YouSaid · the spoken record

Levy Patrick Mwanawasa

lines on the record: 50
first: 2002-09-24
most recent: 2007-09-24
sittings or episodes: 4
sources: un-general-debate

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

“Berdymukhammedov (Turkmenistan), Vice- President, took the Chair In conclusion, I wish to reaffirm, with regard to the theme of this session, Zambia’s commitment to cooperate with the international community in addressing the problem of climate change. It is my sincere hope that all of us will play our full part, according to our abilities to deal with this serious global challenge. To that end, we should not remain indecisive and indifferent to this serious issue. Neither should we miss the opportunity to do what we can to make the world a better place to live in.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“This has adversely affected the countries’ potential to participate in the global economic arena. In the quest for peace in our subregion, SADC has launched a stand-by brigade, which will have the capacity for peace support operations. It is our hope that the international community will render necessary support to the brigade to enable it to fulfil its mandate. Better still, SADC and Zambia value the tenets of democracy, political stability and integrated economic development as the ultimate sound basis for peace and stability. SADC will, therefore, continue to promote the conducting of free and fair elections in the region. Mr.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Zambia, for its part, supports the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism. Through regional bodies, such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), developing countries enhance their ability to cooperate and also jointly negotiate for better access to developed countries’ markets. Consequently, during Zambia’s current chairmanship of SADC, we shall continue to consolidate the formation of the SADC free trade area by 2008 as a prerequisite to the Regional Customs Union. In addition, Zambia will, on behalf of SADC, seek funding to develop an adequate regional transboundary infrastructure in support of much-needed connectivity in areas such as water, transport, energy, communications and information technology. Many regions, including Africa, have been dogged by conflict.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Furthermore, while Zambia welcomes the discussions and progress made on aid effectiveness following the Paris Declaration, we call for official development assistance to be delivered in a more efficient manner, in accordance with the Declaration. Aid cannot be effective unless corruption is uprooted. My Government has, therefore, declared war against that social vice. Accordingly, I take this opportunity to urge the international community to desist from providing safe havens for leaders who plunder national resources. Such ill-gotten wealth should be returned to the countries from where it was misappropriated so that it can be used to fight poverty. Zambia condemns international terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. For this reason, we call upon members of the international community to refrain from harbouring terrorists.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Our goal now is to translate the economic achievements into tangible improvements in the quality of life of the Zambian people. That goal is enshrined in Zambia’s Vision 2030, which is aimed at raising the country to middle-income status, significantly reducing hunger and poverty and fostering a competitive and outward-oriented economy. But that goal will remain elusive if our cooperating partners do not fulfil their commitments. Indeed, it is saddening to note that total official development assistance declined in real terms by 5.1 per cent between 2005 and 2006, and only five donor countries have met or exceeded the 0.7 per cent target. I urge the cooperating partners to fulfil their commitments.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Zambia’s development efforts are further compromised by the HIV/AIDS pandemic and, now, the adverse effects of climate change. With regard to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, my Government has declared it to be a national crisis, requiring sustained mitigation and preventive measures. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our cooperating partners for their support to Zambia in the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. Despite these challenges, Zambia, for its part, has made steady progress and is likely to meet most of the MDGs by 2015. The Goals most likely not to be attained by 2015 are: reducing by three quarters the maternal mortality ratio, integrating the principles of sustainable development into the country’s policies and programmes and reversing the loss of environmental resources.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In 2000, the developing world embraced the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as a comprehensive strategy to move our countries out of economic and social decline and better integrate us into the global economy. Halfway through the implementation period, many countries are far from attaining most of the Goals. That is so in spite of the improved economic performance recorded by some developing countries following recent debt relief initiatives, coupled with sustained prudent economic management. To illustrate the point, in Zambia the economy grew by 6.2 per cent last year, and inflation declined to a single digit level for the first time in 30 years. Those economic gains, however, have not translated into a significant decline in the incidence of poverty, which stands at 68 per cent.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We call upon industrialized countries, which have a history of producing these emissions, to take serious steps to reduce them. We believe that the situation is now serious and that narrow national interests in this matter must be discarded forthwith. As a developing country, Zambia needs assistance to enhance its capacity in key adaptive areas, such as scientific research, early warning and rapid response, to address the adverse effects of climate change. Accordingly, Zambia calls for the speedy development and transfer of appropriate technologies to help us cope with the negative impacts of climate change, as well as to put us on a low-carbon path to economic growth. We also call for a more comprehensive institutional framework for international environmental governance.