YouSaid · the spoken record

Albright

lines on the record: 1,073
first: 1993-02-05
most recent: 2000-01-24
sittings or episodes: 157
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

“They are consistent only in their refusal to admit the truth and their determination to lie to the world over and over again. Clearly, the Government of Cuba has not met or accepted its responsibility to comply with the Chicago Convention and customary international law, which set out the standards of international behaviour with respect to civil aviation. In contrast, my Government does accept its responsibilities, both generally and with respect to the control of United States aircraft. Well prior to 24 February, we issued warnings and notices urging United States airmen not to enter Cuban airspace without authorization. When the pilot of a United States-registered civil aircraft overflew Havana last July, we moved to suspend his license to fly.”
1996-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3683 (1996) · source
“This Council's primary mission is to maintain international peace and security. The draft resolution serves that goal by calling upon all nations to refrain from shooting down civil aircraft in violation of international legal standards. But the Government of Cuba still refuses to acknowledge the unlawful nature of its actions on 24 February. It has not expressed regret at the death of the four men who were killed, or evidenced sympathy for the irreplaceable loss felt by their families. And it continues to threaten that it may shoot down civil aircraft again. Quite frankly, Cuba's position has been callous and contemptible. They shoot down civil aircraft and then blame the victims. They call for an investigation and then blame the investigators. They are the aggressors in this case and yet claim they are being persecuted.”
1996-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3683 (1996) · source
“By its actions, Cuba violated the principle of customary international law that States must refrain from resorting to the use of weapons against civil aircraft in flight - a principle that applies whether the aircraft are in national or international airspace. Cuba violated the ICAO principle that interception of civil aircraft should be undertaken only as a last resort. Cuba failed to follow proper warning procedures. And, as the ICAO noted in its own resolution on 27 June, by taking the lives of four of my countrymen - Pablo Morales, Carlos Costa, Mario de la Pefia and Armando Alejandre - Cuba violated elementary considerations of humanity. Although the draft resolution before us today is prompted by a tragedy that occurred five months ago, its greatest value relates to the future.”
1996-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3683 (1996) · source
“Inherent in the pledge of each was an obligation to accept the outcome of that investigation. The United States does accept the outcome of that investigation. Indeed, we believe that it provides an accurate account of the facts. Those facts are clear. The Cuban military first identified these two unarmed Cessna planes as civil aircraft and then knowingly and intentionally destroyed them with air-to-air missiles. The Cubans did not follow ICAO standards or their own published procedures for intercepting aircraft. The Cubans did not attempt to make radio contact with either plane, nor did they instruct the planes to land at a designated location. Finally, according to the most reliable position estimates, the aircraft were destroyed approximately 9 to 10 miles outside Cuban airspace.”
1996-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3683 (1996) · source
“The draft resolution also extends to the families of those who were killed the Council's deepest sympathy and condolences. I thank those of my colleagues who met with the family members of those killed on 24 February and who can better appreciate the human dimension of this tragedy. The draft resolution also demands that all nations, specifically including Cuba, abide in the future by international legal standards governing civil aviation. Months ago, in the aftermath of the shootdowns, representatives of the United States and Cuba each set out a version of the events that took place on 24 February. In key respects, those accounts differed. To resolve the differences, each Government pledged to cooperate fully with an investigation to be conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).”
1996-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3683 (1996) · source
“We meet today to consider a matter of grave concern to my country, to members of this Council and to all who care about the safety of those engaged in civil aviation around the world. The issue before us is not the United States versus Cuba. It does not require that Council members make a judgement about the repressive nature of Cuba's Government or about the rights and wrongs of the past 35 years of United States-Cuban relations. The draft resolution deals, instead, with a fundamental question of international law and with the observance or non-observance of international standards. It is for this reason that the draft resolution condemns the cowardly and cold-blooded shootdown by Cuba on 24 February of two unarmed civilian aircraft operated by Brothers to the Rescue and declares that shootdown to be a violation of international law.”
