YouSaid · the spoken record

Runaldo Ronald Venetiaan

lines on the record: 70
first: 1991-09-24
most recent: 2008-09-24
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

“Suriname is also currently engaged in a “One UN” policy process, through which it responds to the need for coherent involvement of the United Nations in its development efforts. To that end, Suriname and the United Nations agencies signed the Country Programme Action Plan for the period 2008-2011, which also addresses the pursuit of the Millennium Development Goals. We have entered an era of growing anxieties and concerns that go beyond national borders. The contemporary world situation requires harmonization of the United Nations with current international developments. Suriname believes that the United Nations should be given the tools and instruments to enable the Organization to address global challenges in support of a comprehensive and coherent development agenda in the interest of all the nations of the world.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We stress the importance of new financing mechanisms, since good management of forests and other natural resources cannot and should not be at the expense of the development of our own peoples, the peoples of countries with high forest coverage and low deforestation rates. We therefore look forward to substantial investments to support the sustainable development of such countries. Suriname has supported the restructuring process of the United Nations from the start, with the aim of achieving a more effective and efficient Organization that would be better equipped to adequately address old and new challenges. In that process, we expect that the role of the United Nations as a partner in development will gain further relevance and achieve a more coherent and enhanced presence in support of capacity-building and sustainable development.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“However, the contribution of the international community to the preservation and protection of such globally valuable resources is not proportionate to the sacrifice made by the forested countries. Moreover, forested countries like Suriname with very low deforestation rates are forgotten in mechanisms devised to compensate for deforestation. Suriname recently hosted the Paramaribo Dialogue, a country-led initiative on financing for sustainable forest management in support of the United Nations Forum on Forests. During that international dialogue, multiple stakeholders from all over the world came together to develop substantive proposals for the establishment of an international financial framework to assist in future sustainable forest management.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We thus expressed our commitment to fighting the impunity of the perpetrators of gross human rights violations. However, providing the Court with its full potential to meet its mandate depends on a collective commitment at the global level. Environmental disturbances today are of such magnitude that we can no longer ignore their negative impact on the world’s resources. As a country with 90 per cent of its territory covered by forests within which lies one of the largest stretches of pristine tropical rainforests on earth, Suriname is aware of its value and potential to contribute to the global mitigation of climate change, the conservation of biodiversity and the protection of water resources.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“27 08-51839 My country commends Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for holding the important high-level meeting on “Africa’s development needs: state of implementation of various commitments, challenges and the way forward”, which took place just two days ago. It is our genuine expectation that the outcome of that meeting will lead to new and unique opportunities for impacting positively on and contributing to the development of Africa. Suriname remains committed to the promotion and protection of human rights. My country underscores the principle of equality before the law and emphasizes that everyone should be held accountable for their actions. Against that backdrop, Suriname acceded to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court on 15 July of this year.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We have expanded social security to cover the most needy, such as children, the elderly and people with disabilities, we have put in place food programmes for schoolchildren, and we have increased salaries and Government pensions, which had weakened as a result of years of inflation. The Government has now called upon the private sector to follow its lead and restore eroded salaries and pensions. Africa, the cradle of humanity, is a continent with immense capability, endowed with indispensable human and natural potential. Paradoxically, in many parts of the continent, development is lagging behind or even absent, and development perspectives are bleak.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“My country, Suriname, was on the right track towards achieving some of the Millennium Development Goals, including poverty reduction sustained by economic growth rates of over 5 per cent annually in the past three years, with predictions by renowned international financial institutions of approximately 8 per cent growth for the coming years. As a result of the current food and energy crises, as well as the recent volatility of financial markets, it has now become a challenge for us to keep up the pace and quality of our development. My Government has taken action and has already put some measures in place to respond to the new difficulties we are facing because of those external developments.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The financial and monetary implications of the global crisis require substantial political and financial commitments from us all, from national Governments, from multilateral organizations, including international financial institutions, and from the private sector. We will have to change the way that we, human beings, behave towards Mother Nature and we will have to find a solution to policies and regulations that are detrimental to our progress, such as protectionist agricultural policies in developed countries that are causing low production in the agricultural sector of many developing countries. If we do not find lasting solutions now, the cost of our inaction will be unacceptably high, and the threats that we will most likely pass on to the next generation will be devastating.