YouSaid · the spoken record

Akram

lines on the record: 1,374
first: 2002-06-13
most recent: 2023-12-20
sittings or episodes: 175
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

“In conclusion, let me recall Pakistan's unique record of clearing all mine fields after the three wars that were fought in South Asia, as well as during the recent military standoff with our eastern neighbour. There has never been a humanitarian situation caused by mines placed by Pakistan in the context of such conflicts. We remain committed to ensuring that mines in our military inventory will never become a cause for civilian casualties in Pakistan or elsewhere in the world.”
2003-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4858 (2003) · source
“It is obvious that the main constraints on action by the international community is the paucity of funds; secondly, the application of the latest technologies in conflict situations and post-conflict situations for mine clearance; and, thirdly, the absence of a clear strategy for the rehabilitation of mine victims. Being the largest troop contributor to United Nations peacekeeping operations, Pakistan has actively contributed to the demining operations in several affected countries in the past. We have participated in the demining operations in Kuwait, Cambodia, Angola, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Western Sahara. We are also helping in demining operations in Lebanon, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Pakistan would be ready to provide training facilities to mine-affected countries.”
2003-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4858 (2003) · source
“According to the latest report of the Mine Action Programme for Afghanistan, "Mines and exploded ordnance are an obstacle to the resettlement of the millions of internally displaced persons and returning refugees." At the current pace of demining activities, the report acknowledges that Afghanistan could be cleared of landmines only after 10 years. Such an operation would require approximately $500 million. Therefore, we would urge the donor nations and agencies to accelerate their pace so that the demining period in Afghanistan could be shortened, paving the way for the early rehabilitation of the Afghan people and the return of the Afghan refugees to their country. Despite the strain on Pakistan's medical facilities, hundreds of Afghan mine victims are treated in hospitals and rehabilitation centres every year.”
2003-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4858 (2003) · source
“It is quite clear in the context of the situations in which the Council is presently involved that we need to include mine-laying prevention and mine clearance as essential objectives in conflict situations, such as in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in West Africa. Prevention in this case, as usual, is better than the cure, and it could be an objective that we could pursue in the context of the peacekeeping operations that the Council has presently under way. Afghanistan presents a stark illustration of the tragedy caused by landmines. In Afghanistan, approximately 300 people are killed or injured every month by landmines and unexploded ordnance, and this has a history of over 20 years in that country.”
2003-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4858 (2003) · source
“Until this principle is acknowledged and countries that are responsible for such actions are called upon to assume their responsibilities, at least to clear up these landmines, we believe that action will continue to be inadequate and slow at the global level. We have noted the priority issues, which Under-Secretary-General Guehenno has identified in his statement to the Council this morning, and we believe that this will provide a very useful framework for the Council's action in the future. We agree with the representative of Germany that the Council's role is principally related to the contribution that we can make in the context of conflict situations or post-conflict situations and in peacekeeping operations, where the Council obviously has an important role to play in mine clearance, during and after conflicts.”
2003-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4858 (2003) · source
“In particular, we have noted progress in implementation of the six strategic goals and related objectives, that is, increased information and improved information technology to create awareness, improved capacity to respond to emergencies, especially in the most affected countries, such as Iraq and Afghanistan, sustained efforts to build national mine-action capacity, significant improvement in quality management and coordination of mine-action activities, enhanced resource mobilization from donor countries, and increased advocacy in support of the relevant legal instruments. One principle that requires universal acceptance and implementation is that of the responsibility of the States that actually place landmines or leave other unexploded ordnance behind in conflict situations.”
2003-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4858 (2003) · source
“Anti-personnel mines and unexploded ordnance pose severe economic and social consequences for the affected countries and place a heavy burden on economic and social reconstruction. Anti-personnel landmines also continue to prevent a large number of refugees in post-conflict situations from returning to their homes. It would be useful to recall the substantive debate held by the General Assembly last week on the issue of assistance in mine action. The Secretary-General's report on this subject contained in document A/56/260 and Add.l was most useful in that discussion. The annual review of the United Nations mine strategy, steered by the Secretary-General, also reflects a positive response from the global community.”
