YouSaid · the spoken record

Manuel Salvador dos Ramos

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50
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2010-09-24
most recent
2015-09-24
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3
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un-general-debate

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  1. Finally, we reiterate our country’s readiness to continue participating in efforts to mobilize wills and synergies to realize the fundamental principles and noble objectives that guided the establishment of the United Nations.

    2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)

  2. For that reason, São Tomé and Príncipe appeals again for the lifting of the embargo, which would be a sign of a relationship without handicaps and would allow both countries to take fair and equitable advantage of bilateral trade relations, on an equal footing with other countries around the world. In conclusion, we must acknowledge and welcome the political progress achieved by both sides of the Taiwan Strait, with a clear reduction of tensions, ever greater openness and broad trade exchanges. In addition, given Taiwan’s manifold potential, we recommend that Taiwan participate in the United Nations specialized agencies, as it already does in the World Health Organization.

    2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)

  3. In December 2014, São Tomé and Príncipe effusively welcomed the announcement on the re-establishment of relations between the United States of America and Cuba, and we joined the world in jubilation over the recent opening of diplomatic missions in both capitals, which thus resumed full diplomatic relations. As we did then, we express the wish that both countries continue to strengthen their relationship on the path of economic, social and cultural progress for the benefit of their peoples and humanity in general. To that end, one issue remains pending — the trade embargo imposed against Cuba. It made no sense in the past, and it makes no sense now.

    2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)

  4. Therefore, we welcome the determination of Germany and France to reach a climate agreement that is ambitious, broad and binding on all parties and is in accordance with the general rules of international law, with the ultimate objective of limiting the increase in the global temperature to 2°C at most, as compared to pre-industrial levels. In our opinion, that constitutes a responsibility shared among developing and developed countries. We hope that the agreement, once reached, will enhance the international obligation of all signatory parties to make funds available for ongoing scientific monitoring of climate issues and the transfer of technology to developing countries as a way of improving actions to achieve the Framework Convention’s goals.

    2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)

  5. With respect to the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change that will take place this year in Paris, São Tomé and Príncipe believes that it is imperative that we reach a global agreement on climate change, as our country is already being affected by its nefarious effects, even though we are not an active polluter. Our vulnerabilities include, for example, a reduction in rainfall and, as a consequence, diminished flows in our rivers, as well as floods and the gradual erosion of our coasts. Those warning signs are already causing concern with respect to our country’s climate problems, and we have been combating them by stopping deforestation and protecting our coastal areas.

    2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)

  6. Located on the Gulf of Guinea, where we have seen a fresh outbreak of acts of maritime piracy, terrorism, drug trafficking, oil heists 15-29816 41/45 A/70/PV.25 02/10/2015 and other transnational organized crimes, São Tomé and Príncipe understands that the international community must combine its efforts to stop such acts. Therefore, allow me to mention the various existing partnerships, both bilateral and multilateral, and cooperation, among the Economic Community of Central African States, the Economic Community of West African States and the Gulf of Guinea Commission in implementing the recommendations of the Yaoundé Summit, which have made significant progress possible in the relentless fight against this type of criminal organization in our region.

    2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)

  7. When a mother places a young child in a precarious boat for a difficult journey across a rough sea, with criminals at the helm, she does so because she considers that to be safer than the terra firma that she left behind. Therefore, we must seriously reflect on such episodes and the lessons they teach us regarding the signs of the new times, and draw our conclusions. We must refrain from promoting or exporting democracy in an outsider’s meddling manner or, worse still, through aggression and/or violence. We believe that everybody will agree with us when we affirm that global security is vital to ensure sustainable development for our countries, and that it should begin at the regional and local levels.

    2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)

  8. Similarly, we cannot fail to comment on the persistence of the domestic conflict in Syria and its disastrous consequences. We again appeal to the international community to make all efforts to achieve a cessation of hostilities, thus opening the way for a frank dialogue toward a political solution to re-establish a lasting peace. However, the prevailing situation is an opportunity for deeper reflection, in light of the migration crisis that is centred on the Mediterranean as the main access point to Europe. Indeed, the waves of people of all ages who are reaching Europe from war zones are not migrants. They are refugees. They are not evading poverty or hunger; they are literally running away from death.

