YouSaid · the spoken record

Desire Delano Bouterse

lines on the record: 30
first: 2010-09-24
most recent: 2011-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
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

“As Members, we have the moral obligation to continue to live up to the provisions of our Charter, taking into consideration the demands of changing times in a changing world. We must, however, ensure that unity and justice reign among all nations.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“We also reiterate our concern about the persistence of the imposition of the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba. Those measures continue to cause hardship for the Cuban people and to have adverse effects on the just development of that country. How many more resolutions need to be adopted before justice can be done for the people of Cuba? Suriname once more calls on the States Members of the United Nations to vehemently reject the unilaterally imposed embargo on this nation. In closing, the provisions and the spirit enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations remain valid as an instrument for promoting international peace, security and development.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“On a special note, it is of great concern that approximately 18 months after the disastrous earthquake in Haiti, the recovery efforts on that island nation are stagnating. We therefore call upon the international community to honour its pledges and continue to support the efforts of the Haitian people to reconstruct their homeland. Suriname reaffirms the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right to an independent State of Palestine, as endorsed by the General Assembly in December 2010 (see resolution 65/202). Suriname has responded to the plight of the Palestinian people and has taken the decision to recognize Palestine as a sovereign State, worthy of becoming a full-fledged Member of this world Organization.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“I also express concern regarding the situation in Somalia, where severe famine has taken the lives of tens of thousands and continues to be a threat to thousands more. We must ask ourselves if the architects of the acts of war on that same continent — under the pretext of the protection of human rights — could not better have used those precious resources in the fight against famine. Furthermore, the Security Council should be a forum for dialogue and action, fully responsive to current and future global challenges, and should not be permitted to bypass the efforts of regional institutions that aim to promote the peaceful settlement of disputes. In particular, when outbursts of violence occur, peaceful efforts should never be hindered or neglected.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The failure to recognize and apply the principles of equity and justice in international 21 11-50871 relations has resulted in unacceptable situations. Those have brought about extreme poverty, further marginalization, increasingly brutal forms of criminality and destruction of the environment. At the same time, we increasingly witness acts of war and intervention in many parts of the world. Such armed conflicts are sometimes preceded by a mandate of our very own Security Council, with disregard for the consequences of destruction, loss of life and human suffering. Suriname wishes to draw urgent attention to the stipulations of Article 33 in Chapter VI of the United Nations Charter, which in our opinion have not been consistently applied. That failure has resulted in an unnecessary continuation of violence on the African continent.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Armed conflicts, interference in the domestic affairs of States, terrorism and transnational crime — including drug-related crime and the illegal traffic in and use of small arms and light weapons — only derail our efforts to address the challenges that we are faced with today. At the sixty-sixth session of the General Assembly, we are once again called on to reflect on the spirit of our Charter as it relates to the assurance of international peace, security and development. The theme for this session, “The role of mediation in the settlement of disputes by peaceful means”, is most fitting, since mediation can and should become one of the most effective instruments in international conflict resolution.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“We are pleased with the UNASUR proposal for a complete restructuring of the international financial system, with the participation of all nations in the decision-making process. The time has come to bring an end to the practice of decision-making by only a few, which has had disastrous consequences for the majority of the peoples of the world. For countries such as Suriname, with small, open economies, it remains of vital importance to continue on the path of prudent macroeconomic policies and economic diversification. Since it is understood that sustainable development can be attained only in a safe environment, it is crucial to preserve international peace and security.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“In that context, Suriname will strengthen its national capacities to enhance our the utilization of our abundant natural resources for the benefit of its people. We are well aware that we cannot move forward in isolation. We recognize the strategic interest of international cooperation to complement national development policies. In that process, we are strongly committed to the objectives of such regional organizations as the Caribbean Community and the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR). Despite the current international financial crisis — which is not of our making — Suriname’s present economic outlook remains favourable. Improper management of the world crisis, however, will have negative consequences on our economy.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“We resolve to promote an investment-friendly environment, with prudent fiscal and monetary policies that are aimed at securing macroeconomic stability in the medium and long terms. Allow me to outline the main objectives of our development strategy. We intend to maintain real economic growth and raise per capita income, while simultaneously promoting a more equitable income distribution. We will further develop the mining sector as the engine of economic growth in the short and medium terms. We plan to move away from a commodity-based economy and focus on the diversification of our economy and increased investment in other sectors, such as the agro-industry, tourism, services, transport, infrastructure and housing. We will invest in our human capital, which is our most important resource.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“For countries such as ours, it is therefore of paramount importance that the international community honour its commitments, realize the speedy implementation of the Cancún Agreements and honour its pledges to the Special Climate Change Fund and the Adaptation Fund. We cannot afford for the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference in Durban to fail to produce concrete agreements and targets on reducing emissions, which would lead to a halt or drastically reduce the rising temperature on the planet. We owe that to our present and we owe that to our future generations. We call upon all parties concerned to reach an agreement. Suriname now stands at a crossroads in its efforts to attain sustainable development.