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Millions of vulnerable people are therefore looking to the international community, with the United Nations at the helm, for effective measures to bring some kind of relief. The Economic and Social Council recently recognized the seriousness and complexity of the global food crisis and reiterated that its consequences require a comprehensive response by national Governments and the international community. It is essential for us to intensify our combined efforts, and we therefore support the emergency global partnership plan for food, called for by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his address to the General Assembly high- level event on the global food and climate change crises.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“To the Secretary-General of the Organization, His Excellency Ban Ki-moon, I pledge Suriname’s full support in implementing the resolutions of the United Nations to achieve the objectives of the United Nations Charter for sustainable development, international peace and security and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. We are commemorating the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights this year, while many of these rights are still under serious pressure. New threats, such as global warming and climate change and most recently the global food and energy crises, are an infringement on people’s rights to food, health, education, security and the overall freedom to live in dignity. Those tribulations are intertwined and universal and thus beyond the control of any single nation.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Allow me to congratulate you, Sir, on your election as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-third session. I am pleased to see a member of our regional group of Latin America and the Caribbean in that high office. I am convinced that your longstanding diplomatic experience and in-depth knowledge of current international issues will enable you to successfully discharge the high responsibility of your office. I would also like to recognize the able stewardship and valuable work of your predecessor, Mr. Srgjan Kerim, during the Assembly’s sixty-second session.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Given the less- than-satisfactory international development and security situation, we, the States Members of the United Nations, should be more than willing to act in conformity with the Charter, to employ the international machinery for promoting the economic and social advancement of all peoples, to unite our strengths to maintain international peace and security, 33 06-52737 and to practise increased tolerance and live together in peace as good neighbours. Suriname believes that the present session of the General Assembly can contribute significantly to those endeavours.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The main purpose of the conference is to enhance coordination and collaboration among participating countries, aimed at combating trafficking in narcotic drugs, dismantling drug-related criminal organizations and combating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, given the increased levels of crime that it generates. A restructured United Nations must ensure that the Organization remains the source of redress for the international community and the home of international justice and equitable decision-making.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“My delegation notes with satisfaction that the Strategy includes the promotion of dialogue, tolerance and understanding among civilizations. Of equal importance is the recognition that capacity-building in all States is a core element of the global counter-terrorism effort. In this regard, we anticipate a genuine partnership being established to implement the Strategy. The illegal drugs trade and organized crime also affect international security. Increased cooperation at all levels is needed if the international community is to be able to respond adequately to those threats. In this connection, the Government of Suriname will host an anti-narcotics conference in October 2006.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“This partnership should be based on the firm determination of all States to cooperate in seeking fair and lasting solutions to persistent problems that adversely affect international peace and security. Tolerance, mutual respect and mutual interest, leading to the peaceful coexistence of States, good- neighbourliness and unity in diversity, should be the basic principles that guide the recommendations of the partnership for international peace and security. Recently, the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (resolution 60/288). This is certainly a step forward towards an effective international response to terrorism, in conformity with international law, international human rights law and international humanitarian law.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Civil society should contribute actively to the partnership for development at all levels, in particular at the national level. Its activities should be in harmony with and complementary to national development efforts. The challenges we face in the area of international peace and security are equally serious. The increased efforts of the United Nations to save humanity from the scourge of warfare are not always successful. Too often the international community is confronted with situations that seriously jeopardize the safety of individuals and populations. The Government of Suriname believes that there is a need for us to realize that the United Nations is in fact still our partnership for international peace and security.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Building a global partnership for development will require the involvement and cooperation of all stakeholders — Governments, the private sector and civil society alike. The partnership should enhance the involvement of the private sector, taking into account the redefinition of the role of the private sector in society, based on a common understanding of the influence of business in spurring development and improving the human condition. The contribution of the private sector is pivotal to a national policy geared towards enhancing human capital and infrastructure and gaining access to world markets. We note with satisfaction the leadership of the United Nations in this area, and believe that the United Nations Global Compact should collaborate with the partnership for development.