Cameroon hails UN for helping it settle border dispute with Nigeria
The Ambassador of Cameroon today credited the United Nations - and especially Secretary-General Kofi Annan - for helping it to achieve a peaceful settlement to the border dispute it had with Nigeria and renewed his country's commitment to carrying it out.
The Greentree Agreement of 12 June resulted in the withdrawal of Nigerian troops from areas deemed to be part of Cameroon by a 2002 ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Thanking the UN, Mr. Annan and supportive countries, Ambassador Martin Belinga Eboutou renewed Cameroon's commitment to the pact.
“In particular, I would like to give the guarantee that those of the Nigerian nationals currently living in Bakassi and who are wiling to remain there will enjoy the same treatment as the 4.5 million Nigerians living in Cameroon who carry out their activities in safe conditions, perfect harmony and fraternity with Cameroonian Nationals,” he said in an address to the General Assembly's annual debate.
He added that the process had demonstrated that a final settlement cannot be imposed. “A true and lasting peace is built up through patience and moderation that can derive only from a real and shared political will.”
Youssouf Bakayoko, the Foreign Minister of Côte d'Ivoire, which has been divided between the Government-controlled south and the rebel-held north since 2002, said the country is moving forward but requires continued international support.
He welcomed the indispensable help of the UN, African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the European Union and friendly countries, adding: “My delegation invites all to continue their support for the Ivorian Government and people in their quest to achieve a definitive solution to this unprecedented crisis.”
Also addressing the Assembly today, the Ambassador of Cape Verde, Maria De Fatima Lima Da Veiga, said that with international help, her country had seen improvements in its social and economic indicators in its 30 years since independence. It had also agreed to the pilot creation of a framework of common action for UN programmes, agencies and funds operating there in a bid to improve efficiency.
Ambassador Phesheya Mbongeni Dlamini of Swaziland voiced appreciation for the UN's support, in particular in advancing the constitutional process. “This is a costly but worthwhile exercise and we are grateful to the United Nations for the assistance and support that has been made available to us,” he said.
At the same time, Mr. Dlamini pointed out that Swaziland still faces numerous challenges and said its people are encouraged “to be in partnerships with foreign direct investors in joint ventures to develop our nation.”
Jeremie Bonnelame, the Ambassador of Seychelles, pointed to the gap between words and action on development, noting that any number of meetings had taken place, resolutions adopted, and statements made, but there still was no specific action in response. Stressing the need for a global partnership for development, he voiced hope that the Assembly would take decisive steps forward to bring about action based on a spirit of solidarity.