YouSaid · the spoken record

Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete

lines on the record: 240
first: 1997-09-24
most recent: 2015-09-24
sittings or episodes: 12
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 is heart-warming, indeed, that Africans, through the African Union and their regional economic organizations, have been proactive and have taken the lead in monitoring elections and resolving conflicts where they have arisen. This was the case with Kenya and very recently with Zimbabwe. Indeed, Africa has come of age. The old principle of non-interference in internal affairs is surely being replaced by non-indifference to violations of democracy and abuse of human rights in Member States. There are fewer conflicts in the continent today than was the case a few years ago. This is testimony to the fact that democracy and good governance are taking root and the African peace and security architecture is working.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“There is stronger commitment to deal with vices in society, including the problems of corruption. Most African countries have embraced democratic governance and regular, periodic elections are the norm. In the past two years, a good number of African countries have successfully held democratic elections. It is a matter of principle enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union that leaders who come into office through undemocratic means are not allowed to participate in the activities of the African Union. It is this principle that guided the African Union in suspending Mauritania from the organs of the African Union until democratic dispensations are restored.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“My delegation and I reaffirm our support for his great work. His devotion to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) reversing the impact of climate change and his concern for Africa’s development have won the hearts of many of us in the continent. As I stand before this Assembly in my dual capacity as Chairman of the African Union and as President of my country, I bring with me a message of hope and optimism from Africa. Africa is no longer the hopeless case as perceived by some. There are so many good things happening in the continent. There is increasing political stability, peace reigns in almost all nations but a few and the economies of many nations are blossoming. Africa is now a continent in full embrace of democracy, good governance, rule of law and respect for human rights.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Allow me at the outset to convey my very warm regards and congratulations to you, Sir, on your well-deserved election to preside over the sixty-third session of this Assembly. On behalf of the African Union, the United Republic of Tanzania and in my own name, I would like to assure you of our unqualified support and cooperation throughout your term of office. Allow me also to use this opportunity to thank and congratulate your predecessor, Ambassador Srgjan Kerim, President of the General Assembly at its sixty-second session, for his leadership and for a job very well done. Our illustrious Secretary-General, His Excellency Ban Ki-moon, deserves special tribute from us for the excellent manner in which he is discharging the responsibilities of his high office. We appreciate the way in which he has answered the call of duty.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We urge the United Nations to intensify its efforts to find an honourable and just solution to this long-standing decolonization issue. The crisis inside the Palestinian territories is unfortunate; it is a matter of great concern to many of us. Tanzania remains supportive of efforts aimed at creating two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side and at peace with each other. This presents, in our view, the best hope for sustainable peace in the region. We applaud and welcome the renewed international interest and efforts being expended in line with the relevant United Nations resolutions. In conclusion, Tanzania reaffirms its belief in and commitment to multilateralism and the United Nations. The Assembly can count on Tanzania’s continued support to this Organization and the ideals for which it stands.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We are equally happy with the attention given to Somalia by the Security Council and the Secretary- General. We welcome the recent Security Council resolution 1772 (2007), which supports the political process in Somalia and the role of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). We commend Uganda’s contribution of peacekeepers to Somalia and the good work they have been doing so far. As a member of the International Contact Group on Somalia, Tanzania promises to continue to be proactive and offers to contribute in the training of the Somali military. The United Nations should remain seized of the issue of Western Sahara. Tanzania reaffirms its support for the inalienable right of the Saharawi people to decide and choose the way forward.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“It is not fair it is not right for people to continue to live in refugee camps after peace has been restored in their countries of origin. The progress currently being made with regard to Darfur gives us hope. The adoption of Security Council resolution 1769 (2007), on the deployment of a hybrid force from the African Union and the United Nations, and the renewed political dialogue among the parties to the conflict hold promise for the stalled peace process and for the humanitarian crisis that unfortunately persists there. Tanzania applauds the unique partnership which has evolved between the African Union and the United Nations. We stand ready to contribute troops to the hybrid force. We are encouraged by the recent developments with regard to internal political dialogue in Somalia.