2003-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4858 (2003) · source
“First of all, my delegation would like to express our appreciation for your initiative, Mr. President, with regard to this discussion of the importance of mine action for peacekeeping operations. We have listened very attentively and appreciatively to the statements made by Under- Secretary-General Guehenno and Ambassador Dahinden. Pakistan is alarmed to see that there are still 200 million landmines stockpiled globally, almost half of them scattered in about seventy countries, completely unattended. Some l5,000-20,000 people fall victim to the indiscriminate use of such landmines every year. Seventy percent of the casualties are civilians, a large proportion of them women and children.”
2003-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4858 (2003) · source
“One final word on UNMIK: while we fully recognize that the future of Kosovo is being viewed in the European context, the role of UNMIK must continue to be an international one. In that regard, we would like to see a greater geographical balance in the recruitment of senior UNMIK staff, particularly the principal international officers. Similarly, UNMIK must also continue to seek the widest possible international support for its key activities and initiatives, especially in the United Nations and among the troop-contributing countries. In conclusion, I once again commend Mr. Holkeri for his achievements thus far and assure him of Pakistan's continued support for his efforts to establish peace, stability and self-governance in Kosovo, with respect for the rights of all its people.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“However, even if resolution of the status issue may take some time, it should not be conditional upon the achievement of standards which may be difficult to realize. Pakistan therefore fully supports Mr. Holkeri's efforts in launching a direct dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade on practical matters. We hope that in due course this dialogue, once established, can become the basis for further discussions on the status issue. This may work in parallel with other mechanisms, including those aimed at allowing all the people of Kosovo to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination. The issue of status and the important principles that underlie it are too important for the Council to ignore or to put off.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“While we support UNMIK's ongoing efforts to establish standards in Kosovo, we continue to have reservations about the standards-before-status approach. This is a unique approach; it has not been applied to other situations in similar circumstances. Standards-before-status, for instance, was not applied in East Timor or other disputed areas, such as Abkhazia or Western Sahara. Standards, we agree, are important, but they should not become an unnecessary obstacle to the early resolution of the future status of Kosovo. We recognize that the status issue in Kosovo is very complex and delicate, and may yet require patient, hard work to resolve. However, we feel that the status issue must be given its due priority and should be de-linked from standards. The development of standards should proceed independently.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“Further progress in the discussions in the Assembly of Kosovo, in spite of the difficulties therein, and progress at the local government level are positive developments. Here again, we congratulate the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) on its efforts to move ahead. The continued existence of parallel administrative structures, however, remains a matter of concern. Also of concern are the issues of security and freedom of movement. In spite of efforts by UNMIK to strengthen the rule of law, substantial problems remain. We are pleased that there has been an increase in the return of refugees. However, further progress is needed on other issues, such as sustainable returns, minority rights and inter-ethnic integration. Here, despite the complexities involved, we support UNMIK's ongoing efforts.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“I join in welcoming Mr. Holkeri to the Security Council and thank him for his briefing. We compliment Mr. Holkeri on the work done in his first few months in office in implementing the provisions of resolution 1244 (1999), especially those relating to the promotion of substantial autonomy and self-government in Kosovo. The pace of work in the process of transferring responsibilities to the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government is proceeding satisfactorily, it seems. We are also pleased with Mr. Holkeri's acceptance of the proposals, which are in line with chapter 8 of the Constitutional Framework, to consider the transfer of additional responsibilities which are reserved for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“The sixth is the Security Council's involving other United Nations bodies as well as representatives of civil society - perhaps using the Arria Formula - in a comprehensive discussion to promote such recommendations and actions. We believe that those actions should be undertaken in the Security Council's follow-up to resolution 1325 (2000).”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852 (2003) · source
