YouSaid · the spoken record

Prince Saud AL-FAISAL

lines on the record: 266
first: 1975-09-24
most recent: 2006-09-24
sittings or episodes: 10
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

“Promoting healthy relations and understanding among nations will best equip us to meet future challenges and to respond to them in a way that will benefit all of humanity.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Saudi Arabia hosts the secretariat of the International Energy Forum, which it established as a forum for discussing areas for cooperation and dialogue between petroleum- consuming and petroleum-producing countries. Increased cooperation between those countries will contribute directly to the stabilization of petroleum markets. Petroleum, of course, is an essential strategic commodity for the promotion of sustained global economic growth. Our world is experiencing ever-accelerating and increasingly complex political, economic and social changes. Now more than ever, it is vital that we cooperate with one another to address the complex issues and changes facing us. Balanced and respectful 06-53323 54 relations among countries, based on the principles of justice, mutual trust and true partnership, are essential to that end.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“To help those countries overcome their problems of poverty and underdevelopment, Saudi Arabia provides generous aid through its national institutions, as well as through international and regional institutions. Over the past three decades, Saudi Arabia has contributed approximately 4 per cent of its gross domestic product in official development assistance (ODA) — the highest percentage contributed by any country in the world. Saudi Arabia has also offered debt relief amounting to more than $6 billion to a number of least developed countries. In order to ensure continued global economic growth, Saudi Arabia has increased its petroleum production capacity to stabilize petroleum markets, to ensure the continued flow of sufficient petroleum and to curb artificially high prices.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“We hope that this destructive conflict, which is causing unjustifiable losses on all sides, will swiftly come to an end. The Sudanese authorities, who have achieved a historic success by bringing about reconciliation in the South, are cooperating with efforts to achieve reconciliation in Darfur, and have welcomed the deployment of African Union forces. Arab States have committed themselves to providing those forces with the support and financial resources that they need. We are concerned that the deployment of international troops without the consent of the sovereign Government of the Sudan will make them part of the problem, rather than part of the solution. Saudi Arabia, itself a developing country, plays a major role in promoting development in other developing and least developed countries.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Saudi Arabia strongly rejects the characterization of Islam as a violent religion that in any way supports terrorism. Saudi Arabia calls on all those who want to learn more about Islam and its attitude towards terrorism to consult reliable authorities or documents such as the 10-year plan of action adopted unanimously by the members of the OIC at its recent extraordinary summit held in Saudi Arabia. The success of the global counter-terrorism campaign will depend on our strict adherence to the rules of international law, human rights, norms and humanitarian values, and respect for all religions. The continued humanitarian suffering in Darfur is unacceptable to all of us. We hope that the current efforts to remedy the situation will be given a chance to succeed.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Innovative solutions can be found to adequately address reservations regarding the sensitivity of such information and its secret sources. As we renew our commitment to and participation in the international campaign against terrorism, we must at the same time draw attention to growing worldwide concerns about its flagrant use as a pretext by extremist forces and by advocates of a clash between civilizations and cultures. We must periodically evaluate the effectiveness and success of our methods of combating terrorism and extremism. Here, I must reiterate that no true religion advocates the use of terrorism; all of the world’s great religions promote noble values. We should not hold the vast majority of true believers responsible for the deviant behaviour of a very small minority of adherents of any religion.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“As one of the main targets of terrorism, the Kingdom has repeatedly denounced terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and has achieved tangible success in combating it. The Kingdom has acceded to most of the international counter-terrorism agreements, as well as the Arab Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism and the Convention of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) on Combating International Terrorism. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdelaziz Al Saud, has proposed the establishment of an international counter-terrorism centre under United Nations auspices. The only way to thwart the evil plans of terrorists is through the exchange of intelligence and updated information among countries and agencies.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“International terrorism is a threat to us all. The ongoing atrocities perpetrated by terrorists continue to test our resolve to combat and counter terrorism. There is no acceptable justification for any form of terrorism, but we cannot ignore the fact that it has roots and causes that enable it to thrive. Achieving a decisive victory over terrorism will require not only that we deny all financial support to terrorists, but also that we address the origins of extremist thought and the 53 06-53323 conditions in which terrorists prosper. If we address the feelings of despair, anger and frustration experienced by peoples when they are denied their legitimate rights, we will deprive extremists of their causes and rallying cries.