    2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)

  9. We wish to express the unwavering support for and heartfelt solidarity of all Santomeans with our Nigerian brothers and sisters, and we congratulate the people and Government of Nigeria on their successes in the fight against terrorism perpetrated by Boko Haram. Unfortunately, in the Middle East we continue to see bloody conflicts and loss of lives with the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Palestine. Therefore we appeal again for a peaceful and negotiated solution that upholds both the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the State of Israel’s right to exist, in accordance with the pertinent United Nations resolutions, with two free and sovereign States living by side in peace and cooperating fully for development.

    2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)

  10. As terrorism continues to be a central issue in international politics, and in light of renewed acts of terrorism throughout the world, we believe the international community must act in a coordinated manner. Only then will we be able to fight this global scourge. We clearly and strongly condemn the repeated and hideous crimes that the Boko Haram group has been perpetrating in our neighbour, the sisterly nation of Nigeria. In our opinion, nothing can justify the atrocities that Boko Haram terrorists have committed, and we take the opportunity in this privileged forum to reiterate our unequivocal condemnation of such practices, which are unacceptable in every way.

    2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)

  11. The perennial issue of Western Sahara remains on the international stage and therefore requires greater engagement from all of us in the search for a permanent solution for that negotiation process, which has dragged on and stagnated for some time. However, to the credit of the parties, armed conflict has not resumed. We appeal to them to return to the negotiations and find a mutually acceptable political solution. We are heartened by the recent resolution of the political situation in the Republic of Guinea- Bissau, where a serious political crisis has been overcome without recourse to violence and in strict accordance with the rule of law. That bears clear testimony to the democratic maturity that our brothers and sisters have achieved.

    2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)

  12. Our country, Sao Tomé and Principe, believes in the above and urges the United Nations to adapt its programmes to the specific realities of Africa, without losing sight of the continent’s accomplishments in achieving some of the eight Millennium Development Goals by some countries. Unfortunately, we continue to see persistent hotbeds of tension and the emergence of new ones with humanitarian repercussions of alarming proportions throughout the world. In Mali and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the efforts undertaken by regional organizations, the African Union and the United Nations have introduced some stability to the conflict zones. These efforts must continue to be coordinated and channelled in order to consolidate and reinforce the achievements.

    2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)

  13. We believe that in erecting those pillars Africa will take significant and necessary steps to guide the continent towards fulfilling the legitimate aspirations 40/45 15-29816 02/10/2015 A/70/PV.25 of its peoples, thereby ensuring ever greater integration, prosperity and peace, under African leadership, with top priority given to the dignity and identity of our sons and daughters. That will enhance the capacity for creativity, innovation and production and will have an immediate and direct impact on the economy and sustainable human development because it will be properly sustained.

    2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)

  14. We hope that the development process in this new phase may be more inclusive, qualitative and, as the name suggests, sustainable for all, with all regions of our planet taking ownership and making commitments. For this purpose, Africa chose, as its path towards economic and sustainable development, six pillars that are important to mention here and with which Sao Tomé and Principe identifies: structural economic transformation and inclusive growth; science, technology and innovation; people-centred development; sustainable environment, natural resources and natural disaster management; peace and security; and finances and partnerships.

    2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)

  15. We further wish to express our appreciation to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for the competent, selfless and zealous manner in which he has led our Organization. We also pay tribute to outgoing President Sam Kutesa, who led our General Assembly with dedication and strength during the past 12 months. Gathered at Headquarters from 25 to 27 September, world leaders adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (see resolution 70/1). The Millennium Development Goals proved to be a good catalyst to mobilize synergies and achieve progress in social development — the reduction of poverty, hunger and disease; advances in maternal health; and access to drinking water. During that period there were major geopolitical and economic shifts. We believe that the multidimensional nature of poverty and fragility has changed.

    2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)

  16. That should provide Member States with the opportunity to deeply reflect on the road that has brought us this far and on the different reforms that must be introduced to make it more representative, legitimate, dynamic, efficient and inclusive and ever more responsive to the reality and challenges imposed by armed conflicts, climate changes, migrant and refugee crises, economic deregulation, endemic diseases, poverty and hunger. Against that backdrop, we welcome the relevance of the themes of this session, which reflect the reality of our times. The post-2015 development agenda and the proper framing and resolution of climate change issues will surely create a path towards sustainable development for developing countries, particularly on the African continent.