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We have also taken deliberate steps to create public awareness about the problem of climate change so that our people can devise appropriate local interventions. Regarding measures aimed at adapting to climate change, Zambia has just finished formulating its National Adaptation Programme of Action. The programme will help us identify the most vulnerable sectors of our economy, as well as adaptation activities required to alleviate the adverse effects of climate change. For this reason, we call upon the international community to ensure that the Adaptation Fund under the Climate Change Convention, which has taken rather long to establish, is made operational. While placing emphasis on adaptation, we also pledge to reduce emissions from industrial and other sources.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“I commend the Secretary-General for organizing the 24 September 2007 high-level event on this matter. Indeed, the effects of climate change are being felt mostly by the developing countries. For instance, Southern Africa is experiencing critical food shortages due to torrential rains in some areas and severe drought in other parts of the region. The problem of climate change is a global issue requiring global action within the multilateral context of the United Nations. As a signatory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol, Zambia has already taken several measures to implement those international instruments. In that regard, we submitted our first national communication report in 2004.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“United Nations reform cannot be complete without meaningful reform of the Security Council. Any new proposals to reform that vital organ should seriously consider Africa’s call to have two permanent seats with full veto power. Africa is aware that the veto is an undemocratic instrument and would prefer to do away with it altogether. However, as long as others insist on keeping the veto, Africa should have it as well. The status quo is unacceptable. It is my hope that during Mr. Kerim’s tenure of office, this aspect of the reform process will be concluded successfully. The issue of climate change is very important to the current and future inhabitants of our planet. It is therefore fitting that one theme of this session is responding to climate change.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“That will enable it to perform as one and to use its unique universality, neutrality and capacity to operate efficiently. Furthermore, Zambia supports the ongoing reforms of the United Nations. In particular, we welcome the mandate given to the Economic and Social Council to make it more effective in executing its duties, which include formulating policy recommendations on international and social issues, as well as coordinating activities of specialized agencies in the economic, social and related fields. In that regard, collaboration of the United Nations with the international financial institutions and the World Trade Organization should be further enhanced; we welcome the work going on in this area. This brings me to another issue: reform of the Security Council. This matter has remained unresolved for more than a decade.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“These include abject poverty for the majority of the world’s inhabitants, underdevelopment, conflict, human trafficking, climate change, terrorism, violations of human rights, the HIV/AIDS pandemic and gender inequality. While some of these challenges have only recently emerged, others have been with us from time immemorial. These challenges cannot be entirely resolved within national boundaries or at the regional level. They can be resolved only at the multilateral level, with all the players carrying out their roles diligently. For that reason, Zambia supports a strong and coherent United Nations. We agree with the recommendation of the High-level Panel on United Nations System-wide Coherence that the United Nations urgently needs more coherence and synergy.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Among her accomplishments was the carrying forward of the United Nations reforms called for at the 2005 World Summit. It was gratifying to have a lady preside over the highest office of the General Assembly after almost three decades of male dominance. I hope that this organ will not again take that long to have an excellent woman as President. Let me now congratulate Mr. Ban Ki-moon of the Republic of Korea on his election as the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations. I am confident that he will build upon the strong foundation that was laid by his predecessor, Kofi Annan of Ghana, to whom I wish to pay tribute for the manner in which he steered the Organization during his tenure in office. He made Africa proud, and I wish him success in his current and future endeavours. Our world today presents many challenges.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Allow me at the outset to convey my warm congratulations to Mr. Srgjan Kerim on his election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its sixty-second session. My delegation is confident that with his immense wealth of experience, he will steer the session very successfully. Zambia assures him of its total support during his tenure of office. Let me, at this point, pay tribute to Mr. Kurt Waldheim, the fourth Secretary-General of the United Nations, and later President of Austria, who died on 14 June 2007. To us, he was a great diplomat who made Africa one of his priorities, especially at the height of the liberation struggle in Southern Africa. May I take this opportunity to thank Her Excellency Sheikha Rashed Al Khalifa of Bahrain for having presided over the affairs of the sixty-first session in an exemplary manner.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“It is in that context that we need to revitalize it in order for it to fulfil the ideals for which it was established.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“I wish to explain that the Zambia Task Force on Corruption is an instrument for development that my Government hopes will enhance the capacity to utilize public resources for purposes that benefit the nation as a whole. More important, the attainment of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative completion point by my country can, in large measure, be attributed to the success of the campaign against corruption, which prompted the Government to introduce stringent financial controls and transparent and accountable public expenditure measures. The United Nations should consider increasing its resources in the fight against corruption. As we mark the sixtieth anniversary of this, our great institution, we cannot but conclude that its importance and continued relevance to mankind is beyond question.