YouSaid · the spoken record

Emomali Rakhmonov

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS EMOMALI RAKHMONOV

lines on the record: 99
first: 1993-09-24
most recent: 2003-09-24
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

“Now, at the end of the twentieth century, it gives us great hope that the world community will not only prevent the outbreak of a third world war but will do its best to make sure that the twenty-first century will become a period of creativity and calm on the whole planet.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“These dates will forever be inscribed in the history of the twentieth century, in the history of the world. Still, the dates themselves are not as important as the lessons which these events have taught us. The bitter experience of the Second World War persuaded the leading Powers of the necessity to create an international organization the aim of which would be the maintenance and enhancement of peace all over the world. The main achievement of the United Nations during the almost 50 years of its existence has been saving humankind from the fire of a new world war, and its development has taken place on the basis of enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation, taking into account the interests of all parties, and the equality of large and small nations in the name of preserving our planet for future generations.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Our country, which is a land-locked State, is counting on special attention from the international community in matters of economic and social development, and hopes that its appeal to include Tajikistan in the group of least developed countries will be properly understood and supported by the United Nations community. I assure Members that the highest objective for the leaders of the Republic of Tajikistan is the achievement of values common to all humanity, calmness and peace in our Republic, the creation of a unified, peaceful, developed State of Tajikistan. And I hope that all countries of the world will help us to achieve this noble objective. Eighty years ago the fire of the First World War broke out, and very soon - in a few months - humanity will mark the fiftieth anniversary of the end of the Second World War.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“For the Republic of Tajikistan which has found itself in the hard grip of a transitional period aggravated by the consequences of tragic events in recent years, the problem of economic survival has become a critical test. According to the "development indicators" data published by the World Bank, Tajikistan has been included in the group of countries with the lowest level of per capita income. Today Tajikistan badly needs the help of the international community, not only to restore its economy but also to create the conditions for long-term development.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“We hope that the sphere of their integration efforts will expand in the interests of all countries of the region of Central Asia. They deserve careful study and support. Nowadays it is universally recognized that alongside political questions, problems of social and economic development have assumed the same importance and urgency. The correctness of this statement is confirmed 4 by the conclusions reached at the end of the high-level Economic and Social Council segment, that we support and approve. It is our firm conviction that the main aim of restructuring the United Nations should be to preserve and increase its potential to solve the whole range of development issues.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“I should like to note in this context that the ideas of concluding a comprehensive nuclear test-ban treaty, of adopting the decision on the Non-Proliferation Treaty’s open-ended and unconditional extension, of developing regional programmes to strengthen peace and security, and other proposals put forward by Mr. Boris Yeltsin, President of the Russian Federation, in his address to the forty-ninth session of the United Nations General Assembly and aimed at strengthening international security, all deserve the broadest support. Tajikistan notes with gratitude the initiatives by Uzbekistan to bring about a peaceful solution to the intra- Tajik conflict and to ensure security and stability in the region of Central Asia. We highly appreciate our good-neighbourly relations with the States of Central Asia.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“I am convinced that the leadership and the people of States members of the Commonwealth of Independent States have by now recognized the truth that it is unrealistic to expect that, alone, a country can expect to solve the task of renewing society and of carrying out reforms. We are facing the historical reality of building our future by cooperative and coordinated efforts. In the post-Soviet period, Russia - a permanent member of the Security Council - has assumed a heavy burden and responsibility for peace-keeping on a greater part of the territory of the former Soviet Union. We note with deep satisfaction that these supreme efforts of Russia have started to bring results. The multinational nation of Tajikistan highly appreciates and welcomes the peace-keeping activities of Russia.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Principles of independence and sovereignty in the current period of history must be flexible and diverse, for the main goal is to ensure that people who used to have deeply rooted historical ties now have an opportunity for a wider realization of their economic and spiritual potential in the interests of future generations. It is precisely in this light that we consider the development of the Commonwealth of Independent States that is trying to find a mutually acceptable form of integration without harming national interests. Despite well-known difficulties the Commonwealth of Independent States pragmatically searches for ways to rationalize all mechanisms of interaction among its members.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“While carrying out active preparation for the upcoming Budapest summit meeting, we hope to put forward at that important forum our view of the problems and to define the areas of cooperation. Undoubtedly for us the question of participation in the Commonwealth of Independent States is vital. Our present position is that independence and sovereignty is not a sword but is rather the shield of a nation that must be strong but not heavy. Independence should not burden human lives but on the contrary should make everybody’s life easier and give all people on Earth the opportunity to be equal.