YouSaid · the spoken record

Amorim

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342

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1994-09-29

most recent

2010-09-27

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52

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un-security-council

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1. “We commend the Secretary-General for including a sub-chapter on the proliferation of arms in Africa in his report. We agree with his conclusion that the Security Council should address this issue as a matter of urgency. To give operational meaning to this recommendation, an appropriate mechanism should be devised to propose and implement ways of combating the flow of illicit arms to areas in conflict. Greater adherence by African countries to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms would also contribute to building confidence in unstable areas.”

   1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source

2. “If the memories of Somalia are so disturbing to us, this is undoubtedly because of the negative impact for United Nations credibility that resulted from the phenomenon that came to be known as "crossing the Mogadishu line", or was described as "mission creep" in the former Yugoslavia - in other words, confusing peacekeeping with enforcement. We would have serious conceptual difficulties with a United Nations agenda that would seem to give priority to diplomacy and dialogue at the local level while assuming a militaristic attitude with respect to multilateral efforts. Although the deployment of operations with "credible deterrent capacity" may be necessary in situations of extreme gravity, we must guard ourselves against the temptation to seek predominantly military solutions to problems that require dialogue and diplomacy above all else.”

   1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source

3. “The eruption of inter- communal or other forms of violence that we have witnessed in recent years in Somalia, the Great Lakes region and Liberia are not intrinsically distinct from the situations in other parts of the world. The Secretary-General declares in one of the concluding paragraphs of his report that "Africa must demonstrate the will to rely upon political rather than military responses to problems." [S/1998/31 8, para. 105] We believe that this is a postulate that applies worldwide. Most importantly, it should also apply to the United Nations efforts in promoting peace and security. We appreciate the lessons-learned approach taken by the Secretary-General in looking at the United Nations recent experience in peacekeeping in Africa. But certain mistakes of the past merit additional highlighting.”

   1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source

4. “In the weeks and months ahead, it will be incumbent upon us to deal in the most efficient manner with the suggestions made by the Secretary-General so that our increased awareness of the challenges facing Africa may be quickly translated into tangible progress. Africa need not be defined as a continent mired in conflict. As is widely recognized, there are many parts of Africa where peace and economic growth are taking root. If we concentrate our remarks today on those segments of the Secretary-General's report that deal with conflict, it is because this is the unquestioned area of responsibility of the Security Council. Let us reflect on the need for consistency in the search for solutions regarding areas in crisis.”

   1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source

5. “In our own United Nations context, the leadership displayed by a Secretary-General who has been capable of demonstrating the powers of diplomacy even to the most sceptical is a source of invaluable inspiration. We are indeed grateful to Secretary-General Kofi Annan for having provided the Security Council with a focused report on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa. Its objective analysis and recommendations call for careful examination not only by the Security Council, but also by the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and other components of the United Nations system.”

   1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source

6. “Let us not forget that long before conflict resolution was taken up by think-tanks in the developed world, it flourished in the councils of elders of pre- colonial African societies. Within the cyclic image of the Yoruba existential concepts, the healing and reconstruction required at this important stage in Africa's evolution might symbolically be placed under the auspices of Obatala - or Oxala - the God who represents the crescent of the human psyche in which the virtues of social and individual accommodation are stored: patience, compassion and peacefulness. The successful struggle against institutionalized racism in South Africa stands as a portentous example of redemptive transformation through peaceful means, which places its leader, President Nelson Mandela, in an unparalleled category in today's world.”

   1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source

7. “In the recent and not so recent past the fate of Africa was subject to what President Mugabe has termed, in generous understatement, "undue and often disruptive foreign interference". The trauma of slavery and brutal manipulation by outside forces will probably never be completely wiped from the African collective memory. However, as a growing number of enlightened African leaders have come to stress, it is by dealing creatively and effectively with the deprivations of the present that the horrors of the past will be overcome and the prospects for the future will become brighter. This process implies coming to grips with tragic episodes of self-inflicted devastation, from which Africa can learn to extricate itself by drawing on paradigms derived from its own ancient civilizations.”