1996-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3683 (1996) · source
“The future of a democratic Haiti is not assured, but the international community can be satisfied that those with the commitment to build a free Haiti have that chance. By allowing that opening, this Council has kept faith with the people of Haiti and honoured its own responsibility as a guardian of international security, law and peace.”
1996-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3676 (1996) · source
“Our shared objective is to accomplish that transition in a manner that allows economic and social progress to accelerate. In closing, I want to express the gratitude and admiration of my Government to those who have contributed to the United Nations Mission in Haiti, and especially to the Government of Canada, which since February has fulfilled in an outstanding manner the leadership role. We are heartened as well by the continued strong support for Haitian democracy that has been demonstrated by the Organization of American States and by the members of this Council. This support reflects the fact that Haiti's progress has had, and continues to have, consequences beyond the borders of that country.”
1996-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3676 (1996) · source
“At the same time, it is vital that the Haitian Government and the international financial institutions agree on the terms of economic assistance. Friends of Haiti, both governmental and non-governmental, must continue their efforts to help Haitian society move ahead, and the door to private investment must be open. There is no better answer to the plagues of Haiti's past than freedom, jobs, basic education and the means for average citizens to put food on the table for their families. The international presence in Haiti is designed to bolster the ability of freely elected leaders to exercise sovereign power. That is a necessary and proper role, but it is also temporary. Ultimately, Haitian authorities will have to assume full responsibility for public order. They understand and desire that.”
1996-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3676 (1996) · source
“Today's resolution authorizes a United-Nations-funded force of 600 military, with the understanding that additional troops will be funded on a voluntary basis by the United States and Canada to keep 1,300 troops ready to assist the Haitian Government and the civilian police monitors. This trend is a dramatic rebuttal to those who suggested that any intervention in Haiti would lead, as in the past, to occupation. Over the next five months, international civilian police monitors will continue their efforts to professionalize the fully deployed, but still inexperienced, Haitian National Police. The United Nations military contingent will help deter those who might be tempted to disrupt the democratization process.”
1996-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3676 (1996) · source
“But Haiti continues to need a helping hand against those who will use violence or corruption to obtain what they cannot, or will not, earn through honest work. Haiti needs the means by which to protect itself from these lawless elements, but the past perversion of power has required that this capability be built from the ground up. That process of building effective law enforcement, judicial and prosecutorial capabilities takes time. In the months ahead, the United Nations role in Haiti will continue to diminish. Not that long ago, there were 22,000 foreign troops in Haiti. In February of last year, a United Nations deployment of 6,000 was approved.”
1996-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3676 (1996) · source
“Between October 1991 and September 1994, thousands of Haitians were murdered, tens of thousands were terrorized into hiding and tens of thousands or more took to the seas. Let us not forget - for the people of Haiti will never forget - that when the illegitimate leaders fled, they left behind, nailed to the walls of prison offices and police stations, the obscene photos of those they had ordered tortured, abused and killed. Today, thanks in part to the actions of this Council, Haiti is recovering. The Government chosen by the people is committed to serving the people. The systematic deprivation of human rights has come to an end. The pervasive fear has been replaced by a resurgence of hope. The process of economic revitalization is under way.”
1996-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3676 (1996) · source
“Today, in response to the request of Haitian President Rene Preval, we have approved the establishment of the United Nations Support Mission in Haiti (UNSMIH), as a follow-on to UNMIH. Its mandate is to assist the Government of Haiti in professionalizing the police and in maintaining the secure environment required for the welcome changes in Haiti to solidify and grow deeper roots. History teaches us that the construction of a durable and democratic society is not an event, but a process. In Haiti, that process requires the patience needed to heal old wounds and learn new ways. The Haiti of three years ago was infected by despotic and illegitimate leaders. The army and police were used not as instruments of national defence or civil order, but as the means of repression.”
1996-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3676 (1996) · source
“Today, the Council acts once again to assist Haiti in its journey from tyranny to democracy. In so doing, it contributes to regional stability and serves well the principles of human rights, freedom and social progress that are inscribed in the United Nations Charter. Since assuming responsibility from the United-States- led Multinational Force early last year, the United Nations Mission in Haiti (UNMIH) has helped to ensure a climate of security within which free elections could be held, economic activity could increase, political reconciliation could occur and the construction of democratic institutions could begin. These activities have advanced the cause of freedom and human development throughout the hemisphere.”
