YouSaid · the spoken record

Rialuth Serge Vohor

lines on the record: 31
first: 2002-09-24
most recent: 2003-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“In conclusion, my delegation remains convinced that only a reinvigorated United Nations can contribute in a lasting manner to world peace and security.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Strengthening the cohesion and unity of our great community of nations will be a daunting challenge, one which we are prepared to meet, while offering our complete and unconditional support. We have aired our concerns in order to stress the injustices and contradictions in the current situation, but we assure the Organization of our support and our commitment to seeing the Organization revitalized, capable of meeting the aspirations of all its Members, whether large or small, rich or poor, strong or weak. The contradictions of principle, mounting terrorism, human suffering, and the emergence of conflicts in regions that are normally peaceful, combined with the injustices of globalization, are all ingredients for a future catastrophe.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“My delegation supports changing the permanent membership of the Security Council to include Japan and a representative of the African continent, of the Middle East and of the Alliance of Small Island States. This reform would give the Organization greater transparency, restore confidence in it and improve international cooperation. My delegation strongly supports the proposals made, and in particular the nomination of a group of leaders representing the various regions and the main categories of economies in order to launch this important proposal. This long awaited review will finally come about. We need to take this great opportunity to renew and strengthen the United Nations in order to give it the qualities it needs to meet the challenges of our time.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“We have a duty to work collectively through the multilateral institutions to help resolve and overcome the difficulties and challenges that face us. In order to do that, we need to constantly review the very structure of the United Nations. The various unilateral initiatives have highlighted the limits of the current structure which have caused a weakening of the multilateral approach. Many super-Powers are unwilling to share even a part of their authority within the United Nations and seem to prefer the status quo. The principles of democratization and transparency advocated by most Members must be taken into account in the reorganization and in the Organization’s decision- making process.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“We therefore applaud the efforts by the Government of Indonesia to open and maintain dialogue with the various social and minority constituents, as well as those in West Papua, in respect for human rights and freedom of expression. We welcome the positive role and efforts of Australia and New Zealand, after an unprecedented decision by the countries of the region, to restore and maintain order, security and peace in the region, and in particular in the Solomon Islands. We applaud the French President, Mr. Jacques Chirac, for having initiated a summit meeting of heads of State and Government of the South Pacific region, held last July, in order to strengthen our cooperation. I trust in your wisdom, Mr. President, to make sure that all the theories expounded in the Assembly are followed by concrete, practical action.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Bringing national laws into line with international conventions carries costs that are often disproportionate for the small countries. In almost all cases, national resource constraints, financial as well as technical, are ignored, whereas they must be taken into 5 account for the success of any programme of action resulting from international commitments. We must not lose sight of the basic principle of the right to self-determination. We reiterate that the credibility of the United Nations rests on following up the implementation of any reform aimed at recognizing the right of peoples to self-determination, in the context of respect for others and for the United Nations Charter.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Despite the opposition of the Pacific region to the transportation of nuclear waste in the waters of our region, certain Powers show a complete lack of respect for the sovereignty of the small islands States of the Pacific. It is not only a question of the environment and of protecting our natural resources against any disaster; it is much more a question of ethics. In other words, we regret the complete lack of respect for the small island States of the Pacific as fully fledged members of the international community. It is generally recognized today that trade is the engine of development. However, like other countries of similar size, Vanuatu is facing certain tariff and non- tariff restrictions which are causing our agricultural products to be inaccessible to, in particular, markets that are often described as free.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“The unilateral imposition and maintenance of the ban on the sale of products containing kava in Europe is an example of this discriminatory attitude. The European countries involved do not seem to take account of the scientific studies establishing the absence of any link between kava and kidney disease, a link suggested by the health authorities of some European countries. The threat of economic sanctions by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) against tax havens in the Pacific, while excepting European jurisdictions, leaves no alternative than to accept the conditions imposed without any consideration of the economies concerned. Since our acceptance in principle of the OECD conditions we have received no indication from that organization of any quid pro quo that it can provide in the case of economic loss.