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“That is what the tripartite commissions, involving Tanzania, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the respective countries of Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, have been doing. Our joint commissions have been encouraging the repatriation of refugees on a voluntary basis, and we have been assisting those who have come forward. The results are encouraging, but things could be better. A word of encouragement from the Organization could make a difference. Tanzania believes that the return of refugees to their countries of origin, after peace has been restored, is a sovereign right that should not be denied. It is also the ultimate testimony to and guarantor of peace that has been attained.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Tanzania will continue to work with the region and South Africa to ensure the full operationalization of the peace agreement signed between the Burundi Government and the Parti Liberation du Peuple Hutu Forces nationales de liberation (PALIPEHUTU-FNL) rebel group. We are concerned with the fluidity of the situation in North Kivu. We hope wisdom will prevail on the parties concerned to give peace a chance. The people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo deserve peace; they have missed it for too long. We in Tanzania promise to play whatever part may be required of us. With peace restored in Burundi and many parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it is incumbent upon us in the international community to encourage and assist refugees to go back to their respective countries.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Africa is excited about it, and we trust that it will give new impetus in assisting Africa attain the Millennium Development Goals. We also welcome the historic decision taken by the President of the General Assembly to convene a special summit of leaders to discuss the MDGs during this session. We support this wise decision of our President, for we believe it will provide the needed momentum for the timely achievement of the MDGs in Africa. Tanzania promises to participate actively in this important meeting. We are happy with the tremendous progress made in Burundi. Peace has been restored, and life has come back to normal.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We are in this unfortunate state of affairs because the additional resources expected and promised by the developed countries have not been delivered. I urge this Assembly to renew its appeal to the developed nations to deliver on their promise. In this regard, we welcome the initiative mentored by the Norwegian Prime Minister, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg, to launch a global campaign to mobilize resources for achieving Goal No. 4 on reducing infant mortality rates and Goal No. 5 on reducing maternal mortality rates. Tanzania supports the effort and we are happy to be associated with it. I appeal to all Members to support the initiative. It is our hope that developed nations will support the campaign by providing the requisite resources. In the same vein, we commend Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for establishing the MDG Africa Steering Group.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“I call upon Member States to give our Organization, the United Nations, the resources it needs to implement this pilot project. The project should not fail for lack of resources. I also urge the Bretton Woods institutions to take a keener interest in this initiative and join in the efforts to realize its objectives. The need to make the Security Council more representative is an age-old demand we all share. We need to move from rhetoric to action. Now is the time. Tanzania assures the entire United Nations membership of our wholehearted support and cooperation in this process. We are now almost halfway through the timeline of 2015 set for achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Yet, we are not halfway in realizing the targets as spelt out at the Millennium Summit of 2000.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In its report of November 2006 entitled, “Delivering as One”, the High-level Panel on United Nations System-wide Coherence made valuable recommendations, including the establishment of a “One United Nations” system at the country level. We in Tanzania believe that the development coordination agenda is best served when we have one programme, one budgetary framework, one leader and one office at the country level. Tanzania is pleased to be among the eight “One United Nations” pilot countries. The One United Nations Initiative is a logical development from the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), a framework that is fully aligned with our national priorities. The efficiencies in aid delivery expected through “One United Nations” will certainly contribute to enhancing our capacity to attain the MDGs.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Climate change can also adversely affect our abilities to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It also threatens to undo the results of many decades of development efforts. I wish to emphasize that international collective action is critical in developing an effective response to global warming. Indeed, a review process to consider further commitment on the part of the Parties under the Kyoto Protocol beyond 2012 is urgent and necessary. Tanzania promises to participate actively in the Bali Conference. Tanzania welcomes the recent milestones in the United Nations reform process, namely the establishment of the Peacebuilding Commission, the Human Rights Council and the Central Emergency Response Fund. We attach great importance to these new initiatives, and we want to contribute to their success.