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“As the world becomes more intertwined, the impact of climate change in one country or region is affecting the prosperity and security of others as well. As responsible citizens of this precious planet, we must stand united behind the collective goal to preserve our world for current and future generations. Our understanding of climate change suggests that our planet will undergo considerable changes over the next 50 years, impacting all areas of society. For Suriname, with its low-lying coastline, that means a vulnerable exposure to a rising sea level, risking inundation of our fertile soil and freshwater reservoirs. With 80 per cent of Suriname’s population living in the coastal area, our ability to produce food and guarantee food security will be in serious jeopardy.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Pandemics such as AIDS, malaria and non-communicable diseases; threats related to terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, human trafficking, the illicit trade in and use of small arms and light weapons and the illicit drug trade; and the risks posed by climate change and the continuing vulnerability of our women and youth all call upon us to deepen our cooperation and strengthen our international institutions. Although some citizens in developing countries enjoy good living standards, the realization of sustainable development in many of those countries 11-50871 20 remains unattainable. Achieving social justice for all represents the most basic humanitarian challenge of our times. In order to move the world further along the path of compassion, solidarity and shared responsibility, that goal deserves our highest attention.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The United Nations was founded on the fundamental belief that collective action can serve our collective security. That steadfast principle is even more essential in addressing the many challenges that threaten world peace today. In Ambassador Al-Nasser’s inaugural statement as President, he referred to the enormous political, social, economic and environmental challenges facing the world (see A/65/PV.103). I could not agree with him more.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Allow me to join previous speakers in congratulating Ambassador Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser on his election as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-sixth session. We welcome his efforts to promote the goals of the United Nations and to act as a bridge between the developed and the developing world. We pledge our full support and cooperation as he steers the work of this session. I would also like to thank Mr. Joseph Deiss for having guided us with much efficiency through the proceedings of the past session. We wish him well in his future endeavours. To Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who has been elected once again at the helm of our Organization, we continue to extend our support and cooperation. We welcome our newest Member State, the Republic of South Sudan, to the family of nations.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Therefore, the slogan of my country in our lingua franca is: “Broko a pina, tek yu gudu”, which means “Break away from poverty, by pursuing wealth”.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Suriname is of the opinion that all nations should effectively and adequately contribute to the alleviation of the dire needs of our fellow citizens of the world. These people deserve more than expressions of sympathy; they deserve to see that promises made to them are kept. Finally, we want to share our thoughts on the structural causes of poverty and the resulting ill effects on societies. My Government believes that education related to survival skills and production is the only way to effectively eradicate poverty. Money given to poor people for the sake of one’s own conscience is an absolute waste. Accordingly, we ask ourselves whether we should continue to use the phraseology “fighting poverty” or should instead start talking about pursuing wealth.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Although non-communicable diseases are currently not a part of the indicators for assessing progress in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), they undoubtedly have a negative impact on those Goals. We can no longer ignore this emerging health crisis, which disproportionately impacts the poorest people, pushing them further into poverty and deprivation. Therefore, the global development agenda needs to include measures to address this problem, if we do not wish to jeopardize the accelerated achievement of the MDGs by 2015. We are aware of poverty and extreme human suffering resulting from natural disasters. We empathize with the peoples of Haiti, Pakistan, China, Chile and all other countries where major weather patterns have wreaked havoc.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Various high-level meetings have been organized to address issues of common concern, such as the fight against HIV/AIDS, the negative effects of climate change, arms proliferation, the effects of the global economic and financial crisis and transnational organized crime and its associated ills. At this time it is necessary to draw special attention to the issue of non-communicable diseases, which is of great concern to all of us. The initiative of Caribbean Community leaders, subsequently endorsed by the Commonwealth, to organize a high-level meeting of the General Assembly in 2011 to address the rising incidence and prevalence of non-communicable diseases is very important. It highlights the ever-growing need for the international community to join forces in addressing this global barrier to development.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“We believe that we should tackle this problem head on, starting at home, moving towards our immediate neighbours and from there to the subregion of South America and the Caribbean, thus creating a 10-55103 14 substantial force at the world forum dealing with the ill effects of climate change. It seems that the standing forest and the wealth of Suriname’s biodiversity are being taken for granted by the global community, as there are no structures in place to provide incentives to continue on the path of sustainability. Despite that, we promise that our choices for development will duly respect a proper balance between nature and development.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“In this respect, Suriname could serve as an example for the world, as its laws to save forest and biodiversity date from the middle of the past century. We are proud to state here today that Suriname is rightly called the greenest country on Earth for its 90 per cent forest cover. That having been said, it is ironic that a country such as Suriname, with such a good environmental track record, is overlooked and that the world’s efforts are concentrated on countries that are using their resources unsustainably, thereby sending the wrong message globally.