UN General Assembly
2000

must, therefore, be concerned about each other, about our common well being, and common basic standards of rights and freedoms. This, however, does not give a country the right to impose on another, its standards of democratic governance and what it perceives or considers to be right and acceptable. If, within each of our countries, we believe and accept that civilized behaviour among the citizenry can only be one based on mutual respect, mutual understanding, and a willingness to assist and support each other, why is it that some countries today should think that these rules of civilized and respectful behaviour within a country, should not apply in their dealings with other members of the international community of nations. I have raised this point not only because we here at the United Nations should be ever watchful of this disturbing negative trend, but also to remind my own country's friends and neighbours that stridency of political rhetoric, smart sanctions and threats of more sanctions will not really assist us in bringing about a speedy and amicable resolution to our political