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“This partnership should aim to energize the political will of all States to implement those commitments and to create genuine opportunities for all States in the field of trade, as well as for investments that promote sustainable development and poverty eradication. My delegation continues to plead for a rule- based, predictable, non-discriminatory trading and financial system, and for an international system that promotes decent and productive work and extends the benefits of new technology to all parts of the globe. The focus of the partnership for development must be the establishment of a supportive international environment to achieve, in particular Millennium Development Goal 8 and its targets.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The international community needs to support the call of the vast majority of its members for fair terms of trade, increased market access for products from the developing countries and a more effective and supportive international financial architecture. Given the international state of affairs, Suriname supports the implementation of the international global partnership for development. The partnership for development can obtain guidance for its decisions from 06-52737 32 the many commitments adopted at the major United Nations conferences and summits in the economic, social and related fields, in particular those reflected in the Millennium Development Goals and the Monterey Consensus.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“In today’s world, guaranteeing necessary infrastructure and ensuring the availability of health services and education for all are still major challenges. The world order continues to deny the vast majority of the members of the international community the opportunity to escape poverty and to utilize their abilities and skills to achieve progress and prosperity. There is a need for enhanced cooperation in areas of relevance to humanity if we are to create an international community that can offer all of its members a fair chance of a decent life. The call for an enabling international environment for sustainable development and poverty eradication is still a strong one.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Suriname, I should like to take this opportunity to extend to you, Madam, and to the Government and the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain, my sincere congratulations on your election to preside over the General Assembly at its sixty-first session. We express our gratitude to His Excellency Mr. Jan Eliasson, President of the General Assembly at its sixtieth session, for his contribution to the work of the Organization. I should also like to pledge our support to the Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Kofi Annan, and to pay tribute to him for his leadership, his valuable contribution to the resolution of global challenges and his constructive role in restructuring the United Nations.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The celebration in 1995 of the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations will be a good occasion on which to 8 reflect on the new role of the Organization and the attainment of that objective, provided that the relations between the General Assembly, the Security Council and the Secretary-General are reorganized. My Government is committed to contributing to the successful outcome of this endeavour.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“We are involved in an evolutionary process, with both the world and the United Nations adjusting to new demands with regard to peace, security and sustainable development. It is clear that a new international order based on the democratic participation of all States calls for a restructuring and strengthening of the United Nations in response to its new responsibilities. Indeed, the role of the United Nations has taken on more relevance than ever before, and it is most urgent for the international community to restructure this Organization in order to enable it to play the important role for which it was created.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Suriname does so. For Suriname, many aid programmes from the specialized agencies and other United Nations bodies have been hampered by the implementation of one of the main criteria for assistance. Suriname was counted among the net contributors of the United Nations Development Programme because our national per capita income was calculated to be higher than $3,000. This figure is wrong because of an unrealistic official exchange rate. Now that the official exchange rate has moved to a realistic level, which is more than 100 times the former rate, Suriname is looking forward to a readjustment of its status and subsequently to a reclassification, and also to the aid programme that will follow this transformation.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea has on many occasions been described as one of the most important multilateral legal instruments of our century. My Government participated actively in its preparation, and I take great pleasure in congratulating the world community on the coming into force of this Convention on 16 November 1994. On behalf of my Government, I also wish to express my satisfaction with the agreement that has been reached with regard to the mining of minerals in the deep sea-bed, as contemplated in the aforementioned Convention. All Members of the United Nations pledge their support for the principles and initiatives of the United Nations. At the same time, the Member States are keeping an eye both on the kind of support and on the level of assistance they can generate from this Organization.