General Assembly Session 60 meeting 70

The President

This morning, it is our sad duty to pay tribute to the memory of His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the late Amir of the State of Kuwait, who passed away on Sunday, 15 January 2006.

As a distinguished leader of his country for almost three decades, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah skilfully and wisely managed the political, economic and social affairs of the State of Kuwait. His vision made it possible for Kuwait to assume prominent leadership positions not only in the Arab and Islamic world, but also internationally and within the United Nations.

The late Amir led Kuwait through a successful era of development and growth, taking many crucial steps towards his country's modernization and the enhancement of quality of life for its citizens. During the time of crisis in the early 1990s, which we all recall, the late Amir's tireless efforts to restore Kuwait's sovereignty and territorial integrity earned him deep admiration among the Kuwaiti people and in the world community. He will be remembered for his wisdom and for his dedicated service to his country and to the Kuwaiti people.

On this occasion, let us also recognize the tranquil transition of power in Kuwait and extend our best wishes to the late Amir's successor, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, on the assumption of his high office.

On behalf of the General Assembly, I ask the representative of the State of Kuwait to convey our condolences to the Government and the people of Kuwait and to the bereaved family of High Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

I invite representatives to stand and observe a minute of silence in tribute to the memory of His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of Sierra Leone, who will speak on behalf of the Group of African States.

Mr. Pemagbi (Sierra Leone)

I stand here on behalf of the African Group to convey our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and to the Government and the people of the State of Kuwait on the sad event of the passing away of His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait.

The late Amir cared for his people and contributed immensely to the welfare and development of the State in his successive capacities as Prime Minister, Crown Prince and ruler of the State of Kuwait. He will be remembered for his role in modernizing his country and bringing it to the forefront of international recognition. He was appreciated by many as the embodiment of unity, stability, justice and freedom, and he spared no effort whatsoever to protect the sovereignty of his State. Africa will remember him for his deep understanding of the problems of the continent, and even more for his generosity. We wish his successor well in the execution of his new responsibilities.

May Allah grant the late Amir eternal peace.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of Kazakhstan, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Asian States.

Mr. Kazykhanov (Kazakhstan)

I have the honour to pay tribute, on behalf of the Asian Group, to His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the late Amir of the State of Kuwait, who, sadly, passed away on 15 January 2006.

Sheikh Jaber, as he was widely known, was a man of vision and courage who devoted his entire life to the cause of peace and development. His 28 years of tireless service and wise leadership contributed greatly to the prosperity of his country. In Kuwait, he was regarded as Baba Jaber, the father of the nation, and will be remembered in particular as a great man who was able to translate his dreams into reality for the benefit of his people.

His Highness Sheikh Jaber was a great statesman and a well-respected international figure. He was interested in helping people in need not only in Kuwait, but also all over the world. Kuwaitis and the international community as a whole have lost a great leader who touched and inspired the lives of millions of people.

I wish to convey the most sincere condolences of the members of the Asian Group to the Government and the people of Kuwait and to the family and friends of Sheikh Jaber.

The President

I give the floor to the representative of Serbia and Montenegro, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Eastern European States.

Mr. Kruljevi (Serbia)

I would like, on behalf of the Group of Eastern European States, to offer our deepest condolences to the people and the Government of Kuwait in the wake of the passing, in January, of His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait.

Designated Prime Minister in 1965 and Crown Prince in 1966, the late Amir became the ruler of Kuwait in December 1977. During his long and distinguished reign, the Amir was tireless in promoting the modernization of Kuwait, which brought well-being and prosperity to his people. Under his strong impetus, Kuwait achieved high international standing and progress was made in consolidating the country's institutions and democratization. During his reign, the State achieved prosperity and made strides towards greater political freedom, women's rights and social justice.

Kuwait has lost a statesman who oversaw its development during both its most prosperous and its most difficult period. Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad will be remembered for safeguarding the Amirate's stability, independence and prosperity.

The President

I give the floor to the representative of Bolivia, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States.

Ms. Terrazas Ontiveros (Bolivia)

I should like, on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States, which Bolivia has the honour of chairing, to express our heartfelt condolences to the people and the Government of Kuwait on the recent passing of His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

As we extend our deepest sympathy to his family, we join in the well-deserved tribute to the Amir for the tireless work that he carried out in the service of his country, which we hope will prove to be a constant source of inspiration to present and future generations of Kuwaitis.

The President

I give the floor to the representative of Spain, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Western European and other States.