YouSaid · the spoken record

Andjaba

lines on the record: 606
first: 1996-12-11
most recent: 2005-10-27
sittings or episodes: 91
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

“I wish to thank President Mandela for his briefing on his vision for the Arusha peace process. We warmly welcome his appointment as Facilitator of the Arusha peace process. We have no doubt that, under his guidance and able leadership, the negotiations will reach a successful conclusion acceptable to all Burundians. I also wish to thank the Secretary-General for his briefing and update on the situation in Burundi. We support his continuous efforts in Burundi and in the region as a whole. The situation in Burundi is at a crucial juncture, with Violence against civilians being perpetrated by all sides to the conflict. The policy of forced regroupement is not the answer to the violence that afflicts the country.”
2000-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4091 (2000) · source
“However, there are some disturbing reports that there are some Member States that are still violating these sanctions against UNITA. Therefore, it is incumbent upon this Council to stand united and firm in responding positively to the expert panel's report that will be submitted in a few weeks' time on what measures to take against those violating the Council's sanctions. This remains a very serious challenge to the Security Council's collective authority and, indeed, to the international community as a whole. Sanctions have worked in other situations, but have failed to work against UNITA. I am, however, optimistic that with the consensus emerging among Council members, sanctions against UNITA will definitely work.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“Therefore, the urgent assistance of the international community to the Government of Angola in its efforts to clear these mines will certainly create safety and security for the free movement of persons and goods around the country. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Chairman of the sanctions Committee on Angola, Ambassador Fowler, for his comprehensive and illuminating report on his recent visit to Angola. Since the establishment of the expert panels to study the violations of sanctions against UNITA - and, indeed, with the steadfast commitment and dedication of Ambassador Fowler - progress has been achieved in tightening sanctions against UNITA. Ambassador Fowler has the full support of the Namibian Government.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“The importance of the economic and social reconstruction of these areas cannot be emphasized enough. Furthermore, Namibia wishes to appeal once again to the donor community to provide adequate funds to the United Nations Consolidated Inter-agency Appeal for Angola for the year 2000. It is regrettable that Angola is still one of the countries most affected by landmines, with 6 million to 7 million landmines scattered around the country. Those mines, indiscriminately planted along roads and footpaths by UNITA, have not only been responsible for the 90,000 persons killed or permanently maimed by this silent killer, but also impede the delivery of assistance to the needy, the repatriation of refugees and returnees, and the use of land for agricultural production.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“In this connection, we welcome the recent appointment of Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari as Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Africa, with special focus on Angola. We have no doubt as to Mr. Gambari's commitment. Let me also say a word about the establishment of the United Nations Office in Angola. We welcome the progress being made on this issue and emphasize that the views of the Angolan Government should continue to be taken into account. With regard to humanitarian situation, my delegation is confident that the conditions of the civilian population will change for the better with the extension of State administration to areas which were under the control of UNITA. It is very important that the extension of State administration in these areas be accompanied by increased assistance on the part of the international community.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“The time has come - and it is indeed overdue - for the Security Council, in view of the fact that many of its resolutions have been violated and its numerous presidential and press statements disregarded, to stand united and to avoid being manipulated by UNITA. The Council must take a firm stand and demand that UNITA fully comply with its remaining obligations under the Lusaka Protocol by demilitarizing its forces and joining the Government of Angola for peace, development and stability, not only in Angola but in the region as a whole. The international community, and the Security Council in particular, must not allow Angola and the region to be plunged into the tragedy of death, starvation and total anarchy.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“Savimbi to be a war criminal, a position which was in turn supported by the Organization of African Unity (OAU). Namibia therefore supports the position maintained by the Government of Angola in rejecting dialogue with Mr. Savimbi, who has so far not fully implemented the Lusaka Protocol, which is the only viable mechanism for the peaceful resolution of the conflict. In this regard, we welcome the President of Angola's statement that the Lusaka Protocol was still a valid basis for the peace process in Angola, as well as his New Year's message indicating the Government's openness to dialogue with all valid interlocutors.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“All these actions threatened the very foundation of the existence of the Republic of Angola, its unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Government of Angola had no other option but to apply the necessary decisive military force against the rebel movement UNITA in order to defend its people and territory. It is against this background that the Republic of Namibia supports the Government of the Republic of Angola in its all-out campaign against UNITA. My delegation has on several occasions in this body alerted the members of this Council to UNITA's, and in particular Mr. Savimbi's, intransigence and defiance. UNITA never honours and implements obligations in good faith. We wish to recall that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has declared Mr.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“My delegation is grateful to the Secretary-General for the report and updated information on recent developments in Angola. We thank Mr. Prendergast for introducing the report. Let me also welcome to the Security Council the Vice-Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Angola, Mr. Georges Chicoti. We thank him for his very important statement. I also welcome back my colleague and friend Ambassador Fowler. The refusal by UNITA to, among other things, disarm its troops and allow the extension of State administration to areas under its control; the refusal of Savimbi to join the Government of National Unity; and its declaration of war against the legitimate and elected Government of Angola were no small measures.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“Ogata for the briefing and her colleagues in the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, as well as in other humanitarian agencies, who are carrying out the enormous task of assisting thousands of refugees and internally displaced persons under difficult conditions.”
