Historical Speech of President Mobutu at the UN Tribune in 1973

[Song praising Mobutu...Members of the UNAG appluad]

Mr the President

I would like first of all to thank you to have allowed me to speak on this tribune

I cannot refrain from congratulating you on behalf

countries commonly called third world countries for you election as the president of the UN Assembly

General

I do not doublt that thanks to qualities of confirmed Head of State

you will exercise these duties with competence for the general satisfaction of all

Reading you bio, I have a great pleasure

and a great pride to note that you have been a journalist like myself

[applaud] Mr the President, Mr the Secretary General

Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Head of Delegations, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen

The people of Zaire, all regrouped within the Popular Movement of the Revolutionu

, our national Party, have tasked me to present, through this August Assemby, the word of

thanks of Zairians to the United Nations Organisation

While a handful of UN members have refused to participated to the "Operation Congo"

upon the time, the majority had howevr spontaniously put troops at our disposal

or have intevened financially for that operation

That has allowed to maintain peace, unity and the integrity of the national territory. To all

through the UN, Zaire says thank you very much! [applause]

I also take this opportunity to pay homage to the Secretary General