YouSaid · the spoken record

Aboul-Gheit

lines on the record: 661
first: 1999-08-25
most recent: 2023-11-29
sittings or episodes: 72
sources: un-security-council

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“Fourthly, all this is closely related to another issue: the supply of illicit weapons to areas of conflict in exchange for natural resources such as diamonds, and in some cases for narcotic drugs. Over the past five years, the Security Council has examined the question of the diamond trade and its relationship to the fuelling of conflicts in some regions of Africa. The report of the Secretary-General before the Council today highlights the way in which the illicit drug trade in some States in the Horn of Africa, promotes the import of weapons in violation of relevant Security Council resolutions.”
2004-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4896 (2004) · source
“The strengthening of security institutions in some countries is a long-term goal, and compliance by Member States with Security Council resolutions mandating arms embargoes should take place with as little difficulty as possible in order to ensure the credibility of the Security Council and its resolutions. It might even be plausible for the Security Council, when its resolutions are violated, to consider measures such as publication of the names of institutions or States that violate those resolutions, as a first step towards the development of a tighter legal and political framework that would ensure the implementation of Security Council resolutions.”
2004-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4896 (2004) · source
“Thirdly, despite the fact that the imposition of arms embargoes is the mechanism most frequently used by the Security Council to curb the flow of illicit arms to areas of conflict, the report of the Secretary-General highlights a crucial factor: the difficulty of enforcing embargoes. That is due either to non-compliance by some countries with Security Council resolutions or to the weakness of security structures and border control agencies in countries adjacent to conflict areas. Such lapses make it easier for illicit arms brokers and smugglers to operate freely.”
2004-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4896 (2004) · source
“Secondly, interaction between the Security Council and the General Assembly is indispensable in dealing with issues relating to the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons and the development of an effective long-term strategy to address the problem. In that regard, the General Assembly has achieved tangible progress, as demonstrated in its resolution 58/241 of 23 December 2003, by which it decided to establish an open-ended working group to examine the feasibility of negotiating an international instrument to enable States to identify and trace illicit small arms and light weapons. We hope that the efforts of that working group during 2004 and 2005 will succeed in strengthening international cooperation in prohibiting and eliminating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.”
2004-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4896 (2004) · source
“First, the effectiveness and credibility of the Security Council do not emanate solely from the fact that it is the sole internationally accepted organ charged, since its establishment over half a century ago, with the maintenance of international peace and security. It is based also on the fact that the Council constantly addresses, responds to and evolves with new challenges to peace and security at both the regional and the international levels. Thus, since the Security Council has recognized the gravity of the illicit trade in and proliferation of small arms and light weapons and the resulting serious humanitarian consequences over the years, the Council must address those issues in a serious and effective manner commensurate with the grave implications of the dangers involved.”
2004-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4896 (2004) · source
“Mr. Aboul Gheit (Egypt) (spoke in Arabic): The Egyptian delegation is pleased to attend this meeting under your presidency, Sir, in order to discuss a vital issue that affects every continent - although the continent of Africa, to which Egypt belongs, is the most severely affected: there, wars and conflicts are further fuelled by small arms and light weapons, which claim the lives of tens of thousands of Africans annually. I would also like to express our appreciation to the Secretary-General for his report (S/2003/1217) on small arms, which describes the developments that took place over the past year. Allow me to make some remarks concerning the issue before the Council today.”
2004-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4896 (2004) · source
“Fourthly, and finally, focusing on providing protection to civilians in armed conflict should not compromise the cornerstones of the Charter of the United Nations, represented by the principles of political independence and sovereignty of regional States and their responsibility for their citizens and their jurisdiction over their own territories. It is absolutely necessary to balance the right of civilians to protection with the right of each State to sovereignty. The international community's treatment of and respect for one of those rights should not be at the expense of the other. In that regard, in dealing with the issue of protecting civilians in armed conflict, the international community should be committed to and guided by the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and those of international law.”
2003-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4877Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Thirdly, it is necessary to understand that the concept of providing protection to civilians in armed conflict should not stop with the end of military operations. The comprehensive concept of such protection should extend into post-conflict peace- building, which should include the humanitarian, social and development dimensions that are linked to rehabilitation and reconstruction. The legacy of armed conflicts in terms of their destruction of the social and economic infrastructure of their societies represents the most serious threat to the lives and future of civilians. Peace, in its security and political dimensions, will remain fragile and vulnerable if not complemented by focused and comprehensive development programmes and plans.”