    2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)

  17. It is my distinct honour and privilege to participate in the proceedings of the General Assembly on behalf of and representing the Democratic Republic of Sao Tomé and Principe. At the outset, I would like to respectfully congratulate Mr. Mogens Lykketoft on his election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its seventieth session and to express our full support for him throughout his term. May it be highly successful. His election is a result of the recognition by the States Members of the United Nations of his noble humanity, vast political experience and unblemished professional history. Before we begin to address the various topics that are of crucial importance as contributions to a better world, we must remember that this year marks the seventieth anniversary of this Organization.

    2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)

  18. With regard to the Millennium Development Goals set by the United Nations for 2015, the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe has made significant progress, particularly in the areas of education and health. We recognize, however, that greater efforts should be made to attain the desired objectives. In that regard, our State wishes to continue to benefit from the continued and multifaceted support of the international community. To conclude, I would like to reiterate the readiness of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe to participate in efforts to mobilize our collective will and our synergies in pursuit of the noble principles and objectives that underpin the creation of the United Nations.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  19. In this regard, we urge the relevant United Nations bodies to seek ways and means to ensure the participation of Taiwan in some of the mechanisms and agencies of the United Nations system, in particular the International Civil Aviation Organization and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe has just concluded the consolidation of its democratic process and transition of power through an election by universal suffrage, which was direct and anonymous. The President-elect took office on 3 September. Domestically, our Government is working to reduce poverty and promote economic growth and institutional reform, particularly in the area of justice, in order to strengthen the capacities of the country’s democratic institutions and development.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  20. To fulfil this goal, the authorities of my country would like to continue to rely on the invaluable collaboration and availability expressed thus far by the international community in general and the specialized entities of the United Nations in particular. I cannot end this speech without addressing the situation of the two straits. Taking into account that has Taiwan not only enormous potential, but also a population of around 23 million people, its participation in United Nations specialized agencies, as has been the case since 2009 with respect to the World Health Assembly, could make a substantial contribution to the international community.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  21. We appreciate the political willingness of Member States to further pursue the building of the necessary consensus to achieve significant and legally binding results in Durban, South Africa, at the next Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, thus guaranteeing the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol. However, climate change has caused imbalances in the microclimate of our country, with drastic consequences for our domestic production, thereby threatening the food security in Sao Tome and Principe. From this perspective, and in order to combat this scourge, civil society in Sao Tome has been advocating the need to enhance the study of the causes and adverse effects of climate change in Sao Tome and Principe.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  22. The profound changes wrought in the international political scene, resulting from structural changes in the world economy, pose new challenges to countries like Sao Tome and Principe. My country, a micro-island State, advocates greater access to the various opportunities available at the international level, in particular the possibility of obtaining more official development assistance and facilities to attract foreign investment. It is our collective responsibility to take measures to address the harmful effects of climate change and ensure the continuity of the clean development mechanism, particularly for the least developed countries.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  23. In this connection, we highlight the fact that the 32nd meeting of the United Nations Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa, 23 11-51390 organized by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs through its Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa in Lomé, was held in Sao Tome and Principe in March. On behalf of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, I would like to thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his timely and correct decision to give Africa its own central Office, which we believe will contribute greatly to the promotion and development of actions to prevent, manage and resolve conflicts in the region and will assist countries of the region in coping with possible threats to their sovereignty.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  24. The threats emerging in the world today — particularly transnational crime, piracy, trafficking and the sale of weapons and drugs — are a real source of concern for Sao Tome and Principe, a country with extensive sea borders in the Gulf of Guinea. These phenomena are threats that cannot be ignored and require greater interaction with the Member States with which we share these extensive maritime borders. They also require our commitment to conflict prevention, management and resolution mechanisms, based on efforts to fight organized crime and with a view to ensuring our collective security.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  25. We reaffirm our support for the Palestinian people’s right to guide their destiny, and we advocate, in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions, for the existence of a Jewish State. We take this opportunity to appeal to the Government of the United States of America and the European Union to exert their influence to persuade the Government of the State of Israel to stop building settlements in the occupied territories. The trade embargo imposed on Cuba decades ago is a major concern for our countries, and for Sao Tome and Principe in particular. We urge the lifting of the sanctions so that Cuba can participate on equal footing with other States in the process of building an international society that is more balanced and fair. Global security is vital to the sustainable development of our countries.