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Asha-Rose Migiro, for her appointment to that high office. I trust that such a combination of diligence and devoted leadership will steer this important institution towards greater heights of success. I highly commend the Secretary-General for his decision to convene the High-Level Event on Climate Change four days ago. The meeting gave us an opportunity to discuss the state of health of our common planet. It also gave us the opportunity to renew our commitment to take the necessary steps to correct the mistakes we have made. It is indisputable and is attributable, by and large, to human activities. Unfortunately Africa and many small island States contribute the least to the greenhouse gases that cause this phenomenon and yet suffer the most from the impact of climate change.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Let me begin by congratulating Mr. Kerim for his well deserved election as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-second session. He can count on Tanzania’s full support and cooperation as he discharges his mandate. I also commend his predecessor, Sheikha Haya Rashed Al-Khalifa, for having skilfully presided over the sixty- first session. We also congratulate Mr. Ban Ki-moon for his unanimous election as the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations, which reflects his distinguished diplomatic track record, integrity and commitment to international diplomacy. I thank him for the honour and trust he has bestowed upon my country, by appointing an accomplished Tanzanian academic and diplomat to the post of Deputy-Secretary-General. I take this opportunity to once again congratulate Ms.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“I hope that he will be given time to retire.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“As we prepare to leave the Council, we are also gratified that we have taken note of the feeling in the Council of the need to reform that body. Let us pluck up courage and take the bull by the horns. 17 06-52885 Allow me to pay special tribute to our outgoing, illustrious Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan — a great internationalist and a great statesman. We congratulate him for a job well done and for his able leadership during a particularly difficult period for the world, for the United Nations and for him, personally. He will be remembered as one who challenged the Organization to live up to the true promise of multilateralism, through delivering collective security, pursuing fundamental human rights and the rule of law and promoting human development. We thank him and wish him the best of luck on his retirement.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“We are very much committed to the reform agenda of the United Nations, especially reform of the Security Council to make it more representative and more responsive to changing realities. Tanzania’s term as a non-permanent member of the Security Council will end in three months. I would like to thank all members for having accorded my country the honour of serving in that very important United Nations organ. We thank our fellow Council members for their cooperation and support during our term of office. As we prepare to leave the Council, we are gratified that we were able to organize a special Council meeting to discuss the situation in the Great Lakes region at which useful conclusions and decisions were made.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“We have always cherished and stood for the central role of the United Nations in global affairs. We promise to continue to be faithful and responsible members of the United Nations. It is now our intention to participate more actively in United Nations peacekeeping missions and operations. We have always believed that the United Nations of today has to reflect, in its structure, policies, programmes and activities, the realities of the world of today, not that of sixty years ago. The United Nations has to move with the changing times and aspirations of its membership. I want to reaffirm Tanzania’s continued commitment to these urgent and legitimate demands.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Tanzania welcomes and applauds the adoption by the General Assembly of a comprehensive Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (resolution 60/288). It is our expectation that the differences that arose during the negotiations will not stand in the way of the Strategy’s implementation. After experiencing a major terrorist attack on our soil in 1998, Tanzania has always repeated its resolve to cooperate with others to combat terrorism in all its manifestations. The threat of terrorism is global and complex; it demands our collective efforts and an adaptive strategy to contain it. Thank God we already have that strategy — let us implement it. Tanzania has always stood for the sovereign equality of nations and for the primacy of multilateralism in global governance and in addressing global issues.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Turning to the situation in the Middle East, I am pleased to see the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon holding, and troop contributing countries responding positively in reinforcing the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. The 34-day war in Lebanon took international attention away from the plight of the Palestinian people. The lack of progress towards a negotiated two- State solution and the decline in confidence in the peace process are worrying developments. We call upon the Quartet, and encourage bilateral and other multilateral initiatives, to revive the peace process laid down in the road map. A just, viable, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East can come only through negotiations, and no other way.