YouSaid · the spoken record

Zarifou AYEVA

lines on the record: 56
first: 2005-09-24
most recent: 2007-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
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

“It hopes it can count on the assistance of the international community in order to do this.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We hope that the present session of the General Assembly will bring hope to the international community, and particularly to the African peoples, who are waiting to see improvement in their living conditions and lives through decisive and tangible actions. In order to attain the objectives that we have set for ourselves, in particular during the Millennium Summit, it is essential that we honour all of our commitments within their time frames and that we assume additional commitments in order to bring about a world free of fear, hunger, extreme poverty and disease a world where we will be able to live in security. Togo, in its determination to construct a State based on the rule of law and to improve the living conditions of its population, will spare no effort in carrying out its obligations.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“However, we should not lose sight of the fact that the reform of the Organization should reflect the principles of the sovereign equality of States and equitable geographical distribution and should help to strengthen cooperation on an equal footing among States. It should also be based on the principle of broad international consensus, particularly when it involves issues involving the responsibility of all of the Organization’s constituent parts. That is why Security Council reform must guarantee that all regions of the world be represented within that organ and enable developing countries, which play an important role in accomplishing the tasks of the Organization, to make their contribution, no matter how modest, to promoting peace worldwide.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The high-level debates which the General Assembly held on 24 September once more illustrated the fact that one of the major challenges that the international community must immediately tackle remains climate change, which is the source of numerous natural disasters. Togo, which, like many other countries on the continent, has just experienced serious and deadly floods, firmly believes that it is urgent that concrete actions be undertaken to begin a determined and concerted struggle against environmental degradation. It seems to us that the survival of planet Earth is at stake. The irreplaceable and unparalleled role of the United Nations in international relations should encourage us to reform this institution in the light of present reality.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“It is also essential to focus seriously on the urgent question of debt and to resume the Doha negotiations so that trade liberalization will promote the development of all nations, particularly the poorest among them. In this respect, we commend the commitments undertaken at the Group of Eight Summit, held in June 2007 in Germany, to support the facilitation of economic growth and investment, including microfinance; to support the establishment or strengthening of development institutions in the private sector and structural reform which will improve the economic environment; and to support efforts in the areas of health, in particular the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“At the very least, we can say is that this situation penalizes the economies of developing countries, which, due to globalization, are frequently obliged to open their markets against their own interests. That is why we think that development, generally speaking, should take place at the global level. From this viewpoint, all countries should honour their commitments related to the establishment of a global partnership aimed at promoting equitable and sustainable development for all. Thus, Togo appeals once again to the international community, in particular to the developed countries, that they increase their development assistance and promote international trade and direct foreign investment, particularly towards poor countries.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“With respect to terrorism, which is also an obstacle to sustainable development, my country believes that, following the momentum that led to the adoption of the global strategy to combat this scourge, it is essential that we make universal and improve the international legal framework to combat terrorism. In this respect, the rapid conclusion of negotiations relating to the draft global convention to combat international terrorism would be welcome and would serve the interests of all countries and all peoples. It is disturbing to note that today’s new economic order continues to produce a society where profit for profit’s sake and inequalities of all kinds reign. The solidarity which we have so keenly advocated in the United Nations has yet to be realized.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In the same vein, as regards the question of the nuclear programme of the Islamic Republic of Iran, my country calls on the interested parties to pursue and give priority to talks, in order to achieve a negotiated solution that takes into account the interests of the parties involved. With respect to light weapons, Togo expresses the hope that this session of the General Assembly will undertake strong commitments in order to strengthen efforts aimed at negotiating a treaty on trade in light weapons similar to what was done by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“From this viewpoint, Israelis and Palestinians should be encouraged to persevere with dialogue in order to achieve a comprehensive and lasting settlement, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations. However, the prerequisite for any negotiation between the two parties lies in the need to see all of the Palestinian elements overcome their internal differences. In the area of disarmament and the control of weapons of mass destruction, Togo welcomes the beginnings of a resolution to the North Korean nuclear issue with the historic agreement concluded between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the international community.