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Tajikistan as a member of the world community sees the future of its development in the integration processes on various levels, in cooperation with neighbouring and distant countries, regions and international organizations. The activities of the CSCE have proved to us the efficiency of such cooperation. Its informal approach to the accelerated integration of Tajikistan into the international community and the realization of the mandate of the CSCE Mission to Tajikistan will undoubtedly be among the major factors in the achievement of national reconciliation in our country. To a considerable extent we rely upon CSCE assistance to enhance democratic institutions and create a society founded on the rule of law and on the basis of high standards that will provide universal human rights and freedoms for every citizen.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Such a step, on the one hand, would reflect the global changes taking place in today’s world and, on the other hand, would give an opportunity to achieve a more balanced representation in the Council. The emerging consensus on the need to enlarge the number of seats in the Security Council will probably improve the efficiency of this central body of the United Nations. In other words, the Council will enhance its potential, acquire more dynamism, increase the variety of decisions it takes and generate a wider spectrum of ideas. The world is diverse and is thus unique. Its diversity, however, does not preclude the process of integration. A praiseworthy example is Europe. A better future for mankind is apparently based on these kinds of processes.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“We still hope the Security Council will find it opportune to reconsider our initiative to call a special meeting of the Council to consider the situation in and around Tajikistan, as well as the question of giving the CIS joint peace-keeping forces the status of a United Nations peace-keeping force. The tragedies of the peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Rwanda, Somalia and the hot spots in the CIS all give evidence of the fact that the danger of nuclear catastrophe has been replaced by civil conflicts caused by international, religious or ethnic differences and that their recurrence is becoming the primary problem for the world community. I should like to say a few words on the question of the proposed reform of the Organization. On the whole 3 we support the idea of expanding the Security Council.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The CIS countries are helping Tajikistan with the protection of its southern borders, which are at the same time the borders of the Commonwealth. In this regard we recognize the special and leading role of Russia, which has been and remains the guarantor of stability and security for all Central Asian States. We do not believe the presence of the CIS peace-keeping forces in our country contradicts the decisions of the Security Council or the initiatives of the Secretary-General aimed at achieving peace in Tajikistan. Moreover, from our point of view, these forces are the decisive factor in deterrence and in overcoming a state of crisis on the Tajik-Afghan border. Taking a wider view of this problem, one might even see the outlines of a new concept of security for the whole of Central Asia.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“We sincerely wish the people of Afghanistan success in achieving these goals as soon as possible. In current circumstances, with many hotbeds of tension caused by the cold war still existing, the peace-keeping efforts of the world community have a particularly important role. It is evident that there are certain rules limiting the use of United Nations peace-keeping forces, which reduces the effectiveness of measures taken by the Organization in this regard. I would once again like to draw the attention of the Security Council and the Assembly squarely to the question of giving to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) joint peace-keeping forces in Tajikistan the status of a United Nations operation.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The Afghan conflict has brought forth a dangerous phenomenon: the emergence of anarchic geographical units that can become a base for international terrorism and unpunished trafficking in weapons and drugs. The situation on the Tajik-Afghan border keeps a vast region in tension. Central Asia’s fragile backbone of political balance may not withstand the high pressure, and the destructive processes taking place in Afghanistan right now may lead to a regional cataclysm. We urge that the Afghan problem be given the world Community’s most serious consideration. Furthermore, we are convinced that the alleviation of tension in Afghanistan will significantly and positively influence the solution of the inter-Tajik conflict. We have no doubt that the people of Afghanistan will ultimately achieve reconciliation and restore peace to their country.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“It seems that the irreconcilable wing of the opposition is cultivating plans of expanding the geographical scope of the inter-Tajik conflict by instituting the use of mercenaries in the armed confrontation. This creates conditions for the internationalization of the conflict, which may in turn threaten to spread the confrontation throughout Central Asia. It is easy to imagine what serious consequences this may have. Speaking from this rostrum, I must draw the Assembly’s attention to our anxiety over the current situation in the neighbouring Islamic State of Afghanistan. The world cannot remain indifferent to the situation in that country, where internecine war came to dominate social relations.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“We are using this extra time to make proper preparations for addressing organizational questions concerning the invitation of observers from the United Nations, the CSCE, other international organizations and interested countries to the elections. We reaffirm our principled position to solve existing contentious questions by means of dialogue. We are convinced that the opposition’s reliance on force and the commensurate reaction to it may cause unpredictable consequences leading to the undermining of the stabilization process and of the positive decisions reached during negotiations. At the same time I consider it necessary to draw the Assembly’s attention to another very important aspect of this problem.