2003-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4877Resumption1 (2003) · source
“In most cases, Security Council intervention to protect civilians in remote areas or to assist them in overcoming their particular dilemmas or crises comes too late or else is not commensurate with the security and emergency humanitarian assistance needs of the civilians in those areas. Perhaps the serious humanitarian situations that we witness daily in the international media and that are reflected in the reports of United Nations agencies and bodies - in the occupied Palestinian territories, Somalia, Burundi, Guinea-Bissau and other countries - are all examples of the imbalance in the international community's Vision of dealing with threats to international peace and security, on the one hand, and the concept of providing protection to civilians living under foreign occupation or in armed conflicts, on the other.”
2003-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4877Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Secondly, in spite of the importance of recognizing that there have been important developments in expanding the mandate of United Nations peacekeeping operations to cover broader issues, including protecting civilians in armed conflicts and securing unhindered access by humanitarian assistance to them, we must also recognize that the training and deploying of the personnel in those operations are always done in accordance with the rhythm and commitment of each individual situation and in accordance with a very complex equation based on elements that can be attributed to intertwined political, security and economic interests.”
2003-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4877Resumption1 (2003) · source
“We therefore believe that the most serious lack facing the world today is the lack of the collective international will that is supposed to be demonstrated by the United Nations in dealing with areas where there is the most suffering due to armed conflicts and their consequences for the lives and futures of all types of civilians.”
2003-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4877Resumption1 (2003) · source
“However, we find hotbeds of armed conflict in the world today that give rise to alarming reports of an increase in violations and crimes against unarmed civilians, increasing numbers of victims and displaced persons, acts of destruction and the plundering of natural resources and cultural artifacts and heritage. All that reflects the continued inability of the international community to firmly and effectively stand against such violations, which are prohibited by international humanitarian law. Indications and statistics of civilian victims on both the Palestinian and the Israeli sides, the number of houses that have been demolished, the lands that have been bulldozed in the occupied Palestinian territories and in many parts of Africa comprise irrefutable proof of that inability on the part of the international community.”
2003-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4877Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Mr. Aboul Gheit (Egypt) (spoke in Arabic): Undoubtedly the Security Council's continued consideration of the issue of providing protection to civilians in armed conflict is a reflection of the recognition by the United Nations that the performance of the international community in that regard still needs further commitment, will and diligent collective work. The Egyptian delegation would like to single out certain elements that we believe are important aspects ofthe issue under consideration today. First, in the past few years and in a number of resolutions and presidential statements, the Security Council has been able to determine the elements and requirements for dealing with this issue in light of the provisions of international law, international humanitarian law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.”
2003-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4877Resumption1 (2003) · source
“In conclusion, Secretary-General Kofi Annan spoke honestly and explicitly at the end of the Quartet meeting on 26 September 2003, when he said that the situation calls for bold steps with a View to extricating ourselves from this impasse and to beginning to implement the road map. Transparent machinery is required to tackle certain tasks, with close monitoring, in keeping with a clear timetable and carrying out well defined measures, so that commitments can be kept and implemented.”
2003-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4841 (2003) · source
“Today the Security Council must shoulder its responsibility and show its determination to achieve a settlement in keeping with Security Council resolution 1397 (2002) on the establishment of two States - Israel and Palestine - with a view to controlling this continuously deteriorating situation in the region. What is demanded of the Security Council today is to express international consensus on the firm demand that Israel stop the construction of the wall of separation deep inside Palestinian territory, set aside its settlement policy and assume its responsibilities as an occupying Power, in accordance with the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention.”
2003-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4841 (2003) · source
“But, behind this act is the notion of expansion, of taking over Palestinian land and destroying the future of the Palestinian people. It also runs counter to the concept of two States - Israeli and Palestinian, as the Palestinian representative has mentioned. Secondly, how else can Israel's acts be explained, given the ongoing escalation of violence against the Palestinians. Their territory is invaded; their houses are destroyed; their activists are killed; and they are subjected to collective punishment. All those measures unfortunately spark counter-violence and lead to attacks that kill Israeli civilians in Israeli territory. The Egyptian Government has condemned those acts, including the latest attack carried out in Haifa.”
