YouSaid · the spoken record

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi

lines on the record: 262
first: 1999-09-24
most recent: 2020-09-24
sittings or episodes: 15
sources: un-general-debate

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

“We cannot afford to leave Cancún empty-handed. Concrete results must be achieved, not only to give our people confidence that there are substantive responses to protect against climate change, but at the same time to strengthen our belief that our United Nations can deliver a legally binding agreement. Our global security is at risk. Terrorism transcends international borders in its attack on universal values. Like other international threats, terrorism is an area of mutual concern that demands a collective response. Terrorist acts committed under whatever pretext are deeply deplorable and should be strongly condemned. Those who find self-glorification in the atrocious crimes that they commit should not expect any sympathy or be provided safe havens to hide.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“The uncertainty as to the legal form, content and completion date of a new treaty makes it a moral imperative for the promised fast-track resources to be made available without delay and with clear, simplified guidelines to ensure that the intended recipients do indeed secure assistance. Between now and the conference in Cancún, States parties should move beyond rhetoric and commit to reaching an agreement, as a minimum, on those building blocks of the Bali Action Plan where negotiations have reached a level of maturity and convergence on agreed compromises. We cannot continue to defer making the hard decisions. We need to reclaim the credibility of the process. Every day of indecisiveness disproportionately increases the risks to vulnerable countries that are experiencing more frequent and severe climate change impacts.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“The much publicized fast-track funding announced in Copenhagen to meet the adaptation needs of the most vulnerable countries has become a best- kept secret. Information on how much of the pledges have been honoured and disbursed, and to whom, has been scarce. When available, the information is vague and seems bereft of coordination. Yet the fast-track resources were commitments made at the highest political level, in recognition at Copenhagen of the pressing need for an interim measure to help the most vulnerable countries avert further harmful effects of climate change, pending the conclusion of a negotiated agreement.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Similarly, it would be unhelpful to view climate change simply as an environmental issue. Climate change is cross-cutting and endangers economic and social development, with serious implications for the peace and security of our 27 10-55122 communities, whether its impact is national or transborder. Any new climate change treaty, no matter how ambitious, comprehensive and binding, will be ineffectual without full membership and the participation of all United Nations Member States, especially those with the obligation to participate. Inaction should not be blamed on the absence of solutions to reverse the impacts of climate change but rather on the unwillingness of some countries to be part of a unified global solution.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“For a privileged few, their fortunate geographies and resource endowments may persuade them to feel that climate change is not an urgent priority and that they can afford to wait out the negotiation of a legally binding climate change agreement for as long as it takes. There is no such luxury for island nations, which paradoxically are at the front line of the destructive impacts of climate change but are least responsible for its causes and often least able to respond and adapt. Indeed, for some island nations, climate change threatens their very existence and survival as sovereign States. With the stakes so high, climate change is unquestionably an immediate and urgent priority for the world. It would be a big mistake for any country to think otherwise.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“The threat of climate change is grave, having dire implications for global peace and security. It threatens to intensify existing drivers of conflict in a way that could roll back development across many countries. The causes of climate change and those responsible for them, the multifaceted threats it poses and the solutions to mitigate and adapt against its negative impacts are well documented and duly validated by science and real life experiences. A new climate change instrument is currently under negotiation. Progress has been painfully slow, which contradicts the gravity and urgency of the problem. Sadly, vested national interests are taking precedence over concern for a global and just solution. Intransigent positions are being advanced to force concessions and to frustrate progress.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“That is why, with regard to Security Council reform, Samoa has not wavered over the years from its principled support for an expanded Council in both the permanent and non-permanent memberships. The economic and political liberalization has changed the contemporary geopolitical realities and landscape, and the therefore enlargement of the Security Council in both categories is essential for true multilateralism and for the Council’s integrity and credibility. Equally vital is the ongoing reform to give prominence to the General Assembly as the truly deliberative and representative body in the global decision-making process, giving voice and representation to all Member States, irrespective of a country’s wealth and might. That was the basis for Samoa becoming a Member of this world body over 30 years ago.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“To this day, the United Nations provides the only viable framework and legitimate authority for acting globally to address issues that transcend national borders. As a world institution, the United Nations needs to pay attention to its ability to offer itself as a safe place, not just for its traditional stakeholders — the Member States — but also for international organizations, the business community and civil society. Partnerships with those sectors of society are an important vehicle through which the United Nations helps the development of individual countries, and they allow our Organization to achieve, in large measure, the key objectives of its mission. Our Organization is not without shortcomings, and that is why we must constantly redefine its role and adapt it to respond to the needs of the world that it exists to serve.