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“An international enabling environment in this regard is of increased significance. Climate change is a global threat that will affect developing countries in a most devastating way. Suriname, with its low-lying coast, belongs to the top 10 countries which will be seriously affected by sea- level rise. This is ironic, because we are not culpable for the excessive levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, but we are about to bear a heavy part of the brunt. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, global biodiversity loss is high, so high that 2010 has been declared the International Year of Biodiversity by the United Nations in order to attract attention to this global problem.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“We realize that we are part of the global community, which as a result of technology is gradually turning into a global village, fostering intensive relations in both a negative and a positive sense. Despite all the resources and knowledge at our disposal, we are still faced with what seems an insurmountable challenge: to rid the world of extreme poverty, to ensure adequate education for our children, to stem the tide of infectious and other diseases, or to take responsible decisions on environmental sustainability. We have to recognize that with today’s interdependence many challenges transcend national borders and that the ability of countries, in particular developing countries, to make progress on many of the international development goals does not merely depend on domestic policy choices.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“First, we must dismantle any lingering remnants of the colonial police State which blocks and obstructs the establishment of a free, democratic, constitutional State based on the pillars of an independent judiciary, a Government free of corruption, a legislature that acts in the interests of the people, and a free and independent press committed to the honest dissemination of information. Another major challenge that we face is the transformation of our society from an economy which is merely a source of profit for foreign interest groups into one that is based and built on a healthy interdependence. Suriname needs a new national economic approach created by Surinamers and for Surinamers.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“When we look at the many national challenges facing us, it is clear that our task will not be easy. In almost all sectors of the economy and society we have suffered enormous neglect, and there has been a decline, stagnation and reversal of national growth. As a result, today many segments of our society have become desperate and hopeless. We therefore need a bold new visionary approach to give our people what they justly deserve as co-owners of a nation endowed and blessed with so many riches. However, we need to overcome two huge challenges that since decolonization have haunted and blighted our national destiny as a people.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“The aim is the creation of a just society in which people can develop themselves to their highest potential and become international role models and leaders in areas in which our society excels. No one will be left behind in this task of nation-building. My Government pledges not to waste, but to protect, our national inheritance and assets for future generations and the world. Moreover, we will seize every opportunity to generate greater national wealth. We will devote special attention to groups who in the past have had limited scope for development. In this regard, I refer to our indigenous peoples and our countrymen living in tribal communities. Our intention is to gradually break the cycle of their isolation and considerably improve their quality of life.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Suriname therefore joins Member States which since 1992 have consistently been calling in vain for the rejection of the unilaterally imposed embargo against Cuba. As is the case on the national level, the international community will prosper only when all values protected by the rule of law are distributed equally, notwithstanding the asymmetry that characterizes international relations. 13 10-55103 My country finds itself at a crossroads in its history. The electorate gave its leaders a mission to create a society in which everyone participates and everyone shares in what the country has to offer, meeting their basic material means, and in which solidarity prevails.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“It has become obvious to Suriname that this balance can be achieved only when participants in the international arena refrain from using military force and/or economic coercion. We have even seen States abuse their own legal system to force their political will on another nation. Restricting ourselves to the Caribbean region, the Republic of Suriname is deeply concerned about the persistence of the imposition for almost half a century of the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed against Cuba with the aim of changing developments of that nation’s political, economic and social road map. Those coercive measures cause unnecessary hardship and have severe effects on the rightful development and well-being of the Cuban people.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“I then stated: “by the same token, we are dismayed by the fact that, in spite of the presence of the Organization on the international scene for almost four decades, its lofty goal of creating an international order based on respect for international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes seems today to be as elusive as ever”. (A/38/PV.28) Today we can conclude that things have not fundamentally changed. The challenge we face is that of striking a proper balance between full recognition of the sovereignty of the individual Member States of the United Nations and the apparent need for global governance regarding the global issues that endanger the very survival of our planet and its inhabitants. We are not there yet.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Ali Abdussalam Treki for his unwavering efforts in steering the Assembly’s work at its sixty-fourth session. I also pay tribute to the Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, for his leadership and guidance of this Organization throughout the past years of crisis and turbulence. It is a great honour for me today to address the Assembly, as a leader who recently received a mandate from the Surinamese people to realize sustainable economic and social development through our own efforts and with the support of all friendly nations. Twenty-seven years ago I had the honour to address the Assembly.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Suriname, I take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Joseph Deiss on his election to preside over this sixty-fifth session of the General Assembly. I am pleased to see Switzerland, one of the newest members of the Organization, occupying this high office, especially since his country has a long-standing and constructive record regarding international neutrality and respect for international order. I am convinced that his diplomatic experience, as well as his well-known in-depth knowledge of current international issues, will enable him to successfully discharge the important responsibilities of his office. As one of the Vice-Chairs, Suriname pledges its full support for his work agenda for this session. I wish to express our appreciation to Mr.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)