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“While we support the right of all countries to the peaceful use of nuclear energy — including the acquisition of know-how and nuclear technology for peaceful purposes — we call on all parties to support the path of negotiations and peaceful solutions with regard to the Iranian nuclear issue. Iran’s repeated statements that its nuclear programme is restricted to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy should continue to serve as a strong basis for negotiations. The Kingdom and other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council are eager to maintain and enhance their relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and we hope that the Government of Iran will respond positively to the repeated calls by the United Arab Emirates for the peaceful resolution of the issue of the occupied islands belonging to the Emirates.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Over time, a number of international treaties and conventions have produced bilateral and multilateral obligations, but such obligations are of no use if they are not fully observed and fully applied. We cannot ignore the serious threat to global peace and security that such weapons continue to pose, regardless of whether they are used in wars between States or fall into the hands of terrorist groups. Effectively preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction will require abandoning double standards and emphasizing the importance of making the entire Middle East, including the Arab Gulf region, a zone free from nuclear weapons. Israel is the only country in the region that is known to possess weapons of mass destruction but is not subjected to any form of monitoring.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The absence of security and stability in Iraq continues to hamper the efforts of all countries committed to assisting Iraq in overcoming its ordeal, rehabilitating its economy and helping it to rebuild. The Kingdom has always reaffirmed the importance of consolidating Iraq’s unity, respecting its independence and sovereignty, and refraining from interfering in its internal affairs. We call on the international community to support the programme adopted by the legitimate Iraqi Government, led by Mr. Nuri Al-Maliki, to achieve a comprehensive national reconciliation; revitalize Government institutions in the security, military, political and economic areas; and disarm the militias. It has long been acknowledged that the proliferation of nuclear weapons has seriously undermined the security of all countries.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“We also call for a return to the Armistice Agreement signed between Lebanon and Israel in 1949, as this is the only means of guaranteeing security and stability and avoiding a return to the status quo ante. As part of our commitment to reconstruction efforts in Lebanon, we call on the international community to hold Israel responsible for providing fair compensation for the destruction and losses inflicted upon Lebanon as a result of that aggression. One of the reasons why Lebanon has been a victim of repeated Israeli invasions — seven so far — is that we have not held the aggressor accountable. We are profoundly concerned and extremely saddened by the deteriorating security situation in Iraq, marked by daily confrontation, acts of violence and bombings.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“We wonder how many tragedies and victims we and the world will have to have before everyone understands that military solutions will not succeed. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirms its full support for the legitimate Lebanese Government as it seeks to extend its authority and influence over its entire territory. The Kingdom also calls on the brotherly people of Lebanon to stand united so that their country may once again enjoy security and prosperity. We reiterate the need for all parties to remain committed to Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and call for a rapid Israeli withdrawal from the Sheba’a Farms area, recognized by Israel as an occupied territory.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Thirty-nine years after the adoption of this resolution, the Palestinian people continue to be deprived of their inherent right to self-determination and of their entitlement to live in an independent State with Arab Jerusalem as its capital. 06-53323 52 Only two months ago Israel launched a brutal act of aggression against Lebanon, resulting in the destruction of Lebanon’s infrastructure, the displacement of one third of its population, and the wounding and killing of thousands of civilians, including women, children and the elderly. That senseless war, of course, did not make Israel any safer. The only thing achieved by Israel in Lebanon was vast destruction and devastation, provoking yet deeper hatred and enmity.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The required breakthrough can be achieved only through a historic and comprehensive deal. A clear outline of the solution has been apparent ever since the adoption of resolution 181 (II) in 1947. That resolution set out the partition of Palestine, which was then under a British Mandate, into an Arab and an Israeli State. It also proposed clearly defined borders for those two States. Since then, the Security Council and the General Assembly have issued hundreds of resolutions, including Security Council resolution 242 (1967), which emphasized the principle of refraining from the acquisition of territory by force, and called on Israel to withdraw from all territories occupied in 1967. It also reiterated the need to find a just solution to the issue of the Palestinian refugees.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“It is therefore essential that we learn the lessons of our previous failures in the pursuit of peace. These failures resulted from an exaggerated emphasis on procedural and provisional issues. The establishment of interim security arrangements proved complicated and exhausting, while procedures for building mutual trust enabled the enemies of peace to undermine the peace process in its entirety. What is required from us today is a fundamental change in our quest to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the area. It is imperative that we go to the root and heart of the conflict by establishing an effective mechanism to ensure immediate and peaceful negotiations addressing all final status issues, including Jerusalem, borders, refugees and mutual security arrangements.