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Our world continues to change in profound ways. Technological advances have accelerated globalization, bringing diverse challenges and new agendas. The magnitude of today’s threats requires holistic solutions with a multilateral approach. No one country, however powerful, can meet them on its own. Nations of the world need to work together to forge a coordinated approach. It is a shared responsibility, and the problems will be solved successfully only through effective collaboration. To meet the challenges, a vibrant institution that is up to the task and responds to the imperatives of our time is required. Sixty-five years ago, the world created the United Nations as the legitimate authority for our collective peace and security. International cooperation and solidarity formed the bedrock of its existence.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“In concluding my statement, I wish to again emphasize the important role of nations in key positions of leadership in the achievement of the objectives of the Organization, whether in peacekeeping, the environment, poverty alleviation, the fight against terrorism or the many other challenges that threaten our world. They must lead by good example, make decisions and take action based on the well-founded conviction that what they do is morally and ethically correct for the ultimate benefit and greater good of the world. When nations with leadership roles and responsibilities are able to do that, they will find ready support from the rest of the Organization’s membership.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Terrorist acts committed the world over, under whatever pretext or purpose, are deplorable and morally unjustified. In its various forms and manifestations, terrorism is responsible for the permanent scars of horror and fear that have gripped international attention in recent years. Terrorism should therefore be condemned in the strongest way possible, to send out the clear and unequivocal message that it is neither accepted nor condoned and that perpetrators should not expect any sympathy for their actions. Samoa strongly supports the anti-terrorism resolutions of the United Nations. We have put in place the relevant legislative framework and have implemented measures in line with intergovernmental efforts to combat international terrorism.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Ultimately, it is the Iraqi leadership that should promote and manage any national reconciliation process to guarantee its long- term sustainability. However, it is also clear that, with the wider international community now able to play a more active role in Iraq, their understanding and contributions will be critical in helping with the efforts to bring peace to Iraq. I have on previous occasions from this rostrum expressed Samoa’s unwavering support for the peacekeeping work of the United Nations. I again reaffirm that support, which is underpinned by my country’s contribution and involvement in the United Nations peacekeeping missions in Timor-Leste, Liberia and the Sudan. Additionally, Samoa continues to be an integral part of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands under the umbrella of the Pacific Forum.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Samoa therefore welcomes the recent attempt to resume the Middle East peace process and the new hope it rekindles that perhaps a durable solution may finally be achieved, where Palestinians live in a permanent and an independent State of their own alongside a secure and safe Israeli State. The Sudan’s agreement to the African Union- United Nations Hybrid Operation is a courageous first step towards solving the humanitarian situation in Darfur and deserves full support. Hopefully, it will signal the end to the long and horrific suffering of innocent people caught in the midst of that tragic conflict. Iraq’s early gains through its democratically elected Government are being eroded daily by disruptive elements bent on derailing the process to return the country to normalcy.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“As is well known, we argued strongly at the Economic and Social Council debate and at the General Assembly the case of the continued vulnerability of our small, isolated island economy, with all its attendant disadvantages, its lack of natural resources and its vulnerability to devastating natural disasters. None of those conditions and risks will disappear after Samoa graduates from the group of least developed countries. We therefore ask our development partners for their continued understanding and support of Samoa’s development efforts in the future. People trapped in the different troubled spots of the world will not be able to experience true peace unless they are consulted and have a voice in any negotiated solution conducted in a spirit of genuine goodwill to find outcomes that create conditions for harmonious coexistence.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Similarly, in other key sectors such as education and health, Samoa’s other development partners have accepted our requests and agreed to work with us in our efforts to improve those vital areas. The decision by the Economic and Social Council early this year to graduate Samoa from the status of least developed country is a clear reflection of the immense value to Samoa of the contribution of its development partners including Australia, China, the European Union, Japan, New Zealand and a host of multilateral institutions, such as the United Nations, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the Commonwealth, to name some.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The fact that Samoa was able to successfully stage that largest of the Pacific regional events notwithstanding the paucity of its resources demonstrated the importance to small island developing States of working successfully with their development partners. In the particular case of the South Pacific Games, Samoa needed to demonstrate the importance of sports to the socio-economic development of our young people, both at the national and at the wider Pacific regional levels, in making submissions for assistance to its development partners. The People’s Republic of China was able to respond positively to the call to provide critical infrastructure to meet the requirements of the Games.