YouSaid · the spoken record

Fayssal Mekdad

lines on the record: 43
first: 2005-09-24
most recent: 2022-09-24
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

“We are utterly convinced that, in order to realize all of that, we must ensure that some Western States understand that the great Powers are not great only because of their might and military strength, but because they respect the Charter and international law; because they uphold humanitarian principles; and because they abandon self-interests and colonization. Once those States have truly understood that we are living in the same world, they will not prioritize their interests and security over the interests and security of other States.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“It was subjected to serious challenges in terms of politics, security, economics, health, nutrition and climate change. We are currently facing unprecedented tensions and escalation at the international level that threaten to bring about further risks. Consequently, our world is headed into the unknown if we do not swiftly an immediately address those challenges collectively, thus meeting the aspirations of our peoples and achieving security, stability, prosperity and sustainable development. The slogan of “no one left behind” should not be an empty one.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Syria calls for the lifting of all unilateral coercive measures imposed by the Western countries on Russia, Iran, Venezuela, Belarus, Nicaragua, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Zimbabwe, Eritrea and all other countries suffering under such measures in the world, including my own country, Syria. Those measures constitute economic terrorism and are no less, in their brutal and dangerous nature, than armed terrorism, both in legal terms and in terms of the inhumane consequences for the peoples targeted. Syria also stresses the need to cease all attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of those countries and to respect their sovereignty in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law. In conclusion, the world has witnessed circumstances that were exceptional by any standard in the past few years.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“We insist on China’s inalienable right to take the necessary measures to defend its sovereignty, in particular with regard to the unprecedented escalation and the United States of America’s policy of provocation against China. Syria condemns the embargo that has been imposed on Cuba for decades, including the extension of the United States Administration of the so-called Trading with the Enemy Act. Who is the enemy? Is it the Cuban people, the Syrian people or the Russian people? They create imaginary enemies. Syria also calls for an end to the military movements and exercises by the United States on the Korean peninsula leading to the escalation of tensions in the region.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“We are confident that the Russian Federation is defending not only itself, but also the world, the principles of justice, humanity and the rights of all of us in the world who reject hegemony and unipolarism. Syria reiterates once again its full support to the position of the Islamic Republic of Iran concerning the return to the nuclear agreement, from which the United States withdrew illegally and unilaterally. We also commend the constructive and responsible approach adopted by Iran on the matter, and we call upon the United States and its western allies to comply with the legitimate Iranian demands. Syria continues to support the principle of a unified China and the People’s Republic of China’s position with regard to addressing foreign interference in its domestic affairs in Taiwan, Hong Kong or Xinjiang.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“However, that will depend on the implementation by Western States of the provisions of the resolution, in particular the need to step up humanitarian aid and implement early recovery projects for providing water, electricity, sanitation, health care, education and housing. Resolution 2585 (2021) has proved that those projects can be implemented only if Western States cease to insist on politicizing the humanitarian and development work in Syria and stop placing obstacles and limitations to their implementation, particularly through imposing unilateral coercive measures or so- called economic sanctions. My country, Syria, reiterates its position on the Russian special military operation in Ukraine and on the Russian Federation’s right to defend itself and secure its national security as a response to the aggressive western policies.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The Syrian State is doing everything it can to improve the humanitarian situation on the ground and to rebuild what terrorism has destroyed, including by facilitating the return of Syrian refugees. We are keen to provide the United Nations with all necessary facilities to improve and promote delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need and to implement early recovery projects pursuant to resolution 2642 (2022). Despite all of our reservations about it, we believe that the resolution may constitute an additional step towards improving the humanitarian situation in Syria and bolstering access to basic services.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“We were self-sufficient and able to meet the basic needs of our people in an exceptional manner in the region, whether in education, health or public services sectors. However, the impacts of that unjust war changed the situation. We have witnessed an unbearable humanitarian crisis, but what is the reason for it? The answer is quite clear: the primary cause is terrorism, and then the unilateral coercive measures imposed by Western States and the plundering of the wealth of the Syrian people. One such example is that, according to estimates, direct and indirect losses in the oil, gas and mineral sectors in Syria from 2011 to 2022 have reached $107 billion. We are seeking compensation for those losses. Today we need a world of peace, security and stability, not a world of monsters.