YouSaid · the spoken record

Koroma

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS KOROMA

lines on the record: 91
first: 1986-09-24
most recent: 2004-09-24
sittings or episodes: 4
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

“The Director- General of the International Labour Organization, Juan Somavia, was correct when he told the recent African Union summit in Ouagadougou that good national governance will not succeed unless we have good global governance. Consumers need to share, in a more equitable manner with producers in the developing world, the benefits derived from their abundant natural and human resources. That means, among other things, fair prices and debt relief, all of which should have a positive impact on our capacity to reduce poverty within our respective developing countries.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Our food security goal must be seen in the context of one of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, namely, the reduction of extreme poverty and hunger. Given the grave consequences of extreme poverty and starvation, those are realistic goals. They represent the minimum standard necessary to save lives. They are attainable. We know that it is our responsibility to do more for ourselves. We also know the urgency of addressing the democratic deficit in international economic and financial decision-making. In our interdependent and increasingly globalizing world, economic and social inequities within countries are a reflection of unfair rules, unfair trade practices and an uneven playing field in international transactions.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“As the Secretary-General observed in his most recent report on the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone, considerable progress has been made towards economic and social recovery. However, in order to sustain the process of consolidating peace and to facilitate the smooth transition from recovery to sustainable development, Sierra Leone needs continued support, particularly for vulnerable areas of the country. We look forward to the 2005 comprehensive review of the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals — a review that will coincide with the sixtieth anniversary of the United Nations. We in Sierra Leone will also be reviewing the state of our food security goal of ensuring that by the end of 2007, no Sierra Leonean will go to bed hungry.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Accordingly, I would like to make an open appeal, on behalf of the African Union Commission, for financial and material support for the African Union to enable it to deal with the situation. The Government and the people of Sierra Leone know from experience that ceasefire, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration are essential components of peace. But we are still faced with the daunting task of consolidating the peace, because peace goes far beyond the process of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants. The consolidation of peace — real peace — means improvements in the lives and livelihoods of all our people. It means jobs, food, education, health care, adequate housing and other social services.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“However, the longer it remains unresolved, the greater the risk of unending cycles of violence. Sierra Leone firmly believes that an equitable solution, in particular the establishment of an independent Palestinian State side by side with Israel within secure borders, would be a giant step towards peace and security, not only in the Middle East but also in the rest of our troubled and unsafe world. Still in the area of existing threats to international peace and security, my delegation is disturbed by the tragic humanitarian situation in the Darfur region of the Sudan. We applaud the response of the African Union to the crisis and urge all stakeholders to do whatever is necessary to speedily resolve the conflict. But let me emphasize that the African Union would like to do more — and would do more if it had the resources.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“However, we must not forget the old, unresolved challenges and threats to human safety and security. Without prejudging the outcome of the Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change, Sierra Leone hopes that the Panel’s report will help to throw some light on the probable link between what could be described as old and still existing threats and those now being characterized as new threats and challenges. Perhaps, as President Kabbah suggested at the Millennium Summit four years ago, the old and still existing challenges are taking on a new form and new dimensions. What we are experiencing is, perhaps, the transmutation of threats and challenges. 22 In speaking of old challenges and threats, the question of Palestine comes to mind. It has been on our agenda for far too long. We know that that is a complex issue.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The United Nations has already identified many of the root causes of armed conflict within States. With the assistance of the international community, efforts are being made to address those root causes. The objective is to prevent the recurrence of armed conflicts. My delegation believes that equal attention should also be paid to the root causes of armed conflict across States, including the senseless acts of international terrorism that are being perpetrated in many parts of the world. While prompt, effective and decisive measures are absolutely necessary to deal with the phenomenon, it is about time that we try to identify and address the root causes of such ignoble acts. New challenges are emerging and new threats are being hatched in various corners of our world with unprecedented frequency.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Meanwhile, for obvious reasons, the Government and people of Sierra Leone are encouraged by the prospects for consolidating the deployment of the United Nations peacekeeping mission throughout neighbouring Liberia. Recent dialogue between, and among, the leaders of the Mano River Union also augur well for peace and stability in our subregion. We need the continued support of the international community in resuscitating the objectives and programmes of the Mano River Union, because, if fully functional, it can complement the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations in the subregion. In that connection, I would like to express our appreciation to the Secretary-General for his encouragement of the rejuvenation process of the Union.