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Moreover, we encourage the efforts under way to streamline the work of the different United Nations agencies to eliminate wastage of resources and unnecessary duplication of time and effort. In the Pacific region, the long-promised United Nations presence in island States where the Organization is not represented has yet to materialize. That is unfortunate, given the time that has passed and the importance island leaders attach to the enhanced visibility of the United Nations to assist in forging partnerships and building capacity to help sustain the development efforts of island nations. Samoa recently hosted the largest-ever South Pacific Games in the event’s 43-year history.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“With unity of purpose and mind among the membership of the United Nations, we would have every reason to be optimistic about finding solutions to the problems that beset our world. That is why Samoa supports the efforts to strengthen and reform the United Nations and its constituent parts to make them cost-effective and efficient when responding to the needs of stakeholders. Central to the reorganization is a revitalized General Assembly as the primary policy- and decision-making organ of the United Nations. It should also include a functioning Security Council, whose membership should be increased in both categories to mirror present day realities, including those with the capacity and the disposition to contribute to the Council’s work and its legitimacy.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“That is much to ask for in a world of unequal resource endowments, size, status and strength where national interests take precedence over the global good and where policies are selected, not because they are the right and correct thing to do, but because of their acceptability to the voting constituents, how much they cost and who pays the bill at the end of the day. But times are changing. The world is one global family, and no country exists in isolation. Interdependence is the norm, and none is immune from the reaches of the global problems challenging our very existence. As history has shown, no one country, however powerful and willing, can remain aloof and be able to solve all those problems on its own. The United Nations therefore remains the best means to achieve multilateral cooperation in so many important areas.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Solutions to liberate our world from the tyranny and futility of war, the social and economic inequalities that we are trapped in and the uncontrolled and wild spread of epidemic diseases have all been mapped out. They have been discussed, debated, negotiated and, in most cases, agreed to over the life of the Organization. As with climate change, global long-term challenges that continue to remain unsolved should be approached collectively and positively within the framework of the United Nations. An integrated approach is desirable, given the interconnectedness and the mutually reinforcing nature of the issues. That calls for visionary and far-sighted leaders, statesmen and stateswomen who are not deterred from making the right decisions.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In the all-important pillars of the United Nations concerning economic development, human rights, peace and security nations in leadership roles must as a matter of principle protect the interests of the weak and vulnerable. They should accord priority and give their full attention to finding solutions to issues of global concern. In the same way that nations in leadership roles are called to account in doing the right thing for our world, so must all the Member States of the United Nations uphold their part of the bargain in the work that needs to be done. Without that cooperation from all Member States, reaching the objectives we all know should be achieved will continue to elude us.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Samoa calls upon those Member States of the Organization in a position of world leadership to lead the charge in finding and implementing solutions to the causes of climate change. As present custodians of our world’s environment, we owe it to our children and to future generations to do what needs to be done quickly and decisively, before we run out of time. It is therefore imperative to complete a post-2012 climate change agreement that is effective, binding, capable of being swiftly implemented and universally owned and respected by the 192 Member States of the United Nations. In the global work that needs to be done to address climate change, and indeed in any of the other weighty challenges facing our world, we of course look to nations in positions of leadership to lead by good example.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Climate change is a societal problem that requires a decisive response from the world community. It is a global challenge that should unite us. In division there is little we can do. But as a truly united world community there is a great deal that could be achieved to at least arrest, and even reverse, the threat of climate change. A timely example of what can be achieved when the political commitment to cooperate is present is the Pacific Alliance for Sustainability, an innovative approach by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for expedited access to GEF resources by Pacific island countries to meet some of the adaptation and mitigation needs associated with climate change. The United Nations remains our last best hope to provide the political will and the necessary commitment to turn the tide against climate change.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Even those countries that have been in denial to date must surely now accept the weight of scientific evidence and concede that climate change, facilitated largely through human-induced activities, poses one of the gravest threats to humankind and to the continuation of life in our world as we know it today. Obviously, we have failed badly as custodians of the planet and its future. But apportioning blame for the present state of our environment is itself yet another human failing. It serves no useful purpose. Being judgmental will not restore our environment. Those who exploit the traditional divide between developed and developing countries, and ideological and political differences, do so conveniently to mask their unwillingness to be part of the solution to an impending catastrophe.