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Our hemisphere, which includes both developed and developing countries, is being challenged to take the opportunity provided by global changes to develop initiatives for the cultivation of international relations conducive to prosperity for all on the basis of sustainable development, social reform and equity. In the light of these aims, my country welcomes the proposed Summit for the Americas, to be held in December 1994, at which representatives of countries of the Western hemisphere will come together to address these issues and to act as catalysts for the changes needed in the development patterns of both the countries of the North and those of the South in order for them to reach their common goals.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“This is indeed proof of the growing awareness among the leadership in the region that closer economic and political relations are tools to enhance our capacity to bring prosperity to our peoples. By joining the Association of Caribbean States, Suriname has demonstrated that it is part of the region and wants to participate in the shaping of its future. Suriname has also explored the possibility of joining CARICOM as a full member since it believes that by joining Suriname will both enhance its own capacity to intensify regional cooperation and bring to the Caribbean Community its cultural richness and its economic opportunities.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“In Latin America and the Caribbean various encouraging initiatives have been taken to deal effectively with the imperatives of economic and social development and to enhance the capability of the countries of the region to respond to the pressing challenges ahead. Joint efforts aimed at the strengthening of regional integration and cooperation have been made. On 24 July 1994 in Cartagena, Colombia, we stood at the cradle of the Association of Caribbean States, an association which brings together member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the countries of Central America, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Suriname, Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“If the international community does not have the political will to deal effectively with the crises occurring in so many economies, the world will continue to lack stability and will remain vulnerable to upheavals and setbacks that could undermine the foundations of the future. 7 In the context of the recently held International Conference on Population and Development and the forthcoming Fourth World Conference on Women, a World Summit for Social Development is therefore a timely initiative as it will provide an opportunity to embark on an in-depth analysis of human development in all its aspects. These international meetings should afford all of us the opportunity to address in an integrated manner the issues of poverty, unemployment and social integration.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“We must add to this that it is our obligation to see to it that our need for aid does not lead to the recolonization of our country. My Government shares the international community’s concern for the fragile ecosystem in our world, which must be protected. Like other developing countries, Suriname is confronted with the challenge to meet its present development needs and simultaneously safeguard the environment and natural resources for generations to come. In trying to establish a sound balance between development and environment my Government has committed itself to taking all the measures necessary to protect and preserve the environment, in accordance with the guidelines adopted by the Rio de Janeiro Conference, and has incorporated the concept of sustainable development in its national development programmes.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“We are committed to these goals because we believe that every human being has the ultimate right to development. The austerity measures which were subscribed to by my Government have not been easy to implement because of the weakness of the economy and the hardships and suffering they impose on our people. Notwithstanding the progress made so far, it is obvious that such an undertaking calls for the availability of vast resources, which cannot be mobilized at the national level only. We therefore have called on the international community to provide assistance to complement our domestic efforts. In particular, we have called on our historical partner to fulfil the agreements reached in this context and to support us in our attempts to create prosperity for our people.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“No longer is it the nuclear nightmare that frightens us most: rather, it is the scourge of poverty, which continues to erode the foundations of our civilization. In Suriname, as elsewhere in Latin America, the Caribbean and other regions, bold but necessary reforms have been set in motion to eliminate obstacles to development and economic competitiveness in order to adapt to new international realities. In this context, my country is endeavouring to rehabilitate and reconstruct the beleaguered economy of our nation on a sound and solid foundation. Within the framework of these economic reforms we consider the development of human resources to be a priority issue. We consider it to be extremely important to improve the living conditions and basic health and nutrition of our people.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The historic opportunity to achieve lasting peace has now materialized and the international community must guarantee that this important momentum is not lost. The statistics of the United Nations Development Programme, the World Bank and the United Nations give rise to only one conclusion: that we live in a world beset by inequality, gross disparity and imbalance in the distribution of wealth and resources, and urgent solutions for the economic situation of developing countries are required. The problem of economic imbalance is not limited to a few countries or to one region. It is a global issue - just as peace and democracy are global issues - and for that reason this forum must deal with it as a matter of priority.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“My country is confident that the new Government in South Africa will cope well with the new challenges it faces. We hope that the international community will not wait to assist the new Government in bringing about the necessary economic and social changes to build a future of security, stability and prosperity for the South African people. The many positive political changes and international breakthroughs resulting from the end of the cold-war era have had a profound influence on the problem of the Middle East, especially the Palestine issue. The conflict has taken a positive turn in line with those changes. My Government wishes to record its satisfaction over the historic agreement signed between Israel and Jordan, which followed the accord between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization in September 1993.