of Moldova and the Russian Federation on the withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of the former country. We view this as a positive step that can contribute to increased stability in the area, and we express the hope that this agreement will become operational.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“We do hope, nonetheless, that the competent international institutions will take a more careful look at the effects of the sanctions on third States and that they will rigorously and realistically assess the role sanctions can play in the peace process. We hope that States that are in a position to do so, international financial institutions, competent bodies and United Nations programmes and specialized agencies will all respond to the General Assembly’s appeal in resolution 49/21 A concerning economic assistance to States affected by the implementation of the sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro). At the same time, we would be interested in seeing the Security Council take decisions, in line with the progress achieved in the political settlement of the crisis, with a view to lifting the sanctions.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“Romania will actively support any proposal and any realistic action that will accelerate the pacification process in the territory of former Yugoslavia, including its peaceful reconstruction. The political and military crisis in former Yugoslavia shows that attempts to achieve ethnic separatism and to gain territorial autonomy on the basis of ethnic criteria or to establish ethnic enclaves are not viable solutions. To the contrary, they may become sources of conflict and create enormous suffering for the population. 38 I should like to reaffirm from this rostrum the Romanian Government’s decision to continue to strictly respect the sanctions imposed on the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro), despite the immense economic losses to our country.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“We sincerely hope that through the common efforts of all the parties involved, the United Nations and the international community, new progress will be achieved so that a comprehensive solution to the problems of that region can be found. The Yugoslav crisis continues to create deep concern in Romania, given its close proximity to the conflict zone. Romania has appealed many times to the parties involved in the conflict to refrain from any action that might lead to the deterioration of the situation and to halt military actions and resume negotiations. Faithful to its position of principle, Romania hails yesterday’s adoption, at the United States Mission to the United Nations here in New York, of a joint statement of supplementary principles for a constitutional settlement in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“In that context, I am grateful for this opportunity to recall the constant support Romania has given the Middle East peace process by encouraging the continuation of dialogue and contacts among the parties concerned. In recognition of its contribution to the positive results of that peace process Romania was invited to participate in the multilateral negotiations on the Middle East. It is prepared to participate in working groups on regional economic cooperation, water resources, the environment and refugees. Totally convinced that reason will prevail and that the irreversible Middle East peace process must be supported, in the future also Romania will encourage and support understanding and cooperation among all the peoples of the region.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“The disappearance of the iron curtain gave birth to a vast and complex process of international détente by creating a genuine framework for dialogue and cooperation between States. The renunciation of confrontational policies and the lessening of the nuclear threat created the conditions for the indefinite extension of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. We are convinced that that success will assist the negotiations aimed at the elimination of other weapons of mass destruction and lead to greater transparency, both in the area of armaments and in the area of security guarantees, as well as to a complete ban on all nuclear tests. In recent years the United Nations has repeatedly put forward new concepts and mechanisms regarding international peace and security and economic and social development.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“At the same time, it should constitute for our two countries the surest way to achieve integration into the main institutions of the new Europe, thereby contributing to the consolidation of stability and security in the region and thus in the rest of the continent. Romania’s initiative in launching an appeal to Hungary to enter together into the historical reconciliation that is so greatly desired is the natural result of a policy of good-neighbourliness and understanding that Romania has been constantly pursuing with all its neighbours. Dialogue and pragmatic cooperation in various areas of activity with States from all regions of the world is, moreover, another important direction of our foreign policy.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“Ion Iliescu, who invited Hungary to join in consecrating the historical reconciliation, on the Franco-German model — a remarkable example of success in the European spirit. Romania has solemnly stated its willingness to undertake all diplomatic steps to move beyond the stage of purely political statements and to make the notion of reconciliation a fait accompli. The direct and unconditional invitation to Hungary to forge, with us, the future of our nations in a European spirit goes beyond a mere political- diplomatic step, envisaging as it does the establishment of a social and political framework based on greater confidence and more intensive cooperation. To put it another way, for Romania reconciliation means a consciously assumed and systematically pursued process.