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“We also see them as showing disregard of the international community’s appeal to the Tajik parties to show restraint and countenance no action that might impede the process of negotiations. 2 Despite those actions, the political leaders of Tajikistan took a series of practical steps to strengthen confidence-building measures. At its twentieth session the Parliament of Tajikistan decided to postpone the referendum and the elections. The aim of this initiative of the members of Parliament was to involve the widest possible spectrum of political forces in the constitutional process, to give everyone wishing to return home an opportunity to do so and to let all our compatriots who had the bad fortune to be outside the country take part in the elections.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“I express our gratitude to the Governments and the peoples of the Russian Federation, the United States of America, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and other concerned parties and countries for their assistance in the promotion of the inter-Tajik dialogue. However, I must state with regret that there have been recurrent outbreaks of violence, initiated by the unmotivated escalation of the armed opposition and manifested in acts of terror, taking of hostages and other subversive actions. We consider these actions a deviation from political methods of resolving contentious questions and reconciling existing contradictions.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“I would like to note with satisfaction the hopeful results of the political consultations between us and the Tajik opposition, with the mediation of Mr. Ramiro Piriz-Ballon, which took place in Tehran in the second half of September 1994. The parties signed the Agreement on a cease-fire and stopping hostile actions, and we consider this to be an important step towards the achievement of national reconciliation, peace and stability in Tajikistan. The Security Council and the international community noted with satisfaction the signing of that document. From this rostrum I would like to express the hope that the question of dispatching United Nations military observers to Tajikistan will be resolved without delay.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The importance of the initiatives put forward by the Secretary-General, the decisions of the Security Council and the assistance of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe in accelerating the national reconciliation process should be particularly emphasized. We deeply appreciate the unwavering attention of the Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali to all the problems of Tajikistan, and we take this opportunity to express to him our sincere gratitude. We appreciate no less deeply the activities of the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to Tajikistan, Mr. Ramiro Piriz-Ballon, of the United Nations Observers in Tajikistan and of the CSCE mission. All of them have made a valuable contribution to the elaboration of the negotiating mechanisms.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Addressing the General Assembly at its forty- eighth session, I stated that political dialogue was the only possible way of untying the internal Tajik knot and achieving national reconciliation and that it was one of our highest priorities. A careful study of the state of society, and of public opinion in particular, gave us the idea of entering into dialogue with those who have never concealed their desire to seize power by force. In doing so we used all possible means, including regional and international mechanisms. Only the good will demonstrated by the leaders of Tajikistan made it possible to start and to develop the negotiating process.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“It will undoubtedly accelerate them and make them irreversible. Furthermore, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, elected by the whole population, will enforce the Constitution and guarantee the State’s unity and integrity. In our domestic policy the principal issues for our country’s political leaders have become the questions of our nation’s spiritual revival, of the halting of senseless confrontation and of the creation of a social basis for mutual understanding and forgiveness. The solution of these problems will help achieve maximum progress towards national reconciliation. Let me describe briefly to the Assembly our view of the problem.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“In the course of drafting the Constitution we were guided by the experience of countries with established democratic traditions and advice given by highly qualified experts of the United Nations and the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE). We sought to take into consideration the high standards set up in the basic documents of the Helsinki process so that the new Constitution would ensure to the fullest extent possible the protection of inalienable human rights. We intend to conduct a referendum so the whole population can decide on the adoption of the new Constitution, the results of which will reinforce hope for achieving further progress in the development of society and the State. The proposed draft Constitution will provide a legal basis for subsequent democratic transformations and reforms.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Experiencing a severe lack of time and an extremely heavy burden of political, social and economic problems, we were able to consolidate a tendency towards the stabilization of the situation in our country. Today we can state with confidence that the situation differs radically from that prevailing at the beginning of last year. 1 Recognizing its responsibility for the destiny of the country, the Government of Tajikistan firmly declared its commitment to values common to all humanity and its resolve to start building a democratic and secular State based on the rule of law. In order to realize these intentions we have launched the constitutional process in our country.