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  26. We welcome the presence of the National Transitional Council within the United Nations, and urge the authorities of that country to conduct an inclusive process of peaceful transition to ensure peace, stability and social progress in that part of Africa. Furthermore, our country is of the view that political changes should take place not under violent circumstances, but without any pressure or political interference. The Middle East continues to be shaken by an unprecedented wave of conflicts within the borders of some Middle Eastern countries as well as in the broader region. The people of Syria, Yemen and Bahrain have demanded reforms in State institutions. However, we see the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continue.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  27. Sao Tome and Principe would like to see the two parties sit at the negotiating table and urges the United Nations to proceed with the population census, in accordance with its own resolutions, with a view to completing this long process of negotiation. Democracy has the virtue of giving a voice to people so they can choose their leaders through popular, free, direct and transparent elections by secret ballots cast in voting booths. The uprisings that started in January in North Africa have expressed the sentiments and will of the people of Tunisia, Egypt and Libya to turn the page of their contemporary history. It is in this conviction that the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe recognizes the new governing authorities in these countries as legitimate representatives of their peoples.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  28. The Government of Sao Tome and Principe proclaims its readiness to participate in activities contributing to the alleviation of the suffering of the people of that region. We join other Members of the United Nations in appealing to the international community to provide more financial resources to support efforts to normalize the situation in the region. In the particular case of Somalia, we would appeal for an increase in official development assistance. The United Nations is still addressing the pending question of the Western Sahara and has adopted several resolutions aimed at settling the conflict between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Frente Polisario.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  29. The Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, which has already recognized the brotherly State of South Sudan, congratulates its people on this achievement and wishes its leaders every success in building a peaceful and prosperous nation. Similarly, we appeal to the entire international community to make a joint effort to support the new authorities and political actors of that country in order to maintain the national sovereignty of the new State and to promote a climate of national unity and political stability. East Africa is facing a serious food crisis caused by phenomena that are beyond the control of men and by the political and military conflict still raging in parts of Somalia. It is incumbent upon us all to contribute without delay to finding a lasting solution to this serious situation.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  30. Our concern is all the more worrisome given our distinct feeling that in such circumstances the mechanisms available to the United Nations for dealing with such matters effectively and accurately are pushed into the background. We regret the absence of a responsible partnership between the African Union and the Security Council designed to resolve the crisis in Libya. It is therefore urgent that we strengthen the role of the United Nations by reforming the entire system — a process that should not drag on. This 11-51390 22 reform should include the Security Council and some of the specialized agencies of the United Nations, aligning them with the aspirations and demands of the modern world. On 9 July, Africa saw the birth of one more free and independent nation: the Republic of South Sudan.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  31. In that regard, the United Nations should be responsible for dealing with what appears today to be a trend towards the professionalization of international mediation, which relegates to the background the legal instruments ratified by specialized institutions to deal with a given conflict. Defining the legal status of the mediator and the methodology of mediation, as well as greater involvement by diplomats and experts with experience in international law, seems to us to be necessary and important steps that the United Nations should take in the future. The State of Sao Tome and Principe has followed with concern the growing international climate of tension, characterized by proliferating claims in various regions, some of them violent and destructive.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  32. United Nations reports on peacekeeping operations should therefore remind us that the restoration of peace focuses on ongoing conflicts and strives to de-escalate them through diplomacy and mediation. The widespread use of international mediation to resolve crises as a fundamental technique of peaceful conflict resolution has not always matched our expectations or produced the expected results. It is for that reason that Sao Tome and Principe believes that rather than settling for its role in peacekeeping, international mediation must evolve to become a fundamental factor in peacebuilding.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  33. Joseph Deiss of Switzerland, who carried out his duties with zeal and dedication during the past year. The theme of this session of the Assembly gives us an opportunity to reflect deeply together on the impact of international mediation on the resolution of conflicts in various regions of our planet. We would like to bring to this reflection a discussion of the central role that the United Nations should play in mediating such conflicts. This exercise should help us formulate concrete proposals for strengthening the capabilities of our Organization in this area. Mediation as a method of resolving conflicts between States began to be used in 1907 in the form of good offices and mediation on the basis of The Hague Convention for the peaceful regulation of international conflicts.