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“At the same time, this demonstrates the Government’s willingness to make a noteworthy contribution to the achievement of the goals of those institutions and to the creation of favourable conditions 37 for stability and security in Europe as well as peace and security in the world. By openly and unequivocally stating its basic interest in becoming part of the Euro-Atlantic economic, political and security structures, Romania is in no way neglecting its relations with its neighbours. Indeed, the furthering of relations with our neighbours, on a new footing, is a primary concern. In this connection I would mention the recent initiative taken by our President, His Excellency Mr.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“Romania, which next year is to organize the Third International Conference of New or Restored Democracies has decided to make that meeting an important event for the promotion of democratic values throughout the world. Romania’s political objectives are determined not by circumstances but rather by its decisive commitment to democracy, market economy, respect for human rights and the need to ensure the country’s peace and prosperity. We believe that Romania’s integration into European and Euro-Atlantic economic, political and security structures — the principal goal of our foreign policy — will stimulate our own efforts at democratization and reform.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“As is the case with other central European countries, its implementation involves large social costs which require permanent social security measures. In this sense, I should like to emphasize the support and encouragement that the United Nations has given to Romania and to other countries in transition, which show the capacity of the world Organization to support the reform process. In this context, my delegation wishes to welcome the Secretary-General’s report entitled “Support by the United Nations system of the efforts of Governments to promote and consolidate new or restored democracies”. We feel that a substantial debate on this subject could define a new dimension for United Nations activity.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“The new institutions that have been established are now in operation and at the same time have been consolidated, thus contributing to the democratization of our society and the acceleration of the process of transformation, in keeping with the strategy for socio-economic reform which my Government has. The complex reform programme has been unfolding successfully. In 1995 the reality in Romania differs from that at the end of 1992. The success of macroeconomic stabilization, and the improvement in the macroeconomy in general are an important argument for the integration of Romania into the European Union as it is an argument for other countries of central Europe. That does not mean that reform in Romania is going along smoothly and without obstacles.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“None the less, my country has proved its responsible commitment and its active role in the most important debate on international matters and in promoting the purposes and principles of the United Nations. In the six years since December 1989 the legislative and institutional framework for a democratic society has been constantly under development in Romania. The broad consensus of all political forces in my country eloquently proves that we as a nation have opted to become a law- abiding State with respect for political pluralism, for a market economy and for fundamental rights and freedoms.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“At that time we had a very useful exchange of views on problems concerning cooperation between Romania and the United Nations and concerning the availability and openness of the Romanian Government to support, and actively participate in, the global efforts of the United Nations. Romania is at present celebrating, not only the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, but also the fortieth anniversary of its admission to this world Organization. Despite its sacrifices and its important contribution to shortening the Second World War and the victory of the United Nations coalition, Romania was admitted to the United Nations 10 years after the Charter came into force.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“Allow me first, on behalf of the Romanian delegation, to congratulate Ambassador Freitas do Amaral of Portugal most sincerely, and all the members of the Bureau of the General Assembly, on their elections. Romania is fully committed to the ideals and goals of the United Nations Charter and, as an active Member, deeply appreciates the activity of the United Nations at this time of an anniversary celebration when it is in the process of redefining itself in order to meet the present international requirements and to anticipate what will happen in the third millennium. Allow me to convey to the Secretary-General, Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, our deep appreciation for his sustained efforts to adapt the United Nations to the ever- increasing requirements of a totally changing world. I did that already in Bucharest when he visited us last autumn.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“Though it is true that many of the great expectations raised by the end of the cold war have not yet been fulfilled, we should not give up hope. The best way to turn hope into reality is to work together, leaving both unfruitful habits and selfish considerations behind us. Our joint efforts must, above all, be an expression of a vital, powerful solidarity and of confidence in what we can do together for a better tomorrow.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We believe that the end of the cold war will result in new general and specific duties for the members of the international community. If our common goals as Members of the United Nations are democracy, peace and security, then solidarity is an essential means of achieving those goals. One of the most original contributions the United Nations could make during the current United Nations Decade of International Law would be to define the legal content of the "duty of solidarity" which should be implemented in consonance with the universally accepted principles of jus gentium, democracy and human rights. In our view solidarity should become one of the central strategic values of the new world order. Undoubtedly we still live in a time of great challenges for the world community and the United Nations.