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“I consider it my duty to convey the sincere thanks of the Tajik people to the United Nations, the donor countries, the international organizations - in short, to everyone who is doing everything possible to help our State in these hard times. There is no need to describe in detail all the hardship that has befallen our long-suffering motherland. The wounds of the civil war, that serious illness of our society, cannot be healed either by surgical intervention or by compulsory treatment. They are healed only when the victim himself becomes aware of his affliction and makes the most effective use of all possible means necessary for recovery. To the credit of the people of my country, it should be said that they were able to put an end to bloodshed, lawlessness and terror and start a constructive life.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Speaking from this high rostrum of the United Nations, I would like first of all to congratulate you, Sir, on your election to the high office of the presidency of the General Assembly. I am convinced that, having received such a high honour, you will be successful in your conduct of this forum that is so important in the life of the world community. Reflecting on the past, we can state with satisfaction that the United Nations, by traversing the difficult road of overcoming political and ideological confrontation, has saved humanity from a new global catastrophe. Today we can say with confidence that the United Nations is a universally recognized instrument of peace and construction. We commend the United Nations peace-keeping and humanitarian efforts in Tajikistan.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“We will spare no effort, we shall use all our energy, in building a genuinely legal, democratic and enlightened State which will not fail to take a worthy place among the civilized countries of the world.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We sincerely hope that the efforts of the community of nations will be increasingly focused on ensuring the conditions for sustainable development. 8 General Assembly - Forty-eighth session We wholeheartedly support the principles and recommendations of Agenda 21. We feel that accomplishing that Agenda’s important goals, such as the transfer of technology and resources, will have a favourable impact on disaster areas such as the Aral Sea and areas of great poverty. In conclusion, I would like to assure the Assembly that my people, who have now embarked upon establishing their own statehood and have overcome considerable difficulties in so doing, look to the future with a feeling of great and, I hope, justified optimism.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“In Tajikistan we are convinced of this. We commend the peace-keeping and humanitarian efforts of the United Nations. We are especially proud of Tajikistan’s initiative to include institutions of the Commonwealth of Nations in the broad peace-keeping activities on the territory of our country; that initiative has not been ignored. The mandate for the presence in Tajikistan of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, Mr. Ismat Kittani, has been extended. The Republic has fruitfully worked with the United Nations Observer Mission, the representative of the High Commissioner for Refugees, and the representatives of other international non-governmental organizations. Our special gratitude goes to the Security Council of the United Nations, which constantly monitors developments in the situation in and around Tajikistan.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“As the Assembly knows, the end of the cold war and bipolar confrontation gave rise to great hopes on the part of the peoples of the world. Unfortunately, events have not yet justified many of these hopes. None the less, there is one place in the world where notable political events have been observed. We are deeply satisfied with the historic agreements reached between the Palestine Liberation Organization and the State of Israel on mutual recognition. We welcome the decision of the United States of America to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization, and we commend that great country for its role in supporting peace and stability on earth. The questions which the General Assembly will be discussing at its forty-eighth session show that there is now an onward rush towards the interdependence of nations.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Indeed, we can imagine how unbelievably difficult it is to take away from a population weapons that they have illegally obtained. On the basis of our own bitter experience, we loudly speak out about the danger of that fateful trend. Today, this destructive impact on our economy has been joined by another: the aspiration of a number of countries to acquire nuclear weapons or the technology to produce them. As a country which has the technology for mining and initially processing uranium, we categorically oppose the use of that priceless source of energy for non-peaceful purposes. We state our unconditional support for the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and we hope that the conference of the States parties to that Treaty, scheduled for 1995, will decide to extend it indefinitely.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We feel the full depth and senselessness of the tragedy of the peoples of the former Yugoslavia, the deadlocked events which have taken place in the Caucasus of the post-Soviet era. We also know firsthand how destructive is the force of local conflicts. That is why we make an urgent appeal to the world community to multiply its efforts to end, and to prevent, that type of conflict. We are firmly convinced that the force of arms, no matter how threatening and frightening they may be, cannot solve a single contentious issue. In this connection, we are seriously concerned by the uncontrolled and unsanctioned trade in arms in areas of intense instability. Essentially, what is happening is a massive arming of entire regions.