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“We are determined to work with the rest of the international community to implement the counter-terrorism strategy. Zambia is committed to promoting and respecting human rights, the rule of law and democracy. In Zambia we believe that democracy is a universal value. We believe therefore it is under conditions of democracy that all human rights are protected. Allow me to conclude my statement by referring to the efforts my Government is making to fight corruption. The nation as a whole has realized that the state of our economy could have been much better if all the resources available had been utilized properly. In this regard, one cannot overemphasize the fact that corruption erodes the incomes of households and businesses, thus defeating efforts to reduce poverty.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Zambia, as one of the core States of the Great Lakes region, would like to associate itself with the remarkable progress that continues to be made in the areas of peace and security in the subregion since the 17 November 2003 report of the Secretary-General to the Security Council on preparations for an international conference on the Great Lakes region (S/2003/1099). We are encouraged by some positive developments brought about so far through the process of regional ownership and international partnership and the combined efforts of the United Nations, the African Union, the Group of Friends and the subregional Governments concerned. My Government will continue to play its part in the fight against international terrorism. Zambia rejects terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“In this regard, Zambia urges all stakeholders to bring to a speedy conclusion the Doha round of trade negotiations, which will act as a catalyst towards achieving sustainable development. The external debt problem is still a major hindrance to development. The current unfavourable terms in agriculture and commodity trading make the problem even more unbearable. My delegation commends the United Nations for supporting the efforts of the African Union’s peace initiatives on the continent. The Pan-African 10 05-51226 Parliament and the Peace and Security Council are part of the infrastructure in support of peace and security. In this regard, I wish to pledge Zambia’s continued support of the process.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“While the document does not contain everything we would have wanted to include, it nevertheless represents an important basis for continued dialogue during this session. Since 2001 Africa has been implementing the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), whose main objective is to enhance the capacity of African countries to reduce the high incidence of poverty on the continent and to strengthen efforts to achieve sustainable economic development. While we acknowledge the support that the international community has so far rendered to the realization of NEPAD’s objectives, it is also true that this support that has proved to be insufficient. It is the view of my Government that while official development assistance (ODA) may help in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, trade would help to sustain those gains.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“I am only stressing that Africa is entitled to, and deserves the right of, permanent representation in the Security Council, with the right of veto, not only as a matter of correcting an historical injustice against Africa but also to uphold the democratic principles of regional equality. Two days ago we adopted the outcome document of the High-level Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly on the review of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The High-level Plenary Meeting provided a rare opportunity for us to share experiences in the implementation of the development agenda, in particular, and highlighted the need for enhanced international cooperation and coordination if we are to achieve much-sought-after economic development.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“We are, however, aware that some permanent members of the Security Council are reluctant to give up the veto power at the moment. It is in this regard that Africa, like other regions, deserves the right of veto, as the absence of that right will only serve to perpetuate the marginalization of the continent. The position I have outlined does not in any way mean that Africa is against the expansion of the Security Council to include other important countries that contribute to international peace and security. Let me reaffirm in this regard that Zambia supports the four candidate States of Brazil, Germany, India and Japan for permanent membership of the Security Council with full privileges, including that of veto power.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Those of us from Africa see the report of the Secretary- General (A/59/2005) as an opportunity to realize the goals set out in the Organization of African Unity’s 1997 Harare Declaration, which called for the reform of the United Nations Security Council. My delegation supports the demand of the African Union for two permanent seats on the Security Council, with all the privileges attached to such seats, including the right of veto. Our position is not meant to frustrate the reform process. The African region considers the reform of the Organization as an opportunity to correct historical injustices that stand as a dark cloud over our people. We would actually prefer that the right of veto be removed from the United Nations, as it is undemocratic.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“My delegation’s appreciation also goes to the Secretary-General, His Excellency, Mr. Kofi Annan, for his outstanding leadership and dedication to the well-being of the Organization. Five years ago we committed ourselves to eight identifiable Development Goals. Today we have recommitted ourselves to uphold the principles and meet the Goals set out in the historic Millennium Declaration. We hope that the commitments we have undertaken will not remain mere empty words but that, this time around, the international community will make a concerted effort to implement them. In this regard we are inspired by the report of the High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change (A/59/565).”