   1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source

8. “We followed with great interest the debates that took place last September during the unprecedented Security Council ministerial meeting on Africa and are happy to take part in today's deliberations. Africa is at once unique in its cultural and historical legacy and a rich and profound repository of our common humanity. In dealing with Africa as a separate issue we must not lose sight of the universal dimension of its individual character. The attribution of the Nobel Prize for Literature to no fewer than three prominent African writers in the last decade or so represents both a recognition of the enduring value of its specific traditions and a tribute to brilliant reflection on the plight of humankind as a whole.”

   1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source

9. “"Africa civilizes America". These words by a Brazilian political thinker of the nineteenth century are true in more than one sense. In few places has African influence been more greatly felt than in Brazil. Our culture, our beliefs, our values - the very ways in which our creativity expresses itself - were shaped to a large extent by African contributions. It is thus only natural that Brazil has become actively involved in a number of multilateral and bilateral initiatives that aim at stimulating the forces of peace and conciliation in Africa. Such is the case of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries, the Zone of Peace and Cooperation of the South Atlantic and the effort towards the formation of a southern hemisphere free from nuclear weapons - apart from our strong participation in peace efforts in Angola and Mozambique.”

   1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source

10. “The initial mandate of MINURCA also includes provisions for advice and technical support to the national electoral bodies regarding the electoral code and plans for the conduct of the legislative elections scheduled for August/September 1998. The Council's decision to establish a peacekeeping operation for the Central African Republic is a meaningful contribution by the international community and cannot be taken lightly, given the prevailing budgetary restraints under which the Organization has been operating. We urge President Patasse and the parties involved to make the best of this opportunity to ensure lasting peace in the Central African Republic, thereby contributing to greater harmony in the entire region.”

    1998-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3867 (1998) · source

11. “Paragraph 13 of the draft resolution (S/1998/268) affirms that "MINURCA may be required to take action to ensure security and freedom of movement of its personnel in the discharge of its mandate". In our understanding, this rule should apply generally to peacekeeping operations under Chapter VI. Apart from its security component, MINURCA has been entrusted with other tasks linked to the mandate attributed to the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, who will assist in the promotion of the reforms necessary to achieve national reconciliation and stability and provide good offices and mediation between the Government and political parties.”

    1998-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3867 (1998) · source

12. “This is something to be reflected upon, especially as this lull did not coincide with a period of fewer conflicts, particularly in Africa. A forthcoming report by the Secretary-General should permit the Council to come forward with a clearer and more constructive agenda for Africa on the basis of a balanced assessment of recent experiences. The draft before us represents a satisfactory outcome from the point of view of my delegation. We are glad that participants in the negotiations leading to it were capable of ironing out differences, allowing for the operation to be launched in an effective way. MINURCA will operate under the explicit consent of the parties, which places it in the corresponding legal framework under the Charter.”

    1998-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3867 (1998) · source

13. “It will be crucial to ensure that, during the period leading up to the elections, conditions are not allowed to deteriorate. The Security Council should follow events closely in the coming weeks and months. The draft resolution that we are considering proposes the establishment of a peacekeeping operation in the Central African Republic, the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic (MINURCA). Assurances given by President Patasse to the effect that he will facilitate national reconciliation were an important element in allowing for the establishment of this Mission, and the international community will be justified in expecting him to fully honour his commitment. MINURCA is the first full-fledged peacekeeping operation authorized by the Security Council in more than two years.”

    1998-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3867 (1998) · source

14. “We would like to take this opportunity to commend the valuable work performed by MISAB, which placed the Council in a position to take a decision that we are about to formalize. I would also like to praise the role played by President Bongo of Gabon in ensuring the coordinated efforts of the countries of the region in the context of the International Mediation Committee. Indeed, there have been positive signs. The political forces recently signed a National Reconciliation Pact, which can be considered an encouraging step towards the stabilization of the country. However, the situation remains fragile. In order to consolidate an environment required for the holding of free and fair elections, a special security and political mechanism has been set up.”