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Like other delegates, we express our concern for the security and humanitarian situation in Darfur, and call for continued engagement at the regional level and by the international community. Likewise, we are deeply concerned about the situation in Somalia, Côte d’Ivoire and elsewhere on the continent. The continuing impasse on the issue of the Western Sahara is unfortunate. After 31 years, it is high time that the United Nations redouble its efforts to resolve this matter. The United Nations resolved the question of East Timor, which has a lot of similarities to that of the Saharans. The people of Western Sahara deserve no less from their United Nations. I believe it could be done if all parties played their part appropriately.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Moreover, Tanzania, as current chair of the Initiative for Peace and Security in the Great Lakes Region, will continue to work closely with other members to ensure a successful Second International Conference on the Great Lakes Region later this year in Nairobi. I wish to put on record our sincere gratitude to the Group of Friends of the Great Lakes Region for their support. I appeal to them and the international community to remain engaged with this process. Peace seems to have eluded the world. Reports of wars and violent conflicts are headline news in most of our media. Unfortunately Africa, the poorest of the continents, has had an unfair share of conflict.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Tanzania welcomes and commends the Government of Burundi and the Parti pour la libération du peuple hutu-Forces nationales de libération rebel group for finally signing the ceasefire agreement. We are humbled that we could be given an opportunity to make our contribution. We promise to continue to be useful in whatever way may be required. Likewise, I commend the Government, the major political actors and the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for holding the long-awaited elections. We urge that the forthcoming second round of elections be conducted in a free, fair and peaceful manner. Tanzania, as Chair of the Southern African Development Community Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, will play its role in support of this 06-52885 16 process. As a friendly neighbour, we will endeavour to be as useful as is necessary.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The success of whatever we try to do nationally depends critically on a peaceful neighbourhood. For too long, Tanzania has suffered from the consequences of conflict and instability in the Great Lakes region, including hosting hundreds of thousands of refugees and the destruction of infrastructure and the environment, and in terms of time and resources deployed in facilitating conflict resolution. For this reason, Tanzania will continue to play its part in the quest for peace, security, stability and development in the Great Lakes region. Significant progress has been achieved in the political and security situation in the Great Lakes region. We appreciate the support of the United Nations and other partners in the regional peace processes.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Fortunately, the framework for such international support already exists, for example through the Monterrey Consensus. I believe Tanzania has lived up to its commitment under the Global Compact for development. I now call upon our development partners to do likewise. Cognizant of the role of the private sector as the engine of growth in Tanzania, we have implemented far-reaching policies and institutional reforms geared to creating an environment conducive to the thriving of private business. The World Bank’s “Doing Business 2007” report recognizes Tanzania as one of the top-ten best reforming countries in the world. That means that Tanzania has again fulfilled its commitments under the Global Compact. We therefore call upon our development partners to buttress our efforts and assist the private sector in responding positively.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Similarly, Tanzania has emerged as one of the best-practice cases in terms of ownership of the development agenda and the harmonization and coordination of development assistance. I will advance this policy and practice during my tenure in the hope that it will contribute to the realization of the theme of this General Assembly: the implementation of a global partnership for development. In view of this record, and given our political and macro-economic stability and political will, Tanzania is now well poised to accelerate the pace towards the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals. For this to happen, however, we need international support to upgrade our infrastructure and build capacity for value-addition processes and human resource development.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“We will continue the efforts of the previous administration to promote peace, stability and national unity. In addition, we shall redouble our efforts to uphold and strengthen good democratic governance, respect for human rights and the rule of law, and intensify the fight against corruption. We feel greatly honoured in this regard that the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption decided to hold its second global conference in Arusha in two days’ time, in recognition and support of our efforts. Tanzania also made impressive economic strides, making it one of the fastest growing economies in Africa. I intend to sustain and enhance that record with greater zeal, vigour and speed.