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“In this respect, we count upon the tangible assistance of the world community in restoring our national economy, which has been destroyed by war and by natural disasters. A country which is rich in natural resources, which has an attraction in terms of its economic prospects, needs purposeful assistance in order to be reborn. Allow me to express the hope that that assistance and that support will naturally, in accordance with generally accepted principles in world practice, be given to my country. Tajikistan, which has gone through the horrors of a civil war, views with great concern the course of events in the hot spots of our planet. We know of the pain and suffering of the people of Somalia.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Forty-eighth session - 30 September l993 7 Russia, as a permanent member of the Security Council, has undergone great trials in taking upon itself the maintenance of peace and stability in virtually all the space and territory of the former Soviet Union. Therefore, the peoples of the former Soviet Union, including Tajikistan, commend and welcome the peace-keeping efforts made by Russia. A positive role in stabilizing the situation in our country has been played by the brotherly support of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic. Tajikistan also thanks the United States and all the other countries of Europe and Asia that extended the hand of assistance to us during terrible and dark days. We hope that Tajikistan will quickly be removed from the blacklist of conflict areas.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“There was a time when some States spent a great deal of resources on war in Afghanistan. In my view, the time has come to help restore a peaceful life there. A restless, unstable Afghanistan is a threat - and not only to Tajikistan. Regarding our participation in the CIS, I must emphasize that Tajikistan is in favour of strengthening the Commonwealth while observing full respect for the sovereignty and independence of its member States. In this context, I should like to point out the significance of two areas of our activities within the framework of the CIS, activities which are critically important for Tajikistan. I am talking about relations with Russia and with the Central Asian States.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We hope that the process of voluntary return will continue and that with the support of the authorities of Afghanistan and of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, we shall in the near future be able to put an end once and for all to this painful question. We have already completed our preparation for signing a trilateral agreement between Tajikistan, Afghanistan and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. We hope that the agreement will be signed as soon as possible. From this United Nations rostrum, I should like to say one more thing in this regard. We are firmly convinced that the support of the Administration of Afghanistan in efforts to restore peace to the Afghan land, which has suffered so much, would be in the interests not only of that country but of the region and of the entire world.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“A legitimate question arises: is it not wiser to use these resources to build rather than to destroy? Another of our problems is that of the Tajik refugees in Afghanistan. There are many versions of how they ended up on the territory of Afghanistan, but that is not the main point, which is that they should return to their homeland as quickly as possible. We express our sincere thanks to the Administration of Afghanistan and to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, who are giving serious attention to those people. As of the middle of September, more than 35,000 Tajik refugees - more than half the total - had returned to their permanent homes from Afghanistan.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“But this, of course, does not mean that that is the only way to solve the problem. And here we are encouraged by the notable speed-up in the negotiating process with the authorities in Kabul. We have achieved a number of positive agreements on a broad spectrum of questions, including normalizing the situation along the Tajik-Afghan border. We think that a permanent, substantive dialogue with the leadership of the Islamic State of Afghanistan will help us remove some other well-known irritants. It is most unfortunate that huge resources are still being spent to support destructive elements based on the territory of Afghanistan. Having gone there from Tajikistan, they are, with the help of extremist groups and the forces of international terrorism, hatching plans forcibly to change the State structure in our country.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Everyone knows that until recently Tajikistan had been systematically subjected to unprovoked acts of armed intervention from the territory of a neighbouring country. Naturally, we understand its internal difficulties related to establishing a centralized State administration. But facts cannot be denied, and we have now been faced with the need seriously to deal with the question of self-defence. We are not hatching any hostile plan with regard to Afghanistan. The measures which we have taken and are taken to strengthen the defence of our border - which is also a border of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) - do not go beyond what is laid down in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and are fully in keeping with generally accepted norms of international relations.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“I would like to inform the world community that Tajikistan is actively working to improve its election laws and to prepare a draft new Constitution in which maximum attention will be given to all problems related to guaranteeing and protecting inalienable human rights. In terms of settling our domestic political problems, we are seriously concerned over the attempts at regionalization of the internal conflict in Tajikistan, a conflict which is still going on in a number of areas along the Tajik-Afghan border. The outbreak of the conflict this summer brought dozens of deaths. Allow me briefly to tell the Assembly my view of the essential reasons for the tensions along and inside the border.