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“However, all of that will be unfortunately dead letter if Tiirkiye continues to completely refuse those results, including the provisions of the Astana agreement. Moreover, Syria is following with interest the work being done by the Constitutional Committee, which was established through the national dialogue held in Sochi, Russian Federation, in 2018. The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria must play his role as a facilitator for intra-Syrian dialogue in that process, which must be Syrian-owned and Syrian-led, in accordance with his mandate. All Assembly members are aware that, before the terrorist war was launched against us in 2011, Syria was one of the safest, most prosperous and most stable countries in the world.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“A few days ago, before I came to New York, we held democratic elections for local councils, with 59,000 candidates competing over 8,619 seats, reflecting great popular participation and support for democracy and decentralization in every village, city, district and governorate in Syria. In parallel, Syria dealt positively with efforts and initiatives under the political process and, in that regard, we reiterate our support for the meetings held according to the Astana format. We also welcome the results of the summit held in Tehran on 19 July, which reaffirmed the commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity. It also reaffirmed rejection of separatist plans and the total abolishment of terrorist groups.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“That decree grants a general amnesty for crimes of terrorism committed by Syrians, with the exception of fatal crimes, and is especially important owing to its legal, political and social nature. It represents an effort and determination by the Syrian State to ensure national reconciliation, reach social coherence and achieve lasting stability. The Syrian State will continue its efforts on the basis of such an approach, which has been effective on the ground and has enabled many Syrians to return to normal life. Despite the difficult circumstances that Syria has undergone, my country has honoured its constitutional deadlines.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“As for the separatist militias that are still cherishing the illusions of their sponsors, they must be made aware of the realities and abstain from counting on foreign occupiers. Those who do not stand by their homeland have no homeland. Since the beginning of the 2011 crisis, the Syrian State has called for national and local settlements and reconciliations as a way to return to normalcy throughout Syria, in order to promote national unity and consolidate cohesiveness within Syrian society. To that end, 21 amnesty decrees have been issued, the latest of which was legislative decree 7 of 2022, by President Bashar Al-Assad of the Syrian Arab Republic.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and ultimately uprooting terrorism can take place only through cooperation and coordination with the Syrian State, with full respect for its sovereignty, independence territorial integrity and unity. Combating terrorism cannot take place through and illegitimate international coalition that violates the sovereignty of States while destroying villages and cities, massacring civilians, plundering national wealth and supporting separatist militias. Combating terrorism cannot take place by occupying other peoples’ territories, implementing forced displacement policies and changing their demographics, nor by setting up so- called safe zones and working with terrorists, nor by collectively punishing civilians by cutting off water supplies.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Syria will exercise its legitimate right to defend its land and its people by any means necessary so that the Israeli occupation authorities are held accountable for their crimes. It is our right to recover all the occupied Syrian Golan, a territory dear to the hearts of all Syrians, along the 4 June 1967 borders. It is our inalienable right that is not subject to pressures and statute of limitations, guaranteed in accordance with international law and the relevant United Nations resolutions, in particular resolution 497 (1981). Any illegal military presence on Syrian territories runs counter to international law and the Charter of the United Nations and must cease immediately without preconditions.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Israel has deliberately and systematically targeted civilian facilities, including civilian seaports and airports, undermining both regional and global peace and security, endangering the lives of civilians and jeopardizing the safety of civil aviation in Syria and the region. The Israeli leaders who have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity against Palestinians and Syrians alike have no right to say from international rostrums that they are keen to protect civilians and human rights. Syria notes that continued support or silence vis-a-vis such Israeli practices by certain States that claim to be the guardians of international humanitarian law and international human rights law make them complicit in such crimes, revealing the double standards applied.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Ever since its occupation of the Syrian Golan in 1967 Israel has continued to commit the most heinous and systematic forms of gross violations of human rights law and international humanitarian law, including building more settlements and changing the demographic composition and institutional structure of the region, especially through attempts to impose Israeli citizenship and ownership documents by force on the people of the Golan, not to mention its looting of Golan’s natural resources, burial of nuclear waste in its ground, seizure of land to erect huge wind turbines, and other documented violations. Israel has added a new chapter to its black record by supporting Da’esh and the Al-Nusra Front.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homeland must be guaranteed, in accordance with international law and the relevant United Nations resolutions. Syria supports Palestine’s decision to obtain its long-awaited full membership in the United Nations, and we urge the Assembly to ensure that that is not obstructed by certain members of the Security Council.