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We welcome the serious debate in various United Nations bodies on the issue of compensations. The recommendations adopted by the Committee of the Security Council established under resolution 724 (1991) express genuine moral support and solidarity. Unfortunately, we must accept the fact that moral support is not enough; we cannot face serious economic needs with nothing more than fine words. We await strengthened consultative mechanisms for considering concrete solutions to these problems, and we hope that the international financial institutions will be more receptive. This would bring well-deserved assistance to the affected countries, while at the same time increasing confidence in the authority of the United Nations Charter and its ability to preserve the dedication of countries to the cause of peace.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Notwithstanding these efforts, we have not received suitable compensation to defray our tremendous economic losses. We are certainly encouraged by the increasing awareness on the part of the international community and the Security Council, in the spirit of Article 50 of the United 24 General Assembly - Forty-eighth session Nations Charter, with respect to the difficulties being experienced by Romania and other affected countries. We should like, however, to see this spirit given material form. The United Nations bodies and international financial institutions should respond to the needs of our countries rather than leave us to fend for ourselves in seeking solutions to the burdensome difficulties we face as a result of acting as loyal Members of the United Nations.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The success of our joint efforts is vital for the new Europe we wish to build and for the future stability of the region. In the context of the Yugoslav crisis, Romania complies strictly with the sanctions regime imposed by the relevant Security Council’s resolutions. Despite painful effects on our economy in the midst of a period of crisis and transition, we consider these measures a necessary means of supporting the peace-seeking efforts. The presence of European Economic Community and CSCE sanctions assistance missions and of a small Western European Union fleet that is patrolling the Romanian sector of the river has tightened the already-existing monitoring mechanisms. We have also engaged in close coordination with the other riparian countries.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Putting an end to the sufferings of the people and to the continual life- threatening risks to the lives of the members of the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) is an immediate imperative. Romania reiterates its great appreciation of the constant efforts deployed by the two Co-Chairmen of the Peace Conference on Yugoslavia. In this context we should stress the Romanian Government’s commitment to continuing its efforts for a peaceful settlement of the Yugoslav conflict and its support for the peace process co-sponsored by the United Nations and the European Community. Convinced that a negotiated peace is the only acceptable solution to the conflict, Romania will add its diplomatic efforts to those of other countries in the region.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The Republic of Moldova needs both the understanding and the support of the international community. A very promising sign in this respect is the prompt international reaction to the so-called trial in Tiraspol, where a group of persons was detained for political reasons by the self-proclaimed authorities of Transdniestr. Their lives are still in danger. This trial reveals the political nature of the conflict in the Republic of Moldova. Despite the energetic diplomatic efforts made to date, the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia are far from being resolved. As a neighbour and friend to all the successor States, Romania is genuinely interested to see the earliest possible resumption of normal life in that region.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“A resolute affirmation of this position at the current session of the General Assembly would be instrumental in upholding the independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova. The recent positive developments on the withdrawal of the Russian troops from the Baltic countries, an item which is to be debated at the current session of the General Assembly, could serve as a useful precedent. Within the same framework we should like to acknowledge the efforts of the mission of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) and to assure it of our full support for the accomplishment of its tasks. We favour the resumption of the quadripartite mechanism of meetings between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs from the Republic of Moldova, Romania, the Russian Federation and Ukraine.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“With regard to the conflict in the eastern region of the Republic of Moldova, the conclusions expressed last year by the Romanian delegation are, unfortunately, still valid in large part. No progress whatsoever has been made towards the political solution of the conflict. Moreover, we are witnessing a strange situation in which the commander-in- chief of the 14th Russian army - a foreign army on the national soil of an independent country without the consent of that United Nations Member - was recently "elected" as a member of the so-called local parliament. In our opinion, the withdrawal of foreign troops is the key to the solution of the conflict in the Transdniestr area. We note with full satisfaction that a similar viewpoint is shared by the international community.