“The second is initiating a study of recent and ongoing conflict situations to identify crimes committed against women, with a view to seeking redress and compensation for the victims. The third is requiring current and future United Nations peacekeeping operations to monitor, and report regularly to the Security Council, on the situation of women and girls in their mission areas. The fourth is promoting the fullest possible participation by women in peace processes as well in post-conflict peace-building, including in the reintegration, reconstruction and rehabilitation of societies in post-conflict phases. The fifth is requiring United Nations specialized organs and agencies to develop ways to address the special needs of women and girls affected by conflict, including health and psychological care.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852 (2003) · source
“We need greater international solidarity, responsibility and respect for the collective decisions of the United Nations and the determination to implement them. The Charter contains provisions, including in Chapter VI, which can be utilized for the purpose of promoting implementation of Council resolutions. At last year's open meeting of the Council to discuss women and armed conflict, my delegation suggested a few measures for the Council's consideration, which we believe are still valid and applicable. The first is adopting a declaration that the targeting of women - especially the use of rape as an instrument of war - will be considered a war crime, susceptible to national and international punishment.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852 (2003) · source
“These two presentations to the Council give us an insight into the normative and operational implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). The best way to protect women from the scourge of armed conflict is to prevent and resolve conflicts. The Security Council, as the organ of the United Nations responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security, must strengthen its capacity to prevent such conflicts and to resolve them. We must also stress the observance and implementation of the principles of international humanitarian law and human rights in international conflicts. We believe the Council must not only ensure prompt and effective responses to crisis situations, irrespective of their geographical locations, but also avoid selectivity in the implementation of its resolutions.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852 (2003) · source
“By adopting resolution 1325 (2000), the Security Council reaffirmed its deep concern at such violence against women in armed conflict. It also acknowledged women's possible positive contribution in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in post- conflict consolidation and rehabilitation. The need to mainstream a gender perspective into peacekeeping has been affirmed. We thank Under-Secretary-General Guehenno for his briefing on the Department of Peacekeeping Operations' efforts to implement resolution 1325 (2000) in United Nations peacekeeping missions. We also thank Ms. Amy Smythe, Senior Gender Adviser to the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), for sharing with us her experience in the implementation of the resolution.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852 (2003) · source
“Unfortunately, such crimes against women do not remain limited to situations of armed conflicts. A pattern of targeted violence against women in situations of communal disturbance within national borders has also been witnessed. Very little is said of last year's anti-Muslim violence in the Indian state of Gujarat, which saw abhorrent illustration of the crimes against women. The report of Human Rights Watch has extensively documented these crimes, which included gang rape, burning women alive, other methods of murder and the murder of unborn babies. In Afghanistan, where the destitution of women was a pervasive consequence of two decades of conflict, violence against women has been used as a tool to terrorize populations, force displacement and demoralize adversaries.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852 (2003) · source
“They include women who have been widowed, or whose husbands have been maimed, or who have disappeared, or those who are in arbitrary detention. We urge the United Nations and non- governmental organizations (NGOs) to prepare a survey of the number of such destitute Kashmiri women. The international community should take appropriate measures to provide help and compensation to these women. We urge the humanitarian agencies, especially the International Committee of the Red Cross, to act as the instrument and avenue for such relief distribution. Political considerations and the power of certain countries should not stand in the way of international humanitarian agencies responding to the plight of the Kashmiri women and children suffering from the long and bloody conflict that has been inflicted on their homeland.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852 (2003) · source
“Amnesty International has reported that harassment, abduction, rape and deliberate and arbitrary killings perpetrated by pro-Indian renegades in Kashmir are also carried out with the support of the Indian security forces. We would hope that, like other peacekeeping operations mentioned by Mr. Guehenno, the United Nations Military Observer Group for India and Pakistan will also be tasked to report to the Security Council on the conditions of women in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), like other resolutions of the Security Council, cannot be promoted on a selective and discriminatory basis. There are thousands of destitute women in Kashmir, illustrating this manifestation of a brutal conflict.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852 (2003) · source
