A/43/PV.12 General Assembly
The Assembly will hear an
address by the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
Major-General Joseph S. MOmoh, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, was
escorted into the General Assembly Hall.
On behalf of the General
AsselTbly, I have the honour to welcome to the United Nations the President of the
Republic of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Major-General Joseph S. Momoh, and to
invite him to address the Assembly.
President MOMOH: There is an awesome power that pervades this Hall and
the universe. It is a power that instils courage in the weak and humility in the
strong. It is the timeless compassion and mercy of that ultimate and unseen
autliority that inspired universal existence. It is to that eternal authority that
I now ra:,se my voir.:e in silent thanksgiving and gratitude, for the glorious
opportunity to address this dignified audience for the first time of my presidency.
Let me register my personal and my country's sincere congratulations to you,
Sir, as President of th is forty-thi.rd sess ion. Your election is a testimony of
your acknowledged ability and extensive diplomatic experience as representative of
your friendly country, Argentina. We are assured that as you succeed the
distinguished and dedicated ~)reign Minister of the German Democratic Republic,
Mr. Peter Florin, the work of this Assembly will be further enhanced.
Permit me also to pay warm tribute to the Secretary-General,
Mr. Perez de Cuellar, who has shown tremendous courage in defending the Charter of
the United Nations and unwavering tenacity in pJrsuing the Charter goals of peace
and human dignity in all parts of the world. He will surely be remembered as the
man who rescued the Un! ted Nations from imminent collape'! in the face of impossible
odds, an1 quickly transformed it into the most effective universal instrument for
neutralizing international tensions and promoting social, political and human
rights.
There was a time in human history when war was pursued as an affirmation of
the strength, courage and honour of men and nations. For others, it was a
mechanism for the gratification of personal or territor ial ambitions. It produced
with traumatic regularity an array of fearsome leaders throughout the centuries.
This tale of devastation, carnage and ferocity is catalogued in the pages of
history. Today, in our world of the late twentieth century, minor traumas still
exist, blemishing the intellectual, artistic and technological achievements of our
age. From Kampuchea to southern Africa, from Western Sahara to Central America,
the history is painfully familiar, and while the justification may be refined or
righteous, th~ prosecution of war still bears many of the hallmarks of conflicts of
distant ages.
Yet, somehow, amid the chaos and devastation, man's ingenuity, unaerlying his
constant struggle for survival, has established a mechanism for the resolution of
the enduring problem of war - the United Nations. It has for over 40 years
endeavoured to transform much of the energy of nations frOM actual and potential
violence into discusz~on, debate, negotiation and peace.
For 27 years of my country's history, Sie~ra Leone has had the opportunity to
participa~e in the intercourse among nations in this dignified arena. It has been
our pride to do so in the expectation that our young Republic has a contribution to
make within the scope of its capabilities. Today, I wish to restate and reaffirm
my country's faith and commitment to our Organization and to those noble ideals
that inspire its existence.
(President "bnoh)
I am a simple man, inbued vi th those tradi tional values of family, community,
religion, liberty and freedom of conscience that nurtured me. My country, Sierra
Leone, so named after the lion-like configuration of its coastal mountains, has had
a lmg relationship with the world. Situated almost inconspicuously in the bulge
of Africa's west coast, it is a land of diversity moulded into a State and a nation
in peace 8flO harmony.
For 40 years, the United States and the Soviet Union, backed by massive
nuclear and conventional arsenals, have faced each other across an ideological
divide that has constantly threatened peace. The language that has fostered their
interaction has occasionally been uncomprc- ~sing. But somehow the balance of
terror and mutually assured destruction h~8 maintained a nervous peace and
stability for four decades. Now, more than ever before, we have the opportunity
for establishing appropr iate and acceptable er iter ia, for a comprehensive and
durable peace. The citizens of the world cannot forever depend on the threat of
mutually assured destruction as a guarantee of peace, stability and an orderly
world.
The r ecent ser ies of r emar kable successes adl ieved by the Un i ted Na tions,
espeeially in the mediation of major regional (::onflicts, and the generally improyed
climate of relations among Members of this Organization, particularly between the
United States of America and the Soviet union, prcwide a IIllch needed departure from
the gloom and tension that pervaded the international political climate over the
last few years. We appreciate that this signi ficant development has not occurred
accidentally, but through the sincere and susta ined collective effor ts of all the
members. of. the international community.