    1998-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3867 (1998) · source

15. “Persistent signs of instability in the Central African Republic led a group of African nations to bring the situation in that country to the attention of the Security Council. A multinational force had been put together by these countries, with the participation of France, to prevent the internal turbulence from further threatening peace and security in a region already vulnerable to conflict. While the force deployed as of January 1997 appears to have effectively contributed to curbing unrest, an international peacekeeping presence in the country seems to be required so that progress achieved so far is not jeopardized. We are now extending for a final period the authorization for the Inter-African Mission to Monitor the Implementation of the Bangui Agreements (MISAB) to remain in place up to 15 April.”

    1998-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3867 (1998) · source

16. “This is always a painful and complex exercise which demands careful attention from all Security Council members. Brazil cast its vote in favour of resolution 883 (1993) five years ago. On that occasion we indicated our conviction that the imposition of sanctions must always be linked to the performance of limited, concrete and very specific acts that are essentially required by the decisions of the Security Council. Such acts must be specifically set out by the Council so that the State on which sanctions are imposed may be able to know in advance, and beyond all doubt, that the sanctions will be lifted as soon as those specific requirements are met. We reaffirm that conviction today.”

    1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source

17. “This perception seems to find echo in the conclusion reached by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee which, in a statement dated 29 December 1997 on the humanitarian impact of sanctions, considered that "the Security Council would benefit from comprehensive information and objective analysis of the potential humanitarian impact of sanctions when deciding on the imposition of sanctions and from information on the evolution of the humanitarian requirements under a sanctions regime on a regular basis." [S/1998/147, para. 2] We deem these reflections timely and positive and believe that the Security Council should follow this matter on a regular basis. We have just proceeded to the eighteenth consecutive review of the sanctions against Libya.”

    1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source

18. “If and once this responsibility is decided, the punishment of the culprits and the payment of adequate compensation to the families of the victims will allow this case to come to a closure. Humanitarian aspects are specially important to any issue involving sanctions and, in this regard, we have welcomed the report of the fact-finding mission coordinated by Director-General Vladimir Petrovsky. The report touches on various relevant issues which are now part of the discussions, within the sanctions Committee, on the best way to cope with the humanitarian situation in Libya. We believe that these discussions would greatly benefit from statistical data and verifiable information on the possible links between humanitarian difficulties in Libya and United Nations-imposed sanctions.”

    1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source

19. “Schermers on the Scottish judicial system concluded that the accused would receive a fair trial under the Scottish judicial system. The distinguished experts also pointed out that the idea of dispensing with the jury could be pursued in case the accused could reasonably establish that their right to a free trial would be prejudiced by a jury trial. We also took note of other alternatives which have been put on the table, and they have been mentioned here today. Brazil hopes that the international community, with the cooperation of the Government of Libya, will be able to ensure that, in a fair and transparent way, the responsibility for those heinous acts will be finally established by means of a fair trial.”

    1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source

20. “We would be prejudging and bringing political considerations to a matter that we want to see solved in the fairest and most legitimate way. In any case, the future judgment of the International Court of Justice will be a significant element to be considered by the Security Council in any decision referring to the present case. The letters dated 20 and 23 December 1991, from France, the United Kingdom and the United States, request, among other things, that the Government of Libya surrender for trial all those charged with the crime. Resolution 731 (1992) urges the Libyan Government immediately to provide a full and effective response to those requests so as to contribute to the elimination of international terrorism. Recently a report submitted to the Secretary-General of the United Nations by Mr. Dumbutshena and Mr.”

    1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source

21. “I 7] It is also worth bearing in mind what Judge Rezek stated in his individual opinion: (spoke in French) "Article 103 of the Charter is a rule for resolving conflict between treaties It resolves the conflict in favour of the Charter It is indeed the United Nations Charter (not a Security Council resolution, a General Assembly recommendation or a ruling of the International Court of Justice) which benefits from the pre-eminence established in this standard; it is the Charter, with all the weight of its principles, its system and its distribution of authority." [ibid., p. 25, para. 2] (spoke in English) It would be unwise at this stage to try to speculate on what the decision of the International Court of Justice will be.”