“Investigations by human rights groups into allegations of gang rape by the Indian security forces show that it has been used routinely in search-and-cordon operations. There is generally a pattern of impunity and non-accountability when it comes to incidents of rape or violence. Investigations are more a cover-up than an inquiry. Human rights organizations have testified that in J ammu and Kashmir, since 1992, rape and ill-treatment of women are usually reported to have taken place during counter-insurgency operations by Indian forces. The Asia Watch and Physicians for Human Rights have documented the extensive use of rape by the occupation forces designed to punish and humiliate the entire community.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852 (2003) · source
“These injunctions notwithstanding, women's suffering in conflict situations has continued. Despite growing awareness of their plight and increased focus on their protection, women continue to be the prime victims of calamities - both natural and man-made - in conflict situations. Mention has been made here of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in Afghanistan and other places. You will understand if I, on my part, address specifically the plight of women in a conflict that affects a people who are close to the hearts of the Pakistani people. The suffering of women in the ongoing freedom struggle in Jammu and Kashmir is symbolic of the suffering of women worldwide. The Indian army uses rape in this deeply conservative society as a weapon to punish, intimidate, coerce, humiliate and degrade Kashmiri women.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852 (2003) · source
“I would like to express the Pakistani delegation's appreciation to you for convening this open debate to mark the third anniversary of the adoption of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000). The resolution elevated women from being hapless victims of conflict situations to equal stakeholders in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in the rehabilitation of post conflict situations. Today's meeting provides us with an opportunity to review the progress and to advance the implementation of this resolution. Human rights instruments - particularly the Geneva Conventions - proscribe torture, violence, rape and other forms of sexual violence and ill- treatment of women during conflicts. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court pronounces these acts in the context of armed conflict as crimes against humanity.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852 (2003) · source
“Is it the intention that their services should be continued after the termination of the programme? We would be very interested to receive answers to those questions.”
2003-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4851 (2003) · source
“Will there be a new procedure for the implementation of the contracts that are thus identified? The representatives of the Coalition Provisional Authority may also wish to throw light on these issues. With regard to inspection and authentication procedures, Mr. Sevan expressed concern in his report regarding slow cooperation by the Coalition Provisional Authority, particularly regarding the provision of information about contact points within ports or an update concerning any arrangements made to confirm the arrival of goods. We hope that those issues too can be addressed by the Coalition Provisional Authority as soon as possible. We would like to know what will be the status of the United Nations local staff - the Iraqi staff - involved in oil-for-food programme activities.”
2003-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4851 (2003) · source
“We extend our condolences to the bereaved families of those who have lost their lives. The security situation has also curtailed the capacity of the United Nations to engage with the Coalition Provisional Authority and with the Iraqi ministries to contribute to the decision-making process and, ultimately, to help the Iraqi people voice their preferences and their aspirations. We have taken note of the actions initiated by the Office of the Iraq Programme to complete the transfer of the oil-for-food programme to the Coalition Provisional Authority by 21 November. We would be interested to know when the Office of the Iraq Programme will be able to complete the review of the contracts to determine their relative utility. Will the Coalition Provisional Authority and the Iraqi ministries be asked to provide their inputs in that review?”
2003-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4851 (2003) · source
“I would like to join in thanking Mr. Benon Sevan for his comprehensive briefing this afternoon on the process of phasing out the oil-for-food programme. It is clear from Mr. Sevan's report that the current situation in Iraq has affected the winding down of the oil-for-food programme. A number of problems currently exist in Iraq, as is evident from news reports. As in Afghanistan, the primary problem is security, which has necessitated the reduction of staff in Iraq. The security problem has also negatively impacted humanitarian activities in Iraq. Pakistan joins in condemning the recent attacks on humanitarian organizations in Iraq, particularly the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and on other targets. These attacks have increased the sense of insecurity of the people of Iraq.”