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The Government of Sierra Leone is determined to ensure a smooth and seamless transition from UNAMSIL to the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces and the police throughout the country. The restructured army and the police have already demonstrated through training, discipline and performance that they are nearly ready to assume full responsibility for the security and safety of the people of Sierra Leone. But training is only a part of the total picture of readiness. For effective operational readiness, both the army and the police need logistical support and equipment. Accordingly, my delegation wishes to appeal to friendly nations for assistance to equip our security forces to enable them to function effectively.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The Government of Sierra Leone has endorsed the Secretary-General’s assessment and recommendations regarding the benchmarks for the residual presence of UNAMSIL in the country. We note in particular that, over the next several months, the Security Council will review the residual functions against the capacity of the Sierra Leone armed forces and police to maintain security and stability effectively throughout the country. We hope that the review will also take into consideration the security situation in the subregion. I would like to reassure the international community through the Assembly that we do not expect UNAMSIL to remain in Sierra Leone indefinitely.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“But this approach needs resources and planning beyond the traditional peacekeeping strategies that involve pulling out when the guns fall silent. It is in that regard that my delegation is soliciting continued and enhanced support for post-conflict Sierra Leone. An important component of this appeal is that development and financial institutions should understand the multifaceted demands and delicate character of post-conflict situations and treat them as special cases. That means that those institutions should revisit their rigid and standard prescriptions, with the purpose of making them flexible and responsive to the special requirements of post-conflict situations. Ten days ago, the Security Council extended the mandate of UNAMSIL to June 2005.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“If global action is what is needed to fight terrorism, and my delegation believes that this should be the case, efforts should be made to enhance the capacity of poor countries to play their own role in that battle. 21 After about 11 years of a violent and destructive civil conflict, Sierra Leone is now in the delicate post- conflict phase. It is in that phase that the root causes of the conflict should be addressed and the foundation for permanent peace, stability and sustainable development should be laid. In short, that is the phase in which the gains of the peace effort should be maximized, using a synergetic approach that incorporates development and other strands of generators of peace into peacekeeping.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“That is why Sierra Leoneans continue to follow with profound interest the consultative processes for the revitalization of the General Assembly and reforms in the Security Council in order to reflect the reality of the contemporary world. My delegation wishes to urge the President to sustain the momentum in the processes generated by the fifty-eighth session of the General Assembly. The menace of terrorism and local conflicts continues to impede peace, stability and development in many parts of the world. Innocent victims aside, conflicts have reversed the development gains of poor countries, and even reduced them to the status of donor-dependants. While deploring all acts of terrorism, it is important to recognize that poor countries, particularly those emerging from conflict, have weak capacity to fight terrorism.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“It is also a Special Court for the international community, a symbol of the rule of international law.” There is no guarantee that the victims of violations of international humanitarian and human rights law during the civil war in Sierra Leone will receive reparation for those heinous crimes. So the least we can do for them now is to ensure that justice is done. We can do so by reducing the financial burden of the Special Court and by demonstrating that we are indeed serious about respect for the rule of law. The United Nations was formed over 50 years ago as a response to the peace and security needs of the era of its birth. Since then, the world has experienced, and continues to experience, fundamental changes, to which the United Nations should adapt.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The efficacy, and indeed the credibility of the Court, could be questioned unless urgent measures are taken to address its budgetary problems. I should therefore like to take this opportunity to appeal for continued voluntary contributions, as well as the requested subventions from the regular budget of the United Nations for the Special Court. As President Kabbah said at the formal opening of the courthouse last March, it is “a Special Court for Sierra Leone, a symbol of the rule of law and an essential element in the pursuit of peace, justice and national reconciliation for the people of Sierra Leone.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“A theme that has reverberated within the Hall in the past week, and in other international forums, is the observance of the rule of law. The Secretary-General’s analysis of its significance needs no embellishment. The causes and character of the conflict in Sierra Leone, perhaps more than in any other country in the world in recent times, tell us that nearly everything crumbles when the rule of law collapses and that, therefore, it should be made the pillar of post-conflict reconstruction, national recovery, governance and administration of justice and the cornerstone of lasting peace. While the Government of Sierra Leone is struggling, albeit with limited resources, to reform its own administration of justice, it is also concerned about the financial situation of the Special Court, established in the country to address impunity.