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“From all accounts, the High-level Event was a considerable success; but success is measured not in the number of statements delivered, nor in the level of participation, but in the political will to translate undertakings into concrete results on the ground to usher in an effective and comprehensive post-Kyoto agreement. The time for rhetoric is over. We need to convert our good words into deeds. Climate change, like many other global challenges, crosses borders uninvited. It has no respect for national sovereignty and does not discriminate between countries whether rich or poor, large or small, resilient or vulnerable. Its dire consequences are real and everywhere for all to see, including those who would prefer to remain unconvinced. Climate change cannot be wished away.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Samoa would like to congratulate the President on his election as President of the General Assembly. We fully support the agenda that will guide our work during his tenure. In the same spirit, Samoa would like to extend its best wishes to the new Secretary-General as he leads our Organization through new and uncharted waters during these difficult times. The High-level Event on Climate Change held earlier this week underscored two fundamental truths, namely, that climate change is solvable with the solution firmly in our hands and that the United Nations continues to be an indispensable institution in our search for answers to the global challenges confronting humankind.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We therefore call on the United Nations system and the international community to provide the necessary support to implement and monitor the Mauritius Strategy. As has often been repeated from this rostrum, trade is the surest path to greater wealth and a vital component of sustainable development for SIDS. We therefore support the successful conclusion of the Doha Round, which took the vulnerabilities of small States fully into account in the negotiations, particularly with regard to special and preferential treatment for small economies. Let me conclude by reaffirming Samoa’s commitment to multilateralism and to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“The Pacific Plan will also improve Pacific countries’ capacities to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. The Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States, adopted in January 2005, sets out long-term action plans for the sustainable development of small island developing States (SIDS). While we accept that the primary responsibility for the implementation of the Mauritius Strategy lies with us, there is still a critical need for the sustained and long-term commitment of our partners to focus on the special 8 case of SIDS and to take their specific vulnerabilities, and the challenges generated thereby, into account.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“As the current Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, I wish to report that since the General Assembly session last year new and positive developments have taken place in the Pacific region. The programme of Pacific Regional Assistance to Nauru, a regional response to assist Nauru rebuild its economy, is in progress. With assistance from the United Nations, an autonomous government is now being established in Bougainville. I am also pleased to announce that the Pacific Plan — a road map to further strengthen regional cooperation and integration to achieve our region’s priority goals of economic growth, sustainable development, good governance and security — is nearing completion and is expected to be considered and approved by Pacific Forum leaders at their next summit, in Papua New Guinea, in October of this year.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Clearly, adherence to the requirements of the NPT, the CTBT and other conventions on disarmament is vital. Samoa therefore joins the call for all United Nations Members to sign on to those treaties and for States parties to honour their obligations to them. Small arms and light weapons have been used time and again in violent conflict, contributing to the destabilization and devastation of communities in many countries, including in the Pacific. The proliferation of small weapons is a major problem. We therefore fully support the holding of a review conference on small arms next year, in particular with a view to concluding a treaty to control the trade in small arms and stop them from reaching areas of violent conflict.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Samoa remains extremely concerned about the proliferation of nuclear weapons and their threat, not just to international peace and security, but to the very existence of life on our planet. We regret deeply that the Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, held in May 2005, was unable to agree on steps to strengthen the non-proliferation regime. The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) are the main instruments for controlling the spread of nuclear weapons. The South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty highlights the seriousness with which the issue of the threat of nuclear weapons is viewed in our region and we call on States who have not done so to ratify the Treaty’s Protocols.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“RAMSI conforms to its regional responsibilities under Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter and recognizes the sovereignty of the Solomon Islands. Samoa is pleased to note that the membership of the International Criminal Court will soon number 100. Samoa adds its voice to the appeal for the early ratification of and accession to the Rome Statute establishing the Court by those States that have not yet done so. The Court brings to justice those who commit genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes and is therefore an important institution in upholding international humanitarian standards and the protection of human rights. For those reasons, it would be a mistake to undermine the effectiveness of the Court in any way. Instead, the Court should be given the necessary support to give it universality.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Heinous and murderous acts of terrorism serve only the purposes of those who want to destabilize society and usher in a dark age for our world. Samoa therefore condemns terrorism in all its forms in the strongest terms and will continue to support the international campaign to overcome that scourge to human dignity and security. The peacekeeping and security advocacy work of the United Nations around the world has our full support. Samoa presently has police contingents serving with peacekeeping missions in Timor-Leste and in Liberia. Within our Pacific region, Samoa also contributes police support to the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) under the auspices of the Pacific Islands Forum.