YouSaid · the spoken record

Adechi

lines on the record: 439
first: 2002-05-22
most recent: 2005-04-26
sittings or episodes: 65
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Mr. Adechi (Benin) (spoke in French): I wish to express our satisfaction at seeing you, Sir, presiding over the work of the Council for the month of April and to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to Ambassador De La Sabliere and his team for the remarkable work accomplished by the Council presidency in the month of March. I also wish to thank you, Sir, for the very useful information you have just provided us on the very encouraging results of the Berlin international conference on Afghanistan. We have also listened closely to Mr. Guehenno's briefing, and we are grateful to him for it. The ongoing laudable efforts of the new political Afghan leadership undertaken since 2001 to ensure vigorous implementation of the Bonn Agreement deserve the international community's support.”
2004-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4941 (2004) · source
“We also hope that this will provide an opportunity to offer recommendations for consolidating peace and for the post-conflict phase in the subregion.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“Along those lines, we share the vision whereby three areas of responsibility must be clearly established in order to create conditions conducive to the emergence of a synergy. We would also like to insist on the importance we need to attach to harmonizing the policies of DDR at the subregional level, on the other hand, and to assuring adequate financing of those programmes on the other, integrating them more fully with the element of children. Given that this report will not be the last one, we would recommend, finally, that subregional organizations and the Governments of the subregion be consulted more widely during the process of report- writing in the future so that the content of these reports may be enriched and their scope broadened.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“It is also necessary for us to strengthen the logistical capacity of ECOWAS in re-establishing peace, security and stability in the subregion so that the States concerned will be enabled to return to their initial raison d'etre - development and subregional economic integration. In addition to the observations just made, the assessment presented to the Council in the report is revealing of the greater awareness by the Secretary- General of the urgency of the situation and the need to act. The United Nations and many developmental partners have deployed substantial efforts to bring peace and stability to West Africa. We would like to recognize those contributions and to call for implementation of a multidimensional strategy so that we can hope to succeed where ad hoc actions or country-level actions have not given us the hoped for results.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“The dynamics needed to implement the report's recommendations also imply the strengthening of coordination and collaboration between the representative of the Secretary-General in the subregion and the Executive Secretary of ECOWAS. It is necessary for the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa to work together with ECOWAS in order to effectively implement the Moratorium on weapons and build the institutional and legislative capacities of the States in the region in order to implement the provisions of the Moratorium nationally.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“They reveal the relative loss, according to each particular case, of initiative and of the ownership of the State's own ability to make its own laws and comply with them, and to provide basic social services to their populations. As a result, we see a weakening and sometimes a loss of the sense of belonging on the part of those impoverished and now marginalized communities in a context where competition for control of scarce resources and power is becoming more bitter. Therefore, we must focus particular attention on those aspects in upcoming reports in order to make a better linkage between peace and development.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“We insist on that aspect because the proliferation and trafficking of small arms and light weapons, the proliferation of militia and civilian armed groups, the illegal exploitation of natural resources, cross-border crime and drug trafficking, and the phenomena of mercenaries and child soldiers are all interlinked; all of those plagues can trace their origins to underdevelopment and even to non-development. Those plagues are links in the chain of the destructuring of our States and the tearing apart of the social fabric of our societies. Their origins can also be traced to the weakening of the capacities of our States to manage their internal contradictions, which every society must do.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“Therefore, while we are pleased that those questions are being addressed subregionally, we would like to emphasize that some of their causes also have a subregional aspect. Suffice it to recall that most of the countries in the subregion belong to the group of least developed countries. Focusing those recommendations on symptoms, therefore, narrows the possibility of making long- lasting reforms and restoring peace and security in West Africa.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“We welcome him in our midst and would like to say how pleased we are to see him participating in today's debate. The report before us enumerates a number of relevant recommendations on the essential matters, particularly three cross-border problems that are the major problems - namely, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, the phenomenon of child soldiers and mercenaries, and the matter of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR). The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ghana and the Executive Secretary of ECOWAS have given us details on those issues, so I will confine myself to making a few observations. The report stipulates correctly that the cross- border problems which have been studied are more symptomatic than causal in defining the reasons for the cycle of conflict in the subregion.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“Mr. Adechi (Benin) (spoke in French): The subregion of West Africa has been threatened by destabilization and is at a crossroads. Three United Nations peacekeeping operations are presently deployed, which shows the extent to which the Security Council is concerned with the conflict situation in the subregion. Through managing crises in the subregion, elements of cross-border instability have progressively been revealed. In looking at the scope of those phenomena, there is no doubt that they threaten the efforts being made to re-establish peace and security in West Africa. My delegation associates itself with the statement made on behalf of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ghana.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“The Palestinian territories must cease to be occupied. The right of Israel to live within secure and recognized borders must be protected. The Council must appeal to all parties courageously to abide by their commitments.”