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“My country also urges the other rebel factions that did not participate in the Arusha discussions in August 2007 to join the negotiating process in order to reach a comprehensive peace agreement. As regards Somalia, Togo makes an appeal to the international community that it become more involved, together with the African Union, so that a peacekeeping force can be deployed there. Beyond Africa, our eyes turn constantly to Iraq and the Middle East, still in the grips of violence. As regards the Middle East, Togo supports the idea of organizing an international conference under the aegis of the Quartet in order to restart the process of direct and constructive negotiations.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“As regards Côte d’Ivoire, my country is pleased to note that, despite the delay in the implementation of the United Nations road map, the peace process has reached a key phase with the signing of the Ouagadougou peace agreement on 4 March 2007, the lighting of the flame of peace on 30 July 2007 and the announcement of the presidential election in the next few months. As regards Sudan, Togo welcomes the adoption on 31 July 2007 by the Security Council of resolution 1769 (2007) on the deployment in Darfur of a hybrid United Nations-African Union peacekeeping force. We hope that the international community will do everything in its power to ensure that the necessary logistical and financial means are made available for this mission.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Togo thus reaffirms its devotion to the ideals of peace, security and stability, both within and outside of States. My country feels that threats to peace and security on the African continent require that the United Nations become more involved than it has so far. However, I am pleased to pay tribute to the role that has been played and continues to be played by the Organization in Africa with regard to the restoration of peace and security in certain countries, particularly in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We also feel that Chad, Burundi and the Central African Republic should benefit from firm actions for peace and security in order to put an end to acts of violence and to consolidate peace, democracy and political stability in these countries.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“How can our collective conscience remain indifferent in the face of such a situation? Giving this alarming observation, we feel that Togo should be able to benefit from special assistance, which would allow it to raise its economic level and to bolster, as a result, its young democracy. I should thus like to make an urgent appeal to all of our development partners that they decide to support our efforts in the face of the major challenges before us. The assistance that we are requesting and the Togolese Government’s own efforts will allow my country to work towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The maintenance of international peace and security remains a prerequisite for any development process.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The problems of peace, security and the building of a democratic State based on the rule of law and the sustainable development of Togo can only be grasped by taking into account the economic realities of the country. Indeed, the Togolese economy has suffered a great deal from disruption of external assistance from its traditional partners since 1993. This absence of external assistance has certainly had a negative impact on social programmes and development programmes designed by the Government and has seriously eroded public infrastructure and has delayed measures aimed at good economic governance. This situation has slowed the efforts of the Government to improve the living conditions of the Togolese, more than 60 per cent of whom still live below the poverty threshold.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“These measures, together with all the other actions that the Government carries out every day, are part of our will to ban political violence and combat impunity, in all sincerity, pragmatism and discernment. A national programme to combat impunity has already been set up and the first awareness activities have been carried out with success throughout the country over a period of a month and a half. This programme, which is aimed at helping to develop conditions conducive to the birth of a democratic spirit, is supported by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights created in Togo, and we are pleased to express our appreciation of its efficient role in strengthening governmental action.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In this respect and to take into account commitments undertaken through the Global Political Agreement, our Togolese Government is determined to establish in the near future the two Commissions provided for under the Agreement, namely, the Commission to Investigate Acts of Political Violence Committed in the Past and to Study Methods for Compensation for Victims and the Commission to Propose Measures to Promote Forgiveness and National Reconciliation. The Constitutional Court, one of whose missions is to deal with electoral disputes, was set up on 20 September after its reconstitution in accordance with the wish of the political class as expressed during the national dialogue.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“These elections, which are to be held on 14 October, are due to a great extent on the facilitator chosen unanimously by the political forces I appointed Blaise Compaoré, President of Burkina Faso and current Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Establishment of the rule of law requires dignified and loyal conduct from its citizens based on the respect of the noble ideals that underpin the Republic and promote progress in society. It also requires bold measures from leaders aimed at promoting national peace and harmony.