(President Mozooh)
While the significant achievements made recently are a fi tUng cause for
celebration, they should be seen first and foremost as a catalyst foe greater
efforts at consolidating those gains and for the mobilization of resources to
confront new problems.
we therefore urge that greater encouragement be given to the secretary-General
in his efforts to advance the progress already achieved in the resolution of the
Iran-Iraq conflict. We appeal directly to Iran and Iraq to continue to show
maximum good will and co-operation. It is hoped that nothing will be done by
outside for~8 to disturb the delicate negotiations that are currently under way.
The chaos and economic devastation this war has produced must be an object lesson,
not only for the two combatants, but for all those who contemplate military force
as a primary option.
The Jakarta informal meeting was one of the mst significant diplomatic steps
taken 60 far in the search for a resolution of the Kampuc:hean problem. For the
first time ever it brought together most of the parties to the conflict, inclUding
Vietnam. It is important that the momentum created by those diplomatic initiatives
should not be allowed to dissipate, and that even as this diplomatic momentum is
maintained, the international community should continue to exert other pressures
for the withdrawal of occupation troops from Kampuchea and allow the Kampuchean
people to establish a gOlrernment of their choice. As we renew our support for the
coalition government of Democratic Kampuchea g we commend China and the States
members of the Association of SOuth-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) for their unwavering
dedication to the cause of lasting peace in the region.
The steady progress made so far in the withdrawal of foreign troops from
Afghanistan is to be acknowledged and commended. The restoration of normality in
that country should be facilitated by a deep and sincere commitment on the part
(President fibmoh)
of all parties in the region, to promote genuine national political reconciliation
and rapid economic rehabilitation. Efforts should be made to remove any
ebstruction to the process of complete troop wi thdrawal.
In Western sahara, the 11seful collaboration between the secretary-General /Snd
the secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) constitutes a
welcome and effective diplomatic effort, one which has sustained the momentum in
the search for a durable settlement of that dispute. In the face of thoae
developments, we express satisfaction at the improvement in relations among
countries of the region, in the hope that this will be a significant contribution
towards a resolution of the conflict. The fact must however be restated and
reaffirmed that only a recognition of the endeavours ana decisions of the united
Nations will produce a durable foundation for peace.
We are gratified that in spite of the occasional difficulties with the
implementation of specific aspects of the Arias Plan for the political
stabilization of Central America, adherence to its general principles has brought
noticeable order into politicai and diplomatic conduct in the region. ! pay a
tribute to all the leaaers of the Contadora Group of countries, whose collective
dete.rmination to bring peace and prosperi,ty to that region enjoys my country's
admiration and support.
Recent developments in southern Africa, leading to apartheid South Africa's
uncharacteristic eagerness to facili tate Namibian independence, have been truly
rema~kable. While there are sufficient grounds for cynicism over South Africa's
sudden apparent conversion to reason, our awareness of the delicate nature of the
negotiations and the need for restrained comment will limit us to merely extending
deep gratitude to all parties who are currently working to bring about the early
(President fbmoh)
In marked contrast to the apparent signs of its flexibility over Namibian
independence, the r.acist South African regime continues to resist pressures for the
ordarly transformation of South Africa into a genuine dellOcraoy. In its desperate
attempt to maintain it6elf against overwhelming interna~ional rejection, this
regime has intensified its aggression against neighbouring African States. In
those circumstances, it is important that mater ial assistance to the front-line
States be int~nsified to strengthp.n their capacity to withstand and resist South
Afrioa~s aggression.
we rene\t our. ~upport and admiration for the courage of Nelson Mandela, the
fight for whose (~lease from illegal imprisonment. Should continue to be a
priority for all those with a conscience and a sense of justice. We also
ackuowledge ~le sacrifice and de~ication of the freedom fighters, and the
remarkable courage and dedication of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
It is with Cl tremendous sense of hope that I express satisfaction and optimism
that somed&y the very foundations of apartheid will be dashed to pieces. The signs
are ~tent. cavid Druce is a young, white South African, a conscientious objector,
gaoled for refusing to be drafted inbo the South African army, which is a racist
milite.ry machine devoted bo the defence of !R.artheid. Many like Cavid Bruce, have
registered their repugnance and resistance.
Recent attempts at resolving the Korean question, though significant, need to
be further intensified. tihile we congratulate the two Koreas on their fortieth
anniversary, we have great faith in the ability of their people to strive and
overcome existing obstacles to the achievement of durable peace in the peninsula.