2004-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4929 (2004) · source
“Terrorism or response to terrorism: in all cases, it means the death of innocent men, women and children, mostly innocent civilians. The road map has no future if the road is littered with corpses. One violation of the law does not justify another. We condemn the assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and six other Palestinians. At the same time, we urge the Palestinian people to resist calls to vengeance and to keep open the path of peace. It is essential that in this crisis the members of the Quartet fully shoulder their responsibilities by finding a way to bring the Palestinians and the Israelis back to the negotiating table. It is up to them to work to discourage escalation and confrontation. The killing of innocent civilians in Israel and in the occupied territories must be condemned.”
2004-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4929 (2004) · source
“Mr. Adechi (Benin) (spoke in French): All States Members of the United Nations subscribe to the rules and principles of democracy and the rule of law. They are also committed to respecting international law and humanitarian law. The extrajudicial killing of Sheikh Yassin is contrary to international law and undermines the resumption of the peace process in the region. We believe that all States in all circumstances must act in keeping with international law, whose principal goal is to ensure peace among nations and to create a propitious framework for peaceful coexistence. That is why we are outraged that the parties, under the pressure of extremist and hard-line elements, seem to have deliberately chosen to use killing, the destruction of property and other attacks as a political tool.”
2004-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4929 (2004) · source
“In that regard, we support the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, who should make use of all his authority in Kosovo to prevent an escalation of violence and a humanitarian disaster in the province. We also support the reinforcement measures to restore order and calm. That said, in Kosovo, we should put more emphasis on measures to strengthen trust between the two communities, to promote the reconciliation of ethnic groups and to strengthen the authority of the established democratic institutions, rigorously applying the norms established by the international community before the decision on the final status of the province.”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4928 (2004) · source
“The perpetrators of those acts are personally responsible for their actions. The international community must ensure that no crime or violation of human rights in Kosovo goes unpunished. We believe that in the current situation the Security Council must urgently send a strong message to the Serbian and Albanian communities of Kosovo, calling on them to show greater restraint. The multi- ethnic character of the province, tolerance and the equal rights of all communities must be respected. The acts of intimidation and inter-community violence hinder the establishment of a democratic Kosovo that respects the rule of law. We should therefore do everything to prevent another humanitarian catastrophe.”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4928 (2004) · source
“At the very least, we can say that mutual trust between the two communities has not been fully established and that, rather, mistrust runs so deep that the slightest incident is liable to trigger an outburst of violence, with incalculable consequences for the process of building the rule of law in Kosovo. Benin vigorously condemns the acts of violence, the instances of ethnic cleansing and the attacks on the integrity of the international missions in Kosovo. As well, we extend our condolences to the families of victims. The damages suffered by the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and KFOR are completely unacceptable, as are the loss of human lives in the two communities and the destruction of property and cultural artefacts, which constitutes a grave attack on the shared patrimony of humankind.”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4928 (2004) · source
“Mr. Adechi (Benin) (spoke in French): I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting to examine the tragic situation prevailing in Kosovo. My delegation expresses its full appreciation to the Secretary-General, whose presence among us at this critical moment for the future of Kosovo demonstrates his personal commitment to the international community's rapid and concerted action in the face of the latest developments of which we have just been informed. I also welcome the presence at this meeting of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia and Montenegro and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany. The tragic events, which we condemn, demonstrate that the process of reconciliation among the ethnic communities living in Kosovo still has far to go.”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4928 (2004) · source
“Our commitment to democracy and economic and social development in Haiti must provide for and facilitate the following actions: in the short-term, facilitate emergency humanitarian assistance; restore law and public order and the respect for basic freedoms; establish the rule of law; create a national republican army; professionalize the police; and strengthen institutions. But all of these efforts will be in vain if Haiti's people do not share the values and principles to which we refer today. Therefore, the Haitian authorities and all those who aspire to undertake political responsibilities in that country must fully embrace the clear aspirations of the Haitian people and other peoples of the region to be governed by law and to build free, democratic and prosperous societies.”
