7 speeches that made history at the United Nations General Assembly

(Baonghean.vn) - Today, US President Donald Trump will deliver his first important speech at the United Nations. Previously, a number of world leaders have left a strong impression through historic speeches.

1. Former Cuban leader, Fidel Castro

Leader Fidel speaks at the United Nations headquarters in New York, September 28, 1960. Photo: Getty.

At the annual session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 26, 1960, former Cuban leader Fidel Castro put forward a slogan: “If you practice the philosophy of extortion, you will forever be immersed in the philosophy of war.” He spoke continuously for 4 hours and 29 minutes, which was the longest speech in the history of the session.

In his speech, Mr. Castro explained the true meaning of the Cuban Revolution, the need for government reform, and warned the United States against an attack on the country. He also mentioned the aspects that destroyed the US-Cuba relationship.

2. Former Soviet leader, Nikita Khrushchev

First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Nikita Khrushchev Nikita Khrushchev. Photo: Internet

On October 12, 1960, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev gave his first speech at the United Nations General Assembly, where he expressed support for African nations breaking away from colonial powers and called for complete disarmament to eliminate the concept of war.

Later, media reports said that while delivering his speech, Khrushchev threw a shoe at the conference room seats. Witnesses said his action was triggered by a Philippine delegate comparing the Soviet Union to a concentration camp.

3. Former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat

Mr. Yasser Arafat at the United Nations General Assembly with the famous quote "Please do not let the olive branch fall from my hand". Photo: NPR

On November 13, 1974, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat was invited to attend the United Nations General Assembly for the first time at the request of the Non-Aligned Movement.

In his speech, he called Zionism a form of racism and a year later the United Nations issued a resolution “Elimination of all forms of racial discrimination”. This resolution was later withdrawn by the US and Israel after the fall of the Eastern Wall in 1991.

4. Former US President Ronald Reagan

Former US President Ronald Reagan. Photo: Internet

During the 42nd session of the General Assembly on September 21, 1987, US President Ronald Reagan called the “alien threat” an important factor that could help resolve conflicts between nations.

He first raised the idea during a meeting with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in Geneva in 1985. Mr Reagan later said it was his favourite science fiction story, and national security adviser Colin Powell later tried to erase that part of Mr Reagan's statement.

5. Former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Photo: Internet

On September 20, 2006, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez began his speech at the General Assembly by saying, “A devil came here yesterday,” referring to US President George W. Bush, who had earlier delivered a speech on Washington's foreign policy.

Mr Chavez also accused the US of “exploiting, plundering and controlling people all over the world”. In Venezuela, his speech was broadcast live and repeated several times a day. US officials said such words were unworthy of the head of state.

6. Former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi

In 2009, Mr. Gaddafi spoke for nearly 2 hours instead of the 15 minutes he had registered for. Photo: Internet

On September 23, 2009, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi warned of a “political feudalism” and demanded that the permanent veto power of the Security Council be given to all members. He also said that Libya was not obliged to comply with resolutions in the UN Charter.

Speakers at the United Nations usually limit their speeches to 15 minutes, but Gaddafi's speech lasted about two hours. As a result, the Arabic interpreter was exhausted and had to ask a colleague for help.

7. Former Indian Defense Minister Krishna Menon

Former Indian Defense Minister Krishna Menon (center) and his eight-hour speech on India's stance on the Kashmir issue before the UN Security Council in 1957, also made the record. According to many people present at the meeting, Menon was so tired from his own speech that his blood pressure dropped.

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