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“For that reason, I wish to take the opportunity now to repeat my Government’s gratitude to the international community in particular the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union, the countries of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific, the European Union, the International Organization of la Francophonie, France, Germany, the People’s Republic of China, the United States and all the other States for the unwavering support which they continue to give to Togo throughout these crucial times. Of course, we cannot forget the United Nations, which, through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has played an essential role since the start of our democratic process, and more specifically, in the preparation for these elections.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The Togolese Government in turn will spare no effort, nor will it skimp on expenses, to ensure that the elections take place in strict transparency and the will of the people as expressed by the ballot box is fully respected. With that goal in mind, the population will, for the first time, vote with secure voter cards with photographs and the whole system will be supported by a reliable electoral roll. Our greatest hope is that those elections will give an opportunity to the people of Togo to reconcile and an opportunity for the country to resume its place within the family of nations.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“That ambition is possible only if we strive to strengthen Togolese democracy each day a democracy based upon an integral multiparty system and a State based on democratic law. Very soon, on 14 October 2007, Togolese democracy will become consolidated with the election of deputies to the National Assembly, an assembly within which we dare to hope that most of the political forces within the country will be represented. Those upcoming legislative elections, whose successful outcomes will be possible thanks not only to the political maturity of the Togolese people but also to the support throughout the electoral process of friendly countries and international institutions; its resulting selection is an inevitable event and will be a decisive turning point in the history of Togo.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“With regard to Togo, after several years of the democratization process which unfortunately has not been smooth, the country today is now moving beyond the lack of understanding and intolerance among its sons and daughters. To consolidate our achievements we have endeavoured to find appropriate solutions for the concerns of the people by implementing a policy on national reconstruction which will value all Togolese without exclusion. Aware that the peace and economic development that we want for our country cannot be achieved without the effective participation of the population in managing public affairs, we have spared no effort to involve the Togolese political class in a national dialogue in order to overcome their bitterness, to restore confidence and to devote our energies to national construction.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Before continuing my speech, I wish to add my voice to those of previous speakers and to express my warm congratulations to the President on his election to the presidency of the sixty-second session of the General Assembly. He may count on the support of Togo in discharging his high functions throughout the term, which I hope will be fruitful. I wish to once again express my congratulations to Mr. Ban Ki-moon on his outstanding election to the post of Secretary-General of our Organization. I am certain his great wealth of diplomatic experience will make it possible for the United Nations to strengthen its actions in order to achieve a fairer and more democratic world in which each country will be able to exist in freedom.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Likewise, natural disasters caused by climate change are a constant challenge to the human conscience, to the point of wondering whether the international community will be able to find appropriate and lasting solutions. The state of our world today should inspire us to redouble our efforts in order to give real meaning to international solidarity. It should above all incite the international community and Member States collectively and individually to seek with determination ways and means not only to ensure the prosperity of their national populations but also to reduce, at least somewhat, extreme poverty in the world.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Each session of the General Assembly offers us an opportunity to meet in order to take stock of our actions and define the necessary perspectives for breathing new life into our Organization. In analysing events throughout the world during the past year, we should note that despite the efforts of the international community the situation is far from satisfactory. Indeed, international peace and security are still seriously threatened due to persistent conflicts in particular in Africa, the Middle East and Iraq while the risks of terrorist aggression are far from being eliminated. In economic terms, the situation overshadowed by extreme poverty and endemic diseases continues to be a source of serious concern for the majority of the countries of the planet who are considered to be the poorest.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“An arsenal of repressive measures alone will not resolve a situation that is becoming more and more like a scourge. In conclusion, I emphasize that if we are faithful to our common destiny and our worldwide partnership 06-53609 26 based on solidarity we can realize the Millennium Development Goals. Therefore, the countries of both the North and the South must honour their commitments, thus contributing to ending the suffering of millions of disinherited people throughout the world and to promoting international peace and security.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Additionally, access to markets and the gradual elimination of agricultural subsidies by all countries simultaneously, on dates set by the World Trade Organization, would contribute to the development of poor countries, since agriculture is the basis of the existence of hundreds of millions of people in the least developed countries. For Togo it is essential that progress be made in resolving questions relating to cotton, in particular, questions that remain vital for many developing countries. My country welcomes the High-level Dialogue on International Migration and Development, held on 14 and 15 September, during which the General Assembly dealt with the multiple aspects of international migration. We must do more in-depth thinking on ways to stem the tide of the massive and hazardous exodus to northern countries.