2003-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4851 (2003) · source
“Pakistan continues to believe that the international community would do well to open a process of broad consultations which would involve the Iraqi people and the Arab and Islamic countries in order to evolve a consensus on how best to restore Iraq's sovereignty and political independence, improve its security environment and promote its reconstruction. Pakistan stands ready to contribute to such a process. We are deeply committed to ensuring the welfare of the Iraqi people, restoring their sovereignty and political independence, ensuring Iraq's unity and territorial integrity and promoting peace and stability in the entire region. Pakistan shares strong bonds of faith, culture and history with the Iraqi people and with other States in the region. We fully support their aspirations.”
2003-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4844 (2003) · source
“There are widespread concerns that the security situation in Iraq may deteriorate. To prevent that, the coalition Powers and those assisting them must be able to win the confidence of the Iraqi people and to convince them that they are working to promote their interests. Unless that aspect of the situation is fully addressed, there will continue to be resistance from those in Iraq who feel excluded from the political process - apart from the additional dimension of terrorism, which has emerged with greater frequency in Iraq. We are all agreed that this resolution is not the last word on Iraq.”
2003-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4844 (2003) · source
“However, the forces deployed must be acceptable to the Iraqi people and must evoke their full cooperation. Otherwise, they will be unable to impose security. On the contrary, their presence might intensify insecurity. It is for that reason that, during our consultations on the draft resolution, Pakistan consistently advocated that the multinational force which was to be created should have a identity separate and distinct from the occupation forces and that its deployment should be the result of an invitation from the Iraqi people and should take place with the concurrence of the other States of the region. Unfortunately, those considerations could not be reflected in the resolution we have just adopted. Under these circumstances, Pakistan will not be able to contribute troops to the multinational force in Iraq.”
2003-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4844 (2003) · source
“We therefore trust that the circumstances referred to in the resolution which would enable the Secretary-General to play an active role in Iraq's political process will arrive as soon as possible. Pakistan is confident that despite the tragedy of 19 August, the United Nations will not be prepared to abdicate its responsibilities to the Iraqi people. We welcome the Secretary-General's statement this morning in that context. A United Nations role in overseeing and assisting the political transition in Iraq can be discharged, in our view, without incurring unacceptable risks to United Nations personnel. The deployment of credible military capabilities in Iraq is no doubt essential at present to create an environment of security within which the political process and Iraq's reconstruction can be implemented.”
2003-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4844 (2003) · source
“The political process for the restoration of full Iraqi sovereignty would have gained in credibility and acceptability within Iraq and internationally if it had been conducted under the authority and auspices of the United Nations. We understand the concerns and constraints of the Secretary-General, which prevent the presence of United Nations international staff on the ground in Iraq. The security environment must improve in order to enable the United Nations and other international organizations to play a full and impartial role in Iraq's transition to political independence. Yet the supervision of that process by the United Nations can itself contribute to creating the confidence among the Iraqi people that is essential to promoting a climate of security.”
2003-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4844 (2003) · source
“That is an inalienable right of the people of Iraq, and, like other peoples, they are entitled to exercise that right without unnecessary delay. Nevertheless, we have noted that the text reaffirms the temporary nature of the exercise by the Coalition Provisional Authority of its specific responsibilities and obligations under international law. We hope that the timetable that has been indicated in the text will be accelerated with a view to ending occupation expeditiously and that the Iraqi interim authority will be quickly constituted through a broad and inclusive political process incorporating political elements which at present remain outside the Governing Council.”
2003-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4844 (2003) · source
“The resolution would have gained considerably in clarity and credibility if it had clearly stipulated the principles which should guide the political transition and the maintenance of security and reconstruction in Iraq: respect for Iraq's political independence, unity and territorial integrity; the right of the Iraqi people to choose their own political destiny and form of Government; permanent sovereignty and control over their natural resources; and non-intervention and non- interference in their internal affairs. We would also have liked a clearer process for the early restoration of Iraq's sovereignty and the quick transfer of power and authority to the Iraqi people to enable them to control their political future and their economic resources.”