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Of course there are some difficulties, but we strongly believe that, given adequate resources and cooperative support in a timely manner and given the necessary moral and political support, the United Nations can deliver, as it has done admirably in Sierra Leone. In that connection, allow me to express our sincere appreciation to all the countries that have contributed to the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL). Our thanks also go out to the staff of all the agencies and programmes of the United Nations family and the non-governmental organizations that have worked in partnership with the United Nations, the Government and civil society to restore peace and stability in our country and, most recently, to conduct local government elections.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“20 Just a little more than three weeks ago, on the initiative of the member States of the Non-Aligned Movement, the Assembly reaffirmed the central role of the United Nations in the maintenance of international peace and security and the promotion of international cooperation. It was, indeed, a reaffirmation that this Organization was founded on international cooperation and that its efficacy is rooted in international cooperation. My delegation therefore urges all Member States to adhere to the principle of cooperation. Sierra Leone believes, and will continue to believe in the United Nations. After all, we are part of the United Nations, like each and every State represented in the General Assembly.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“I would like to join others in congratulating you, Mr. President, on your election to direct the affairs of the General Assembly — this great parliament of nations — at its fifty-ninth session. Let me also take this opportunity to pay tribute to your predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Julian Hunte, especially for the momentum he gave to the ongoing process of the revitalization of the General Assembly. Once again, in his annual report on the work of the Organization and in his forthright statement to the Assembly last week, the Secretary-General set the tone of the annual general debate. My delegation commends him for his tenacity and courage under extreme political circumstances and shares his overall assessment of the current international situation and the role of the United Nations.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“For many of the countries of the third world, deep in the morass of conflict and poverty, the journey from a rural agrarian environment to a highly literate industrialised society may span many generations. And although it is a journey that is slowly being made by many nations today, it cannot be fully achieved without the sensitivity and assistance of the advanced countries of the North. We shall continue to make a solemn appeal for all nations, rich and poor, strong and weak, to join in peace and harmony on this journey. This appeal is also being made in full realisation of the divine purpose of our creation and the undeniable fact that no man and no nation can completely fulfil its mandate on Earth without an underlying substratum of the eternal.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“This is a significant step towards global mobilization against the most pernicious of all problems - the problem of economic underdevelopment. We have reason to hope that, along with progress in disarmament and arms control, the defusing of the cold war will now make it possible to overcome the philosophical and ideological differences that hitherto impeded divisive international action in this area. Each year, the agenda of the United Nations has been strong on problems pertaining to economic development, conflict resolution and the advancement of social issues for the improvement of the human condition. Each nation, great and small, has a responsibility for mobilising the global consciousness necessary for the success of the United Nations.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“The percentage of fully immunized children has risen from 6 per cent in 1986 to 24 per cent in 1988 and to 66 per cent in 1990. Our national objective is to achieve universal child immunization by the end of this year. In the Declaration and Plan of Action they adopted, the Summit leaders essentially acknowledged that the plight of the world's children is largely a reflection of more fundamental global economic and social problems. They recognized that in order to ensure the protection, survival and development of children everywhere, it is necessary to address such issues as the abuse of the environment, the international debt and the enduring economic difficulties experienced by many developing countries.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“The recent World Summit for Children deserves some comment, inter alia, for its remarkable organisational success and for its substantive achievement. It underlines the fact that the world is now truly a global village where rapid and enduring solutions to problems require the widest possible consensus and commitment at the highest political level. The President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Major-General Joseph Saidu Momoh, participated at this Summit to demonstrate his profound interest in the development and welfare of children and to underline his commitment to the idea of collective international action. Over the past five years. Sierra Leone, for its part, has embarked on a bold and decisive campaign to reduce infant mortality.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“However, whatever the coming weeks may bring, the resolve of the international community should be steadfast and the restoration of Kuwait's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity is an objective from which we cannot deviate. The Secretary-General observes in his report that the problem of Cyprus has not shown any movement in the negotiating process as was anticipated last year, while the situation on the island continues to deteriorate. Over the years, my Government has stressed the necessity for both Cypriot communities to approach all the issues with frankness and determination for compromise. Though the road to reconciliation may be rocky, it is the only one that can be taken. Rebuilding confidence and trust is important in this journey which, we hope, will eventually lead to a comprehensive solution.