2003-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4841 (2003) · source
“It is also in flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949. We ask the members of the Council to refer, for example, to the report of the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories. He clearly and honestly stated in his report a point worth considering. Some have stated that the wall is being built to achieve security for Israel and its settlements and settlers in the occupied Palestinian territory. Our response is that, if as some, including the Palestinians, have said, Israelis want to live in security, in isolation, then the wall of separation should be built along the 1949 ceasefire demarcation line.”
2003-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4841 (2003) · source
“Those attempts include the Israeli aerial attack against Syrian territory, which was condemned by Egypt. Secondly, the behaviour of the Israeli Government in recent months has created greater distrust about its real intentions. All indications and acts lead us to believe that Israel aims at thwarting the peace process, which is based on the principle of two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and within secure and recognized borders. Israel's acts and behaviour show that it has opted for a course that runs counter to the search for a just and lasting solution. The construction of this wall of separation, which upon completion will extend between 450 and 600 kilometres, prevents more than 200,000 Palestinian citizens from forging a future and deprives them of their land and livelihood.”
2003-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4841 (2003) · source
“Mr. Aboul Gheit (Egypt) (spoke in Arabic): I am convinced, Mr. President, that you, all the participants in this discussion, and all the other members of the international community, can grasp the dangers inherent in the situation in the Middle East today. We all believe that those dangers are a result of the stalemate in the peace process. Some basic elements should be addressed; if they persist, these will lead to further deterioration of the situation, with consequences that, hopefully, the region will not have to experience. First, it would be indeed dangerous if the international community, represented by the Security Council, did not deal with Israel's attempts to widen the circle of current tension between the Palestinians and Israel, turning it into a broader conflict.”
2003-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4841 (2003) · source
“A strong consensus will open the way for hope, and will convince the adventurists that they are harbouring illusions that only perpetuate aggression. They will have to renounce the desire to hold on to the territory of others. Peace must reign. Today the Israeli representative told the Council that on this day 30 years ago Egypt and Syria attacked Israel. The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Israel made a similar statement today; he spoke of unprovoked Egyptian-Syrian aggression. I cannot fail to recall that the Egyptian-Syrian military action across the Suez Canal was legitimate and had the clear-cut goal of regaining Egyptian territory in the Sinai at a time when Israel was insisting on retaining the Sinai. Egypt's action was in full conformity with the United Nations Charter and with the right of self-defence.”
2003-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4836 (2003) · source
“Such a settlement - on which negotiations must resume immediately - would be consistent with the principles of international law and common sense, and would be in the interest of all peoples. Any delay in reaching such a settlement will cause further civilian victims on both sides and will be a loss of precious time for people who seek prosperity and development. Today, the international community has an opportunity to reassert its engagement and to condemn the adventurists, who will bring only suffering to the peoples of the region. A firm position must be taken today for the sake of the tomorrow we wish to build together. Stern measures must be adopted today to avert further years of suffering.”
2003-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4836 (2003) · source
“It expresses its solidarity with the people of Syria, who remain committed to international legality. Egypt calls upon the international community to oppose this new act of aggression and to ensure that the situation in the Middle East does not deteriorate. "We condemn all acts of aggression perpetrated against civilians, including the attack carried out yesterday in Haifa." Israel's continued provocative and aggressive acts against the Arab States of the region should cause the international community to use its powers in order to bring about lasting peace. The entire world understands that Israel must withdraw from all territories occupied since 1967 and that an independent Palestinian State must be established, living side by side with Israel in peace and security.”
2003-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4836 (2003) · source
“Mr. Aboul-Gheit (Egypt) (spoke in Arabic): The Security Council is meeting following the attack, which means that the Council must now carry out its responsibilities, strongly condemn that act of aggression and take steps to ensure that it does not recur. I should like to read out a statement issued today in Cairo by our Minister for Foreign Affairs. That statement reads as follows. "The international community is endeavouring to achieve a just and peaceful settlement in the Middle East in the context of peace and security for all peoples. At present, Israel continues to escalate the situation and has even attacked Syrian territory. This inflames tension and could broaden the sphere of violence and counter-violence. "The Arab Republic of Egypt condemns this new act of aggression, which is part and parcel of Israel's usual policies.”