1996-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3676 (1996) · source
“UNMOT's presence in Tajikistan is a concrete demonstration of the international community's commitment to helping the Tajik parties achieve peace and national reconciliation. However, UNMOT can be truly effective only if the parties themselves recommit themselves to these objectives.”
1996-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3673 (1996) · source
“The Secretary-General reports that UNMOT's activities have been severely impeded by both sides. This would appear to call into question the parties' commitment to UNMOT's mission. We welcome the new Special Representative, Mr. Merrem, and commend his active efforts to get the next round of talks under way as soon as possible. We regret that the Government was unable to accept Mr. Merrem's invitation to begin the talks on 17 June. We understand that the talks could occur in the first part of July, and urge the Tajik parties not to let this date slip any further. Finally, I want to underline my Government's strong endorsement of the passage in this resolution calling for a review of UNMOT's future in Tajikistan should prospects for the peace process not improve during the mandate period.”
1996-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3673 (1996) · source
“We are dismayed by the seeming inability of the two sides thus far to agree even on confidence-building measures, such as prisoner exchanges. One key element towards national reconciliation would be resumption of the operations of the Joint Commission for monitoring the cease-fire accord. We support the resolution's call on the United Tajik Opposition to accept the written security guarantees recently put forward by the Government. At the same time, we urge the Government to intensify its investigation into the 24 February kidnapping of the opposition Co-Chairman of the Joint Commission, who is still missing. The two sides must also abide by their commitment to allow UNMOT observers freedom of movement and unfettered access to areas where cease-fire violations may have occurred.”
1996-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3673 (1996) · source
“The two sides continue to profess their commitment to the standing cease-fire but, in practice, have reinforced their troops, conducted offensives and counter-offensives and shown little inclination to end this dangerous spiral. There have also been reports that areas of northern Afghanistan have been bombed or shelled in recent months, apparently in connection with the Tajik conflict. We urge, in the strongest terms, both sides to end the fighting now and abide strictly by the terms of the cease-fire. The lack of progress in the peace talks is also a serious problem. The last two sessions of the talks appear to have made little headway towards a resolution of the conflict, despite the best efforts of the United Nations Special Envoy, Mr. Piriz-Ballon.”
1996-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3673 (1996) · source
“The United States welcomes the candid and detailed report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Tajikistan and supports the Secretary-General's recommendation that the mandate of the United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan (UNMOT) be extended for another six months. In doing so, though, we would like to underline our serious concern about the deterioration of the military situation in Tajikistan and the continued lack of progress in the United Nations-mediated inter-Tajik talks. As the Secretary-General notes in his report, Tajik Government and opposition forces are now engaged in some of the most serious fighting in the country since the end of the civil war in 1992.”
1996-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3673 (1996) · source
“If the situation persists, as it has on occasions in the past, the Council will have no choice but to conclude that Iraq is in material breach of its obligations under Security Council resolutions 687 (1991), 707 (1991) and 715 (1991).”
1996-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3672 (1996) · source
“takes to ensure that in carrying out its mandate, it has respected Iraq's sovereignty and made sure that Iraq's security has not been threatened. We can only wish that Iraq were as diligent in meeting its commitments. Iraq's assertion that its security is threatened by unarmed inspections is laughable. It is not the inspectors who threaten Iraq, but Iraq which threatens the region. The invasion and occupation of Kuwait, the campaign against the Kurds and Shiah and the use of terrorism by Iraq are ample and incontrovertible proof that this regime still poses a serious threat to the security of the region. Blocking UNSCOM's inspectors from an entire category of suspect sites is a new situation and a matter of grave concern to the United States Government.”