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Considerable resources will be devoted to security questions, when only a tiny share of this amount would be enough to meet the needs of the developing countries. The environment is another area of concern. We support previous statements by representatives of the island States of the Pacific, and we continue to encourage countries that have not yet done so to ratify the Kyoto Protocol as soon as possible. How can we explain to our peoples that certain international obligations are priorities only for the small States, whereas the super-Powers seem hardly to be concerned about them, or are even hostile to them, and yet do not hesitate to impose a series of conditions which contribute to the underdevelopment of small States and which we could describe as political and economic interference?”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Many developing countries are facing a variety of development difficulties, such as the increase in unemployment that contributes to the degradation of societies. In many cases, the destruction of social and cultural progress, caused by globalization and modernization, has increased feelings of hatred and bitterness. The main outlines for future development have been mapped out but the success of the implementation of this remains dependant on political will, particularly the financial commitments of the industrialized countries. However, I am still optimistic and I trust in your wisdom, Mr. President, to guide us to a better future. While counter-terrorism and normalization in some countries are on the agenda, we should not divert our attention from the development issues that can undermine the future of developing countries.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Many tragic events have occurred and countless innocent lives have been destroyed. These are the facts of the world today. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the members of the Secretariat who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty and to convey condolences to the United Nations Secretariat as well as to the families of the victims of that brutal and horrendous act. That barbaric and inhuman act of violence saddens us all. I join with previous speakers in condemning that brutal act. Unfortunately, some of us have contributed to the current situation. A brief overview of past events definitely shows that various world conflicts, wars, famines, droughts, epidemics, poverty and environmental degradation are on the increase.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“The decline of order and justice and the various conflicts that are occurring throughout the world are particularly disquieting. If the international system continues to be influenced by certain Powers, the future will remain uncertain, notwithstanding the individual efforts made by Member States and despite the countless resolutions adopted by this Assembly. In recent years, the international geopolitical environment has been dramatically shaken. Irresponsible actions have unleashed much hatred and 4 bitterness, which jeopardizes world peace and harmony. The fundamental principles that justified the existence of the United Nations are now being called into question and we are duty-bound explicitly and clearly to redefine the new objectives and to strengthen the founding principles of the United Nations.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Quite frankly, we are participating in this meeting somewhat confused about the future of our Organization, since a minority of Powers are influencing the system to advance their own interests and to the detriment of the principles and mandates which are the prerogatives of the United Nations. The United Nations mission, inter alia, is to work for peaceful coexistence among peoples and nations. But the United Nations is being thwarted because of the unilateral initiatives of certain Powers. This is the responsibility of its Members, and this situation has to be addressed in order to restore the central role of the United Nations in conflict settlement. We cannot conceive of any unilateral action in the future without the risk of paralysing the Organization itself.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“The job of the Secretary-General is one of the most difficult jobs, in particular when the very founding principles of the Organization are being compromised or simply discarded in favour of the interest of some Members. The Government of Vanuatu admires the outstanding authority and clear-sightedness as well as the diplomatic qualities of Mr. Kofi Annan, the Secretary-General of the United Nations. His wisdom and his persistence have enabled Member States to step up their efforts to make the work of the United Nations more effective and better adapted to the maintenance of peace throughout the world, while keeping the focus on development priorities such as, in particular, the small economies of island States such as Vanuatu.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Allow me to convey to this Assembly the heartfelt greetings of the Government and people of the Republic of Vanuatu. I should like first of all to sincerely congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the Presidency of the fifty-eight session of the General Assembly. You have assumed the Presidency at an extremely difficult, unsettled and complex time. A series of regrettable events have imperilled the political and ideological authority which is the universal foundation of the United Nations ability to work for the maintenance of peace and security in the world. Given the enormity of the challenges that now face us, my delegation — and I personally — would like to solemnly assure you of our support and full cooperation.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“A more favourable international environment will assist the developmental priorities of developing countries and will address the great economic imbalances prevailing today. True goodwill, respect, tolerance and equality will be necessary if we are to move forward. The role of the United Nations will be crucial in that process, but only if support is forthcoming from its Members.