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“This is the third smooth transition of power in Tanzania. I took over from my eminent predecessor in office, His Excellency Benjamin William Mkapa, who has remained active both at home and abroad. He remains my useful and wise counsel, as does his predecessor His Excellency Ali Hassan Mwinyi. Among the many functions that former President Mkapa continues to discharge for our country and the human family as a whole is his membership in the Secretary-General’s High-level Panel on System-Wide Coherence, which is an important task on our agenda for the reform of the United Nations. Such was the success of the previous administration that I can only come before you with one central message — a message of policy continuity, nationally, regionally and internationally.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Permit me to begin by congratulating Her Excellency Sheikha Haya Rashed Al-Khalifa on her well deserved election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its sixty-first session. This is an important milestone on the gender agenda of the United Nations. I wish her great success and assure her of Tanzania’s full support and cooperation as she discharges her duties. I would also like to commend her predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Jan Eliasson, for his able stewardship of the Assembly’s sixtieth session. Under his leadership, Tanzania was privileged to co-chair, with Denmark, negotiations that led to the operationalization of the Peacebuilding Commission. 15 06-52885 I stand before this Assembly as the fourth President of my country, Tanzania, following another successful democratic election last year.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Tanzania accepts the truism that reform is a process and not an event. We support the establishment of the high-level panel of eminent personalities to review the functioning of major organs of the United Nations. We look forward to its early constitution. We attach special importance to this process and promise to play our part.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“The high-level plenary meeting held last week was reassuring and most of us came away from the session modestly optimistic. Certainly, our resolve to squarely face up to the pandemic and to meet the set targets has to be coupled with equal responsibility for leadership initiatives, accountability and more judicious resource mobilization and management. Reform of the United Nations Security Council has been in the cards for some time now. Tanzania is convinced that the reform of the Security Council is desirable, to make this important organ of our Organization more representative, more democratic, more transparent and more measured in the conduct of its business. We believe that this will go a long way towards renewing the confidence and support of Member States in the relevance and effectiveness of the Organization.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“It is the hope of my delegation that the Commission’s report will be a welcome basis for collective and concerted action towards the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals and in rendering globalization a process that works for all, in all countries, within countries and between countries. I would like to associate myself with the statement made this morning by the Permanent Representative of Finland concerning the launching of a Helsinki process on global governance and democracy, with which my Government feels proud to be associated. The fight against AIDS remains a major challenge to mankind today. It is a war that we must fight and win. We realize the dire consequences of the pandemic on human life and on our economies.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“It will address the needs of those who feel marginalized, as well as those who have benefited from globalization but feel uncertain about the future. It will speak of the significance of a value-based multilateralism and the role of this Organization. However, the recommendations, mandate and vision of the work of the Commission will not be 14 undertaken, pursued and achieved through the work of the ILO alone. They will constitute a wide remit for other agencies of the United Nations, other multilateral agencies, regional groupings, individual Governments, non-governmental organizations and civil society. It is also hoped that the report will be submitted to this Assembly for consideration and appropriate promotional direction.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“These concerns have also been at the centre of the work of the World Commission on the Social Dimensions of Globalization, established last year under the auspices of the International Labour Organization (ILO), with a mandate to promote social justice and decent work, linked to economic and social policies for global prosperity. This World Commission, which my President is privileged to co-chair with President Tarja Halonen of Finland, is about to complete its work and is due to submit its report early next year. The Commission has been a forum of useful dialogue between eminent personalities with a wide cross-section of backgrounds, views and competencies. It has consulted widely and extensively. Its report is expected to generate practical ideas for change that can make the process of globalization more inclusive and more equitable.