2004-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4917 (2004) · source
“We believe that the quest for peace and the resumption of dialogue must be carried out in the context of the existing constitutional order. We are also pleased that the Secretary-General has decided to appoint a special advisor to follow the situation in Haiti. The international community must support and help the Haitian people to move definitively into a virtuous cycle of growth. The Haitian people deserve genuine prospects for growth, after 200 years of independence, passed over by history and carrying the heavy burden of instability and extreme poverty.”
2004-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4917 (2004) · source
“Perhaps we did not address the problem from the right direction, because Haiti has again fallen into the abyss. There is new urgency in Haiti. The security situation is worrisome; the humanitarian situation has completely deteriorated and requires concerted and immediate action. Therefore, we must quickly stabilize the situation in the country to avert the real risk that Haiti will plunge into chaos. We urge all the parties involved in the Haitian crisis to agree to commit themselves to the path of dialogue and negotiation. We welcome and support the initiatives taken by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organization of American States (OAS) and the countries involved in the quest for a political and peaceful solution to the Haitian crisis.”
2004-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4917 (2004) · source
“Mr. Adechi (Benin) (spoke in French): Thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting, which will enable us to explore the critical situation prevailing in Haiti. I warmly welcome the presence of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Jamaica and of the Bahamas. We are very much concerned at the gravity of the situation in Haiti, with which Benin has very important historical and blood ties. That situation calls for robust measures to spare the Haitian people the predictable consequences of a tragic confrontation by rival forces. Not long ago, the international community undertook major efforts to re-establish peace and constitutional legality in Haiti. That was a fresh opportunity for the country to enable democracy to take root and to develop prosperity.”
2004-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4917 (2004) · source
“As such, the prevailing situation of insecurity, and particularly the news of a surge in crime and retributions, is particularly disturbing. The discussion initiated between the United Nations, the different components of Iraqi society and the Coalition Provisional Authority do give us hope. The deteriorating security situation could, however, undermine the normalization and restoration process. In particular, the fact that the Iraqi security forces - which are in the process of being reorganized - too frequently seem not to enjoy the protection of the Coalition Provisional Authority forces could pose a number of problems. This kind of situation, if it does continue, may undermine the morale of the Iraqi forces and, in the end, slow the restoration of order and the rule of law that is necessary for the establishment of democracy.”
2004-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4914 (2004) · source
“This mechanism can only be flexible if all of the institutions in Iraq are established with a View to managing this transition period. Frequently, in the management of a transition period, it so happens that the person appointed to manage this period cannot run for office or head up the institutions in question after the transitional period. Such a candidacy often creates tension, since the political class may find that this person occupies a privileged place with respect to other potential competitors. This is true unless, of course, the parties can maintain a consensus to the end around that person. Promoting human rights is also a key element in ensuring the completion of the normalization process.”
2004-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4914 (2004) · source
“It is also important that a United Nations mission be created as soon as possible to support this process and to help to draft the fundamental texts, as well as to establish a legal framework for holding elections on the agreed date. The formula to be used in establishing a representative transition Government can only come from the Iraqi people themselves. Whether this is in the form of a national conference, a round-table discussion or any other format, a number of principles do need to be taken into account and complied with. In particular, we need to identify a process for forging a societal consensus, to define the rules of conduct for the transition period and to elect the person able to lead this transition.”
2004-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4914 (2004) · source
“This is even more true when there are no political parties to lead the political process or when a consensus on the societal structure to be established has not yet been reached. For Iraq, we need, however, to establish a structure that is as inclusive as possible and that leads to a normalization of the situation. In this connection, we believe that the approach proposed by the Secretary-General is extremely rational and should help to forge a consensus. Meeting the 30 June 2004 date set for the transfer of sovereignty to the Iraqi people is also essential. To do this, it is indispensable that a representative Government be established, as proposed by the Secretary-General, before the end of June 2004.”
2004-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4914 (2004) · source
“Mr. Adechi (Benin) (spoke in French): Allow me to thank Ambassador Jones Parry and Ambassador Negroponte for their extremely useful briefings to us on developments in Iraq. We also welcome the practical approach taken by the Secretary-General in terms of the United Nations role in the normalization process in Iraq. We welcome in particular the sending of a fact- finding mission to clarify the issue of holding elections. The results of the Brahimi mission reaffirm our idea of a rational management of the normalization process in the post-conflict period and of the formulas that should be applied to ensure a democratic transition in Iraq. As we stated during the discussions on post- conflict national reconciliation, holding post-conflict elections is often problematic.”