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“I think it is in the best interests of the international community that the question of West Papua be revisited. We also request that a commission of inquiry be deployed to verify information on atrocities alleged to have been committed in West Papua. In conclusion, we must continue to support the pivotal role of the United Nations in efforts to create a just and equitable world. We must stem the growing gap between the developed and developing worlds in order to guarantee economic and social prosperity for all — a critical prerequisite to guaranteeing political stability, peace and security throughout the world. The effective implementation of the United Nations agenda for development, in particular the Millennium Declaration and the Monterrey and Johannesburg Declarations, will advance that process.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“The question of West Papua has always occupied a special place on Vanuatu's foreign policy agenda. The Charter of the United Nations espouses the principles that continue to guide the Organization's efforts with regard to self-determination. We are completely convinced that, if the United Nations is to be consistent in its decisions to promote recognition and respect of the fundamental right to self-determination, the question of West Papua must be placed on the agenda of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. The closed-door policy with regard to the pleas of West Papuans continues to undermine the credibility of the United Nations in terms of its ability to address an essential matter.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“The question of Taiwan must also be adequately addressed here. Resolution 2758 (XXVI), adopted by the General Assembly in 1971, resolved the legal and political representation of the People's Republic of China as a Member of the United Nations. Therefore, any attempt by Taiwan to gain admission to the United Nations or to any of its affiliated organs or special agencies will not be supported by my Government. The United Nations must ensure that it does not become involved in the conflict between China and Taiwan, which is a matter totally within China's purview. I should also like to take this opportunity to mention the problem of West Papua. At the Millennium Summit, the then-Prime Minister of Vanuatu touched on the important matter of the principle of self- determination for the people of West Papua.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“We therefore seek the support and understanding of the international community in order to allow time for the adequate scientific research to be carried out before such trade restrictions are imposed. Kava products exported to Europe and other destinations are mixed with non-kava products. For the moment, it is completely unfair and discriminatory to impose such a ban. My Government fully supports the efforts to reform the United Nations system in order to create a stronger and more efficient organization. On this issue, my delegation endorses the position of other delegations on the need to restructure the membership of the Security Council so that it may better reflect the geographical representation and the under-represented groups of Member States without affecting the Council's authority.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“That has placed an extreme burden on the already scarce resources available in the country. I believe that it is important that our development partners try to better understand the particularities and unique characteristics of not only Vanuatu but also other small and fragile economies of the Pacific islands. The existing ban on exports of kava to Europe and the United States is another indication of the unfair and discriminatory policies practised by the powerful nations. We expect that other countries will, in turn, join the ban. However, there is no scientific evidence to justify those trade sanctions, which have impacted negatively on the economy of Vanuatu.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Any decision by the OECD to blacklist countries such as Vanuatu is premature and unwarranted. It would serve the interests of the OECD alone. Vanuatu is confronted with a dilemma because the countries that introduced the tax-haven policy during the colonial period continue to place unreasonable demands on our already weak economy. 3 On that note, I must also mention the complicated and extreme difficulties that my country is facing as it struggles through its reform process. Given the established millennium priorities, there is still an acute shortage of financial assistance necessary to effectively implement national development priorities. We have become accustomed to receiving plenty of foreign advice that is, unfortunately, not backed up by real financial support.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Vanuatu opposes discriminatory policies and legislation which expose our vulnerability to a very volatile global environment. Some of our national efforts to stimulate economic growth are being stifled by the enormous pressure exerted by the club of the rich, which does everything to ensure that their position prevails. Where does that leave us? I must stress this because Vanuatu has done its best to comply with the OECD initiatives, including through legislation to prevent money-laundering and to ensure transparency in financial transactions. Yet, that rich and influential organization continues to put forward further demands. We are ready to negotiate within a time-frame that must first suit our economic and political requirements. But the OECD must, in turn, be ready and able to provide immediate relief and solutions.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Given the recent adoption of the Pacific Islands Regional Oceans Policy at the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum in the Republic of the Fiji Islands, I strongly call on the shipping States to respect the efforts of the Pacific Island countries to safeguard their principal resource: the sea. The conditions imposed by the powerful with respect to the initiatives of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) are another clear demonstration of the game of the powerful, in which we see the big nations manipulating the world order to their own advantage. Those abominable policies affect the very boundaries of national sovereignty for the benefit of the developed countries. We must put an end to all this hypocrisy, if we, the small nations, are to be treated fairly and as equal partners in the international community.