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Moreover, the HIV/AIDS pandemic presents a major challenge to growth and economic development. Major conferences organized under United Nations auspices are slow to yield results. The status review of the Millennium Development Goals, held in September 2005, and the failure of the Doha Round and the midterm review of the Brussels Programme of Action for Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2001-2010, held on 18 and 19 September, have shown that there are still barriers to implementing the commitments made. It is therefore regrettable that development partners have not always honoured their official development commitments to the least developed countries. Nevertheless, promises made recently, in particular by the G-8 Summit in 2005, regarding an increase in assistance and debt relief, have given us reason for some optimism.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“As the Assembly is well aware, the support of the rich industrialized countries will enable us to consolidate the efforts that the countries of the South continue to make, efforts which have allowed us to improve macroeconomic management by tackling inflation and consolidating a balanced budget. However, the global incidence of extreme poverty has not declined, especially in the less developed countries, where combating poverty is still a very difficult task. The situation that I have just described is exacerbated by factors that the developing countries have not been able to master. They include, to mention just a few: the external debt, deterioration in the terms of trade, the weakness of official development assistance, and environmental degradation.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Decisions related to economic development and the elimination of poverty adopted by the September 2005 World Summit have rekindled hope about the will of the rich industrialized countries to assist the countries of the South to promote sustainable development for their peoples. Implementation of the commitments made would permit achievement of the goals. Therefore, the countries of the South ask the countries of the North to commit themselves not only to keep their promises to make a genuine contribution to reducing poverty by 50 per cent by 2015, but finally to eradicate it.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The current state of the world — characterized by a considerable increase in United Nations membership, from 51 Member States in 1945 to 192 in 2006, the emergence of new Powers, the persistence of certain conflicts and especially the frequent paralysis in the Security Council — requires that the United Nations be reformed as soon as possible, as the September 2005 World Summit recommended. While the objective of reform is to make the Organization more effective and efficient, we must not lose sight of the fact that a central, urgent factor is Security Council reform. If that is not included, the reform will be unfinished business.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The reply of the international community to terrorism should be appropriate and should correspond to the expectations of peoples who only wish to live in a world free from fear. The General Assembly’s adoption of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is to be welcomed. We hope that the Human Rights Council will contribute to strengthening the capacity of States to promote and protect human rights by developing and implementing appropriate strategies and programmes. Accordingly, on 10 July the Government concluded an agreement on establishing an office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Togo.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The failure of that Conference is not encouraging for regional and subregional initiatives. At the same time, the adoption in June this year of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Their Ammunition and Other Related Materials is very much part of strengthening confidence-building measures among States in the subregion. It is to be hoped that at this 25 06-53609 session the General Assembly will seriously examine the question of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, which are a destabilizing factor for African States in particular, and a threat to the peace and security of people in general. I should also like to emphasize the importance of our collective responsibility to counter terrorism and human rights violations.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“We believe also that the question of the nuclear programme of the Islamic Republic of Iran cannot be resolved without negotiations between the interested parties, and we call on them to create conditions conducive to such talks. It would not be wise to stop the country, by whatever means, developing a nuclear programme, essentially peaceful, for its fundamental research needs and the socio- economic development of its population. With respect to small arms and light weapons, Togo regrets that the international community was unable to successfully conclude the July 2006 New York United Nations Conference to Review Progress Made in the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, adopted in 2001.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“It must also help Liberia to strengthen its regained peace and make sure that Guinea-Bissau does not sink into violence. Similarly, while we welcome the holding of legislative and presidential elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Togo calls on the international community to pay sustained attention to that country so as to assist it until its still fragile process is completed. Disarmament efforts by the international community are still far from producing the desired results. On the Korean peninsula the nuclear question is still unresolved, and there is a need for a strengthening of mutual confidence among the States concerned. Therefore, my country firmly supports every effort to resolve the region’s security questions peacefully.