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“At a time when we hoped to achieve peace and stability in our region, we have witnessed an increase in Israel’s practices pushing our region to unprecedented levels of tension and instability, whether by carrying out massacres, escalating military aggression against Palestinian territories and killing civilians, or through a continuation of its policies of settlement, Judaization, siege, arbitrary detention, forced displacement and racial discrimination. Israel’s practices constitute crimes for which impunity will no longer be accepted. Syria affirms once again that it will not retreat from its support for its brother people of Palestine in their struggle to liberate their occupied territories and establish an independent and sovereign State on all their lands, with Jerusalem as its capital.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Although that war has failed to achieve its goals, including breaking Syria’s will and isolating it from its surroundings and the rest of the world, we cannot deny that it has been a bitter and costly experience for us Syrians, who have lived for more than 10 years under the brutality of organized terrorism sponsored by well-known Governments and under the yoke of occupation, illegal military intervention, an inhumane economic blockade and merciless unilateral coercive measures.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“While we are aware of this sad reality, we call for taking the right decision, at this defining and delicate moment in our world history, in a way that will ensure a better present and future for us and future generations and that lays the foundations for building a new, multipolar world order in which everyone works under the umbrella of the purposes and principles of the Charter. Of course, it is understood that we are proceeding in this call based on real experience that cannot be separated from that, because in its broader context the war on Syria was part of the West’s attempts to maintain its control over the world.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The terrorists were just tools to destroy countries that would not submit to the whims of those States and were not subject to their agendas. They called their sanctions “smart”, but in reality they are nothing but tools for killing and collectively punishing the peoples who stand by their countries, their sovereignty and their armies. What they did in Syria in terms of preventing the arrival of food, medicine, heating fuel and other basic necessities of life to the Syrian people is the best evidence of that.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“It is noteworthy that all of that comes as a result of the insistence by some States on imposing their hegemony on other States, seizing their resources and wealth and seeking to achieve their own narrow agendas, including by investing in terrorism, imposing economic blockades and using lethal weapons in disregard of all the international laws and norms unanimously agreed on by humankind. Those States have waged wars and occupied others’ lands on the pretext of spreading democracy and protecting human rights, but in reality they have destroyed countries and killed many innocent people, and what happened in our region is just one example of that. Those States called the terrorists they supported a moderate opposition seeking freedom. Very moderate indeed.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“I congratulate you, Sir, on your election as President of the General Assembly at its current session, and I thank your predecessor, Mr. Abdulla Shahid, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, for presiding over the previous session. I also thank the Secretary-General for the efforts he is making pursuant to the mandate entrusted to him by the Charter of the United Nations. We meet today at a time of sensitive and dangerous situations at the international level. Wars, conflicts and threats to international peace and security are increasing along with terrorism and chaos, while the global economy and food security are at risk and climate change is accelerating.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“We believe that that is necessary and correct. We do not believe that the Security Council can resolve Africa's problems by holding more meetings on the continent. It is more important to achieve concrete results by responding to Africa's voice, respecting its viewpoints and taking its concerns into account. In that regard, we should like to pay tribute to the efforts of the African Union, as reflected in its mediation and good offices aimed at crisis settlement in Africa. The modern world and multilateral diplomacy, represented in the United Nations, stand at the threshold of a new era. Let us all rise to the challenges confronting us so that we may guarantee a future of security, peace and stability for mankind.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“In addition, Syria attaches great importance to children, to persons with special needs and the disabled with a view to securing their future. Syria supports reform of the Security Council aimed at improving its working methods, including increasing its transparency. As I have previously stressed, we believe in the importance of just representation of all regions in the Council through the expansion of both the permanent and the non- permanent membership categories, and the need for representation of the Arab States through a permanent seat in any Council expansion. Africa remains at the centre of Syria's concerns. Without stability in Africa, there will never be genuine development in the world. The Summit Outcome document (resolution 60/1) calls for sufficient efforts to satisfy the special needs of Africa.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“The Syrian Governmentís strategy is based on the principles of cooperation for development, as reflected in the concept of an effective development partnership among the State, the private sector and civil society. Syria is 22 striving to develop domestic investment, to encourage foreign investment and to improve the infrastructure and the performance of our institutions, while eliminating waste and fighting corruption. Important reports have recently been prepared in coordination with the United Nations Development Programme, including an analysis of the macroeconomic situation; reports on poverty, national development and the Millennium Goals; and a Human Development Report on education. Syria accords due importance and attention to empowering women and promoting their rights so that they can fulfil their role.