2000-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4089 (2000) · source
“These are abnormal circumstances and it is therefore important for the international community to assist them. Every refugee or internally displaced person desires to return to his or her home and resume normal life. It is therefore important to create conditions that will allow them to return home in safety. This is where the entire United Nations system comes in. I wish once again to thank you, Sir, for organizing this meeting and to express the hope that the international community will heed our call and provide the necessary resources to assist African refugees and internally displaced persons. Finally, I wish once again to thank Mrs.”
2000-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4089 (2000) · source
“I also wish to refer to the selectivity of the media in dealing with refugees and internally displaced persons. Some cases seem to be completely forgotten and non-existent, while others receive both media coverage and the necessary resources. Despite the fact that there are legal instruments in place to protect refugees, combatants tend to ignore them completely. Internally displaced persons are in an even more precarious situation; there is no international legal framework guiding their protection. It is for this reason that Namibia takes account of the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement. We acknowledge that it is the responsibility of national Governments to look after their citizens, including internally displaced persons, but in situations of conflict, as we can all appreciate, the Governments' ability is eroded.”
2000-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4089 (2000) · source
“For example, in Tanzania, a least developed country, there are about 300,000 Burundian refugees, yet the assistance from the international community is minimal at best. There is an urgent need to assist African host countries. Failure to do so may impact on their political stability. We cannot reiterate this point enough: It is important that arms producers halt the irresponsible flow of arms to disgruntled elements and rebel movements that are destabilizing and causing havoc in many African countries. Similarly, those countries and others that continue to sustain rebel movements by buying diamonds and other natural resources from rebels and their supporters are responsible for the soaring number of refugees and internally displaced persons and should cease forthwith. This is an area where the Security Council should do something.”
2000-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4089 (2000) · source
“Some have argued that African countries should cater to their own refugees. We have no quarrel with that. Africa has its own responsibilities to address the conflicts on the continent by inculcating a culture of peace and democracy. But African conflicts, which are producing millions of refugees, have an external dimension and these external forces should begin to help make peace in Africa, rather than make wars. In fact, African countries are already paying a very high price. Most of the African countries hosting refugees are either least developed or, in the case of my own country, Namibia, have just emerged from conflict themselves. In accordance with international principles, they cannot turn those in need away. Thus, in both cases, their social and economic infrastructure cannot cater to these refugees.”
2000-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4089 (2000) · source
“We cannot overemphasize the need for the provision of adequate resources to cater to the requirements of African refugees and internally displaced persons. Over the past year, we have seen how differently the international community treats refugees from various parts of the world. We in Africa are not asking for special treatment. All we are asking for is that all refugees be treated in the same manner. Only in Africa do we see hungry refugees, refugees without medicine and refugees without clothing. Why is it that we do not see this in other parts of the world? We will therefore continue to refer to the discrepancies or imbalances that we perceive in the international community's dealings with refugees and internally displaced persons until such time that the situation is addressed.”
2000-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4089 (2000) · source
“There are also measures that the international community can undertake to relieve their suffering and agony. There is an urgent need for the international community, and in particular the Security Council, to exercise the necessary political will to bring an end to the conflicts on the African continent. It is also imperative that, in those countries where the political climate is stable and refugees have returned, support be provided for development efforts to facilitate the reintegration of refugees and avoid the recurrence of conflict. Time and again, the Council has expressed its concern over the plight of refugees and internally displaced persons on the continent. It is our view that the time has now come for words to be matched by concrete action.”
2000-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4089 (2000) · source
“We wish to welcome Mrs. Ogata to the Council and thank her for the informative briefing. It is disheartening to know that hundreds of civilians in Africa are forced to flee their homes and become refugees or internally displaced persons, living under the most degrading and unbearable conditions. Refugees and internally displaced persons, in particular women and girls, are subjected to sexual violence as they flee the safety of their homes for unknown destinations. It is even worse when they are now in danger of being infected with the most dangerous diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Can we just express our concern and fold our hands? In our view, there are a number of concrete actions that the Council can take to minimize and bring an end to those situations which give rise to refugees and internally displaced persons.”