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Certainly failure will not be good for our Organization and surely it will be bad for all of us. The current wave of globalization is the greatest economic process of our time. The unfortunate collapse of the World Trade Organization meeting in Cancún last month demands that we face up to this phenomenon. We hope that summit will be reconvened soon. The social imperative of the wave of globalization presents us with two interlinked challenges that are central to the work of this Organization. These pertain, on the one hand, to fighting poverty, and on the other, to working on constructive and inclusive measures to promote the effectiveness of global institutions in global issues and conflicts.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“When we look back and evaluate what has been achieved in the three years since the Millennium Summit, we cannot fail to discover that not much has been done. Provision of the estimated $50 billion to $100 billion additional resources required annually over a period of 15 years to finance the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals is far from being realized. The subsequent meetings in Monterrey and Johannesburg, as well as the successive G-8 summits, have been unable to meet the requirement. As it stands now, the Millennium Development Goals risk not being implemented as expected. Indeed, something needs to be done quickly to save that historic summit. It is incumbent upon the developed countries to demonstrate greater political will.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“We are also of the view that the use of excessive force and recourse to extrajudicial measures in dealing with Palestinian militants, or exiling President Yasser Arafat, would be counterproductive; it would inflame the situation. We appeal to the Quartet and the Security Council to do everything possible to bring the implementation of the road map back on track. As we all remember, at the dawn of the twenty- first century, the General Assembly at a special session discussed the challenge of poverty and development. At the end we came up with the Millennium Declaration and the Millennium Development Goals, which embodied a vision of engaging in a comprehensive offensive against poverty, deprivation and lack of development. The clear target of halving the scourge of poverty by 2015 was set.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“We hope that new and emerging realities will be given serious thought in the discussions and conclusions of the High Commissioner’s Executive Committee. The situation in the Middle East remains a matter of great concern to my Government. When the Middle East road map for peace was promulgated a few months ago, we became hopeful. My Government supported it because it addressed comprehensively the issue of the establishment of a viable Palestinian State, living side by side and in peace with Israel. Despite the current difficulties, we still believe that the road map is the most reasonable and viable way of resolving the long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict. It is imperative, therefore, that the obstacles on the road map be overcome quickly. Violence and counter-violence will not help.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“At present, we play host to more than 800,000 refugees from Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia. We remain committed to our international obligations under the 1951 Geneva 13 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees as the cornerstone of international protection. However, our 42 years of experience of hosting refugees have made us see the urgent need to review its relevance and application. We are particularly concerned with the concept and practice of burden-sharing, which does not adequately alleviate the burden of hosting refugees in poor developing countries like ours. We welcome the new concept of “Convention Plus” espoused by the High Commissioner for Refugees.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“We also hope that it will give due focus to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the war-torn countries. I appeal to all in the United Nations to extend the requisite material, financial, political and diplomatic support to the Conference. We welcome the latest Baker Plan on resolving the long-standing Western Sahara problem. We appeal to the parties to extend the maximum possible cooperation to Mr. Baker so that the people of Western Sahara can have an opportunity to determine their future peacefully. Owing to our strategic position in a conflict- ridden region, and our history of stability and traditional hospitality, Tanzania has played host to thousands of refugees from neighbouring countries. The influx began in 1959 and has not stopped to date.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“It needs that support to effectively respond to the humanitarian needs in the country. My Government welcomes the decision by the United Nations to convene the long awaited international conference on the Great Lakes region. Preparations are progressing well under the able leadership of Mr. Ibrahima Fall, the Secretary- General’s special representative for the Great Lakes region. There is good cooperation between him, the African Union and the six core countries of the region. Tanzania feels greatly honoured to be given the opportunity to host the Conference in June 2004. We stand ready to contribute to its success. The Conference will undoubtedly provide an important forum to all concerned parties to deliberate on important issues of peace, stability and development in the region.