Let us reserve our right to add any conditions or preconditions, because that might just complicate the whole issue.

I would therefore take this opportunity to announce that while in principle we remain committed to the Lomé Peace agreement, we reserve the right not to be bound by all its provisions.

It was us rebels, who, in a split second, became wanted by two states, appealing to other countries to show some interest in a future we are sure will be a crime a crime not just for us as a nation, but a crime that will impact the whole of humanity.

When our right to self determination is recognized and implemented, we will be able to address the damage wrought by colonialism, and seek the elimination of paternalistic structures and a return to our traditional social structures.

So what we need to do is to stand up boldly, singly and together, to push governments, to push regional fisheries management organizations, to declare our right to declare certain areas off limits to high seas fishing, so that the freedom to fish no longer means the freedom to fish anywhere and anytime.