2000-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4089 (2000) · source
“We hope that these pledges will turn into reality to fund reconstruction and humanitarian efforts in that ravaged country over the next few years. I would also like to echo the sentiments expressed by Ambassador Dejammet with regard to the need for increased donor response to other situations in other parts of the world.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“Ambassador Holbrooke's visit had a very positive impact on the plight of the refugees in West Timor, as he managed to attract more attention to their situation, which in turn resulted in more concrete steps being taken with regard to them. We also welcome the establishment of relations between the leaders in East Timor and in Indonesia, and the visit by Mr. Gusmao to Jakarta at the invitation of the President of Indonesia is very much welcomed. These efforts must be supported by the international community. Last but not least, my delegation welcomes the excellent response by the international aid donors in Tokyo, who pledged more than the amount estimated by the World Bank for East Timor' s reconstruction.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“At the same time, we are convinced that the prosecution of captured militia members under a new judicial system could further serve as a deterrent for other criminal militia activities. I also want to take this opportunity to commend the efforts of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to, inter alia, inform the refugees about repatriation conditions in East Timor. These methods are crucial in the process of restoring refugee confidence and in order to counter militia propaganda. I would like to take this opportunity to commend my colleague, Ambassador Holbrooke, who is not here with us today, for the success achieved during his recent visit to East Timor.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“With regard to the security situation, my delegation is glad to note from the briefing and the latest INTERFET report that there are no significant threats to peace and security in East Timor. Thanks in particular to the clamp- down on militia activities and the negotiation efforts, we trust that situation will further improve. In this connection, we commend the leadership provided by Australia, and we thank all the countries that have provided troops and contributed to the work of INTERFET. A less positive aspect is our concern about the continuation of intimidation by militias in West Timor, which hampers the repatriation of refugees. We welcome the undertaking by Mr. Tavares to disband his militia group and hope that the repatriation rate will now increase.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“Mr. President, I thank you for organizing this open briefing. I want to take this opportunity also to thank Mr. Annabi for the comprehensive briefing on the situation in East Timor. My delegation is gratified by the progress being made with the establishment of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) and is pleased that its deployment remains on schedule. We regard this as important to ensure that the transition from the International Force, East Timor (INTERFET) to a United Nations peacekeeping operation takes place as soon as possible. In this regard, we pay a special tribute to Mr. Vieira de Mello and his staff for the efforts they are making under difficult conditions.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“Furthermore, the provisions of section C will go a long way towards addressing the material needs of the Iraqi people, since the oil-for-food programme could not, on its own, address all essential needs. Finally, my delegation sincerely hopes that this resolution will allow the Council to re-establish a relationship of cooperation and engagement with Iraq and to discourage any possible unilateral action by Member States against it. The resolution should allow us to close this unfortunate chapter for good, so that Iraq can eventually take its rightful place in the international community.”
1999-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4084 (1999) · source
“Having said that, my delegation voted in favour of today's resolution because it represents a vast improvement over the situation from where the Council started nearly a year ago, and it addresses most of the outstanding issues on Iraq in a comprehensive manner while taking into account a large percentage of the panel recommendations. The resolution furthermore provides, with regard to disarmament issues, a road map which can ensure the total elimination of all weapons of mass destruction and the suspension and eventual lifting of sanctions. The resolution also takes care of the most essential humanitarian concerns to my delegation, such as the Kuwaiti issues in section B, and especially the issue of the missing persons and prisoners of war, whose family members are eagerly waiting for justice to be done.”
1999-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4084 (1999) · source
“These, in the view of my delegation, could also have been resolved had the necessary political will existed among the permanent five. Of equal concern to my delegation was the fact that the Council, for close to a year now, has not been able to assert itself on the Iraqi problem, with the result that some crucial issues were not attended to. Henceforth, we prefer that the issue of Iraq be taken care of in the Council, and by all Council members, in terms of its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
1999-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4084 (1999) · source
“Mr. President, let me thank your delegation, and you personally, for the efforts you have put into this exercise to complete the resolution which we have adopted today. As I have stated an previous occasions, my delegation would have preferred a unanimous Council decision on the important, complex and politically charged issue of Iraq. Our main concern remains the implementability of a resolution passed by a divided Council. There was indeed an excellent opportunity to achieve consensus, since we were privileged to have the recommendations in the panel reports which were prepared by Ambassador Amorim of Brazil. However, as has been proved today, there still remain some unsurmountable differences among Council members.”