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Using security considerations as a pretext, exceptional provisions allowed one of the parties to the conflict to specify unilaterally the basis and conditions for negotiations, to choose its negotiating partner, to violate previously concluded agreements, to impose unilateral measures and to use force to impose a status quo. Our purpose here is not to enter into futile debates, but it is important to recognize that the peace process has suffered greatly from these exceptions, which give rise to double standards and inequitable obligations. Reviving the peace process will require serious international cooperation so as to realize the two-State vision within a reasonable time-frame. Recent events have once again proved that military solutions only undermine the interests and the security of all parties.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict must be placed in its appropriate context by reconciling the rights of the Palestinian and the Israeli people and establishing two neighbouring States enjoying security, which is a natural outcome of peace. It is peace that ensures security, and not the other way around. The basis for a solution is clear to all of us, as expressed by the President of the United States in the context of his two-State vision, which is in harmony with relevant United Nations resolutions and with the Arab Peace Initiative, adopted unanimously at the Beirut Summit. What is urgently needed today is to link that vision with a clear agenda bound to a specific time-frame. Regrettably, the problem has been portrayed as inextricably complicated and not amenable to customary solutions.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestine represents a flagrant breach of international law and the principle of the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force and blatant disregard for resolutions of international legitimacy. This issue lies at the core of the Middle Eastern problem. The international community should no longer tolerate procrastination or repeated failures in resolving this situation. The international community, and especially the major Powers, must set aside their divisions and face up to the vital task of reaching, as soon as possible, a peaceful, just and lasting solution, in accordance with the principles of international legitimacy.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“It is, therefore, imperative that we warn specifically against the continued trend towards stopgap crisis management that has taken the place of the serious pursuit of a comprehensive and just solution based on the principles of international law and resolutions of international legitimacy free from partiality, double standards or selectivity. Undoubtedly, the key to resolving these multiple crises will be to invigorate the peace process with the aim of achieving a just and durable settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the oldest conflict in modern times. This conflict is the most enduring international conflict today, and its continuation negatively affects the prospects of reaching effective solutions to other crises.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Invariably, it is the most vulnerable who suffer the most from these humanitarian threats, making it all the more urgent for the international community to assume its collective responsibility in addressing these issues. The Middle East is in the midst of a very dangerous phase, with the emergence of new crises and the worsening of old ones, such as the continued Israeli occupation of Arab lands in Palestine, Syria and Lebanon; the volatile situation on the Lebanese-Israeli border; the invasion of Lebanon; the challenges posed by continued instability and sectarian violence in Iraq; and the as-yet unresolved issue of Iran’s nuclear programme. The accumulation of crises and tensions in 51 06-53323 the region can only encourage an environment in which extremism and terrorism will thrive with undesirable consequences.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The constant and diligent efforts of the Secretary-General were essential for revitalizing the role of the United Nations and for upholding its principles, despite the difficult times and crucial challenges we face. He, therefore, deserves our full support and deepest gratitude. The world today faces a host of global problems that can be successfully addressed only within the context of multilateral cooperation under the umbrella of the United Nations. Human suffering caused by poverty, hunger, malnutrition, the spread of diseases and epidemics and natural disasters still require the concerted efforts of the international community in combating them. These global challenges do not distinguish among people on the basis of colour, religion or nationality.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“It honours me to deliver the statement of Saudi Arabia on behalf of Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. At the outset, it gives me great pleasure to express to you and your Government my most sincere congratulations on your election as President of the sixty-first session of the General Assembly. I am fully confident that your diplomatic expertise and thorough knowledge of international affairs will guarantee the success of this session. I would like to express my appreciation to your predecessor, Mr. Jan Eliasson, Foreign Minister of Sweden, who presided over the previous session with wisdom and expertise.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The world needs to embark on a serious effort to propagate a culture of peace, in order to achieve for our fellow human beings the dignity and prosperity they deserve. We need to do more to put an end to the wave of violence and work for the achievement of justice and the termination of racial discrimination. God Almighty said in the Holy Qur’an: “O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, And made you into Nations and tribes, that ye may know each other. Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you.””