    1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source

22. “In this connection, we find that some elements of Judge Kooijman's opinion to the International Court of Justice in the present case are worth mentioning: "Resolutions of the Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter may have far-reaching legal effects, but they are not irrevocable or unalterable [T]he Security Council is free to confirm, revoke or amend them and consequently they cannot be called 'final' even if during their lifetime they may be dispositive of the rights and obligations of Member States, overriding rights and obligations these States may have under other treaties." [S/I 998/1 9], annex, p. 23, para.”

    1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source

23. “On 27 February the International Court of Justice decided that it had jurisdiction to entertain the claim as submitted by Libya and that that claim was admissible. That decision, whose preliminary character we stress, has nevertheless the non-negligible consequence that the merits of the Libyan application will be considered at the next stage of the process. On that occasion, the question of the applicability of the Montreal Convention to this specific case will be addressed. A ruling of the Court on this matter will inevitably have a bearing on how the Council assesses the conditions for Libya's compliance with the relevant resolutions.”

    1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source

24. “Others still considered that the imposition of sanctions would not help settle the question and, at the same time, would aggravate regional tension and have serious economic consequences for the countries in the area. By bringing the issue to the Security Council, however, the Governments of the United Kingdom, the United States and France have demonstrated their faith in the multilateral system and, in particular, in this international Organization as a promoter of values which are essential to the cohesion of international society. They have also entrusted this political body with finding a generally acceptable solution to the matter. A case has been brought by Libya to the International Court of Justice, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.”

    1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source

25. “Two months later, resolution 748 (1992) determined that the Libyan refusal in cooperating with the Security Council in the establishment of responsibilities with regard to those acts constituted a threat to international peace and security. On that occasion, some members of the Council mentioned that since the issue at stake was one of a legal nature, the main judicial body of the Organization, the International Court of Justice, should have a role to play in order to decide what the applicable law would be. Some maintained that resort to Chapter VII at that stage was premature, since the means provided for in Chapter VI had not been exhausted.”

    1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source

26. “This is why we would like to start by extending our sympathy to the bereaved families of the victims of the terrorist attacks against Pan Am flight 103 and UTA flight 772. The Brazilian Government has repeatedly stressed its condemnation of any kind of terrorist act for whatever reason, as well as its commitment to international cooperation to eradicate this scourge, and wishes to take this opportunity to underscore this position of principle. The direct association between collective security and terrorism is relatively recent. Terrorism appeared explicitly in the context of the Security Council's responsibilities with regard to the maintenance of international peace and security in January 1992, in the presidential statement issued at the meeting of Heads of State or Government of Council members.”

    1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source

27. “Let me express to you, Mr. President, and to your Government our appreciation for organizing this open debate in a formal meeting of the Security Council. In a matter of such importance it is appropriate that we work in an open and a transparent way. Moreover, it is important that the party to a dispute, in this case Libya, may present its case to the Security Council. That is what is called for in Articles 31 and 32 of the Charter. So, by having this open debate, we are just doing the right thing. The circumstances which bring us here today involve a complex blend of political and judicial elements which have been the object of controversial debate within and outside this Council. But we must not forget that at the origin of the situations considered by the Council, as in the present case, often lies human tragedy.”

    1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source

28. “Since the beginning of the informal consultations on this draft resolution, we were assured by its sponsors that it was not their intention to imply any automaticity in the authorization of the use of force in case of a possible violation by Iraq. After the changes made to the text of the draft resolution - in particular the simplification of the second preambular paragraph and the new formulation for operative paragraph 5, which are in line with resolution 687 (1991) - we are satisfied that nothing in its provisions delegates away the authority that belongs to the Security Council under the Charter and in accordance with its own resolutions. During the discussions on the draft resolution, the Brazilian delegation was also guided by the need to ensure the unity of the Security Council and sought to make its contribution to this end.”

    1998-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3858 (1998) · source

29. “Not only a cessation of hostilities, but - the difference is crucial - a formal ceasefire. Furthermore, in paragraph 34 - the very last one - of resolution 687 (1991), the Security Council did not limit itself to the ritual formula, "decides to remain seized of the matter". It went beyond that and stated its decision "to take such further steps as may be required for the implementation of the present resolution". The conclusion we draw is that the question of the implementation of the conditions for the ceasefire with Iraq remains firmly under the wing, so to speak, of the United Nations and the Security Council. Only the Security Council has the authority to determine if, when and under what conditions the formal ceasefire it declared on 3 April 1991 holds or not.”