2004-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4914 (2004) · source
“The progress registered and the clear determination of the authorities of Timor-Leste to establish democracy and justice form a solid basis for creating a strong partnership with all development partners. We are convinced that peace, political stability, security and economic development are inextricably interlinked, as we have often said and as bears reiterating in the specific case of Timor-Leste. It is true that the people and Government of Timor-Leste are primarily responsible for building viable and democratic institutions. My delegation is convinced, however, that the international community must resolutely pursue the task begun two years ago in Timor-Leste and stand beside the people of that country in its steadfast march towards social progress and sustainable development.”
2004-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4913 (2004) · source
“Regarding recovery, reconstruction and economic and social development, Timor-Leste now falls into the category of least developed country. This fact was duly consecrated by the adoption of General Assembly resolution 58/112 of 17 December 2003. We believe that this shows an awareness of how much work remains in the economic and social development of the country. We are confident that the advantages deriving from least-developed-country status can allow Timor- Leste to enjoy increased support from the international community in the areas of international trade, development financing and technical cooperation in a well-defined framework with regular follow-up.”
2004-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4913 (2004) · source
“In that respect, we note that the Secretary-General has called for close cooperation between the forces of Timor-Leste and of Indonesia in order to ensure the security of border regions. That concern reflects the situation in the region resulting from the existence of reactionary and uncontrollable armed groups. Given that situation and that threat, a diversification of support for the armed forces of Timor-Leste is fully indicated. It is fortunate that the Secretary-General has been able to provide in his report a specific idea of the needs to be met within a rather tight, yet energizing timetable. We support such relevant recommendations advocating an extension and modification of UNMISET's mandate to ensure an international presence for an additional one-year period, as requested by the Government of Timor-Leste.”
2004-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4913 (2004) · source
“From another point of view, we believe that the problem of defining the respective roles of the national police and armed forces of Timor-Leste in the maintenance of internal security is crucial and that a solution to that problem is decisive for maintaining the democratic nature of the political system in Timor- Leste. The circumstances of the birth of the State of Timor-Leste require it to have a national army with sufficient resources to ward off external threats, whatever their provenance. It is with real satisfaction that we note the efforts being made jointly by the authorities of Timor-Leste and Indonesia to establish active bilateral cooperation based on good- neighbourliness, mutual respect and mutual benefit. My delegation sees here an outstanding example of post-conflict reconciliation.”
2004-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4913 (2004) · source
“The Government of Timor-Leste, which has our full confidence, deserves resolute support in order that it may continue its work and undertake the necessary measures. Here it is of critical importance to strengthen the capacity of the Administration and the judiciary by resorting, when necessary, to external technical assistance. The Security Council should consider ways and means of helping to speed up the processing of cases involving serious crimes, in the framework of the combat against impunity, since the overwhelming majority of indicted individuals are outside the country.”
2004-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4913 (2004) · source
“Such progress is a valuable asset, and we encourage all political players in Timor-Leste to maintain the current dynamic. We are fully aware of the major challenges that must still be met by the authorities of the youngest State in the world in establishing solid and lasting democratic institutions that guarantee peace, security and stability in the country. We are also fully aware of the determination of the authorities of Timor-Leste to do everything in their power to build a nation that is at peace with itself and which has good relations with its neighbours - a nation fully committed to struggling against poverty and for a better future. To achieve that major objective, the problems noted must be dealt with all due attention, and all necessary human and material resources must be made available.”
2004-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4913 (2004) · source
“Mr. Adechi (Benin) (spoke in French): We would like to associate ourselves with previous speakers in warmly welcoming the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Timor-Leste, Mr. Jose Ramos-Horta. We would like also to thank Under-Secretary-General Jean-Marie Guehenno for his outstanding introduction of the report of the Secretary-General on the commendable work of the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET). The Council thus has before it an unvarnished picture of the achievements and the difficulties that characterize the daunting task undertaken in Timor- Leste by the United Nations. Thanks to the unswerving commitment of the United Nations standing by their side, the people of Timor-Leste have, ex nihilo, achieved indisputable progress in all areas under consideration.”