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“The situation in Burundi, regrettably, remains precarious. While we welcome the smooth transfer of power from President Buyoya to President Ndayizeye, we also take note of positive developments under the Transitional Government. However, the Government and people of Burundi need to be supported to achieve comprehensive peace and social and economic reconstruction. The regional leaders have been trying to help on the peace front and will continue to do so. Some progress has been made, but serious challenges still lie ahead. The unrelenting support of the international community, especially the Security Council, is therefore essential. We also call on the international community to do more by way of extending economic and financial support to the Transitional Government of Burundi.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“My delegation is extremely pleased to have been a witness, on 25 September, of the adoption of the principles of good-neighbourly relations and cooperation between the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda. It is a welcome initiative. We commend the Secretary-General for conceiving the idea. Once again, I register Tanzania’s support for the initiative and promise that we shall do whatever is within our means to promote its success. I would also like to take this opportunity to call on the international community to extend the necessary political, economic and financial support to the Transitional Government in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, under the leadership of President Joseph Kabila. We consider this critical to keep up the momentum and avoid reversals.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“They have done so under the auspices of the African Union or their regional economic groupings. In several cases, they have also intervened as individuals or as groups of neighbours or like-minded nations and leaders. Tanzania appreciates the support of the United Nations and the international community for the efforts made by African nations and leaders in the search for peace on the continent. We appeal for continued support to sustain the peace in the reconstruction phase. Equally important, I appeal for timely support and action. Experience has shown that the support of the international community, including the United Nations, in the search for solutions to African conflicts is a bit too slow, or comes a bit too late.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Tanzania proposes that the United Nations erect a fitting memorial in their honour and memory. 12 I mentioned earlier that Africa has had an unfair share of violent conflicts and wars, especially when one considers the rampant poverty and low levels of development on the continent. However, I dare say, with a sense of guarded optimism, that we see a glimmer of hope in the evolutions of processes to resolve some of Africa’s seemingly intractable conflicts. I have in mind the conflicts in Liberia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, the Sudan and Somalia, where encouraging progress has been recorded on the path to finding lasting solutions. The most welcome development in these conflicts, however, is the fact that African nations and leaders have taken the lead in the search for solutions.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“I take this opportunity to inform the Assembly that Tanzania has ratified all the major anti- terrorism protocols. We have also enacted a comprehensive legislation to deal with terrorism and terrorist acts in our country. It is very saddening to note that even the United Nations has become a target of terrorist attacks, as exemplified by the recent tragic bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, which resulted in the death of 23 United Nations staff members, including the charismatic diplomat and chief of mission, Sergio Vieira de Mello and his chief of staff, Nadia Younes. Once again, we condemn this senseless act, while joining in mourning our fallen heroes. They died for the United Nations. They risked their lives and died for a just cause, for which they will be remembered for ever in the history of our Organization.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Peace and security still eludes the world, as guns and explosives continue to thunder and cries of agony continue to be heard across the continents. These days, violations of human rights have become common occurrences, even among the developed countries of the world. Wars continue to rage, with Africa and Asia, sadly, claiming the largest share. Acts of terror, too, continue to resonate all over the world. Since the last General Assembly session, for example, terrorists have struck in 12 countries. As a country that has been a victim of international terrorism, Tanzania condemns terrorism, whatever the reason and wherever it takes place. My Government remains committed to the war against terror. In this regard, we will continue to cooperate with world Governments and institutions of goodwill to defeat terrorism.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“We are comforted by the fact that the United Nations has withstood the test of time and emerged as not only relevant, but indispensable in keeping world peace. Likewise, multilateralism has stood out as the only hope for all peoples. As we celebrate the United Nations and its success, we should always remember that it is our solidarity and steadfast adherence to the ideals of the United Nations that have made our Organization survive the trials and turbulence of the past year. I assure the Assembly that the Government and people of the United Republic of Tanzania take pride in Tanzania’s membership of the United Nations. We remain committed to its ideals and ready to work tirelessly towards its advancement, strengthening and success.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)