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Here, I must recall once again Syriaís initiative, proposed on behalf of all the Arab States to the Security Council on 29 December 2003, to eradicate all weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, from the Middle East region as a step towards declaring it a zone free of all weapons of mass destruction, including banning nuclear weapons and preventing their proliferation. Syria is undergoing a serious process of comprehensive economic and social reforms. The Syrian human development plan is modelled on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); thus the plan's objectives serve as stepping stones towards the ultimate achievement of the MDGs.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“The facts clearly indicate the importance of returning to the principle of multilateralism and of making operational the various multilateral international conventions on disarmament issues. At any rate, the Middle East region continues to experience a unique situation that is both a source of concern and a cause for censure. Israel alone runs a dangerous military nuclear programme outside any international framework and refuses to adhere to the NPT, while all the other States of the region are party to the Treaty and respect it in letter and spirit.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Syria emphasizes that it is crucially important to avoid confusing terrorism ó which we are combating and sincerely cooperating to eradicate ó with the just struggle of peoples for liberation and independence, seeking to put an end to foreign occupation. That is a right guaranteed by the Charter of the United Nations, which most Member States of the Organization hold dear. Syria was also among the first countries to initiate, in 1986, the proposal that an international conference be convened under United Nations auspices to define terrorism and consider its root causes. The outcome of the Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) held several months ago revealed the need to refocus international efforts on nuclear disarmament and to ensure the Treatyís universality.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Syria welcomes the interest shown by the United Nations and its Member States in combating and eradicating terrorism. I find it necessary to affirm that Syria was one of the first countries to experience terrorism and that it has fought to eradicate it. From this rostrum, Syria reaffirms that it will continue to cooperate with all States seeking to eradicate terrorism and implement all relevant Security Council resolutions. Furthermore, Syria has signed and ratified international conventions on terrorism, including, most recently, the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, which we signed on the first day it was open for signature, 14 September 2005.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Syria condemns the acts of terrorism that continue to be perpetrated throughout Iraq, causing many casualties among innocent civilians. We stress that preserving the unity of Iraqís territory and people in these critical times requires a full commitment to national unity on the part of all segments and groups of the Iraqi population. Furthermore, Syria condemns all statements aimed at creating discord and infighting among the Iraqi people. Such statements have been disseminated by suspect groups that wish to spread chaos, extinguish hope and exacerbate suffering. Syria will continue to support the political process in Iraq, until the country and its people overcome their plight and are able to exercise their right to self- determination in a unified, secure and prosperous Iraq.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“We are now facing a tragic situation that has led to the death of thousands of innocent Iraqis and to the destruction of that sisterly countryís infrastructure. Guided by our desire to stem the bloodshed, we have taken many measures, which has put a burden on our resources. Syria has deployed thousands of its soldiers along the Iraqi-Syrian border. We have also intercepted many of those attempting to infiltrate the border into Iraq. In contrast, those who ceaselessly hurl accusations at Syria have failed to shoulder their responsibility to ensure effective control of the border from the other side. The responsibility is shared between the two neighbouring countries. Although some had promised to assist us and provide technical equipment for border control, they have failed to keep their promises.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Therefore, we would like to affirm that peace in the Middle East, to which the international community aspires, cannot be achieved unless Israel abides by the resolutions of international legitimacy, particularly Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), the principle of land for peace and the Madrid Peace Conference terms of reference, and unless it 21 accepts the initiative that was put forth by the Arab States at the 2002 Beirut summit and reaffirmed at the Tunis and Algiers summits. The international community is following the tragic events that have been unfolding in sisterly Iraq as a result of its occupation and the attempts to fragment the unity of its land and its people.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“The question is: If Israel claims that withdrawing its settlers is painful and if it is genuine in its desire for peace in the region, then why does its Government continue to build settlements and bring settlers in to the occupied Syrian and Palestinian Arab territories? Syria has exerted every effort possible to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the region. It has continued to declare its readiness to resume the peace process unconditionally, keeping in mind that the implementation of resolutions of international legitimacy is not considered a precondition. However, all these efforts have gone to waste because of Israelís greed and its defiance of international legitimacy.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“The General Assembly has passed dozens of resolutions condemning all the measures and actions taken by Israel ó the occupying Power ó to change the nature of the occupied Syrian Golan and its legal status and considering such measures null and void and a blatant violation of international law and the Geneva Conventions. In defiance of resolutions of international legitimacy, Israel has evicted almost half a million Syrians from their land and continues to detain dozens of Syrians, some of whom have been imprisoned for over 30 years. Israel still calls for the construction of more settlements in the occupied Syrian territories.