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  34. We also congratulate the President on the significance of the theme of this session, “The role of mediation in conflict resolution through peaceful means”, whose relevance and timeliness merit the attention of all of us here and can help ensure that the outcome of our collective discussions will support the United Nations in its effective guidance of global democratic governance and in implementing coherent and consistent mechanisms aimed at achieving lasting peace and a more secure world. We further congratulate Mr. Ban Ki-moon on his reappointment to the post of Secretary-General, and thank him for the effort and skill with which he has guided the Organization, whose challenges and responsibilities seem more pressing than ever in the current international context. We would also like to pay tribute to the outgoing President, Mr.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  35. The Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe joins other speakers at this global forum in congratulating the President on his election to lead the General Assembly at its sixty-sixth session. His election is the acknowledgment by Member States of the more than 30 years’ experience that he and his country, Qatar, have given in service of promoting international peace and security, sustainable development and dynamic, multidimensional cooperation among developing countries, as well as in continuing the search for solutions to the challenges facing multilateral diplomacy today.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  36. We believe that the international community, and in particular the United Nations system, knows how to respond to the new challenges of a changing world by seeking out mechanisms, instruments and policies aimed at promoting international cooperation, innovative partnerships and international solidarity. In that collective effort, I want to reaffirm that Sao Tome and Principe is ready and willing to make its contribution to the realization of the noble principles and objectives that were at the heart of the creation of the United Nations.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  37. In consolidating its democratic process, the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe has just conducted yet another elections process, from which a new Government and Assembly have emerged. The new Government, whose programme has just been approved by the National Assembly, has identified four key areas for attention, namely, good governance, credibility and combating corruption; economic growth; national cohesion and organization; and State authority. To achieve those objectives, the Government of Sao Tome and Principe would very much like to count on the continued support of the international community.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  38. Despite those positive developments — including the signing of an economic treaty regulating trade relations between the two sides, opening up airspace to commercial traffic and promoting stronger links 45 10-55128 between the two peoples — there are still some aspects that must be addressed in order to allow greater involvement by Taiwan in the international community. We call on Members of the United Nations, and in particular its specialized agencies, to find ways to make possible Taiwan’s greater participation in specialized agencies and other bodies and machinery, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. We believe that Taiwan’s participation in those two forums will strengthen both those mechanisms and better serve our common interests.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  39. That poses a threat to the food security of Sao Tome and Principe. The authorities of my country would therefore like to continue to count on the invaluable support and willingness so far expressed by the international community, in general, and in particular by specialized bodies of the United Nations. I would be remiss if I concluded my statement without addressing the situation along the Taiwan Strait. We recognize the efforts made by both sides along the Strait aimed at reducing political tension and creating a favourable climate that is conducive to peace, security and development in the region.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  40. Sao Tome and Principe believes that it is our collective responsibility to take measures to address the adverse effects of climate change, although we welcome the political willingness of Member States to continue the process of building the necessary consensus on the various themes discussed at the Copenhagen Summit. We recognize the efforts made at the recent meeting held in Bonn, as well as the prospects for the opening meeting to be held in Mexico. Sao Tome and Principe expresses its concern at attempts to use nuclear energy for non-peaceful purposes. We hope that those who utilize nuclear energy do so in accordance with existing mechanisms for international regulation and supervision. Climate change has caused imbalances in the microclimate of our country, with dramatic impact on our domestic production.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  41. The mortality rate for children under five fell from 138 to 101 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2002, further dropping to 63 in 2009. The number of children immunized against measles has increased substantially, with 84 per cent vaccinated in 2009 as compared to 70 per cent in 2000. With regard to the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, it is still contained but can spread rapidly. The prevalence rate in the 15 to 24 year age range is 0.7 per cent, but among the total population aged 15 to 49 it is 1.5 per cent. The prevalence rate of malaria has been reduced dramatically, from 478 cases per 1,000 inhabitants in 2002 to about 34 cases in 2009. It is true that our country has made significant progress in the areas I have mentioned, but we are aware that much more remains to be done in order to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  42. For our part, the results in the area of education and health are fairly encouraging, particularly when it comes to reducing child mortality and combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases. With regard to education for all, our net enrolment rate in the first cycle of primary education — for children aged one to four — is estimated at 98 per cent. Literacy rates in the 15 to 24 age group are high as compared to most African countries, namely, 96 per cent for females and 95 per cent for males. The results in reducing child mortality have been equally encouraging. In 2009, we recorded 38 deaths per 1,000 live births. That is a significant reduction compared with past years. For example, there were 61 per 1,000 live births in 2002.