2003-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4836 (2003) · source
“Secondly, the Palestinians must recognize the right of the Israeli and Palestinian States to live in peace and security within secure and recognized borders. We do not believe that there is any quarrel within Palestinian society on this issue. The international community and the major Powers must today work vigorously and resolutely to establish the atmosphere necessary to a return to negotiations in order to achieve these objectives and to stand up firmly to such behaviour that will have catastrophic consequences for all of us.”
2003-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4824Resumption1 (2003) · source
“The Council is also called upon to reiterate its adherence to the road map in order to achieve the objective of two States and two peoples, Palestinian and Israeli, living in peace and good- neighbourliness on the basis of mutual respect, rather than arrogance and attempted humiliation, and of understanding rather than the resort to force. In conclusion, these are critical moments in the history of this longstanding conflict. Years of experience have shown that it can be settled, first, only through Israel's conviction and recognition of the full right of the Palestinians to establish their independent State on their national soil, occupied since 4 June 1967. We do not believe that Israel acts in the full conviction of that necessity.”
2003-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4824Resumption1 (2003) · source
“That has led to a cycle of violence and counter-violence: the violence of occupation and aggression and the violence of resistance. There is a huge difference between the two, and Egypt has strongly condemned any actions affecting civilians. Unfortunately, there are some people in Israel - even in positions of responsibility - who continue to believe that a settlement can only take place subject to their conditions alone and under their diktat. That cannot be acceptable to the international community. The Security Council is today called upon to face that new Israeli threat.”
2003-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4824Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Relations between the Israeli and Palestinian parties are at a critical juncture. All interested parties and those who called for the establishment of peace and stability on the basis of justice and legitimacy, foremost among which is Egypt, have all attempted to establish the necessary atmosphere conducive to the faithful and full implementation of the road map so as to bring about the desired settlement. Most regrettably, we have come up against Israel's clear determination to continue its policy of assassinating Palestinian activists. We have also seen a defiance of the will of the international community with the continued construction of the expansionist wall, usurping Palestinian land and preventing Palestinians from living a normal life.”
2003-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4824Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Mr. Aboul Gheit (Egypt) (spoke in Arabic): Along with the international community and every world capital, Egypt has expressed its rejection, denunciation and condemnation of the Israeli decision that reflects Israel's contravention of every international norm and law and its defiance of the will of the international community. The same goes for its continued policy of provocation and aggression aimed at aborting the serious and sincere efforts made to achieve a settlement that guarantees peace and security for the peoples of Palestine and Israel. Those who have made the decision to expel President Arafat from his homeland, who is the legitimate and democratically elected President, are making a huge mistake vis-a-vis peace and the right of their people to live in their own State alongside the Palestinian State.”
2003-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4824Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Swing, and given his experience and many contacts, will also make great progress on the basis of the new mandate with which the Council will soon provide the mission.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“That conference must study the concept of peace-building in a comprehensive manner, including development, political and security issues, and accept the idea that peace is indivisible. We welcome the courageous initiative of the European Union to create the International Emergency Multinational Force in Bunia, which has allowed for the stabilization of the situation in that city - a city that has suffered from bloody conflict. In the context of that important decision, we welcome Mr. Javier Solana, who is here with us today. As a country contributing troops to MONUC, Egypt would like to congratulate Mr. Ngongi for his outstanding leadership in dealing with the mandate and resources of MONUC. We are sure that MONUC, with the guidance of Mr.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“We believe, therefore, that the establishment of peace and security in the Democratic Republic of the Congo will depend first and foremost on taking into account the political, security and economic needs of the States of the Great Lakes region as a whole, as well as on creating a common denominator of shared interests based on good-neighbourliness and respect for the sovereignty of each State over its own territory. In that context, the holding of an international conference on the establishment of peace in the Great Lakes region takes on increasing importance. That will require serious preparatory work under the auspices of the United Nations and the African Union, with the participation of all the forces involved, both international and regional.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“Thus the establishment of peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo will depend, to a significant extent, on the determination of the international community to put an end to the illegal economic activities taking place there. It is well known that the current conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is having negative regional repercussions for the entire Great Lakes region. The balance of forces in the region plays an important role in that bloody conflict.