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“In this regard, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia took the initiative of establishing the International Energy Forum and hosting its general secretariat in Riyadh. The Forum has become a platform for discussing ways and means of cooperation and dialogue between consumer and producer countries, whether within or outside the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Those countries should seek to intensify their cooperation in order to ensure stable markets for the strategic commodity of petroleum, and to guarantee the continued growth of the global economy. In view of the tragic security events on the international scene, the world needs, more than ever, concerted international efforts to increase dialogue and raise the level of understanding, mutual contact and familiarity among nations and cultures.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“We believe that removing protective measures, such as trade barriers and tariffs, and eliminating preferential treatment that hinders the ability of developing countries to enter the markets of developed countries can go far in achieving desired development goals. There is, moreover, a need to make the necessary effort to help those countries to overcome their problems and their chronic political conflicts. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, based on its position of responsibility and its effective role in the international oil market, has consistently sought to meet its obligations to maintain stable oil markets and ensure continuing world economic growth. To that end, it has increased its production capacity to ensure sufficient supply and to control unnatural oil price surges.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“However, we believe that political and economic reforms should not be imposed or dictated from outside; rather, international assistance in this area should serve as a catalyst to help these nations initiate their own reforms. Outside interference on the question of reform can only result in disrupting and stalling processes that are already under way. For reforms to be effective and lasting, they should reflect the actual needs of the societies concerned and should conform with a given State’s stage of development. Of course, there is much that the advanced countries can do to help in this process, especially in the areas of investment, trade liberalization, international economic cooperation and the opening of their markets.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“To reach that objective, developed and developing nations can work together to achieve great success. My country has contributed to this process by adopting and implementing numerous development projects and by extending generous assistance to developing and least developed countries through national, regional and international agencies, in order to help them in overcoming the problems of poverty and underdevelopment. We appreciate the concern expressed by the Group of Eight at their summit in Sea Island, Georgia, in the United States, regarding the future of the Middle East and their desire to help the countries of the region develop and make progress.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“We hope that the efforts of the Government of the Sudan and those of the African Union will be given sufficient time to restore security to the region and to ensure the well-being of its people. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has initiated an ongoing airlift operation, using Saudi cargo planes, to provide direct humanitarian assistance to the Darfur region. This assistance includes medical and food supplies, tents and power generators. Moreover, there are Saudi relief teams in the region who have established clinics and hospitals inside camps and equipped them with doctors, medicine, medical supplies and tests. In addition, wells have been dug to provide the camps with drinking water, and electricity is being supplied. Human development and economic prosperity are major keys to achieving a better future for developing countries.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“With the consent of the Iraqi Government and under United Nations supervision, we would like such troops not to supplement, but to replace, the multilateral forces. Those ideas, however, have not materialized, although their basic premise deserves consideration and follow-up. With respect to developments in the brotherly country of the Sudan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is profoundly moved by the humanitarian tragedy in Darfur and supports the efforts of the Government of the Sudan to restore stability in that region. We support the Sudan’s cooperation with relief and humanitarian organizations and others in addressing the 20 humanitarian situation resulting from the crisis.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Faced with this appalling reality, we can only urge the Iraqi people and all Iraqi factions to mend fences and work hand in hand to support the efforts of their transitional Government to establish the security, safety and well- being of their country; preserve its national unity and independence and ensure the restoration of Iraq’s effective and positive role in the international arena. We also call upon the United Nations to play a greater role in assisting the Iraqi Government to meet the requirements of the ongoing political process, including by conducting general elections, which we hope will lead to a permanent legitimate Government, and proceeding with reconstruction efforts. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has presented some ideas regarding the deployment of Islamic troops in Iraq.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“In that respect, we call upon the international community to adopt an even-handed approach, refrain from applying double standards, assume its legal and moral responsibilities and urge the Israeli Government to refrain from the development of its nuclear programmes, as well as subject its nuclear installations to the inspection and safeguards regime of the International Atomic Energy Agency. We are profoundly distressed and gravely concerned at the deteriorating security situation in some parts of Iraq, where tragic incidents, heinous acts of violence, and the horrific kidnapping of innocent people seem to be daily occurrences.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“However, if Israel is serious about withdrawing from Gaza and about dismantling its settlements there, we stress that such an action should proceed in coordination with the Palestinian Authority, in conformity with the requirements of the road map and under the supervision of the Quartet. The proposed withdrawal should come about as a first step towards a complete and full withdrawal from all the Palestinian lands, including Al-Quds. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is closely monitoring efforts to eliminate all forms of weapons of mass destruction from the Middle East and to keep it free from all such lethal weapons.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemns the continuous escalation against the Palestinian people and the Israeli Government’s insistence on establishing and expanding its settlements. We also condemn the continued construction of the separation wall that has annexed extensive Palestinian lands in unprecedented defiance of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, which acknowledged the illegality of the wall and ordered Israel to dismantle it, as well as the General Assembly resolution that followed that opinion, effectively demonstrating the consensus of the international community on the issue.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Furthermore, peace cannot be achieved by unilateral Israeli measures that create new realities on the ground and that are designed to prejudice the final outcome of any political negotiations on the delicate issue of a final settlement. The Palestinian question cannot be solved, nor can the Arab-Israeli conflict be ended, through the use of excessive force — aerial bombardment, guided missiles, assassination of Palestinian activists, destruction of infrastructure, usurpation of property, violation of rights and the imposition of collective punishment. Peace will be achieved and security will prevail only when United Nations resolutions are implemented, the provisions of international law are respected and applied and the principles of justice and equality are observed.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“They are incompatible with the United States Administration’s vision of two States — an Israeli State and an independent Palestinian State — living side by side. The Arab peace initiative continues to stand as a credible basis for the security and stability of all the peoples of the region because it ensures a lasting, just and comprehensive solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict. It is therefore incumbent upon all of us to exert our utmost efforts to put the peace process back on track. It is particularly important to push the peace process forward after it has stalled and after the humanitarian plight of the Palestinian people — which should be a goad to the conscience of the international community — has been met with indifference.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomes the participation of all those invited and hopes that the outcome and final recommendations of the conference will constitute an important addition and a great support to international efforts to eradicate terrorism and address the root causes of that dangerous phenomenon. The setback in the peace process and the mounting wave of violence and extremism in our region are largely attributable to the Israeli Government’s pursuit of policies that are totally incompatible with the fundamental principles of the peace process, notably the principle of land for peace. Israel’s actions are in contravention of Security Council resolutions — in particular, resolutions 242 (1967) and 19 338 (1973) — and the road map.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Its purpose is to exchange information and experience in the field of combating terrorism and to see how we can cooperate with other countries in the fight against that universal threat. We also intend to use this excellent opportunity to learn about scientific and practical techniques relevant not only to combating terrorism, but also to the prevention of money- laundering, drug trafficking and arms smuggling. The conference will also provide a good forum in which to study the culture and psychology of terrorists and the structure of terrorist organizations. Official invitations to the anti-terrorism conference have already been extended to concerned international organizations as well as to countries that have suffered or are suffering from terrorism.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“It is important to remember that crimes committed by a handful of criminals and misguided felons cannot justify incriminating a whole society or an entire culture. Terrorism can strike any city and target any interests, regardless of the nationality, religion or ethnic origin of the victims. Terrorism is a global phenomenon that calls for joint action and cooperation by all countries and requires the close collaboration of concerned international organizations to effectively find the means to confront it and eliminate it. It is on the basis of the foregoing that I am pleased to announce before this gathering that the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has decided to host an international conference to combat terrorism, to be held in Riyadh from 5 to 8 February 2005.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was among the first signatories of the Arab Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism and other similar agreements emanating from the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council. In addition, it has acceded to nine other international anti- terrorism conventions and agreements. In that regard, the Government of Saudi Arabia has recently taken a series of measures that are indicative of its seriousness and determination to fight terrorism. Its strategy of preventive action to forestall criminal acts has already been successful in the fight against this deadly scourge and has earned the praise and admiration of the international community and international organizations.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia rejects terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and is cooperating with the international community to eliminate that global evil. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has affirmed its full support for the Security Council resolutions relating to terrorism. In that regard, Saudi Arabia has taken the necessary steps to close any loopholes in its domestic regulations on charitable fund-raising activities that might allow such funds to be used for illicit purposes. We have established a public commission tasked with supervising and organizing the activities of all charitable and relief organizations with a view to streamlining their operations and preventing those with bad intentions and evil objectives from using their humanitarian funds for illegal purposes.