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The developments in South Africa which led to the demise of the abhorrent regime of apartheid and to the establishment of a democratic and non-racist South Africa have led to the conviction that in the end the rightful struggle of people for justice, equality and majority rule will meet with success. Indeed, the birth of the new South Africa last April has demonstrated that structures imposed by force cannot survive the determination of those who seek justice. 6 The people and Government of the Republic of Suriname wish to congratulate the people of South Africa and their leaders, especially President Nelson Mandela, on this success, which will have a positive impact on the world community. We are all greatly indebted to the Special Committee against Apartheid, which for 32 years played a vital role in global efforts to end apartheid.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The significant efforts made by the United Nations and the Organization of American States, including the various resolutions adopted, the missions sent to Haiti and the threat of an immediate military intervention, have finally convinced the military leadership to step down not later than 15 October. In a general sense, we are hopeful that current developments in Haiti, which are the result of initiatives taken within the framework of the United Nations, will lead to a peaceful resolution of the crisis. Suriname wishes to emphasize that all efforts to restore democracy in Haiti will appear to have been in vain if the rich countries do not forthwith pool financial resources in a fund for the reconstruction and development of Haiti.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Furthermore, my Government decided to make members of the national army and the police force available to the United Nations mission in Haiti, which, within the framework of the implementation of Security Council resolution 940 (1994), will become operational simultaneously with the restoration of the democratic Government under the leadership of President Jean- Bertrand Aristide. My Government’s decision to support and participate in the United Nations mission in Haiti was inspired by its conception of regional and international responsibility to contribute to the safeguarding of constitutional democracy in the region. We believe that our hemisphere is in need of permanent mechanisms to guarantee swift and direct action when democracy is threatened - for example, by the unconstitutional take-over of Governments.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Our involvement in the building of a new national political reality establishes a link between us and the regional process of political renewal, in which Governments of the region are faced with the complex task of restoring and safeguarding democracy. Indeed, in Latin America and the Caribbean, democracy has suffered some severe setbacks. The problems of Haiti are of particular concern to us. The violent and illegal interruption of the democratic process in this country has led to continued violations of human rights, to increased poverty and to suffering for the Haitian people, as well as to the flight of thousands from their home country. It is against this background that my Government has granted a request to provide a temporary safe haven for Haitian refugees and has pledged its support to the multinational force.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Suriname is convinced, however, that we must endeavour to reach this goal, led by the perception that the core of democracy, as we see it, is not merely adherence to an ideal system but one of the most important prerequisites for a stable, united and integrated society that can swiftly settle its differences, realize its aspirations and enjoy and preserve its cultural, political and socio-economic achievements. The commitment of Suriname to the cause of democracy is strengthened by the distressing experience of the rule of dictatorship under which its people had to live some years ago. There are indeed tremendous efforts involved in bringing a democratic system back on track.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“As we discuss the issues now confronting our world, we cannot but refer to the importance of building a new reality that aims at the full development of the people’s potential through the establishment of peace, the building of democracy and the shaping of sound economies. We know that it is a difficult process to establish democracy, dependable democratic institutions and a democratic culture. Notwithstanding the commitment or vigour with which our Governments strive to achieve this objective, the process is bound to be slow and full of complications.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“5 It is legitimate for the international community to regard these problems as a shared burden and to strive for their peaceful and prompt solution on the basis of practical cooperation. We should in the short term resort to such mechanisms as are deemed practical to come to the immediate rescue of those who are suffering. Furthermore, we should increase our efforts to eliminate the deeprooted causes of the unresolved national conflicts, to ensure the civil and human rights of ethnic minorities and to promote peaceful coexistence through respect for each other’s race, colour, ethnicity, religion and sex. If we fail to do so, the suffering will be prolonged and will threaten regional and international peace and security.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The international community cannot close its eyes to these practices or fail to act in the face of such horrifying and unacceptable situations. Such crises, regardless of the various causes and motives from which they may ensue, tend to have in common the fact that masses of innocent women, children and elderly people pay the price and bear the brunt of conflicts and wars. The real concern is not only the number of victims claimed or the scale of the destruction that may ensue but also the possibility that the seeds of those conflicts will spread, both in the developed and in the developing countries, in the absence of the attention of a world order capable of containing and addressing their causes.