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“Sixthly, capacity must be strengthened for training national security institutions to discharge their functions to protect the internal and external boundaries of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the national resources of the country. We reaffirm the critical role that is being played by the group of experts that is studying the illegal exploitation of the natural resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo within the framework of support for the political operation under way. We are all well aware of the close relationship between the illegal exploitation of resources, arms flows and the continuation of the fighting in the east and north-east of the country.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“First, support must be provided for the political process, including a guarantee of the commitment of all political parties to the meetings and other activities of the Transitional Government. Secondly, the protection of civilians and property must be assured and access to displaced persons and refugees guaranteed for international rescue organizations. Thirdly, the implementation of ceasefire measures and of steps to prevent arms supplies to the various military factions must be monitored. Fourthly, the monitoring and implementation of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former combatants into civilian life must take place. Fifthly, the activities of United Nations programmes and bodies in the area of social development, institutional capacity-building and human rights protection must be coordinated.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“All of the internal political parties must commit themselves to both the letter and the spirit of the Lusaka accord and the Luanda, Sun City and Bujumbura agreements. The activities of the Transitional Government of National Unity must be supported. The Government must be able gradually to expand its authority throughout the territory. Significant and difficult challenges, however, remain to be overcome. The Security Council must take decisive measures and adopt policies that move the political process forward. Half measures must be avoided. Resources must be made available, and an appropriate mandate adopted for the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) so that it can properly discharge its mission in a number of areas.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“Mr. Aboul Gheit (Egypt) (spoke in Arabic): This meeting is taking place at a sensitive stage in the Council's efforts to put an end to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. There can be no doubt that the Security Council has done a great deal to analyse the various aspects of the conflict. It has had recourse to a number of mechanisms to deal with this very complex issue. Events and developments on the ground, however, mean that we must continue to pursue our efforts, which will require greater political and material commitment. Further courageous and difficult decisions will also be necessary. We support the priority assigned by the Security Council and the Secretary-General to backing and encouraging the peace process, which is beginning to bear fruit after a long period of waiting.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“We also hope that the results of those missions will be followed by the strengthening of United Nations mechanisms for preserving and promoting international peace and security.”
2003-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4766 (2003) · source
“First, the Council will be able to reaffirm the international community's commitment to finding balanced, lasting solutions to conflicts in the two regions. Secondly, the Council will be able to explore the realities and developments of the situation, as well as the extent of the people's suffering due to armed conflict. Thirdly, the Council will be able to identify the genuine needs of the United Nations for an effective presence on the ground in areas of conflict. Fourthly, the Council can assess the effectiveness of Council policies and resolutions on conflicts in West and Central Africa. We hope that the two missions will achieve those goals and return with a clearer, more holistic vision of how the United Nations should deal with conflict in Africa in the future.”
2003-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4766 (2003) · source
“Egypt notes that the Security Council is attempting to use a regional focus in responding to conflicts in Africa; that is thoroughly appropriate. That tendency has been reflected in Council debates, particularly on the conflicts in Cote d'Ivoire and Liberia in West Africa, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi in Central Africa. A regional focus for conflicts in Africa contributes to containing those conflicts, limiting their negative impact and enhancing the effective action of the United Nations. Egypt also welcomes the Council's intention to send two missions to West Africa and Central Africa, in June 2003. That initiative will enable the Council to meet the following goals.”
2003-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4766 (2003) · source
“There is a lack of donor commitment and a failure to meet peace-building commitments in countries emerging from conflict. As well, there is, in the countries concerned, a delay between the implementation of United Nations security policies and the establishment of social and economic infrastructures, in particular the implementation of institution-building programmes; disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes; and programmes for demining and for prosecuting war crimes among others. There is no doubt that effective coordination between the United Nations and the African Union, as well as with the regional actors and organizations in Africa, also requires ongoing financial assistance so that those actors and institutions can carry out their difficult peacekeeping duties in the various regions and countries of Africa.”
2003-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4766 (2003) · source
“As a result, one of the crucial challenges for the future role of the United Nations in dealing with conflict in Africa is the establishment of an effective early-warning system through the work of the representative of the Secretary-General and the offices of the United Nations in Africa, under the guidance of the Security Council, in cooperation and coordination with the secretariat of the African Union and regional organizations and actors concerned. The international community must manage conflicts in Africa by dealing with them in a holistic fashion, encompassing all their political, social and economic aspects. Egypt believes that the role of the United Nations in conflict management in Africa faces a considerable challenge.”