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“We do so again from this podium. Our support for the Security Council's handling of this crisis remains firm, as does our conviction that the purported annexation of Kuwait should not be allowed to succeed. The inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force is still a fundamental corner-stone of international law and respect for it becomes even more compelling in the evolving climate of mutual understanding and accommodation in which we all have a stake. The Sierra Leone delegation believes that a peaceful resolution of the present situation is still within reach, and that bringing this about should remain the task of the United Nations.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“The international conference on the Middle East should be convened to consider problems pertaining to the region and, in particular, the solution to the Palestinian question. The situation which has been brought about in the Persian Gulf as a consequence of Iraq's invasion of Kuwait is both dangerous and unfortunate - dangerous, because it now threatens to plunge that region once again into a conflict of major dimensions, and unfortunate in its cold-war contest. For Iraq's aggression is at variance with the Charter's provisions and the freshening wind of political change sweeping across the world. It threatens to pull us back into the abyss of tension and militarism from which we are so slowly emerging. My Government has publicly declared its condemnation of Iraq's action and called for its immediate withdrawal from Kuwaiti territory.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“The displacement of whole families, and even whole communities, in a once peaceful and stable nation has created a massive refugee problem that has imposed tremendous stresses on the economies of neighbouring countries. Much of this may be unknown to the international community and, consequently, lost on the conscience of many. It is for this reason, and many more, that we commend the ECOWAS plan for support by this Organisation. As the world continues to be energised by the exciting politics of change, the quest for a durable solution of the question of Palestine becomes imperative. The lessening of tension in that region has now acquired an urgency, within the context of a Palestinian homeland and mutual security assurance for all States.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“The key elements of the plan address the fundamental issues, namely, the establishment of a cease-fire, monitoring of the cease-fire, setting up of an interim administration and the conduct of free and fair elections to be monitored by international observers. The plan also stipulates that whoever heads the interim administration cannot be a candidate for the presidency. These proposals have been accepted at a conference of political parties and interest groups which was convened in the Republic of the Gambia. The suffering and misery of the Liberian people engendered by this conflict has few parallels in modern African history.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“He hope that, in keeping with the plan already approved by the Security Council, the parties to the conflict will continue to be amenable to the measures that have been taken in this direction. The tragic situation in the Republic of Liberia must attract the attention of the international community. The Foreign Minister of the Republic of the Gambia has already given a detailed account of the tragedy which gave rise to an initiative by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to put an end to the carnage and destruction in that country. This plan, in my delegation's view, offers the best hope for peace and stability in Liberia and deserves the support of all peace-loving States.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“de Klerk has shown tremendous foresight, sincerity and courage, and now he has the opportunity of demonstrating his commitment to irreversible political change by firmly arresting the violence and restoring law and order. With respect to the situation in Western Sahara, my delegation has consistently supported the joint efforts of the United Nations and the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) to secure a resolution of the conflict by ensuring the full exercise by the people of their right to self-determination. As the Secretary-General observes, it is now necessary to guarantee the success of these modalities, already agreed upon, in order to provide for an early referendum in the territory.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“The dialogue between black organisations and the South African government should be actively encouraged so that positive results can be realised. Situations that threaten this prospect should be avoided. The ongoing violence in the townships raises alarming fears - fears that the sinister agency behind this murderous upsurge has napped out an agenda which, by creating rarest and fanning the flames of rivalries, is committed to mortgaging South Africa's peaceful and democratic future to a retention of the present untenable status quo. It requires no exceptional premonition to discern that the greater good of all South Africans cannot be assured in an atmosphere that pits brother against brother. President F.N.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“Sierra Leone therefore expresses its support for the desire of the Republic of Korea for membership of the United Nations. We commend the efforts of the two Governments and, in particular, the recent meeting of the Prime Ministers of North and South Korea - an event which is bound to lead to a lessening of tensions between the two countries. As the frontiers of political change are broadened, so are we hopeful that before long apartheid South Africa will itself experience this metamorphosis. The Sierra Leone delegation continues to observe closely developments in that country following the release of the Vice-President of the African National Congress of South Africa (AHC), Mr. Nelson Mandela, with the hope that the tread will be allowed to gather its natural momentum.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“Sierra Leone welcomes this momentous occasion, which is indeed the culmination of the historic desire and the untiring efforts of the German people themselves to reunite their homeland. Like many of the events of 1989 in Europe, German reunification symbolises the triumph of the human spirit over artificial, and sometimes evil, forces that negate its full expression. Germany in the future will, we believe, be a force for stability and progress in a world much of which has been ravaged by conflict, poverty, disease, neglect and prejudice. This development opens new horizons for understanding and co-operation among nations and reaffirms the belief of my delegation that Korea, like the two Germanys and the two Yemens, can seek membership of this Organisation without prejudice to the desire of its people for the reunification of its homeland.