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“In the view of the Romanian Government, their mutual recognition and the declaration of principles represent a triumph of the reason and political will of both the Israeli Government and the Palestine Liberation Organization, thus opening up new possibilities for peaceful coexistence and collaboration, not only between their two peoples, but among all the peoples in the region. The lion’s share of the credit certainly goes to the two parties directly involved, but we cannot overlook the contribution of the international community, of the United States Government, and of the Governments of other countries. In this connection, I am very pleased to recall the constant efforts deployed by my country for peace and understanding between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Caution is therefore needed in dealing with these phenomena, as well as with the so-called new concept of the right to self-determination, in order to prevent any debasement of its legal content. Forty-eighth session - 28 September l993 23 The Romanian delegation would like to avail itself of this opportunity to reaffirm its great satisfaction over the Israeli-Palestinian declaration of principles on Palestinian self-rule in Gaza and Jericho, signed on 13 September 1993 in Washington, D.C.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“It is true that we have not responded completely to all their demands and aspirations. The explanation for this lies, not in a lack of will, but in the difficulties confronting the entire population. Yet we would underline that the excessive use of minority-related issues is harmful to the interests of minorities themselves, those of the majority of the population, and those of the international community as a whole. Unfortunately, such tendencies, expressing aggressive nationalism as well as xenophobia, racism and anti-Semitism, are still significant destabilizing factors and a threat to international peace and security in Eastern and Central Europe as elsewhere.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“That is why we are striving to make social protection a basic dimension of our reform programme. The protection of the rights of people belonging to ethnic minorities is an integral part of the protection of human rights. In Romania there are 14 national and ethnic minorities registered as such through their political parties or organizations. All together they represent about 10 per cent of the population. Since 1989 we have been making steady efforts to institute measures to protect the rights of persons belonging to national minorities. The establishment this year of the National Council of Minorities broadened the institutional framework, enabling each and every national minority in Romania to take part in the decision-making process regarding the protection of their ethnic, cultural, linguistic and religious identity.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“International commitments to uphold human rights and the rule of law are closely linked to national legislation through a constitutional clause that enshrines the primacy of international regulations over domestic law. The admission of Romania as a member of the Council of Europe, as was recommended earlier today by an overwhelming majority in the Council’s parliamentary assembly, will complete this picture. In short, international standards and norms are at the same time our standards and norms. Certainly, progress, particularly in the field of human rights, is not just a matter of drafting and passing new laws and regulations: it is also a matter of their implementation in a social environment. No less important is the economic aspect. Standards of living and quality of life have a considerable impact on human rights.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We welcome the encouraging results of the World Conference on Human Rights, and we hope that these conclusions, including those concerning the creation of a post of High Commissioner for Human Rights, will be implemented as soon as possible. We also hope that the World Summit on Social Development, to be held in 1995, will be even more successful. I am very pleased to reaffirm that respect for the human person has become a generally accepted norm in our strategy for social development. Romania is now a party to almost all the major international agreements on human rights and is engaged with all openness in the relevant international procedures.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Therefore, we must be cautious in granting any unilateral authority that some countries might be tempted to assume in areas where they have special interests. This applies especially when there are doubts about the impartiality of forces involved, or when the necessary consent of the host country may be prejudiced by any kind of pressure. Wisdom and caution are all the more necessary in this respect, since we recognize the United Nations peace-keeping operations as an important dimension of a future new world order. Human beings and their creative potential must always remain the central focus of all our endeavours.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Given the need to enhance the capacity of the United Nations in this dynamic exercise of its functions, the support and cooperation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe are all the more needed and welcomed. In this regard, the contributions of other regional agreements and organizations, and particularly the praiseworthy work carried out by the North Atlantic Cooperation Council, are of great importance. At the same time, in order to preserve the prestige and credibility of peacekeeping operations and to ensure the confidence of the international community, such operations must strictly observe the principles and premises which have contributed to their success thus far.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Increased attention should be given to the ratio of costs to benefits and control of the use of resources. The new political climate, which has brought an enhanced role for the Security Council, has made possible a more effective use of the United Nations potential for controlling and resolving conflicts. 22 General Assembly - Forty-eighth session Romania is determined to contribute to the best of its ability to United Nations peace-keeping operations, and to this end has already started a special programme to increase its capacity to respond adequately to the requirements of the Organization or of other institutions. A first battalion of professional military personnel is already being trained for such operations; we estimate that it could become operational at the beginning of next spring.