    1998-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3858 (1998) · source

30. “The draft resolution that the Council will be adopting today does just that. Let us be clear here: since 1990-91, faced with the situation that originated from the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq, the United Nations, and the Security Council on its behalf, have taken the responsibility to determine the measures necessary to maintain and restore international peace and security, under Chapter VII of the Charter. Accordingly, at the end of the Gulf War, in which an enforcement action took place under the authority of resolution 678 (1990), the Security Council did not limit itself to taking note of a ceasefire. Rather, in paragraph 33 of resolution 687 (1991), the Security Council declared that "upon official notification by Iraq of its acceptance of the [relevant] provisions, a formal ceasefire is effective".”

    1998-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3858 (1998) · source

31. “But it is our conviction that the mission of the Secretary-General, together with his determination - today reaffirmed - to keep this matter under his close personal supervision from now on, provides the Security Council with a fair chance to put the problem of the relations between Iraq and the United Nations on a more stable foundation. We believe that, on the basis of future Iraqi compliance with the Memorandum, the conditions will established so that the cyclic pattern of crisis in relation to Iraq can be left behind. The Government of Brazil considers that the Memorandum provides the basis for a decision by the Security Council to ensure that Iraq strictly complies with its resolutions, in accordance with international law and the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.”

    1998-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3858 (1998) · source

32. “On their part, the States members of the Southern Cone Common Market (MERCOSUR) - Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay - along with Bolivia and Chile announced in a joint statement their expectation that the solution to the crisis will ensure a durable and stable peace in the region. The President of Brazil had the opportunity to express personally to the Secretary-General our recognition of what was achieved in Baghdad. Of course, the hard task of implementing the Memorandum and verifying the elimination of Iraq's programmes for weapons of mass destruction still lies ahead.”

    1998-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3858 (1998) · source

33. “It is a legally binding agreement that, among other elements that were essential to the diplomatic solution of the crisis, formally reconfirms the acceptance by Iraq of all pertinent resolutions of the Security Council; reiterates Iraq's undertaking to fully cooperate with UNSCOM. and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and grants to UNSCOM, its new special group and the IAEA, immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access to all sites in Iraq, including, in accordance with specific procedures now being developed, the eight presidential s1tes. Upon receiving notice of the Memorandum, the Government of Brazil expressed the hope that a peaceful and lasting solution for the crisis between Iraq and the Security Council would now be feasible.”

    1998-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3858 (1998) · source

34. “The Brazilian authorities also signalled directly to the Government of Iraq, in clear terms, that it should do whatever was required to provide guarantees of compliance with Security Council resolutions and thus ensure the success of the Secretary-General's mission. Thanks to the admirable mix of firmness, patience and courage that is characteristic of his personality, Mr. Kofi Annan succeeded in a mission that sceptics had considered doomed from the start. The Memorandum of Understanding of 23 February was negotiated with the Government of Iraq, including, at the most critical moment of the talks, its Head of State.”

    1998-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3858 (1998) · source

35. “In view of such dire prospects, the Security Council, once again faced with the challenge of enforcing its own resolutions, wisely encouraged the Secretary-General to undertake a personal mission of good offices to Baghdad. Brazil had already sent such encouragement in the form of a letter addressed by Foreign Minister Luiz Felipe Lampreia to the Secretary-General. At the informal consultations of the members of the Security Council, we advised the Secretary-General - and in his mind he had already decided to act in this way - to be firm in substance and flexible in form. We quoted in that connection the Latin adage, "Suaviter in modnm, fortiter in re.”

    1998-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3858 (1998) · source

36. “Around the world there was a mood of sombre apprehension as we contemplated the multiple scenarios that could have developed and the effects that some of the options could have entailed: the further deterioration of the critical humanitarian situation in Iraq itself; a wave of political and social unrest in the region; and, as the direct result of a conflict, the withdrawal of United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) and of United Nations humanitarian personnel from that country. These developments, depending on the circumstances, might have placed a multilateral system that is still learning to cope with the challenges of the post-cold-war era under a heavy strain.”