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“Namibia's independence does not, however, close its difficult history, for decades of pillaging have left that country's economy in desperate need of assistance. We are hopeful that such assistance will be forthcoming to ensure that the fruits of independence and sovereignty are not in any way compromised by economic instability. This is the continuing obligation which the international community must now discharge. The winds of change which started in Eastern Europe a year ago culminated on 3 October with the reunification of the German States. The crumbling of the Berlin Hall and the act of reunification have effectively pulled down the iron curtain that was the dominant political factor of post-war Europe.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“Peres de Cuellar, for his untiring efforts in the pursuit and achievement of peace in many troubled parts of the world. We congratulate him on his recent successes, particularly for his role in the smooth transition of Namibia to independence. The admission of new Members to the United Nations is always a major achievement, for it brings the universality of the Organisation - a primary objective of the Charter - even closer. With the membership of the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Republic of Namibia, the primacy of the United Nations as a force in international relations is once more reinforced. We welcome them among us end look forward to their contribution in addressing the important tasks that lie ahead.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“It is a privilege for me to be participating once again in the work of the General Assembly, and it gives me great pleasure to extend to you, Sir, the congratulations of my delegation on your unanimous election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its forty-fifth session. This is a well-deserved recognition of your many qualities as a national and international statesman. I should like also to pay tribute to your predecessor, Mr. Garba, for the exemplary and commendable manner in which he guided the deliberations of the General Assembly at its forty-fourth regular session and also the three special sessions devoted to apartheid, illicit narcotic drugs and international economic co-operation. To him we express our appreciation. We once again pay tribute to the United Nations, and in particular we commend the Secretary-General, Mr.”
1990-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 45 (1990)
“Such policies would require the active intervention of Governments in creditor countries as well as international financial and development institutions. We have an enduring vision that because of its inherent dynamism the international system requires a new economic and political order that distributes, fairly, responsibilities and benefits to all nations, and not an order that can be artfully manipulated to "benefit a few greatly, some not at all, and dramatically increase the cost for all."”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“In this regard we note with deep appreciation the impressive actions already taken by the Secretary-General, international financial and development Institutions, as well as individual Governments and non-governmental organizations, to facilitate the successful implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery. However, we renew our call for a fresh approach to the debt problem which is currently of very urgent concern. Sierra Leone acknowledges the value of multi-year re-scheduling, longer maturities on new loans and capitalization of interest but, as we have already pointed out, total third-world obligations, instead of being reduced, have increased to a record level in 19Ö7 under these policies. What we need are policies that actually reduce the debt burden.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“It is most refreshing to note the recent signs of a rethink regarding structural adjustment policies in their original cast — "structural adjustment with growth", which is the new version embodying this evolution in thought, explicitly acknowledges, among other things, the necessity not only for greater external assistance to those developing countries undertaking adjustment but also for the protection of vulnerable groups in society during the adjustment process. Consolidation of the commitment by the industrialized countries which this development portends will definitely enhance the effectiveness of developing countries' efforts as they grapple with their economic problems.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“Where an offer of assistance has been given, it has often been conditional on the implementation of economic policies that paid little attention to structural differentiations in the developing countries. Thus the rigid enforcement of structural adjustment policies which always insist on import restriction and unregulated internal economic libetalÍ2ation - wholesale removal of subsidies, massive devaluations, auctioning off of public enterprises - has merely accelerated the decimation of the structural foundations of the target economies, spawning grotesque social and political problems in the process.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“For example, it has been established that borrowing countries now transfer huge net capital to creditor countries in the industrialized world: $107 billion from 1983 to 1986 and an estimated $27 billion in 1987 for the major borrowing countries alone; African countries have lost over $19 billion so far this year in falling commodity prices; the effect of the European agricultural subsidies is said to be equivalent to a 124 per cent tariff on wheat and a 226 per cent tariff on sugar; and the third world's total external debt increased from $729 billion in 1981 to over a trillion dollars this year. In the face of these paralysing obstacles, pleas for understanding to the rest of the international community often elicit paternalistic responses at best, and derision at worst.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“Efforts to reverse this trend, especially in Africa, have encountered severe countervailing forces in the international environment, notably contracting capital flows, currency instability, falling commodity prices, rising protectionism and agricultural subsidies in industrial countries, and above all a crushing debt burden.