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Moreover, this withdrawal cannot be accepted as a cover for the continued Israeli occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, nor can it be a cover for the continued existence of settlements and the separation wall in these territories, especially since the General Assembly has expressed its support for the legal opinion of the International Court of Justice on the illegitimate nature of the wall. Israel has rejected the opinion. In 1981, the Security Council passed resolution 497 (1981), deeming the Israeli decision to annex the Golan null and void.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“However, they are neglecting the fact that the painful Israeli occupation of the Gaza Strip lasted for over 38 years, during which our brothers in the Gaza Strip in particular suffered from the horrors of occupation and its inhumane practices. Moreover, this abominable occupation persists in the West Bank, including Jerusalem, as well as in the occupied Syrian territories in the Golan. As affirmed by many delegations in their statements this session, the international community must be wary and must demand that the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip be a full withdrawal from land, sea, and air in order for it to be considered a complete withdrawal.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“These reasons are primarily embodied in the generous support and unlimited protection offered by some to Israeli aggression against the Arab states and to Israelís continuing occupation of the Syrian Golan, the Palestinian territories, and parts of southern Lebanon. Syria has declared that the withdrawal of settlers and Israeli forces from Gaza is undoubtedly a first step but that this alone is not enough for peace. What is required is the implementation of all United Nations resolutions, the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, the return of the occupied Golan Heights and the return of refugees. There are relentless attempts by the Israeli side in particular and also by those who support it to portray this withdrawal as a great accomplishment that is also painful.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Speaking of development, we welcome the important outcomes of the three summits held during the past five months on development, namely, the Asian-African Summit, the South American-Arab Countries Summit, and the second South-South Summit. Those meetings rejected the imposition of unilateral sanctions, considering such a policy to be in violation of the principles of the Charter and international law and dangerous to development plans and reform processes in the targeted countries. The main focus of discussions in the High-level Plenary Meeting was the reform of the United Nations. We believe that the reform process will not be complete if it does not take into consideration the inability of the United Nations, for reasons known to all, to implement its resolutions pertaining to the Arab- Israeli conflict.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“It is no longer feasible to delay the reform of the world economic order. Moreover, reform should not be confined to this international Organization. Rather, it must encompass all international economic and financial institutions, particularly those that contribute to economic decision-making. The road ahead lies in 20 fairness, equality and democratic participation. The Bretton Woods institutions, whose decisions bear directly on life in our countries, should be the prime candidates for the overdue reform. We deem it fit to recall the recommendation of several summit meetings, in both the North and the South, supporting the developing countriesí right to join the World Trade Organization, with no hurdles and in a depoliticized way.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“We must not forget that this Organization belongs to us all, and not merely to one particular party. We should therefore find the wisdom to preserve it for future generations. Five years ago, we adopted a declaration in which we set out the international communityís vision for the new millennium. Regrettably, both facts and figures show that the results have not lived up to our expectations. The objectives defined remain unfulfilled. Poverty, hunger and epidemics are prevalent throughout the world, while tension and foreign occupation continue to threaten international peace and security and hamper development for those living under foreign occupation. Failure to eliminate weapons of mass destruction, foremost among which are nuclear weapons, haunts us and threatens peace.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“During the 60 years of its existence, the United Nations has witnessed heated debates and bitter differences. Yet this Organization remains a forum for dialogue among nations on the means of building a secure world. While we agree with others on the need to reform the United Nations and take new international developments into account, we stress that such a process should be constructive and should apply lessons learned and the positive experiences that the United Nations has had. We also believe that such a process should unite and not divide us. It is through broad agreement that we will be able to enhance the authority and legitimacy of the United Nations, as well as its ability to effectively respond to the challenges of the twenty-first century.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“It is my pleasure to congratulate you, Sir, on your election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its sixtieth session. Your renowned experience in international affairs, especially in the United Nations system, will undoubtedly guarantee success for our deliberations. I cannot fail to seize this opportunity to express to your predecessor, Mr. Jean Ping, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Gabon, our thanks and appreciation for his efforts towards the successful conduct of the deliberations of the fifty-ninth session of the General Assembly. It also gives me pleasure to express to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Annan, our appreciation for his efforts to implement the resolutions of the Organization and to fulfil the purposes of its Charter.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)