2003-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4844 (2003) · source
“We supported the resolution because, despite the complexity and contradictions of parts of the text, we believe that its fundamental objectives are the restoration of sovereignty and the transfer of authority to the people of Iraq, the improvement of the security environment, the promotion of economic reconstruction and the expeditious provision of relief.”
2003-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4844 (2003) · source
“Tragically, even the United Nations, present in Iraq to assist the Iraqi people, was targeted in the devastating attack of 19 August, costing the lives of 22 United Nations personnel, including the head of the United Nations Mission, Sergio Vieira de Mello. Since then, guerrilla and terrorist attacks have occurred with numbing regularity, as listed in the fifth preambular paragraph and operative paragraph 18 of the resolution. We viewed the initiation of the resolution as an opportunity to address those concerns and to create a structure that could lead to the early restoration of Iraq's sovereignty and political independence.”
2003-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4844 (2003) · source
“The resolutions adopted by the Security Council since the war - resolutions 1472 (2003), 1476 (2003), 1483 (2003) and 1500 (2003) - were, in our view, designed to take the first steps towards realizing those objectives. Several steps have been taken towards those objectives in Iraq, including the organization of humanitarian assistance, the revival of administrative structures and the establishment of a Governing Council which was considered by the Security Council to be broadly representative. Unfortunately, the situation in Iraq has evolved in ways that have aroused regional and international concern. In particular, the security environment has not improved. Attacks have occurred on the foreign military and civilian presence in the country.”
2003-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4844 (2003) · source
“I join my colleagues in welcoming the Secretary-General at this important meeting. Pakistan is happy that the Security Council was able to act unanimously on the resolution, and we commend the flexibility demonstrated by all Council members. Pakistan voted in favour of the resolution, and I would like to say a few words to explain our position. Pakistan's position, both before and after the war in Iraq early this year, has been guided by our concern for the welfare of the fraternal people of Iraq and for their country. Pakistan did not support the war. In its aftermath, our concern has been to ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance to the suffering Iraqi people, to restore the security and stability of their country and to ensure the earliest restoration of its sovereignty and political independence.”
2003-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4844 (2003) · source
“We hope that the United Nations and the international community, building on the success story of Timor-Leste, will bend their efforts to bring the principle of self-determination to, and implement the resolutions of the Security Council in, the case of Jammu and Kashmir as well.”
2003-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4843 (2003) · source
“However, this is required not only in support of the UNMISET mandate, but also in facilitating Timor-Leste's economic recovery. Our hope is that the international community will continue to assist the country to stand on its own feet, even after the departure of UNMISET. In spite of the many challenges before it, Timor- Leste is a United Nations success story. Above all, it is a seminal case demonstrating the successful implementation of the principle of self-determination by the United Nations. There are other peoples, especially the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who await the opportunity to exercise their right to self- determination, as promised and prescribed in Security Council resolutions.”
2003-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4843 (2003) · source
“Pakistan believes that the development of close and friendly relations between Timor-Leste and Indonesia is of the utmost importance and that it will be in the best interest of both countries. We welcome the agreement concluded between the Governments of Indonesia and Timor-Leste this September on the common border, which is a major step in enhancing the security of Timor-Leste. We call on both sides to work together to resolve any outstanding problems and to strengthen regional cooperation. Such cooperation can be an example for other parts of the world as well. In our View, the most imposing long-term challenge confronting Timor-Leste will be the promotion of economic prosperity. We agree with the Secretary-General's report that international assistance should continue and will be indispensable.”
2003-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4843 (2003) · source
“It is vital that the painstaking achievements of UNMISET and, before it, of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor, should be sustained and further built upon. Indeed, with the assistance of UNMISET and the international community, Timor-Leste has made remarkable progress since its independence in May 2002. However, a large part of the credit for that success must go to the people and the leadership of Timor-Leste. We congratulate the Government of Timor-Leste on its achievements, despite difficult circumstances. We appreciate in particular President Gusmao's bold initiative to encourage reconciliation among the Timorese people. We hope that the Government of Timor-Leste will strive to heal the deep wounds of the past, both internal and external.”