2003-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4766 (2003) · source
“Similarly, the various stakeholders that have an interest in the future role of the United Nations and of the Security Council in dealing with African conflicts are asking themselves whether this role is going to be restricted to managing conflicts, to the maintenance or building of peace and to the provision of humanitarian assistance to those who need it, or if it will enable the United Nations to act effectively in order to prevent and contain conflicts before they break out and before they have claimed victims and displaced civilian populations? In this respect, Egypt believes that a number of the conflicts that have recently broken out in Africa could have been avoided, or at least contained much earlier.”
2003-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4766 (2003) · source
“To be sure, the past experience of the United Nations in settling armed conflicts and building peace in various regions of the world, particularly in Africa, has shown that political will is a necessary factor in supporting efforts to settle conflicts and to increase the effectiveness of conflict-management mechanisms. The key condition for building and creating peace is to ensure a political commitment at all levels - domestic, regional and international - in an integrated and holistic manner.”
2003-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4766 (2003) · source
“We note that, in the face of the bleak political and humanitarian scenario in various regions of Africa, and in the face of the suffering and worsening humanitarian situation of tens of thousands of civilians, the efforts of the United Nations, which represents the will of the international community in dealing with African conflicts, have been characterized by both successes and failures. Hence there is a need to mobilize the political will to assist in the efforts of the Organization, in order to consolidate the progress achieved and to avoid setbacks.”
2003-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4766 (2003) · source
“Mr. Aboul Gheit (Egypt) (spoke in Arabic): This meeting is being held at a very important time and addresses pressing international issues. The African continent is witnessing an outbreak of armed conflicts. Recent developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in Cote d'Ivoire have been characterized by the excessive use of force, violence against civilians and the use of arms as a means of asserting one's presence and of achieving both political or economic aims. Conflicts are threatening to spill over beyond State borders, and there is a danger of their taking on a regional dimension. For these reasons, the Council must take a much more effective and rigorous stand and devise new ways and means of discharging its primary task of maintaining international peace and security in general and in Africa in particular.”
2003-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4766 (2003) · source
“One final issue that we feel should be addressed concerns the fact that, although we are considering and assessing the development and strengthening of the United Nations role in post-conflict situations, we must not allow ourselves to forget that the United Nations, and the Security Council in particular, must shoulder their principal responsibility for saving humanity from the scourge of such wars before they begin or are launched and for protecting peoples from the destruction of their infrastructures, the plundering of their resources and the loss of their cultural and historical heritages. Regrettably, the issue of Iraq is a case in point in this context.”
2003-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4748 (2003) · source
“Fourthly, the United Nations should assume its essential role in the reconstruction of Iraq and the restoration of security and legitimacy there, in consideration of the implications of the situation for the credibility of the Organization and its Charter and for the concomitant role of the regional organizations.”
2003-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4748 (2003) · source
“Today, we urge that certain principled considerations be taken into account in order to avert further peril befalling the Middle East. These considerations are as follows: First, the two coalition forces that control Iraq must provide for the security and stability of that country as soon as possible and protect the lives and dignity of its citizens. Secondly, the international community should intensify its efforts to create without delay an atmosphere conducive to establishing a legitimate Government, to be chosen by all factions of the Iraqi people. Thirdly, the occupation must end and the foreign forces withdraw as soon as possible in order to preserve the unity, security and safety of the Iraqi people and its country.”
2003-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4748 (2003) · source
“The positions of the Security Council during the last month have shown a reticence on the part of the international community to deal with post-war Iraq. The Council did not fail, in dealing with the issue of Iraq and in the context of resolution 1472 (2003), in the preamble, to refer to the Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War and to the responsibility of the Occupying Power in ensuring all the needs of the population. Whether the occupied territory had the resources to meet these needs is an issue to which Egypt attaches great importance. Egypt warned of the risks of a lopsided war, although no one heeded our warnings and advice. The destructive war has come to pass nonetheless.”
2003-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4748 (2003) · source
“A healthy economic and social climate is also necessary to develop and perpetuate that peace. In the framework of the United Nations concentration on post-conflict situations, surely the question of Iraq, with all its developments since the Security Council adopted resolution 1441 (2002) and even before that, has constituted and still constitutes a major challenge to the concept of the effectiveness of the contemporary United Nations, a challenge that threatens to destroy the overriding principles and norms of the United Nations Charter. Furthermore, the challenges of the future of post-war Iraq are no less important and serious than those that international collective efforts faced during the war itself.”
2003-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4748 (2003) · source