1996-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3672 (1996) · source
“That is why it is so important that our message be swift and strong. This resolution meets those tests. UNSCOM. has been empowered by this Council to ensure the end of the Iraqi weapons-of-mass-destruction programme and to act within that mandate to see that Iraq never again threatens the international community. It should be clear to all that the progress that has occurred in dismantling Iraq's weapons-of-mass-destruction capability is the result of UNSCOM's determination to follow the evidence wherever it might lead and whether the Iraqi regime likes it or not. My Government is most appreciative of the work of Chairman Ekeus and the Special Commission. They have a difficult job and they do it admirably. They have my Government's full support. Special Commissioner Ambassador Ekeus has described to the Council the care UNSCOM.”
1996-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3672 (1996) · source
“Let me begin by congratulating you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency for this month. We look forward to working with you. Let me also extend my delegation's appreciation to Ambassador Qin Huasun and the Chinese delegation for all their fine work last month. In March, when Iraq last blocked access to inspectors of the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM), the Council was forced to act to remind Baghdad of its obligations. My Government hoped that the message we sent registered. At that time, we explained that Iraq would respond only if the Council acted quickly and forcefully. Since it failed to respond adequately then, here we go again. Let me be clear: this Council must not tolerate challenges to its authority. The Iraqi regime must not be allowed to interfere with the work of the United Nations Special Commission.”
1996-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3672 (1996) · source
“That day has not yet arrived, but by continuing UNPREDEP, we contribute to the likelihood that peace will endure and that that day will come. That is a worthy goal for this Council, and for the contributors to this successful and well-run mission.”
1996-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3670 (1996) · source
“In the last year and a half, the United Nations has reduced its deployed peace-keeping forces by more than 50 per cent. The United States believes strongly that peace- keeping mandates should be examined periodically to determine whether they are still necessary or can be implemented with fewer resources. UNPREDEP is no exception. UNPREDEP should not continue indefinitely. My Government will certainly consider a reduction or reconfiguration of the Force in the future, if the situation so warrants. We share the hope of the people of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and of all the people of the Balkans that the peace will broaden and deepen in the coming months. We look forward to the day when that peace is so strong that there will no longer be a need for UNPREDEP.”
1996-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3670 (1996) · source
“Accordingly, my Government believes that the continuation of UNPREDEP, at least for the period contemplated by this resolution, provides a measure of insurance that is well worth the costs. The next six months will be critical in consolidating the gains made in achieving peace in the region. Any change to the mandate or structure of UNPREDEP now would have a potentially destabilizing effect on the peace process in the Balkans. The elections to be held in Bosnia and Herzegovina in mid-September are a critical step forward in the peace process, and it is vital that we avoid as much as possible adding any elements of uncertainty to that process. It is for these reasons that we concur with our fellow UNPREDEP troop-contributors that the Force should stay at its current strength and continue to perform its mission.”
1996-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3670 (1996) · source
“We hope soon to see mutual recognition between all the successor States of the former Yugoslavia, and we commend the Governments of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Greece for the continuing improvement in their bilateral relations. However, as the Secretary-General points out in his report, it will always be a matter of judgement as to when a preventive operation is no longer required. Certainly, the imminent risk of war has been reduced, but the peace process in Bosnia and Herzegovina and elsewhere in the former Yugoslavia remains fragile. Underlying tensions remain. The presence of UNPREDEP clearly continues to have a reassuring, stabilizing and confidence-building effect not only within the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, but within the region.”
1996-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3670 (1996) · source
“The Force Commander, Bo Wranker of Sweden, his troops and each of the troop-contributing nations have ample grounds for pride in the work that has been done and continues to be done. The question before the Council today is whether UNPREDEP should continue. Clearly, the situation in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is far different from what it was and far more stable than when UNPREDEP was deployed. The fighting in Bosnia and Herzegovina has stopped. We welcome the signing of the Agreement of 8 April between the Governments of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and hope that these Governments will continue working to resolve the outstanding issues between them.”
1996-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3670 (1996) · source
“The United Nations Preventive Deployment Force (UNPREDEP) in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has been a success. Its purpose is to prevent the conflict in the region from spreading into and possibly beyond the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. For three and a half years, it has met and passed that test. My Government is pleased with the role that United States forces have played in the accomplishments of this mission, which is the first purely preventive peace- keeping Force in United Nations history. I was delighted to have the opportunity this past winter to visit the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to meet the officers and troops stationed there. I found a Force that was uniformly proud of its mission and convinced of the value of its contribution to regional stability and peace.”