    1998-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3858 (1998) · source

37. “Sir, let me first congratulate your country, Gambia, on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council. Your presence - the presence of a Minister - illustrates the importance your Government attributes to the United Nations. I also want to second your words about the excellent presidency of Ambassador Dangue Rewaka of Gabon during the past month. Less than a fortnight ago, as the crisis over Iraq's non-compliance with its obligations developed at full speed, the Middle East and the Gulf stood on the brink of a conflict that, as Secretary-General Kofi Annan correctly stated, could have had unpredictable consequences.”

    1998-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3858 (1998) · source

38. “By adopting this draft resolution and approving the recommendations of the Secretary-General, the Security Council will also be giving a signal of its full and unanimous support for his mission, in the firm hope that a peaceful solution can still be found for the current crisis. We still believe that a combination of firmness in substance and flexibility in form can provide the diplomatic solution we all agree is the best outcome. In the critical decisions of the next few days, the Security Council will again rely on the good judgement and advice of the Secretary-General.”

    1998-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3855 (1998) · source

39. “Once full compliance by Iraq with the pertinent resolutions is assured, the Security Council will act in accordance with its own resolutions, and the process of lifting the sanctions can be started. The Security Council and its sanctions Committee should also be ready to work together with the Secretary- General in the months to come, in which a number of reports with specific recommendations on the oil-for-food mechanism are to be expected, according to the draft resolution we will be adopting today. Finally, it is impossible not to mention the fact that the outcome of the Secretary-General's current mission of good offices to Baghdad is directly linked to the evolution of the humanitarian situation in Iraq.”

    1998-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3855 (1998) · source

40. “The Secretariat will have to work intensively with Iraq in order to overcome the remaining technical difficulties. Such work should take place in a spirit of flexibility and fairness, in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the United Nations and Iraq. We expect the Government of Iraq to present, as soon as possible, a distribution plan which includes a description of the goods to be purchased and which effectively guarantees their equitable distribution. We call upon the Government of Iraq to engage fully in the technical discussions with the Secretariat in order to fulfil the requirements for the entry into force of the expanded mechanism. Iraq should be assured of the temporary nature of the mechanism.”

    1998-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3855 (1998) · source

41. “Therefore, we joined other delegations in the efforts to prepare a technical resolution that, in accordance with the recommendations of the Secretary-General, would allow for the rapid increase of the volume of oil authorized for export, with a view to using the additional resources for addressing the basic needs of the Iraqi people. We strove for a resolution that would be credible and practical. The Security Council's aim is not just to send a message to the Iraqi people; rather, our objective is to provide the essential supplies that the Secretary- General considers indispensable to prevent a further deterioration of the very serious humanitarian situation in Iraq. The text before us, even if it is not perfect, addresses our basic requirements.”

    1998-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3855 (1998) · source

42. “It has become imperative to devise suitable ways for satisfying the essential needs of Iraq's civilian population, which was never intended to be subjected to any form of collective punishment. For this reason, Brazil has been supportive of the oil-for-food mechanism. We endorsed the recommendation for its expansion presented by Secretary- General Kofi Annan on 1 February. We share his conclusion, based on the extensive experience of the Office of the Iraq Programme and United Nations agencies in the field, that it is essential to channel resources to the recovery of essential infrastructure sectors in Iraq, including water and sanitation, education, transportation and electricity. Without urgent repair, the deterioration of Iraqi infrastructure would substantially reduce the positive impact of the supplies of food and medicine.”

    1998-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3855 (1998) · source

43. “The oil-for-food mechanism established by resolution 986 (1995), and to be expanded in accordance with the recommendations of the Secretary- General through the draft resolution presented to the Security Council today, is a central piece of the work of the United Nations in Iraq. The imposition of comprehensive sanctions on Iraq's external trade should have been a short-term measure. The expectation of the international community was that Iraq would comply promptly with all the requirements of resolution 687 (1991) and previous Security Council resolutions, and that the trade restrictions would be lifted. Unfortunately, this has not been the case. Seven years later, we still face the problem of ensuring full Iraqi compliance.”