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“From the beginning of the restoration of our Republic, our Parliament has adhered to the principle of the primacy of law, and in so doing has passed a number of measures, while the Presidium of the Supreme Council has laid down 6 General Assembly - Forty-eighth session three special decrees on amnesty. Does not this show that we are acting to resolve through political means the problems that have accumulated in our country? We are prepared for dialogue with all the social forces in our country to achieve national reconciliation, civil harmony and stability in Tajikistan. We would like to cooperate constructively with forces of any political orientation acting within the framework of existing law and respecting generally accepted principles of democracy.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“As the Head of State, I declare, from this rostrum, that we shall adhere to the fundamental principles of the Final Act of the Helsinki Conference and the Paris Charter and other international instruments for the defence of law. We are determined to carry out democratic transformations in our country and to acknowledge and respect philosophical, religious, ideological and political choice as an inalienable right of the individual. Working under the constant pressure of political and socio-economic problems, we have succeeded in a short time in removing the economic blockade from all the regions of the Republic and have begun rebuilding our destroyed national economy and instituting economic reforms in order gradually to introduce a free market.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The future of our people - the future of Tajik statehood - has been put in jeopardy. The sixteenth session of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Tajikistan, which was held in these conditions, laid fundamentally new foundations for establishing peace and civil harmony in our country. The Supreme Council has decided in favour of solving all political, social and economic problems solely within the framework of the constitution. A number of important laws have been adopted that are designed to afford citizens social protection and to return them to their homes and peace-time jobs. In accordance with the Constitution, we have elected a leadership for the Supreme Council and formed a Government. Today our society and our people have become aware that the highest power in the State should be the law, and only the law.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“With the collapse of those economic ties, our Republic has come face to face with many almost insoluble problems. There has been a catastrophic drop in the standard of living, which could hardly fail to lead to an increase in social tension. The power struggle that developed at the same time and the attempts to seize power illegally, by force and undemocratically, have split society apart and led to a senseless, fratricidal war. The results of this we know: thousands of broken lives, thousands of dead and wounded, refugees and missing. Immeasurable political, social and economic harm has been done to the Republic. The internal instability has become the main reason for the economic and political chaos, the total legal confusion and the sharp drop in production.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“As in any civil war, in the civil war in Tajikistan there can be no victors. Our urgent task as a nation is to heal, as quickly as possible, the bloody wounds that it has inflicted on our country. The attention the community of nations is paying Tajikistan is understandable. Nor should we be surprised at the variety of opinions we hear when events in the Republic are being analysed. I should like to shed some necessary light on a number of issues. Now that we have set out on the path of independent development, we have run up against the enormous political and socio-economic problems of the transitional period. Our national economy was built up as just one small part of the enormous economic complex of the former USSR, and was basically a provider of raw materials.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The Republic of Tajikistan is taking its first steps as a subject of international law. It is with deep satisfaction that I note that we have been granted an equal voice in the commonwealth of nations, and we are aware that this honourable right imposes significant duties on us. The two years of our independence, in addition to moments that are undoubtedly positive, have also entailed the harsh trials that my patient and peace-loving people are now going through. It is for the historians to study the root causes, the reasons for the situation in Tajikistan today. I think that my job is to point out just one thing: those whom we believe, on the basis of the law in force in the Republic of Tajikistan, to be guilty of unleashing civil war are guilty of grossly violating the very foundations of any modern society, namely the primacy of law.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Samuel Insanally, the Permanent Representative of Guyana, on his election to the presidency of the General Assembly. Allow me to express the hope Forty-eighth session - 30 September l993 5 that this session, under your skilful leadership, Mr. President, will achieve tangible, successful results for the good of all mankind. I should also like to draw attention to the excellent work done by Mr. Stoyan Ganev, President of the General Assembly at its last session; Mr. Ganev both energetically and effectively guided the deliberations on complex political problems. It is with great satisfaction that I greet Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, Secretary-General of the United Nations, and express to him our sincere gratitude for his tireless efforts to resolve the conflicts in various parts of the world, not excluding my own country.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The year that has elapsed since the forty- seventh session of the General Assembly was noteworthy for the further growth in the authority and the effectiveness of the United Nations. It testifies, in our view, to the deep understanding that the members of the world community have about the need for close, constructive cooperation in the name of a better future. As I look around this Hall, in which, for the first time, a Head of State of a sovereign Tajikistan is speaking, the words of the great poet Saadi come to my mind: "The sons of Man are but one body For the Creator made us all from but one beginning". Now that I find myself here, in the centre for settling the problems of the whole world, I should first of all like to congratulate Mr.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)