1996-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3670 (1996) · source
“This is a time for the Council, and for nations around the world, to renew the call for peace. We must do all we can to see that an incident such as today's will be viewed in historic context, not as a trigger to a new round of killing, but as the last explosion of sorrow prior to a new era of reconciliation and hope. That process requires from the parties restraint and a willingness to confront directly the sources of violence. And it requires from this Council a sense of fairness and balance that is present in the resolution we have just adopted, but not in the draft resolution put forward by Lebanon and others today. Let me add that our position on Security Council resolution 425 (1978) is unchanged. None of the principles in the resolution we have adopted can be fulfilled outside the context of the peace process.”
1996-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3654 (1996) · source
“Undeterred by acts of terrorism, the goal of those efforts remains the same. And they are made yet more urgent by tragedies such as those that occurred today. That goal is a comprehensive and lasting peace throughout the Middle East. Unfortunately, the draft resolution put before the Council by Lebanon and others was not one that the United States could support. There should be no doubt that the actions taken by Israel were in response to Hezbollah strikes launched from Lebanese territory against civilian centres in Israel. The draft resolution sponsored by Lebanon and others did not mention this. It was one-sided and highly selective in its discussion of the Violence. By singling out Israel, and Israel alone, for condemnation, it would have set back, not advanced, negotiations towards an end to the fighting.”
1996-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3654 (1996) · source
“We have heard calls for a new era symbolized by the olive branch and based on Anwar Sadat's statement that "there can be no happiness based on the detriment of others." Today, more than ever, we have reason to recall those statements made in support of peace. We know that courage is necessary to restore momentum to the path of peace. And we know that those who pray for security and justice will find it only through reconciliation and peace. Earlier today, President Clinton called upon all parties to agree to an immediate cease-fire. The Governments of Israel and Lebanon have welcomed the initiative. And the resolution we have just adopted also calls for a cessation of hostilities by all parties. An end to the fighting is essential if diplomatic efforts, in which Secretary of State Christopher is fully engaged, are to move forward.”
1996-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3654 (1996) · source
“The United States joins in expressing deep sorrow and shock at the loss of innocent civilian lives at a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) site in Lebanon this morning. We offer our condolences to the Government and people of Lebanon. And we extend our sympathies to the people of Fiji, whose peace-keepers were participating in the UNIFIL mission and suffered casualties. During the last few years, we have seen moments of high hope and promise in the Middle East. We have heard eloquent pleas for an end to blood and tears and for an end to death, misery, suspicion and fear.”
1996-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3654 (1996) · source
“All history tells us that we must defeat those efforts, and encourage the parties to continue to talk directly to each other about their differences, and about the ways and means of a permanent peace. Direct contact, across the bargaining table, not the battlefield, is the only path by which true security for people throughout the region may be obtained.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3653 (1996) · source
“We also remain committed to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national unity of Lebanon. There is much work to be done to reach a peaceful settlement. We must not let the passions of the moment distract us from that task. As President Clinton has said, "The division today in the Middle East is not between Arab and Jew. It is between those who are reaching for a better tomorrow and those who have retreated into the pointless, bloody hostility of yesterday. We must be clear; those reaching for the future will prevail." All history tells us that extremists and terrorists will persist in efforts to slow or derail the process towards peace in the Middle East.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3653 (1996) · source
“These consequences include not only abuses to the State of Lebanon from within, but actions of self-defence by Israel in response to Hezbollah violence. Hezbollah will not and must not succeed in its destabilizing aims. The United States is now engaged in an intensive diplomatic effort to restore calm and establish a more stable situation in the area which would enhance the security and well-being of the civilian population of both southern Lebanon and northern Israel. This would enable us to return to the paramount task of assisting the parties in settling their conflict through direct negotiations. People throughout the region have invested their hopes and dreams in the peace process. We are committed to using our influence to help ensure the right of nations to live within secure, internationally recognized borders.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3653 (1996) · source
“Despite the extraordinary transformations that have occurred in the Middle East over these past few years, the leaders of Hezbollah have not changed. Still they cling to their policies of violence and their philosophy of hate. Still they lack the courage to contemplate peace, because peace would make them irrelevant. Still they continue their war on the future, and people throughout the region are harmed. Hezbollah's violence damages not only Israel and the prospects for a Middle East peace; it undermines the safety of people in Lebanon and the legitimacy of the Lebanese State. Those who allow Hezbollah's militia to act with impunity in Lebanon must bear responsibility for the consequences.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3653 (1996) · source