2003-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4843 (2003) · source
“While the mission has made considerable progress thus far, especially in three key programmes - stability, democracy and justice; internal security and law enforcement; and external security and border control - several challenges still remain. Some of these challenges will outlive UNMISET. Therefore, it is important that the role and responsibility of the United Nations should not simply end with the withdrawal of UNMISET. We agree with the Secretary-General's recommendation that an objective assessment of the country's future needs should be carried out, followed by the submission by the Secretariat of appropriate suggestions on the future role of the United Nations in Timor-Leste. We would look forward to any suggestions and recommendations from the Secretariat and Ambassador Sharma in that regard.”
2003-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4843 (2003) · source
“I would like to thank Ambassador Kamalesh Sharma for his comprehensive briefing on the situation in Timor-Leste and for updating us on the progress made by the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET). I would like to express our high appreciation to Ambassador Sharma for UNMISET'S efforts in assisting Timor-Leste's transition to a fully independent nation-State. I think it would be timely for all of us to recall the great contribution made in the initiation and the establishment of this process in Timor-Leste by the late Sergio Vieira de Mello. The UNMISET mandate is due to expire in seven months.”
2003-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4843 (2003) · source
“The peace process, which we have all supported, must be rescued. The parties must be brought back to full and faithful implementation of their commitments under the road map, which should lead to the realization of our vision of two States, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security within recognized borders.”
2003-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4841 (2003) · source
“The peace which Israel seeks will not result from the continuing illegal occupation and suppression of a Palestinian population in these lands which is hostile and aggrieved. It is imperative to recognize that the separation wall is an unlawful annexation of occupied Palestinian territory. It must be declared illegal by the Security Council, and the Government of Israel must be asked to cease, and reverse, its construction. We do not believe that terrorism is an excuse for the construction of that wall; certainly, it will not stop State terrorism against the Palestinian people. The security situation in the Holy Land is grave and threatening. It warrants immediate attention and urgent action by the international community, and especially by the Security Council. The taboo of terrorism should not be misused to circumvent the peace process.”
2003-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4841 (2003) · source
“Politically, the wall will pose yet another and probably the most daunting challenge to the implementation of the Quartet's road map. The Secretary-General recently described the separation wall and the settlements as "serious obstacles to the achievement of the two-State solution." (SG/SM/8913) In Security Council consultations, some members earlier have cautioned that construction of the wall amounted to pre-empting the final settlement agreement under the road map and creation of realities on the ground. We agree with this assessment. A viable Palestinian State, as envisaged in the Quartet's road map, cannot be established in the bantustans that will be created by the separation wall.”
2003-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4841 (2003) · source
“According to him, "Palestinians living between the wall and the Green Line will be effectively cut off from their farmlands and workplaces, schools, health clinics and other social services. This is likely to lead to a new generation of refugees or internally displaced persons." (E/CN.4/2004/6) There is little doubt that the wall separates the Palestinians from their own cities and resources. It isolates, fragments and in some cases impoverishes those affected by its construction. In order to obtain the land on which the wall is being constructed in the West Bank, private Palestinian property has been requisitioned pursuant to military orders. This is in flagrant violation of humanitarian as well as human rights law.”
2003-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4841 (2003) · source
“(Article XXX], final clauses 7 and 8) Apart from being illegal from the perspective of these international and bilateral legal instruments, the separation wall is inconsistent with Israel's commitment under the road map. The road map obligates the Government of Israel to immediately dismantle settlement outposts erected since March 2001 and "Consistent with the Mitchell report freezes all settlement activity (including natural growth of settlements)". This commitment is both clear and non-negotiable. The wall spurs, not stems the growth of settlements and outposts. The separation wall will bring enormous suffering to the Palestinian people living in the West Bank. The special rapporteur has calculated that more than 210,000 Palestinians will be seriously affected by the wall.”
2003-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4841 (2003) · source