2004-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4913 (2004) · source
“This could be helped by the restoration of working relations with the Provisional Institutions in Kosovo. My delegation welcomes the open attitude of the Belgrade authorities vis-a-Vis the inter-ethnic dialogue. Such a dialogue must be cross-cutting and encompass the greatest possible number of aspects of the Kosovo Administration. In that respect, UNMIK must step up its work in mediating among the various communities, with a View to adopting a work plan to ensure the consistent implementation of the standards before status policy. Every opportunity for peace must be seized quickly in order to strengthen the process under way. On behalf of my delegation, I should like to take this opportunity very strongly to condemn the heinous terrorist attack in the Moscow subway.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“We would like to know if such a study is envisaged. The economic situation in Kosovo, which the Secretary-General described as one of the poorest economies in a poor region, is indeed difficult, requires that the international community provide greater financial assistance in order to ensure sustained economic growth in the province. In that respect, the unemployment rate in the province is particularly worrisome, and there is a need to step up the necessary reforms to eliminate those factors that are slowing growth, including in terms of the electrical supply, the investment climate, proposed privatizations, the precarious situation as concerns property rights, and, of course, the combat against fraud and misappropriations of resources. The province's relations with Belgrade must be normalized.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“The continued strengthening of the Police Service and the judiciary of Kosovo, through the inclusion of minorities and gender mainstreaming, which help to broaden the social base, are essential in order to improve the security situation. That goal is also tied in with UNMIK's regional approach in combating organized crime. The progress made in these areas could have a decisive impact in helping to normalize the situation vis-a-vis freedom of movement and a noted speeding up of sustainable returns, which can also be encouraged by the restoration of essential public services. Furthermore, the Secretary-General's recommendation on the transformation of the Kosovo Protection Corps into a disciplined civil emergency agency merits careful study, particularly as concerns the structural relations between that entity and the Kosovo Police Service.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“The ongoing development of the domestic legal order in Kosovo through the adoption of new legislation is to be encouraged, as the goal is to establish the provincial administration on a very sound footing at the central and municipal levels, as part of decentralization. We believe that UNMIK should ensure that the established allocation of competencies is respected. Likewise, a sustained effort must be made to strengthen the apolitical nature of the Kosovo administration and to avoid the development of two parallel administrations in the province, due to Belgrade's continued support for Serb populations in many areas. We take note of the progress made in establishing and strengthening the rule of law.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“His comprehensive and personal account has shown us clearly where significant progress has been made and has allowed us to identify those areas where less positive developments have taken place - areas that require effective improvements. In that respect, the information provided makes clear the effectiveness of the review mechanism. We welcome the concrete steps that have been taken to support Kosovo as it works to establish functioning democratic institutions that would bring together all of the inhabitants of the province. From that perspective, we would stress the importance of multi-ethnic representation and of inclusiveness, as well as the need to take account of the Vital interests of minorities and to safeguard their cultural and identity rights.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“Mr. Adechi (Benin) (spoke in French): My delegation would like to congratulate you warmly, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council and to assure you of its cooperation. We would like also to congratulate your predecessor, Ambassador Mufioz of Chile, who so ably and skilfully guided our work in January. We listened very carefully to the very comprehensive statement made by Mr. Harri Holkeri on the report of the Secretary-General on the United National Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). It was indeed an excellent and very relevant statement. We would like here to pay well-deserved tribute to Mr. Holkeri and to his team for their firm commitment to discharging the responsibilities entrusted to UNMIK, whose work is proving particularly helpful in stabilizing the situation in Kosovo.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“Ongoing economic assistance to countries in a post-conflict situation is essential in order to restore the general socio-economic balance and to guarantee human security. It is for that reason that the United Nations must also take into account the impact that poverty continues to have on development and security.”
2004-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4903 (2004) · source
“The United Nations has an important role to play in the reconciliation process by strengthening the fragile environment in which such a process takes place. The United Nations may assist civil society, which is often a weak and poorly organized element among the parties to a dialogue. The United Nations can promote social peace by helping to reduce economic inequalities. It can supervise the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former combatants, with special attention being paid to child soldiers. It can help the subregional organizations to carry out projects that strengthen subregional unity and cohesion. Finally, the United Nations can strengthen reconciliation by promoting real prospects for social progress by reweaving the social fabric.”
2004-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4903 (2004) · source
“In achieving such a political process, rather than hastily organizing legislative elections, it is sometimes a good idea to establish an advisory body to consider crucial political, economic and social questions - a body in which all stakeholders in the country are represented. Regarding the choice between amnesty and ad hoc tribunals to bring about national reconciliation and lasting peace, here again we believe that the nature of each conflict and of the reparations to be made should prevail. There needs to be a process of reflection on the notion of war crimes in a situation where there is no longer a regular army but only barbaric armed gangs. Flagrant human rights violations, crimes against humanity and genocide should not be tolerated and require punitive justice.”