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Sustainable peace in the region requires an end to the continuous cycle of violence and a climate of confidence, which would make possible talks to create a Palestinian State alongside the State of Israel, the two of them coexisting within secure and internationally recognized borders. While the resolution of crises and conflicts remains at the heart of our concerns, everything must be done to consolidate peace in countries emerging from conflicts, or countries which, after great efforts, have succeeded in their democratization process. Therefore, the Peacebuilding Commission must play a vital role in African countries emerging from conflicts. We are pleased that it is already considering the situation in Burundi and Sierra Leone.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Togo firmly believes it is high time that the people of Iraq were reconciled and that the international community provided all the necessary support for their Government to help it complete the reconciliation process. It should be emphasized that the countries of the subregion have an important role to play in the quest for peace in Iraq. The tragedy that unfolded in Lebanon weighs on our conscience. Togo welcomes the Security Council’s adoption of resolution 1701 (2006), whose effective implementation will permit the return of peace to the country. At the heart of the Middle East conflict is the thorny question of Palestine.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Given the many preconditions for organizing elections in that neighbouring country, there must be concern, from any point of view, about the fulfilment of the mission for which the United Nations is responsible. We hope that the resolution of those preconditions will permit the holding of free and democratic elections leading Côte d’Ivoire to sustainable peace. Similarly, with regard to the region of Darfur and Somalia, in the absence of a much more vigorous voluntary mobilization by the international community to end the cycle of violence and the tragedy of the peoples concerned, peace will not come soon to that part of Africa. In other parts of the world, the continuing developments in both Iraq and the Middle East are a major source of concern for the Government of Togo.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Our appreciation goes in particular to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union, the European 06-53609 24 Union, the International Organization of la Francophonie, France, Germany, the United States of America and all African heads of State, who have always been very attentive to what we have had to say. I wish also, and very particularly, to express to the Facilitator, Mr. Blaise Compaoré, President of Burkina Faso, the gratitude of our entire Government and people for his critical role in the conclusion and signing of the Comprehensive Political Agreement. Consolidating peace in Togo and the success of our democratization process remain closely linked to the stability of the regional and international environment. Therefore, Togo continues to be concerned about the situation in Côte d’Ivoire.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“In an attempt to give every opportunity for national harmony, implement the conclusions of the political dialogue and establish sustainable democracy, a broad-based Government of National Unity was established on 20 September 2006. All sections of the Togolese people, in their political, social and regional diversity, are represented in it. All the changes under way in Togolese society were made possible by the support of the international community, the maturity of the people of Togo and, of course, the sense of compromise of the political class. We are very grateful to all our international partners who assisted us during this process of peacebuilding in our country.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Additionally, the resolution of the dialogue regarding the need to re-examine the role and mission of the army and the other security services allows us to anticipate an unprecedented strengthening of measures to maintain public order and provide more security for the activities of political parties and various other organizations, as well as the electoral processes. After the social dialogue — involving employers, unions and the Government, and a number of bold measures aimed at youth and workers of all categories — a milestone will be reached with the holding of free legislative elections, pluralist and transparent, in the very near future. Togo will then have satisfied all the commitments made to the European Union on 14 April 2004 in Brussels.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“It was necessary first to strengthen the dynamic of national mobilization and social cohesion by promoting a policy of openness, calm and national reconciliation. The desired results have largely been achieved, with the effective and active participation of all the major political participants in the dialogue. Everyone was able to speak freely on the substantive problems that were feeding the persistent feeling of crisis. The frank and responsible discussions, and the conclusions reached, enable us to establish bolder conditions for reform and lay the foundations for a new covenant for the republic and for national harmony. The conclusions of the national dialogue favour the holding of free and democratic elections.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“In addition, I pay particular tribute to the Secretary-General, and express to him our sincere gratitude for his tireless efforts for peace, democracy and development. We appreciate his commitment and his bold proposals to ensure substantial and fair reform of the United Nations. In our quest for peace, security and socio- economic development Togo has just reached a critical stage in its history, with the signing on 20 August of the Comprehensive Political Agreement at the end of an open, constructive and inclusive dialogue. When the Head of State took the initiative to resume the political dialogue we were aware that our current stage of social and political development would not allow us to deal with all matters of discord or eliminate all political and institutional problems.