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“It is through respect for the shared values, traditions and principles that are deeply rooted in the conscience of all mankind that we can promote constructive cooperation and the achievement of security, peace, stability and prosperity for all nations. Humanity has been afflicted by the growing danger of terrorism. It is a phenomenon that does not differentiate between societies. Increasingly, terrorist groups have been crossing borders and expanding their networks into different regions, nations and continents. Today, it is therefore critical that we exert every effort possible to increase international cooperation to combat terrorism and confront those who instigate and finance it.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Among the important reforms needed in our Organization is restriction of the veto power. Permanent members of the Security Council should not be allowed to invoke their right of veto in cases where proposed resolutions and procedures are adopted to implement previously agreed resolutions. It is also imperative to establish an optimal balance between the General Assembly and the Security Council, to enhance the role of the Economic and Social Council and to establish closer coordination 18 among the various United Nations funds, programmes and activities. We reaffirm our commitment to the United Nations and the multilateral international order. Today, more than ever, the international community is in dire need of a unified and mutually supportive stance in order to achieve just solutions to the current problems we all face.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The accelerating global changes and the grave challenges facing the international community today necessitate more than ever a scrutiny of the working methods of the United Nations, as well as the structures and functions of its organs, in order to enhance its ability to prevent and resolve conflicts and to maintain international peace and security. In that respect, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia supports the call for reform of the Security Council, in particular, an increase in its membership in order to improve geographical representation, a greater transparency in its work, a halt to the application of double standards and the adoption of measures that will enhance the credibility of the Council’s work and guarantee respect for, and compliance with, its resolutions.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Kofi Annan for his sustained, diligent and commendable efforts to maintain international peace and security and to revitalize the role of the United Nations and enhance its functions, capacities, credibility and effectiveness. In that regard, the speech given by the Secretary-General last week is notable and praiseworthy, as it provided a blueprint and guidelines for enhancing the resiliency of the international order. It is crucial when tackling global issues to bridge the gaps in the international order so that measures are not applied selectively or arbitrarily.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“I am pleased to express to you, Sir, and to your friendly country, Gabon, our sincere congratulations on your election as President of the General Assembly at its fifty-ninth session. We are confident that you will lead the work of this session in a highly capable and efficient manner. I should also like to express our appreciation to your predecessor, Mr. Julian Hunte, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Saint Lucia, who, as President of the last session of the Assembly, managed its affairs with wisdom and skill. On this occasion, I should like to convey the deep appreciation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to His Excellency Mr.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Our deeply rooted belief in of the important role that the United Nations can play in dealing with crises and its efforts to avoid the horrors of war and to provide means for international cooperation make us more determined than ever to support this Organization and consolidate its constructive role. We want the United Nations to take a greater role in handling crises before they occur through the implementation of what is known as preventive diplomacy rather than through pre-emptive wars, in order to preserve stability and maintain international peace and security.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince presented an initiative aimed at reforming the situation in the Arab region in the economic sphere, with structural reforms as well as expansion of political participation at its core. If the region succeeds in benefiting from these two initiatives, its future will be promising. The fact that there are still chronic issues on the agenda of our Organization, like the Palestinian problem, issues of comprehensive development and the emergence of issues like Iraq makes it incumbent upon us to embark on two parallel tracks: credibility in upholding the principles of the Charter, and seriousness in implementing United Nations resolutions. We must not substitute futile and senseless arguments which would be useless to us all for practical solutions.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“The international situation looks again as it used to be during the time of polarisation, including increasing tensions, crises and divisions that have paralyzed the Security Council. Despite the fact that we have entered the third millennium, we still lack the needed commitment and collective political will to translate our commitments into reality. International peace and security are still but a hope and an aspiration for many people and countries. Comprehensive development is still a dream for many and a distant objective we all hope to achieve. In the Middle East, where countries suffer from these symptoms, we see in the ideas presented by President Bush, for the promotion of development in the Middle East many positive signs, which collectively present a model for fruitful cooperation between rich nations and developing countries.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“This means that we must declare the Middle East and the Arab Gulf region a zone free from weapons of mass destruction. With regard to the need to increase the effectiveness and universality of the Treaty on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and its system of safeguards, monitoring and inspection, we also believe that certain standards and controls must be put in place to assure progress in all fields of the elimination of weapons of mass destruction. Based on this, we call upon all countries that have yet to join the Non- Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to take the necessary steps to do so, especially Israel, and to submit their nuclear sites and installations to the international safeguards regime.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)