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  43. The adoption of the Millennium Declaration was followed by other international conferences, which, although they reaffirmed the commitment of both the donor community and the countries receiving aid to seek innovative funding sources and alternatives, did not have the desired effect of alleviating world poverty levels. However, it is vital that we create a new spirit of partnership and a better concept of cooperation for development. To that end, there is a need for additional efforts in the area of official development assistance. The High-level Meeting that has just taken place here in New York is proof of our concern about the benchmarks to be achieved for the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  44. Moreover, we support the conclusion of a new international trade agreement on a more equitable and fairer basis, as well as the conclusion of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. We welcome the appointment of Ms. Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile, to oversee matters relating to women and gender with a view to promoting their participation in global challenges. At the Millennium Summit in 2000, world leaders committed themselves to creating an environment conducive to development and the eradication of poverty, both nationally and internationally.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  45. Sao Tome and Principe will therefore continue to pay particular attention to the regional integration organizations to which we belong, as well as to give priority to conflict-prevention, - management and -resolution mechanisms in order to ensure security and peace in Central Africa. The profound changes taking place in international politics, which are the result of structural changes in the global economy and have important geopolitical implications, have been affecting Sao Tome and Principe in various ways. As a small island 10-55128 44 State, Sao Tome and Principe therefore calls for greater access to various economic opportunities, in particular official development assistance and international investment.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  46. Sao Tome and Principe welcomes the resumption of the dialogue on the Palestine question and encourages the Government of the State of Israel and the Palestinian Authority to continue on that course in the hope that the peoples of Israel and Palestine will live side by side in peace in the future. My country would also like to acknowledge and welcome the personal commitment of President Barack Obama to finding a permanent solution to that conflict. The world faces other risks, such as transnational crime, piracy and drug trafficking. For us, a small country surrounded by a vast expanse of sea, that is a significant reason for concern.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  47. In that regard, it is vital to strengthen the role of the United Nations, including reforming the system and the Security Council, in order to provide responses that are more consistent with the challenges facing humanity today. We echo the concerns expressed in this Assembly Hall by the President of Malawi and Chairperson of the African Union in that regard. The consensus to date on the question of Western Sahara leads us to urge the parties involved to continue on the path of dialogue in pursuit of a peaceful settlement of that conflict. Our global security is vital to the sustainable development of our countries. The international community must be cautious and aware of the risks that the Palestinian conflict could spread and endanger the entire Middle East region and ultimately international peace and security in the larger world.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  48. Ban Ki-moon, for the efforts, dedication and skill with which he has guided our Organization, despite the enormous political, economic and social challenges that the world is facing, in particular with regard to the issues of peace, international security, underdevelopment, extreme poverty, climate change, food security and the continuation of some regional conflicts. It is our deep conviction that, in order to collectively face such challenges, we must reaffirm and strengthen our confidence in the role of the United Nations in promoting peace and justice in the world. The defence of multilateralism is of vital importance in seeking solutions based on the principles of the United Nations Charter. The role of the United Nations in preventing and resolving conflicts, promoting peace and supporting development should be bolstered.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  49. His election is proof that the Member countries of this Organization recognize the contribution that he and his country, Switzerland, have made to the cause of peace and to upholding the noble ideals of freedom, democracy and human rights in the world. We are therefore convinced that he will guide our work with dexterity, clarity and success. We also congratulate him for the relevance of the theme “Reaffirming the central role of the United Nations in global governance”, which merits the attention of all present here on account of its timeliness. We salute the very distinguished Secretary- General of the United Nations, Mr.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  50. Allow me to convey to the President and to this noble Assembly the greetings of His Excellency Mr. Fradique Bandeira Melo de Menezes, the President of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, who cannot attend this meeting for scheduling reasons. Since this is his last term as President on constitutional grounds, President de Menezes would have much liked to participate in this sixty-fifth session in order to personally express his sincere and heartfelt thanks for the support and cooperation of our Organization provided to him during the period of his presidency. On behalf of the delegation of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, which I have the honour to lead, I would like to congratulate the President of the General Assembly on his election to chair this sixty-fifth session of the General Assembly.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)