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“I am pleased to join those who have spoken before me in congratulating you, Sir, on your election to the presidency of the sixtieth session of the General Assembly. For us in Zambia your election is especially significant given the historic bond of friendship 05-51226 9 that exists between our countries. It was in our country that your illustrious compatriot, then Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld, lost his life in 1961 while on a mission for peace in the Congo. I pay tribute to your predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Jean Ping, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Gabon, who presided over the fifty-ninth session, for his selfless commitment and devotion to the search for consensus on the outcome document which the Assembly adopted two days ago (resolution 60/1).”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“I am pleased to report that on 15 June 2004, Zambia and Angola witnessed the repatriation of some 363 Angolan refugees in north-western Zambia, under the auspices of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugeesí voluntary repatriation programme. This was a good start to the programme, but more international support is needed. In conclusion, I want to reiterate the imperative of finding multilateral solutions to the problems that confront us. In our interdependent world, all of the problems and challenges that we face can only be addressed through the concerted multilateral efforts of the international community.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“It is my honour to invite your Excellencies, and through you all, all your citizens to come to Zambia and participate in these events. Zambia also welcomes peace initiatives at regional, continental and global levels aimed at ending conflicts and wars in various parts of the world. It is for this reason that Zambia has continued its active participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions. With peace prevailing in Angola, that country is now faced with the challenge of post-conflict reconstruction. Zambia calls on the international community to double its assistance to Angola to help tackle the humanitarian situations such as the removal of landmines and the settlement and reintegration of former combatants and refugees.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Then, in February 2005, Zambia will be hosting the Third African Conference on Peace Through Tourism, the high point of which will be a ceremony honouring the hundredth anniversary of the birth of former United Nations Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjild, who died tragically in a plane crash in Ndola, Zambia. Also next year, my country will celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the founding of the town of Livingstone, the tourist capital of Zambia and home of Victoria Falls, also popularly known as the adventure centre of Africa. In addition, next year we will commemorate the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of Dr. David Livingstoneís first glimpse of Victoria Falls, the worldís largest curtain of falling water, which we call Mosi-O-Tunya, or the smoke that thunders.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“In addition, I am proud to say that my administration is based on the rule of law. For example, we have embarked on an ambitious review of our constitution in order to provide ourselves with a document that will stand the test of time. We call on our cooperating partners and well-wishers to support us in this important endeavour. This year and next - 2004 and 2005 - are important years in the lives of our people. I call your attention to four important events that are taking place in our country during this period. First, on 24 October 2004, we shall celebrate the fortieth anniversary of our national independence.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“21 Let me briefly change direction and say a few words about certain positive developments in my country, a place where freedom truly is on the march. As you know the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2001-2010 was adopted in Brussels in 2001. Since then, Zambia has committed herself to serious economic reform, including privatization, trade liberalization, the adoption of poverty reduction strategies and the creation of an environment conducive to both local and foreign investment. While we are doing our part, we expect corresponding action from the international community, as agreed upon in the Programme of Action. Without assistance, all of our efforts will be rendered futile. Our aim is to graduate one day soon from an LDC to a developing country.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Admittedly, the HIPC Initiative does help reduce the effects of indebtedness. However, it has some inherent problems which inhibit the full realization of its benefits. The international community must, therefore, continue exploring innovative approaches toward debt elimination. In that connection, we applaud the efforts of President Lula of Brazil in his search for the appropriate financing paradigm for the eradication of poverty and hunger. As we endeavour to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, we are very concerned with the plight of the LDCs, which constitute 70 per cent of the worldís population. These countries are likely to miss the target we set of reducing by half the number of people living in extreme poverty and hunger by 2015.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“We are pleased that the Group of Eight countries continue to support the New Partnership for Africaís Development (NEPAD), the primary objective of which is eradicating the increasing poverty on our continent and putting African countries on the path of sustainable economic growth. We recognize that the new initiative is by Africans and for Africans, but we cannot ignore the vital importance of assistance from the international community through increased official development assistance. External debt has continued to consume a large proportion of the national incomes of developing countries, especially the least developed countries (LDCs). The Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Debt Initiative was established to assist highly indebted poor countries to reduce external debt to sustainable levels.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Zambia expresses its profound dismay at the continued unrest in the Middle East and the impasse in the Palestinian-Israeli peace process. We call on the parties to that longstanding conflict to allow for full implementation of the Quartetís road map. Zambia reiterates that the road map offers a viable solution to the Middle East question. We endorse and support the initiatives for a peaceful settlement of the Middle East crisis. In the same vein, Zambia welcomes the adoption of Security Council Resolution 1546 (2004) on Iraq. We fully realize that economic, social and political development is the primary responsibility of each individual country.