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“This is the sixtieth anniversary of the United Nations; the time is surely ripe now to implement the reforms needed to revitalize our Organization and enable it to effectively realize the principles and goals identified in the declaration. The courageous efforts of the Israeli and Palestinian authorities to find a sustainable peace solution deserve our applause and prayers for continuing success. While there have been positive developments in the Middle East, the violence and acts 7 of terrorism in Iraq and in other parts of the region remain causes for grave concern. Terrorism, perpetrated by those with no respect for human decency and life, continues to plague our world. No cause or grievances can justify acts that kill and maim innocent people.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“It is our belief that reform measures must provide for a transparent, democratic and expanded Security Council, in both the permanent and non-permanent membership categories, and for an effective and strengthened Organization that reflects the realities of the twenty-first century. Substantive changes are therefore required with regard to both the General Assembly and the Security Council, as well as to other bodies of the United Nations system. We congratulate President Ping, in particular for his stewardship and leadership throughout the negotiations for and the adoption of the summit declaration last week.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“It is therefore imperative that concerted global efforts be strengthened, in terms of political commitment and resource mobilization, if the outcome of the summit envisaged in the summit outcome document is to be achieved. Samoa is progressing well towards achieving the MDGs by the target period of 2015. Challenges remain, however, and they are being addressed through legislative and policy initiatives and the creation of innovative partnerships with the donor community and civil society. Samoa reiterates its support for the ongoing efforts to modernize and strengthen the United Nations. We thank the previous President of the Assembly, as well as the Secretary-General, for their laudable work and tireless efforts in advancing the reform and revitalization of the Organization.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Samoa warmly congratulates you, Sir, on your election to the presidency of the General Assembly at this historic moment — a very challenging time. Samoa pledges to you and to Sweden its full support and cooperation throughout the sixtieth session of the General Assembly. I also want to pay tribute to your predecessor, Mr. Jean Ping of the Gabonese Republic, for his outstanding service and effective guidance during the fifty-ninth session. Just a few days ago in this very Hall, we met to take stock of progress and map the way forward in the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The MDGs are not merely a set of targets, but encompass a process which addresses the varied challenges to human development. While some progress has been made over the past five years, much more remains to be done.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“It is a success story in every sense: in the determination of its people and in the response of the international community. Samoa is pleased to have been able to contribute to the United Nations peacekeeping effort in that country; we plan to continue doing so. Last month, we welcomed East Timor as an observer to the Pacific Islands Forum. We look forward to its joining the United Nations soon.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Climate change poses immediate and the most serious of threats for our communities. Largely by the acts of others, it puts at risk countries like my own that are least responsible for the causes and least able to adapt. In Johannesburg, we were greatly heartened by the declarations from many countries the Russian Federation, China, India and Canada among them of their plans to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. This serious problem deserves no less than this type of global solidarity and leadership. As I close, let me welcome Switzerland upon its having taken up full membership of the United Nations. Switzerland's role and its contribution to the Organization are known to all and are well appreciated. Let me also voice our satisfaction with the situation in East Timor.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Speaking in Samoa's capacity as Chairman of the Alliance of Small Island States, let me note our particular satisfaction with the provisions in the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation dedicated to the sustainable development of small island States. We greatly appreciate the role played by all countries in finding agreement on those provisions. We look forward to their continuing support as we move to prepare for the agreed international meeting in 2004 to review the Barbados Programme of Action. Overcoming the well-recognized vulnerability of small island States, and the exposure of island countries to the effects of global climate change, natural disasters, environmental damage and global economic shocks is fundamental to long-term sustainability in all small island regions.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Rightly, the focus is on halving extreme poverty by 2015. The condition of utter misery that condemns so many of our fellow humans worldwide is simply unacceptable. The outstanding leadership of South Africa ensured the success of the Johannesburg Summit. We extend to President Mbeki, to his ministers and to his other colleagues our warm thanks and congratulations. In this context, let me also congratulate the leadership of Africa on the establishment of the African Union and the creation of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). We have joined hands with Africa on other issues, including our endeavours in the context of cooperation between the Group of African, Caribbean and Pacific States and the European Union, and I give assurance of our close interest and support.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“We applaud the entry into force of the Rome Statute that established the International Criminal Court. Samoa has now ratified the Statute. The Court will bring to justice those who commit genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. It is, therefore, a major achievement and a significant step in the protection of human rights and in upholding international humanitarian standards. To that end, the Court deserves all support to allow it the strength of universality and the rule of law. We need to ensure that it is not undermined in any way. This has been an especially notable year in the international efforts to realize the Millennium Development Goals. In March, we achieved the Monterrey Consensus. Earlier this month, we agreed in Johannesburg on a Plan to implement sustainable development in every land.