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“First, on behalf of our delegation, I warmly congratulate the President on her election to preside over this session, which encourages the Government of Togo in its commitment to value the role of women in our society. Togo remains convinced that the specific insights of women in the management of national or international affairs will make a big contribution to giving a more united and human face to relations between peoples and nations. The President can rest assured that as she does her inspiring job Togo will continue to support her unstintingly. I also pay a merited tribute to the President’s predecessor, Mr. Jan Eliasson, whose competence, moderation, sense of compromise and character earned him the respect and esteem of all during the last session.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Second, we need to strengthen the management capabilities of States whose administration is still weak in order to improve the quality and the effectiveness of the public and administrative services, thus putting the State at the service of its citizens. I hope that our Organization will strengthen its action to make national administrations more effective and more accessible for citizens. By doing so, the United Nations would further realize its vocation as an irreplaceable forum for dialogue and solidarity in the service of humanity, the well-being of peoples and the maintenance of international peace and security.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“But we believe that it would be wise to take timely action to address the causes of those conflicts, rather than intervene at a later date to deal with the often devastating consequences. We should therefore reflect together on how to address the root causes of those situations. That leads me to make two suggestions for the Assembly to ponder. First, regarding institutions, Africa must put in place democratic institutions of a new kind, founded on the value of dialogue and the ongoing search for compromise and consensus, closer to our tradition of discussion than to the imposition of the majority decision.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Africa, in particular, remains a zone of conflicts and instability, and this exacerbates the feelings of helplessness and distress among our peoples. We welcome the engagement and the support of the international community, in particular in Cote d'Ivoire, the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region. We welcome encouraging signs in the peace process in Burundi. However, we call on the United Nations and the international community to remain vigilant and active in helping the brotherly people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, whose country 30 is moving towards stability and the completion of its electoral process. Cote d'Ivoire must quickly return to the path of peace and harmony in order to pursue a leading role in the efforts for political and economic integration in West Africa.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“I therefore call on all our development partners to support Togo in its steadfast and irreversible march towards a democratic, law-based State in which all Togolese can fully exercise their fundamental rights and can act, think and create in complete freedom. In conclusion, I would like to underline once again the merits of international solidarity, in particular between the prosperous countries and the developing countries. In fact, we live in an increasingly interdependent world that faces multiple threats and challenges. Those threats spare no State, large or small, and make it imperative that we take coordinated and united action, in particular in those situations that jeopardize international peace and security.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“In that respect, effectiveness and transparency in the management of the affairs of the capital and respect for human rights are important responsibilities of the Government of Togo. However, it is clear that the young democracy of Togo needs the international community's support in order to help democracy to take firm root and to strengthen peace and stability in West Africa. I take this opportunity to express once again the gratitude of the people of Togo to the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States for their assistance to Togo during such a crucial period. Building a State where the rule of law prevails is a long-term effort; it is achieved gradually and requires consolidation at each step. That is true for all great democracies.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“The mission's conclusions and recommendations, which I believe will be useful and promising, will be considered in a spirit of open- mindedness and with a view to correcting potential areas of weakness so that we may never again experience acts of violence in future elections in Togo. In an effort to restore calm and reduce tension, all persons detained for their suspected involvement and responsibility in acts of violence, atrocities, pillaging of property and ransacking of buildings during the elections have been released. Also, with a view to strengthening citizens' confidence in the Republic's institutions, we have just launched a wide-ranging programme to reform the justice system. Today, we reaffirm that democracy spurs the harmonious and sustainable socio-economic development of Togo.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“They are also at the very core of our action and of the demands and expectations of my fellow citizens. Immediately following the establishment of the Government, we therefore adopted bold measures and initiatives in various sectors. A special independent national commission of inquiry was created to investigate the violence and vandalism committed during the electoral process. Similarly, Togolese authorities at all levels have fully cooperated with the United Nations fact-find mission mandated to look into the violence and allegations of human rights violations committed between 5 February and 5 May 2005.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)