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Events during recent years have confronted the international community with the reality that the demise of the confrontational clash of ideologies did not automatically usher in the stability and prosperity to which we all aspire. Immense problems persist in the political, social and economic spheres and at the national, regional and international levels. We are witnessing the eruption, the continuation and the spreading of severe national and ethnic rivalries, as in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Rwanda. These conflicts and disputes have given rise to the emergence of a large number of displaced persons, who are subjected to the worst kind of harassment, starvation and deprivation. These manifestations are compounded by practices that once again leave a shameful blot on our civilization.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The Republic of Suriname is convinced that under Your Excellency’s guidance our deliberations during this important year will produce tangible results. We pay tribute to Ambassador Samuel Insanally of Guyana for the excellent way in which he presided at the forty-eighth session of the General Assembly. The vital, extraordinary and excellent manner in which Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali fulfils his mission as Secretary-General of the United Nations in these critical times of intensified disputes, war and violence earns our gratitude, admiration and respect. We wish to thank him most heartily and, at the same time, congratulate him on his important role in shaping the future of the international system.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Our world is moving into a new era which has not yet taken a permanent shape. This process of change entails profound transformations, some of which promote development, the rule of law, respect for human rights and care for the environment, while others present a serious threat to life and to the world itself. During this process cultural, social and political principles which once seemed to be of eternal value are superseded by new ones. In many parts of the world instability reigns, causing tragedy and chaos. In these challenging times, Sir, your unanimous election as President of the General Assembly at its forty- ninth session merits compliments. Your election to this high office is a demonstration of the Member States’ confidence in you.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Failure to utilise this momentum to solve the most serious problems that afflict mankind and continue to dominate our agenda will take us to another age of despair. But the new respect and expanded role that our Organization has gained justifies our confidence and optimism. The Republic of Suriname is ready to take its share of the burden and make its contribution to steady and lasting progress in the world.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“As the underlying causes of the environmental deterioration are being identified and the preparedness to combat them has become a priority on the international agenda, the need to take effective measures to achieve sustainable development is a matter of great urgency. The transfer of new and additional resources to finance environmental programmes in the developing countries, as well as environmentally sound and efficient technologies, is imperative. Suriname is looking forward to this important undertaking of the United Nations next year, which should offer the world a new framework for rights and obligations to be shared by mankind in the interest of the future of the entire world. We have noted that the universal mood for democratic change is irrevocable and basic to any degree of economic progress and social justice.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“A United Europe after 1992 might indeed widen the gap between North and South, but it could also deepen the awareness of the countries of the world, both rich and poor, of their ever-increasing interdependence, which should strengthen their sense of mutual responsibility. In this respect, we express our sincere hope that the Uruguay Round, which will offer a solid basis for constructive cooperation in the field of multilateral trade negotiations, will be brought to a successful end. We should approach in the same spirit the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, scheduled to be held in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, which will be a critical landmark in the history of the world.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“At the same time, other regions too are moving towards strengthening their economic integration. However, the unifying process in Western Europe has been accompanied by concern on the part of the developing countries, particularly the African. Caribbean and Pacific (APC) countries, which have developed a close economic exchange with Europe throughout the years. The fear that this process will cause severe suffering for these countries is related to the fact that they cannot risk any further imbalances in their current economic situation. Due consideration should be given to their established legitimate interests.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)
“My Government is of the opinion that the current process of reform should be continued, with the aim of enhancing the principle of democracy in the decision-making process of the United Nations. As the Group of 77 his stressed time and again, clarity and openness must be preserved and Strengthened; only then will the United Nations system be able to become more responsive and accountable to all Member States. We are moving towards the year 1992, which will be a year of special significance for the world. It will give us the opportunity to reflect on the time-span of 500 years of development which has passed since the first encounter of two continents. The year 1992 will also mark the beginning of new challenges and opportunities for present and future generations. Europe is setting course for a fully integrated economic system.”
1991-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 46 (1991)