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Zambia reaffirms its support for the United Nations initiatives in the fight against global terrorism and the proliferation of small arms and any form of weapon of mass destruction. We call upon the international community to take all necessary steps within the purview of the United Nations to combat the scourge of terrorism in all its manifestations. That scourge needs to be fought relentlessly, with total commitment and vigour. Zambia also pledges to continue supporting the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the Security Council. My delegation would like the United Nations and the world community at large to assist Member States in building their capacity to fight international terrorism. And we want to express our heartfelt sympathy for the innocent victims of terrorism in Russia, here in New York and elsewhere.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Regarding the reform of the Security Council, Zambia remains concerned about the lack of progress. I therefore appeal to this Assembly to support the efforts of the Security Council to enhance its decision-making and liaison methods during this session. As I stated at the outset, Zambia believes in multilateralism, which continues to be an indispensable instrument for achieving global consensus on important, life-saving issues. As a global community, we face challenges that are transnational and interconnected in nature. It is essential that we take advantage of the immense problem-solving potential of multilateralism. Unilateralism should have no place in this global era.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“My delegation supports the ongoing reforms of the United Nations. Zambia shares the concerns of other countries that this important process has not yet been completed. Zambia believes that the reforms should address the concerns of developing countries. In that regard, we look forward to the progress reports on the reforms. Zambia appreciates the recent initiatives of the President of the General Assembly at its fifty- eighth session on the revitalization, reform and enhancement of the working methods of the General Assembly. My delegation stands ready to continue actively participating in the reform process during this session. We commend the President and his predecessor for the revitalization of the General Assembly as the highest deliberative and decision- making organ of the United Nations.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Zambia believes that the key to addressing a host of such difficult global issues as terrorism, HIV/AIDS and the humanitarian tragedy in Darfur is to find multilateral solutions, often within the context of an effective United Nations. Indeed, that is what I would call a multilateral imperative. With that in mind, Zambia welcomes the report of the Secretary-General on the work of the Organization. It is also Zambiaís hope that this session will build on past achievements to advance the global agenda. Accordingly, Zambia supports the convening of the high-level plenary meeting next year in New York on the Millennium Development Goals, to which 20 we committed ourselves in 2000. We firmly believe that all Member States have a collective responsibility to implement the commitments set forth in the Declaration.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“I am deeply honoured to have this opportunity to address the General Assembly on behalf of the people of Zambia. I would like to begin by congratulating Mr. Ping on his assumption of the presidency of the General Assembly at its fifty-ninth session. As one of the 21 Vice-Presidents for the current session, Zambia pledges him its support and cooperation. I would also like to pay tribute to his predecessor, Mr. Julian Robert Hunte of Saint Lucia, for the efficient manner with which he presided over the proceedings of the fifty-eighth session. I wish to extend our sincere appreciation to Secretary-General Annan for his relentless dedication to the cause of international peace, security and economic development. This session of the General Assembly convenes at a time when vexing problems plague the world community.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“However, given the lack of and often conflicting international information on the possible effects of genetically modified products on humans, I therefore wish to request Members' understanding of Zambia's position on GMOs. In this regard, my Government has accepted an offer from the United States Government for Zambian scientists to visit America to study first-hand the GMO factor. Their findings will help us to map out a way forward and to make informed decisions and choices. In conclusion, I wish the General Assembly at its fifty-seventh session successful deliberations of the issues before it. I wish to appeal to all Member States to ensure the rapid implementation of decisions emanating therefrom.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“However, it has come to the Government's attention that some of the food aid products offered to Zambia constituted genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The offer of genetically modified foods has created a difficult situation for the Government. While, on the one hand, we are determined to procure food and seed for the mostly rural population that is hardest hit by the food shortage, we have expressed concern over the true impact of GMOs on our people and soil. Due to our low scientific and technological base, Government has opted for the procurement of non- GMO food products. It is not my Government's intention to sacrifice the lives of the Zambian people by taking this position.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“My delegation wishes to express its gratitude to our cooperating partners, who have been forthcoming in providing resources for this effort. Early deaths from HIV/AIDS-related illnesses are robbing the country of skilled professionals and creating large numbers of orphaned children. As members are aware, a combination of natural and other factors has caused a food shortage and crisis in the southern African subregion. In response to this impending catastrophe, on 18 July 2002 the United Nations World Food Programme launched an appeal for food aid in support of the affected areas. In response to the food shortage, a number of countries and international organizations have pledged their support. My delegation pays tribute to the United Nations and other cooperating partners in providing assistance to Zambia to mitigate the food shortfall.