“Hezbollah attacks into northern Israel have once again compelled the Israeli Government to take steps it deems necessary to protect its people from direct threats emanating from Lebanese territory. This tragic situation has resulted in losses of life and property, suffering, and dislocations of innocent civilians on both sides of the border. My Government extends its condolences and sympathy to those innocent civilians. We deeply regret the loss of any civilian life. The people of northern Israel and southern Lebanon have for too long been the victims of terrorists who take sanctuary in southern Lebanon. Yet those terrorists continue to wreak havoc. Hezbollah leaders are repeating their threats to attack Israeli and United States targets across the globe.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3653 (1996) · source
“Palestinians must do all they can to continue to root out terror; Israel, consistent with its security needs, must do everything it can to ease economic hardships for Palestinians. And together they must move to restore momentum to the process of implementation of their agreements. It is imperative that we lend them all our support. This Council's sole objective must be to aid and support all those efforts. Rather than engaging in endless debate here in New York, we should recognize that the real answer to extremist terror and violence lies in the pursuit of the peace process by the parties themselves and in the achievement of a comprehensive peace. This is our goal, and my Government will do everything in its power to bring this about.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3652 (1996) · source
“We commend the efforts of those countries and organizations which have worked overtime to come up with ideas and funding to help the Palestinians cope with the current difficulties. We also acknowledge that the Government of Israel has already taken steps to ease the current situation. In this regard we take note of the recent meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee of the donors that met in Brussels on 12 April. That meeting outlined several key steps, including emergency job creation for Palestinians and project development, and outlined a strategy to mobilize the necessary resources to support those efforts. This will not be an easy effort, and there are no quick fixes. Both Israel and the Palestinians must rise to the challenge.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3652 (1996) · source
“Suicide bombers should be seen for what they are: not only as murderers of people but also as those who want to kill the peace process. The terrorism posed by Hamas is as much a threat to the Palestinians as it is to Israel. The Government of Israel has taken measures to confront the terrorist threat and to protect its citizens, and the Palestinian Authority is grappling with this challenge. This body should not be engaging in a divisive rhetorical debate when there is so much work to do in all these areas. We regret the economic hardship and suffering of Palestinians caused by the recent Hamas terror attacks and the measures Israel has taken to deal with this threat. We call on the international community to do all it can to alleviate those economic hardships.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3652 (1996) · source
“Participants at the summit expressed their full support for the peace process and issued a strong condemnation of terrorism. They also agreed to develop a plan to fight terrorism with all available means. The positive tone set by that summit has already been reinforced by a meeting of experts in Washington, where, in addition to exploring measures to combat terror, a package of steps to begin to ease the suffering and hardships of Palestinians was announced. This is positive action - action designed to foster unity among those countries that want to combat terrorism, support Israel and the Palestinians, and preserve the peace process. This is where we should be focusing our efforts: on seeking ways to combat those who would destroy the peace process and prevent Arabs and Israelis from achieving further progress.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3652 (1996) · source
“The United States regrets that this discussion of Israel's closure of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip is taking place. It has been our View - and that of many other members - that such a discussion cannot help the peace process. It can only polarize that already difficult situation and distract us from the focus of our real challenges: how to combat terror, guarantee security, ease the economic dislocation of Palestinians and pursue the process of peacemaking. The international community has responded aggressively to those challenges. Twenty-nine world leaders, including 13 from the Middle East and others from non-regional supporters of the peace process, convened at Sharm El Sheikh for a summit meeting co- sponsored by President Mubarak and President Clinton.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3652 (1996) · source
“The United States and the international aid community are closely monitoring the food situation in order to prevent another famine. We call upon the factions in Somalia to reopen the port and to ensure that it remains open so that assistance can be delivered. We join other members of the world community in urging the Somalis to form a broad-based national government that enjoys widespread support among all segments of the population. The major stumbling block remains the unwillingness of the major faction leaders to compromise. The Somali power brokers themselves must make the difficult decisions required to create a viable reconciliation process. We call upon all the Somali factions to end the divisions that have pitted region against region and clan against clan. Somalia's leaders can and must do better than this.”