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“512) Mindful that implementing the lofty ideals of the United Nations requires adequate resources, we are ready to support fully every effort to make better use of resources, with the contributing nations having stricter control. Firm measures are needed. Accountability must become the watchword both for the Organization’s daily work and for its future projects. Enlargement and diversification of programmes for economic and social development and for protection of the environment are imperative. It is, however, important to make sure that money allocated to these programmes is not wasted on piles of paper and unnecessary travels around the world. Peace-keeping operations, which have undergone such an impressive expansion in recent years, have similar requirements.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“(spoke in French) These ideas are still valid, and constitute precisely the objective we must strive for, devoting all our efforts to strengthening and giving new substance to the role of the United Nations. While remaining loyal to its basic principles and goals, the Organization must naturally adapt to the new political climate. Deeply and sincerely committed to the spirit of the United Nations Charter, Romania intends to support fully the ideas and recommendations contained in the Secretary-General’s report "An Agenda for Peace". In so doing, my country regards the United Nations, as described in the report of the Secretary-General on the work of the United Nations, "as the instrument of the body of Member States, and ... as more than the sum of its parts." (A/48/1, para.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We shall respect and follow the irreversible choice of the Romanian people to join the family of democratic nations. In our view, democracy and the new role of the United Nations are not only complementary, but mutually strengthening. In this respect, I should like to quote President Woodrow Wilson in his Address to the United States Congress on 2 April 1917, as follows: (spoke in English) "A steadfast concert for peace can never be maintained except by a partnership of democratic nations. No autocratic Government could be trusted to keep faith within it or observe its covenant. It must be a league of honour, a partnership of opinions".”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“They include the reduction in economic cooperation with neighbouring countries and the adverse effects of the successive United Nations embargoes imposed on Iraq, Libya and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, all strictly observed by Romania. Our experience over recent years has shown that internal efforts can be decisively catalyzed by foreign assistance, both financial and managerial. Therefore, we believe that international assistance in the next few years could speed up our reform process and boost industrial production, while improving the Romanian economy’s integration into the world economy. To sum up, we can state at this juncture that the essential lesson we have drawn from this period of transition is that - in spite of undeniable difficulties - there is no turning back.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“While focusing on privatization and structural changes, at both the macro-economic and micro-economic levels, the Government also pays particular attention to their social costs. This year we have taken some decisive steps. On 1 May the Government ended all subsidies for the production of consumer goods and as of 1 July the value added tax became the sole fiscal instrument. We already note a growing interest on the part of some major Western companies in investing in and cooperating with viable Romanian companies. This augurs well for the stimulation of economic activity. However, our economy still faces some major difficulties, inherent in the transition period. At the same time, unfavourable external circumstances have during the last three years triggered a dramatic fall in the output of important economic sectors.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Moreover, a special provision of our electoral law guarantees a seat in the legislature for each national minority, even if their political organizations did not obtain the required minimum of votes. At the same time, there is a slow but steady trend towards a clearer shaping of political diversity into stronger and better defined political forces. As for economic restructuring, in March 1993 the Government formed after the general elections presented its strategy for economic and social reform to the Romanian Forty-eighth session - 28 September l993 21 Parliament. The central idea of this strategy is that the transition to a market economy should be as fast as possible.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We have also learned that the transition will last longer than expected, that the challenges it presents are greater than we imagined and that its social costs are heavier than we first estimated. However, these bitter lessons do not in any way dissuade us from our irreversible choice: democracy and a market economy. As the Assembly may know, during 1992 free and fair local, general and presidential elections took place in Romania. The first stage of restructuring the political life and strengthening the rule of law has thus been completed. Clearly, the political process is still undergoing changes. Eleven parties are now represented in Parliament.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“There can be no doubt that today "transition" is the key word that defines the process that my country, along with others, is undergoing. The inclusion in the agenda of the General Assembly of an item on countries in transition exemplifies the Assembly’s capacity to respond swiftly to the concerns of its members. Last year, my predecessor stressed to the General Assembly the importance of Romanian society’s capacity to learn. Since then, my country has continued to learn that democracy, the rule of law, political pluralism, a market economy, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms are necessary conditions for individual potential and aspirations to be fulfilled.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)