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“In this regard, I wish to take this opportunity to welcome the initiative of the United States Government to refine the scope of the African Growth and Opportunity Act to increase the number of products eligible to be exported to the United States. In the health sector, Africa is experiencing the catastrophic impact of a combination of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and a series of outbreaks of such diseases as malaria, tuberculosis and diarrhoea. Unfortunately, my country is one of those hard hit in this regard. Although my Government has implemented health reforms that focus on ameliorating the situation, far more resources are required to address the problem. My Government has taken a decision to acquire affordable antiretroviral drugs for distribution to people affected with AIDS.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“I wish to convey my Government's appreciation to the leaders of the Group of 8 for endorsing the NEPAD programme during their annual meeting, held in Kananaskis, Canada, on 27 June 2002. I note with appreciation that the G8 countries considered positively the request by the four-nation African representatives of Algeria, Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa, that they earmark for Africa 50 per cent of their projected foreign aid increases in the coming years. I wish to thank the 5 European Union, which has supported the NEPAD programme and remains committed to its pledge of support for the initiative. The past year has seen practical and positive developments in the response of the cooperating partners to African trade liberalization initiatives.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“My Government hopes that these positive signs will result in the voluntary repatriation of refugees to their countries. Currently, there are 270,000 refugees in designated camps and about 120,000 others who are simultaneously settled in the border areas among the local people in Zambia. My Government will continue to require the material and financial support of the international community to help in the refugee management effort. Since the thirty-seventh session of the Assembly of the former Organization of African Unity, held in Lusaka in July 2001, Africa has continued to refine its partnerships with the rest of the world to foster development. The vehicle for this effort is the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“I would like also to express my country's appreciation to the United Nations Security Council for the measures being undertaken to strengthen the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC). I am further gratified that the efforts by His Excellency Sir Ketumile Masire, former President of Botswana, to promote internal political dialogue are bearing fruit. I also wish to note, with appreciation, that the number of foreign troops still on Democratic Republic of Congo soil has been significantly reduced. Conflicts have a negative impact on the economic life of the region. To Zambia, as a host to refugees from Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other parts of the continent, the recent signs of peace are significantly important.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“It is against this background that my Government welcomes the implementation of the Lusaka Peace Protocol in Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since the death of Dr. Jonas Savimbi, the former UNITA rebel leader, in February 2002, the prospects for peace in that country and the entire subregion are encouraging. The ceasefire agreement, signed between the Angolan Government and the UNITA military, further paved way for the implementation of the Lusaka Peace Protocol of November 1994. The full implementation of the Lusaka Protocol is vital for the reintegration of Angola in the Southern African economy and the promotion of regional peace and stability. The people of Angola require the moral and material support of the international community to complete that process.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“The African Union and the international community have to work together as partners in conflict prevention and peace-building. In the past forty years, Africa has lost too much blood through conflicts. Zambia is ready and willing to play her part to create in Africa a culture of respect for the rule of law and human rights, social and economic development, and to promote peace and security. In this regard we welcome the positive signs towards peace in Angola, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and other conflict areas in Africa. The search for peace is a continuous process. I therefore appeal to the international community to continue extending assistance to bring about peace in the conflict areas around the world.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Kofi Annan, for the able manner in which he has steered the work of the United Nations. We are happy to welcome Switzerland and East Timor as new Members of the United Nations family. My delegation looks forward to working closely with the two new Member States. Three days ago, the world commemorated the 1st anniversary of the tragic events of 11 September 2001. The past year has witnessed a global resolve to fight international terrorism. My Government wishes to join the host country in remembering the tragic events of 11 September 2001. My delegation salutes the efforts of the United Nations in ensuring that there is peace in the world. I am pleased to note that there are signs of positive developments in most of the trouble spots where there have been conflicts.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Let me begin by congratulating you, Sir, on your assumption of the Presidency of the fifty-seventh session of the General Assembly. My delegation is confident that, given your vast political skills, you will execute your responsibility as President of the fifty-seventh session of the United Nations General Assembly most honourably. My delegation pledges its total support and cooperation to you in the discharge of your important responsibilities. You can depend on Zambia's support and cooperation. May I also take this opportunity to pay tribute to your predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Han Seung-soo of the Republic of Korea, for the excellent manner in 4 which he presided over the fifty-sixth session of the United Nations General Assembly. My delegation also congratulates the Secretary- General, His Excellency Mr.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)