The international community and, indeed, the United Nations have a responsibility
to contribute to this eCfort and help release the enormous potential of the Korean
people to contribute to the well-being of the world.
The situation in the Arab territories occupied by Israel represents a
disturbing contrast to the general climate of relaxation of tension in all parts of
the world. The great and sustained impact of the intifada, or protestB by the
Palestinian people, in the fdce of continued repression, clearly underlines the
hi<jh cost and futility of attempts to perpetuate an unjust situation.
It will be tragic if we fail to learn an important lesson that has emerged
from the intifada - that the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) is indeed the
authentic and sole representativ~ of the Palestinian people and that to continue to
pretend otherwise can only further complicate the suffering and the instability in
the occupied lands.
we the~efore see great merit in the convening, under the auspices of the
United Nations, of an international conference on the Middle East, at which all
parties inv.:>lved, including the PLO, will participate on an equal footing. In the
meantime, my country renews its support of the Palestinian people and to the
leadership ~f the PLO.
The diminishing of regional conflicts is only one of the many steps necessary
to ensure a stable and peaceful world. Another important step is to ensure
predictability in the relationship between the super-Powers. In this regard, we
should acknowledge the leading role played by President Ronald Reagan of the United
States of America and General Secretary Mikhael Gorbachev of the soviet Union in
fostering a climate of cordiality in the relations between their countries,
particularly the recent signing of the Treaty on the Elimination of
Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles - INF Treaty. We express the hope
that t~is climate will be improved with further wide-ranging disarmament actions,
particularly in the area of multilateral disarmament negotiations.
(President Momoh}
~he economic difficulties of the developing countries, particularly those in
sub-Saharan Africa, continue to pose the most immediate challenge to the
Organization and to the entire international community. Since the beginning of
this decade, the economies of those countries have stumbled from one economic
crisis to another, leaving behind them widespread human misery and damage to the
foundations of those societies.
While it is noted that the international community has responded generously to
emergency requirements, support for long-term development programmes has generally not been quite so impressive.
(President lobmol:!.)
OUr efforts tc. mobilize our internal resources to tackle the economic
difficulties facing us have been undermined by a host of intractable obstacles,
among which are the steep and continuous decline in our export earnings, the
shortage of appropriate human resources and a heavy debt burden. We are therefore
encouraged that the secretary-General has emlilasized in his report that debt, trade
and commodities and human resource development are three main areas in the economic
field where the international community needs to act urgently. It is in that
context that we ackno~ledge the important initiative taken by some creditor
countries to cancel the debts of low-income developing countries, including
Sierra Leone. It is also highly significant that leaders of the major industrial
countries are now considering the possibility of debt cancellation as a serious
idea. We hope that this climate of unprecedented consensus on the approaches to
solving the debt problem will quickly lead to concrete action by the international
community to lighten the debt burden of developing countries.
We would also welcome a review of WOrld Bank and International Monetary Fund
conditionalities to enable low-income countries to gain access to funds specially
reserved for assistance to those countries by those lnst! tutions.
We also believe that there is an urgent need to create a climate of absolute
understanding and trust among donor countries, the financial institutions and
recipient countr ies in the area of implementation of economic reform programmes.
This area has been a source of great and painful friction between the donor
conrnunity on the one hand and the recipient countr ieson the other.
While the necessity for economic reform is widely accepted by developing
countries, it has been observed that the reform process is a delicate activity that
could cause great suffering in society and harm to the economy, particularly if it
(!resident Mol\l:)h)
is pursued too vigorously without sufficient supporting measures. Indeed, some
time ago, when my country adop~ed a wide-ranging reform programme agreed with the
International MOnetary Fund, we were forced to suspend its implementation when the
mounting toll of human misery could no longer be justified. Many basic commodities
became unaffordable to the ordinary members of society, as prices rocketed with the
sudden removal of subsidies, exacerbated by a general wage freeze. and a series of
massive currency devaluations which left our currency greatly weakened.
Reform of our economy continues to be a major national pr ior ity. The loss of
financial support from the international financial institutions which followed our
suspension of aspects of the original programme has however weakened our strength
to pursue this priority. We therefore appeal particularly to the international
instit.utions for understanding and support to enable us to carry out reforms in an
orderly and effective manner.
It is appropriate at this juncture to express deep appreciation to friendly
Governments whose bilateral assistance has helped to sustain us duripg our period
of difficulty. In the same vein we acknowledge the important contribution of the
var.ious united Nations agencies. including the United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP), the Fbod and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the
World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
In particular our commitment to ensure the survival and healthy development of our
children has drawn great strength from the efforts of UNICEF.