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“This has been happening particularly in the case of the development crisis, of which the debt problem is an integral part, under which most of the developing countries have been labouring for almost a decade now. The various manifestations of this crisis and its impact on the peoples of the developing world have for many years been a subject of extensive analyses and recommendations by academics, policy makers and development experts both in the United Nations and elsewhere. The general climate of slow or negative growth that currently prevails in the affected countries is causing further deterioration in the commodities of life which have already reached record lows.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“The various reports on the status of the world economy are again unanimous this year in expressing pessimism about prospects for the economic well-being of the world, both in the short and medium terms. Each year, for over half a decade now, we have had to listen in this Assembly to gloomy forecasts for the world economy, and at the end of every session we have left here assuring ourselves that we have done enough to dispel the gloom after adopting resolutions and promising too. The progress we seem to achieve each time never proves to be adequate, as we not only continue to have the same set of problems but their magnitude has even tended to multiply.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“The continuing stalemate in Western Sahara is causing tremendous human suffering and economic devastation in the occupied territory, and countries in the region, particularly Algeria, are having to cope with huge refugee problems. The valuable assistance offered by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in mitigating those refugee problems is highly commendable. While Sierra Leone continues to recognize the legitimate right of the people of Western Sahara to self-determination, we appeal to all the parties concerned to co-operate with the Secretary-General in his effort to bring about the implementation of all relevant resolutions adopted by the Organization of African Unity and the United Nations, with specific regard to General Assembly resolution 40/50.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“Although some progress towards a resolution of the Afghanistan situation seems to have occurred, notably the reported agreement on the monitoring of foreign troop withdrawal, the failure of the contending parties to agree on a date for the withdrawal of foreign troops continues to cause many delegations some anxiety. While not wishing to minimize the significance of the perceptible narrowing down of the difference in the various positions over the date for troop withdrawal achieved at the recent proximity talks in Geneva under the supervision of the special United Nations representative, Mr. Diego Cordovez, we submit that so far there exists no cause for celebration; the danger that the Afghanistan situation poses to international peace and security remains as potent today as it has ever been.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“We believe that for the establishment of a durable peace in the region, both North and South Korea, whose membership of this Organization is a logical step, should implement proposals for the revival o£ high-level talks between them. Those talks should continue to be direct and devoid of extraneous issues which undermine trust and confidence. Recent developments in Central America, culminating in the signing of the Guatemala Agreement, the Arias Plan, have rightly aroused considerable optimism about the chances of durable peace in the region. We trust that all peace-loving nations will contribute sincerely towards the realization of our collective wish for the peace and prosperity of the Central American peoples.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“Last year, my delegation welcomed the eight-point peace plan put forward by the Coalition Government of Democratic Kampuchea to resolve the situation in that country. We expected the practical approach offered by that plan to secure a positive response from Viet Nam# if only as a measure of indicating the latter1 s peaceful intentions. At this stage we believe that Viet Nam has only two options: to demonstrate a genuine intention to withdraw its forces from Kampuchea and allow the people of that country to set up their own form of government, or to continue to prove unfaithful to its Charter obligations and to incense the international community. The Korean peninsula has remained an area of constant tension since the end of hostilities three decades ago.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“What we have noted, as a result of this policy, is greater suffering and insecurity in the region and a greater threat to the stability of the international system as a whole. It is therefore in the interest of every member of the international community to work sincerely for the speedy resolution of the Middle East conflict; failure to do so would simply raise the cost for all and leave everyone much worse off. Many in this Hall will recall that not so many years ago Viet Nam was fighting to defend principles which it held dearly, and for which it received the sympathy and support of many nations. Today, however, it continues to deny the people of Kampuchea what Viet Nam itself claimed to have fought for so vigorously during those years. The paradox of yesterday's victim and tomorrow's oppressor always furnishes constant amazement.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“Our confidence in the resilience of the Secretary-General and in the goodwill of Members of this Organization encourages us, however, to hope that the existing obstacles will be overcome before long. At the same time we expect that the enormous suffering which the Palestinian people endure because of Israel's brutal activities in the occupied territories will continue to incense the conscience of Members of this institution and elicit sufficient resistance to Israel's designs to perpetuate its occupation. We see a total absence of moral strength and logic in a policy which seeks to preserve the rights of one people to a homeland and security by assaulting the same rights and the security of another people.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)