    1998-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3855 (1998) · source

44. “Of course, the primary responsibility for the peace process remains with the various political actors in the Central African Republic. In that context, President Patasse has a central role to play. I am sure that, in the light of actual developments on the ground, the international community will be prepared to play its part in the process of reconciliation and national reconstruction in the Central African Republic.”

    1998-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3853 (1998) · source

45. “Furthermore, the Council supports the intention of the Secretary-General to appoint a special representative for the Central African Republic and encourages the Secretary-General to proceed with this appointment without delay. We are convinced that a special representative will be able to make a significant contribution to the peace process. With regard to the establishment of a United Nations peacekeeping operation, the draft resolution provides that a decision be taken by 16 March on the basis of the report that the Secretary-General is to submit by 23 February. This report should contain a proposal regarding the structure, goals and financial implications of establishing a peacekeeping operation in the Central African Republic.”

    1998-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3853 (1998) · source

46. “We also want to stress the crucial role played by President Omar Bongo in the peace process. However, despite all of the efforts undertaken by the signatories of the Bangui Agreements, and in particular those of the Inter-African Mission to Monitor the Implementation of the Bangui Agreements (MISAB), whose neutral and impartial contribution deserves our full recognition, there are elements that are not necessarily favourable to the peace process. The fact that the leaders of the Groupe des onze partis politiques de l'opposition (Group of Eleven) and the four groups of affiliated trade unions have decided to withdraw from the preparatory committee for the conference is a new cause of concern. The draft resolution under consideration, which we support, would extend the authorization for the operation of MISAB until 16 March.”

    1998-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3853 (1998) · source

47. “Mr. Amorim (Brazil) (interpretation from French): At the outset, Mr. President, I should like to say that we are greatly honoured to see you, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Gabon, presiding over the Security Council. Your presence among us ensures that our work will be conducted wisely and effectively. I also want to express my best wishes to Ambassador Dangue Rewaka, who will be guiding us this month. I should also like to pay tribute to Ambassador Alain Dejammet for his effective presidency of the Council in the month of January. Since the adoption of resolution 1136 (1997), there have been favourable developments in the situation in the Central African Republic. We note, for example, the letter of President Patasse, contained in the latest report of the Secretary-General, which represents an important step in the right direction.”

    1998-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3853 (1998) · source

48. “If our hopes are fulfilled, Angola will very soon be able to devote its energies to reconstruction and development. Discharging the obligations provided for in the Lusaka Protocol will open up a new stage that will require continued participation by the international community, perhaps in a renewed framework, so that the peace and prosperity of the Angolan people can be ensured. Brazil remains ready to contribute to this effort.”

    1998-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3850 (1998) · source

49. “The approval of the timetable, the reduction of tensions between the Government and UNITA, and the prospect of the forthcoming meeting between President Jose Eduardo dos Santos and Mr. Savimbi have raised hopes. However, reports on the continuation of non- authorized flights in the UNITA-controlled regions and on remining activities show us that additional efforts are required to ensure the consolidation of peace. The draft resolution before us establishes that the Secretary-General will have to submit in his report planned for mid-March specific information on the issue of sanctions. We emphasize that this section of the report should not be limited to a routine recounting of the actions of Governments. Indeed, we would hope that it would present a general assessment of the situation.”

    1998-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3850 (1998) · source

50. “It also requests that the Secretary-General submit in 45 days a report that would allow the Council to reconfigure MONUA before the end of its mandate, should that prove necessary. That clause sends a clear signal that the Council will be ready to act immediately if the approved timetable is not complied with. We have carefully considered the proposal contained in paragraphs 35 and 36 of the Secretary-General's report concerning the reduction of the military component of MONUA. Brazil decided to support the proposal after having been assured that the existing structure could complete the tasks entrusted to it, including the verification of the demobilization of UNITA troops.”

    1998-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3850 (1998) · source