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 1397 (2001) provide the basis for a settlement. Those resolutions should be implemented. My delegation strongly supports the Secretary- General in the ongoing reform of the United Nations. We have all seen good and positive results. Reform to make the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council more effective must continue. Reform of the Security Council calls for particular attention. The issues are sensitive and complex. That is clear. Yet, it is also clear that the Security Council needs to reflect the geopolitical realities of our time. It needs to be properly representative of the international community of today and to be able to function effectively and be secure in its authority.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“We live in a part of the world where nuclear weapons have been tested and used. Our fear of the consequences is real. That is why we have the Rarotonga Treaty, which declared the South Pacific a nuclear-weapon-free-zone. We call on States that have not yet done so to complete the ratification process of the protocols to the Treaty. And that is why we continue to object to the transportation of nuclear and other radioactive material through the waters of our region. 8 We are appalled at the suffering of families and communities in the Middle East, and we pray for permanent peace for all. The current situation is a threat of utmost gravity to international peace and security. It calls for efforts of highest priority and urgency to bring an end to the conflict.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“We welcome the broad acknowledgement in the statements we have heard in this debate that actions that need to be taken will be taken within the framework of the United Nations and under the authority of the Security Council. The news this morning of the likely return of weapons inspectors is a positive development, and we hope it is one of complete seriousness. Our concern about Iraq reflects in part our very serious concern about the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. Those weapons pose an immediate and major threat to international peace and security. The international agreements and systems to control the development and spread of weapons of mass destruction, and to eliminate them, must be strengthened and implemented.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“It is that spirit that provides global leadership. It is the spirit that unites us all in the struggle against terrorism. Let me reaffirm our strong support for Security Council resolution 1373 (2001) and for the Council's action to implement it. For its part, Samoa has put in place appropriate policies and domestic legislation, and we will review our arrangements as necessary, in keeping with the work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee. Iraq continues to violate Security Council resolutions. It has done so for a considerable time far too long. We commend Secretary-General Kofi Annan for his repeated efforts to encourage compliance. We think there must be full compliance with obligations pursuant to Security Council resolutions: compliance without preconditions, without delay.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Global forces operate to degrade the environment and spread misery through poverty and disease and through the illicit trade in arms, drugs and people. The entire world community is now seriously challenged by the terrible scourges of HIV/AIDS and terrorism. Only through cooperation and multilateral action can we hope to respond, to take countermeasures, to find solutions and to give protection to all. The monstrous terrorist attacks on the United States on 11 September 2001 were an assault on values that are fundamental to humanity and to the United Nations. On behalf of my country, I want to renew to the people of the United States our feelings of solidarity and total support. The spirit of the United States was never in doubt. Tested, it has become more resolute in its purpose and courage.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“I congratulate you, Sir, on your election as President of the General Assembly. Our annual gatherings in this great Hall serve well to reaffirm our commitment to the purposes of the United Nations: the commitment to uphold the principles of the Charter, to assert fundamental human rights and freedoms as we seek to improve social and economic conditions, and to act together in sovereignty in the maintenance of international peace and security. The lessons of history require that nations be united in common effort. There is no other way; not today, in this interdependent, ever globalizing world. Certainly, from the perspective of the very small there is no other way. Indeed, we cannot see how any one country, no matter what its size and power, can completely fend for itself. War and conflict divide nations. They rage in too many places.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“I also wish to express to all Member States, to the United Nations agencies and intergovernmental and non- governmental organizations, our very deep appreciation for their participation in the twenty-second special session in the past two days. The AOSIS countries are especially grateful for the expressions of commitment, understanding and support. What we have heard provides additional motivation for us to make the Barbados Programme of Action one of real and sustained implementation. There are critical challenges that require attention. We are determined to turn those challenges into opportunities. With your support, we believe there is every prospect for achievement.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We are firmly committed to the early establishment of the Court, and we will continue to play a role in the work of the Preparatory Commission. We believe very firmly that the Court will provide an essential step in the name of human rights and the rule of law. To this end we should ensure prompt and widespread ratification of the Court’s Statute. Speaking now in Samoa's role as Chairman of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and on behalf of the forty-three members of our Alliance, allow me, Mr President, to thank you most sincerely for the time and effort you have devoted to the special session to ensure its success.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)