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“While small nations, such as Vanuatu, are being forced to comply with conditions imposed by developed countries, some of those same nations decide at the same time to impose policies that encroach upon national and regional positions. Vanuatu is firmly opposed to the proliferation of nuclear weapons in all their forms. In that context, my Government once more unreservedly condemns the ongoing transfer of radioactive materials in the Pacific Ocean. The flagrant disregard for national and regional opposition is a clear demonstration of the policies of the powerful. That negligence is shameful in the light of the many ideals and principles espoused by this Organization and its various entities.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“The environment and the negative impact of climate change are of extreme concern, and we urge those countries that have not yet done so to ratify the Kyoto Protocol as soon as possible. The ratifications of Japan, the European Union, China and Russia have been most welcome. The aggressive policies of developed countries continue to marginalize many of the world's very small developing economies, such as that of Vanuatu. Binding commitments to international declarations and legislation are the cornerstone of a peaceful and just world in which justice prevails above all. There must be equitable partnerships and cooperation so that we can all contribute our support and confidence.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Although the fight against terrorism has taken centre stage, it must not lead us to forget or to neglect development issues and security concerns inherent to the developing world, in particular, to the small island States. Some resources will inevitably be reallocated to the growing problem of security, but it must not overshadow the development agenda of the developing world. It is in that context that my delegation wishes to associate itself with the statements made by other Pacific island countries in endorsing the Pacific Islands Forum declarations that have been distributed as a United Nations document. The recent World Summit on Sustainable Development held in South Africa unambiguously reminded us that much remains to be done in addressing the challenges inherent to the world's many developing economies.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“However, any action of reprisal or punitive measures must receive universal support through established multilateral and international structures, beginning with the United Nations, the most universally 2 represented organization. It is very dangerous to take any action outside such mechanisms. We request that all actions undertaken must, above all, serve the purpose of guaranteeing justice, peace and security in the future world. In particular, we call upon the initiators of a military action against Iraq to show great wisdom and responsibility to ensure that their decisions do not create a new world order of insecurity, hatred and conflict, defined by cultural, ethnic and religious divisions. All actions taken must be consistent with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and established international law.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“On behalf of the Government and people of Vanuatu, I have the solemn duty of conveying to the Government and people of the United States of America, including the families of the innocent victims of 11 September 2001, our sincere condolences for the many innocent lives lost on that fatal day of the most inhuman act of modern history. The barbaric and cowardly acts of 11 September have shaken the foundations and principles on which this Organization is built. They have ushered in a new period of global uncertainty. Terrorism has become the scourge of our time. This complex phenomenon has scarred our planet. As responsible members of the international community, we must work closely together in order to eradicate it.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“I acknowledge with much gratitude and admiration the outstanding leadership and diplomatic skills of Secretary-General Kofi Annan. His outstanding wisdom has made it possible for the United Nations to maintain its credibility and relevance not only in maintaining international peace throughout the world, but also in ensuring that this Organization continues to address the development challenges confronting the world, including Vanuatu. I am pleased to welcome the Swiss Confederation as a Member of the United Nations. I am looking forward to the imminent admission of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, a nation where Vanuatu was honoured to have participated in the United Nations- administered peacekeeping process. The deeply disturbing events of 11 September will remain etched in our memories for a long time.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“In addressing this honourable Assembly, I first wish to convey the greetings of the people of the Republic of Vanuatu. Our future will be determined by the nations represented here today. I also take this opportunity to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the fifty- seventh session of the General Assembly. You have assumed the presidency during a turbulent period in international relations, and my delegation pledges its full support and cooperation to you, as you guide this noble Organization through this difficult time. I also take this opportunity to acknowledge with deep gratitude the contributions of your predecessor, who so competently steered the work of the fifty-sixth session of the General Assembly to its conclusion.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)