2004-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4903 (2004) · source
“At a more general level, political transition has an important role to play in the restoration of confidence and the strengthening of national reconciliation. Given the competition inherent in any election, hastily organized elections could jeopardize a fragile balance that has not been fully consolidated. A Government of national unity or other power-sharing arrangements may prove to be necessary - indeed, they may be preferable. It is often forgotten that democracy only survives because democrats are there to guide its institutions. In general, it is better to take the time to build a consensus according to the rules of the political game before embarking on the electoral process.”
2004-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4903 (2004) · source
“The fundamental texts were drafted and adopted during a transitional period of 12 months, following which a new democratic political system was established. Fourteen years later, democracy, which was restored to Benin, is taking root and ensuring social peace and political stability. The success of the national reconciliation process in Benin owes its success, first and foremost, to the fact that the political stakeholders abandoned force and violence. The second element - which was decisive - was the fact that priority was accorded to the political and economic dimension and to restructuring the State, rather than to finger-pointing. In order to strike a balance, to ensure that impunity was not encouraged and to bring about social peace, financial reparations were provided in the case of proven human rights violations.”
2004-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4903 (2004) · source
“Here, I would like briefly to allude to the process of reconciliation in the context of the non-violent restoration of democracy. Benin has had some experience in this area. Fortunately, we did not have to deal with an armed conflict, but all the ingredients were present for the outbreak of civil war. In keeping with the very African practice of negotiating under the banyan tree, the National Conference of February 1990 brought together representatives of all social groups, whom we in Benin referred to as the dynamic currents of the nation, in order to find the most appropriate way in which to resolve the crisis. After eight days of debate, a consensus draft of a social document was agreed to.”
2004-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4903 (2004) · source
“The parties must be allowed to state their views and concerns. Participation in the process of reconciliation must be as inclusive as possible, and the United Nations or the regional organizations must play a facilitating and support role in this regard. It is important that discussions take place as much as possible in the national language, or that interpretation be made available, so that contributions can be made at the grass-roots level. The national dialogue organized in Niger with United Nations support is an example of good practice from the standpoint of ownership of or representation in the process of national reconciliation. Reconciliation involves action to prevent the re- emergence or outbreak of an internal conflict.”
2004-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4903 (2004) · source
“Even if conflicts in Africa have certain features in common, every conflict has its own specific characteristics and the actors involved vary from one conflict to another. Examples of successful reconciliation show that there is a need for an integrated approach to be taken to the process of reconciliation - an approach that looks to the long term. The process of reconciliation cannot and should not be a short-term exercise, because it must bring together social, economic and political elements in a coherent political programme, with a View to rebuilding the State and revitalizing the institutions of good governance. The goal should be achieved using long-term solutions. The specific nature of each situation must be borne in mind, and that is why ownership of the process of national reconciliation is crucial.”
2004-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4903 (2004) · source
“Mr. Adechi (Benin) (spoke in French): We are delighted to see you, Madam, presiding over our work. We are grateful to you for having organized this open debate. We listened with great attention to the outstanding briefing given by Mr. Kalomoh, as well as to the statements by Mr. Malloch Brown and Ms. Carolyn McAskie. There can be no doubt that the international community is making an enormous effort to put an end to conflict by securing ceasefires and encouraging warring parties to conclude peace agreements. Concluding and implementing a peace agreement is just the initial phase in a long process of national reconciliation that must be encouraged and supported, because it is the best defence against the re-emergence of conflict. The success of national reconciliation will determine how lasting the peace will be.”
2004-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4903 (2004) · source
“As this debate is taking place, we face an important challenge: to consolidate the dynamic for peace in Cote d'Ivoire by assisting, in an adequate fashion, at the logistical and financial level, in the process of disarmament and demobilization that is under way by deploying rapidly United Nations peacekeeping forces, with a View to restoring and strengthening confidence and to promoting the return of order and respect for the rule of law. The Council will thereby help to stabilize the subregion and to promote development in an environment of peace and security.”
2004-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4899 (2004) · source
“The dynamic of a lasting peace also requires building alliances of peace and cooperation, including the cross-border coordination of non-State armed groups. Let me say, in conclusion, that the restoration of peace requires the following conditions: internally, the determination of the parties to make peace and to restore mutual confidence and dialogue; and externally, military, financial, and humanitarian support. It is at this stage that the Council must act. Indeed, a truce, ceasefire or peace agreement is worth only as much as its effective implementation.”
2004-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4899 (2004) · source