The purposes and principles of the United Nations, proclaimed in its Charter
43 years ago, set a high moral tone and the values and concepts enshrined in that
Charter are certainly enabling. As we understand it, the insistence of the Charter
on encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms also implied a
(President fibm:>h)
commi tment by Governments to accept culpability, or at least: moral rf!spons ibility,
for violatioils of the human rights of their citizens. When the United Nations
proclaimed its principles in the wake of the radioactive contamination of Hiroshima
and Nagasaki, the bor~~nt, torture and guilt of that best forgotten era were still
fresh in the minds of the founding fathers. CUlpa.bility way be moral, legal or
religious, depending on one's cultural background and perception. It is an
enOarrassing fact, however, that some States which are parties to the Charter and
which have str ingent laws to protect their own environment allow their cithens to
effect toxic pollution on defenceless developing countries. If it is an offence
for someone in one country to dispose of toxic wastes without adhering to
stipulated legal guidelines or fUlfilling mandatory requirements, it should be
equally essential for the laws of that country to make it reprehensible for any
adventurer to deposit such wastes in any other country of the world.
The magnitude and complexity of this problem demand effective supportive
action by the countries of origin of toxic waste as well as by the international
community collectively. The initiative by the United Nations Development Programme
to draft a convention on trans-frontier movements of waste is a welcome response.
we believe countr iea of or igin of hazardous waste have an obligation to extend
their domestic legislation on hazardous waste disposal to regUlate the disposal of
such wastes abroad.
It has been with profound joy and satisfaction that I have been able to take
part in this session, and as I go back home to Sierra Leone I take wi th me a
message of hope and optimism for the future of the human family, within the scope
of the united Nations. Those who preceded us in the formative years of this
Organization have spoken eloquently about two issues - peace and development. Those
terms carry grave implications for ail men, for peace does not refer only to an
absence of war) neither does developnent refer only to the presence of material
progress. They are central today in the interactions among States, as they have
always been, and they hold the key to the solutions of many of the world's critical
issues. Peace is the abiding desire of mankind the world over. It is a condition
deeper in conception, interpretation and realization. The search for it has moved
statesmen throughout history and produced agreements, pacts and treaties) equally
so has the breach of it spawned a multi tude of aggress ions and v iolence that span
generations.
For the small and weak nations of the third world the United Nations is the
ultimate platform for the search for peace. It is the arena that enobles the
instincts and precludes the realization of the dreams of evil men.
In a world of competing national interests and jealously guarded sovereignties
only the platform of the United Nations can assure humanity of a credible and
durable peace. Support for the Organization, therefore, must be total and devoid
of the secret manipulations and routine subversions that have characterized its
relationship with some of its Members.
The Organization's role in development - human and national - is equally
critical. The calamities of hunger, drought, flood and social misery produce much
the same threats to the human condi tion as war. The programmes of development
initiated by the United Nations have been laudable ventures. They proclaim the
OOtmDn purpose and destiny of humanity in its constant search for peace, progress
and concord. The achievement of those aims requires a collective sensitivity and
tlle will and energies of nations to mobilize an agreed consensus on development.
The United Nations still constitutes the universal platform for its achievement •
While we deliberate the great issues of our day, let our hearts reach out to
those members of our human community whose concerns we seek to articulate and
raalize. They need and deserve our attention in our collective search for an
organized and beautiful world.
(President ~moh)
Nowhere is that more vividly expressed at this moment than in the peaceful
artistic and physical quest for excellence in Seoul, Republic of Korea. Those
athletes individually and collectively have a common message - one human family
linked in the search for peace and developnent. That is in sharp contrast to the
terrorist, the drug addict, the hijacker, whose constl1f\t anbition is to frustrate
the des igns of noble men.
As I close this address, let me also take the opportunity to register my
congratulations to those courageous men who in today's human conflicts have become
true symbols of peace. They are the men of the United Nations peace-keeping
forces. Indeed, there can be no accolade more appropriate for the work of the
United N.!;Itions than the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to the peace-keeping
forces. In the name of the Government and people of Sierra Leone I salute them -
and I thank the General Assembly for its kind attention.
On behalf of the General
Assembly, I wish to thank the President of Sierra Leone for the important statement
he has just made.
Mr. Joseph S. MOmoh, President of Sierra Leone, was escorted from the General
Assemly Hall. *