1996-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3641 (1996) · source
“The United Nations and non-governmental organizations must be commended for their bravery, perseverance and dedication to helping the helpless, who have not been able to look to their indigenous leadership for the basic necessities of life. The United States has joined in the efforts of the United Nations. We have not abandoned Somalia and do not intend to. While we do not recognize or support any Somali group or faction, we remain in communication with all the political groups in the country. The United States assistance programme for fiscal year 1995 totalled about $25 million. We will continue our aid programme, much of which consists of food. We are aware of the recent reports of food shortages and drought in Somalia.”
1996-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3641 (1996) · source
“The United Nations agencies have been addressing the humanitarian, social and economic concerns of the people of Somalia, who suffer at the hands of the uncaring factional leaders. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is feeding malnourished children. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is looking at ways to help the impoverished earn the money to afford food. Cholera is being fought. Medicines and foodstuffs are being stockpiled. All this is being done despite the insecurity that hampers efficient delivery of humanitarian aid in many parts of Somalia. The port of Mogadishu remains closed, even to shipments of relief supplies, adding to the cost and time needed to deal with urgent needs.”
1996-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3641 (1996) · source
“Banana exports have resumed, with the United States firm Dole challenging for a significant share of the market in this sector. A number of domestic and foreign firms are fishing along the Somali coast and exporting high-value seafoods. Four telecommunications firms, two with United States partners, operate cellular-telephone systems in Somalia. In short, economic activity is moving forward in Somalia, a tribute to the Somali entrepreneurial class and a few intrepid foreign investors. But this private economic activity does little to support social services. Poverty still limits the access of many to food in the market. Health and education remain largely the purview of foreign humanitarian agencies, which are unable to reach all the population, especially the children.”
1996-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3641 (1996) · source
“Somalia remains a dangerous place, but predictions that widespread inter-clan fighting would resume as soon as the peace-keepers pulled out have not come true. Many areas of the country are peaceful and have formed functional, albeit rudimentary, local administrations. In addition to the establishment of functional local authorities in many parts of the country, the other most promising development in Somalia has been the re- emergence of the private-sector economy. Most commerce in Somalia is on a small scale: tea shops, tailoring, petty import-export, market farming and the like. Some of the key pre-war exports have rebounded, and sectors employing new technology have emerged. Livestock exports, which historically have accounted for some two thirds of hard-currency earnings, were at record-high levels in both 1994 and 1995 .”
1996-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3641 (1996) · source
“Although Somalia experienced a sharp reduction in interfactional fighting over the past year, hopes for political reconciliation were dimmed by the seizure last September of the provincial capital of Baidoa in central Somalia, a city that was particularly hard hit during the famine, when more than 500 people a day died. Agriculturally rich Baidoa had become an area of relative peace and stability, and its seizure was a political step backwards. This episode has also made it more difficult for the donor nations to provide aid to Somalia. As the political stalemate and violence continue, the international donor community must increasingly direct its limited resources to more promising recipients.”
1996-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3641 (1996) · source
“It is important to note here that almost all Somalis, even those who are sharply critical of the subsequent United Nations action in their country, express gratitude for the international community's response to the famine. Just over one year has passed since UNOSOM. II forces withdrew from Somalia, on 2 March 1995. We had hoped that withdrawal would demonstrate to the Somali leaders the need to resolve their differences. We are disappointed that they have failed to make any significant progress towards national political reconciliation over the past year.”
1996-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3641 (1996) · source