1999-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4084 (1999) · source
“SADC, as a subregional organization, continues vigorously to work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict. I wish to take this opportunity to thank those Governments and organizations that have provided support for the Democratic Republic of the Congo peace process, and, in particular, those that have contributed to the requirements and funding of the Joint Military Commission. We encourage them to continue their support. Likewise, we call on others to give positive consideration to contributing to the United Nations and OAU trust funds. The conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has an external dimension to it. Even if this were not the case, the Security Council still has a responsibility towards that situation, and we look forward to the Secretary- General's report in January.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“In this respect, we hope that such deployment will take place rapidly given the provisions of Security Council resolution 1279 (1999). We cannot emphasize this point enough. From our experience, it is unrealistic to expect a perfect peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or in any conflict situation before the Security Council takes action. The English say "The perfect is the enemy of the good". If we wait for perfection in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we will lose everything that has been achieved in the Lusaka peace process. My South African colleague could not have been clearer yesterday. In fact, some of us have wondered whether it is because the Democratic Republic of the Congo is in Africa. Otherwise, why does the goal post always seem to be shifting?”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“It would be ideal if all parties to the conflict ceased hostilities. We will continue to reiterate our call for putting a halt to the fighting. The question we should ask ourselves is whether the Congolese people should continue to be held hostage by those whose interests are materialistically based and who are at the core of plundering Congolese resources. We welcome the deployment of regional joint military commissions inside the Democratic Republic of the Congo to assist in the implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement. We also welcome the deployment of Organization of African Unity (OAU) observers to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the hope that the Security Council will soon take a decision to authorize the deployment of military observers to that country.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“It reviewed the current status of the implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and noted that significant progress had been made since its signing: the inauguration of the Joint Military Commission (JMC) and the deployment of the JMC observers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in order to verify ceasefire implementation. Furthermore, the summit reiterated the commitment of the SADC allied countries "to scrupulously observe the Ceasefire Agreement and speed up the peace process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo." (S/1999/125Z, annex) It also noted the ceasefire violations, particularly in the area of Ikela and Basankusu, by the Congolese Rally for Democracy (Goma) and the Movement for the Liberation of the Congo rebel groups.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“We shall passively maintain our position in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as we have done since the signing of the Ceasefire Agreement. However, we shall not offer ourselves as helpless targets when fired at by the rebels and those who support them. On 12 December 1999, at the invitation of my President, President Sam Nujoma, a summit of heads of State of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) allied countries in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was held in Windhoek. We have made available to you, Mr. President, for Council members' information, a press release issued at the end of that summit. I will therefore only highlight a few points emanating from the summit. The summit welcomed the appointment of the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Representative for the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“I agree with my colleague from Gambia, who made this point so eloquently. In fact, only last week, when Under-Secretary-General Prendergast briefed the Council on his trip to Burundi, he emphasized that the situation in Burundi and in the Great Lakes region in general is impacting the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. So, as the Council addresses this question of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we should not lose sight of what is happening around that country. As signatories to the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement, all parties, in particular the rebel groups and their supporters, Namibia believes should carry out their commitment. Hence, I again reiterate here Namibia's commitment to the full implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement. Let me make one point clear.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“The plundering and looting of Congolese natural resources, including the granting of diamond rights, cannot be allowed to go on unabated. We have all acknowledged that the Democratic Republic of the Congo peace process is difficult and complicated. Ambassador Holbrooke reiterated that the Democratic Republic of the Congo is not less complicated than Kosovo. We Africans are not deluding ourselves. We are saying that, just as this Council has felt the urgent need to intervene in other, no less complicated, situations, it should also do so in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Nobody is saying that the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is easy. Nobody has said that. What we are saying is that the Council should assume its responsibilities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and here time is of the essence.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“We commend the tireless efforts of the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity, which culminated in the appointment of a Facilitator acceptable to all Congolese parties. It is our hope that the necessary arrangements will now be made for the dialogue to take place without further delay. We have all learned and have come to realize that UNITA could not have waged war against the Angolan people for such a long time without support from outside the country. The same experience will be repeated in the Congo, if we are not careful. Media reports indicate that investors from several countries are doing business with the rebel movement, especially in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These actions clearly violate the territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and should be halted.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“I wish to express Namibia's appreciation to you, Mr. President, for organizing this open briefing on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We also wish to thank you for your presence in our meeting this morning. We thank Under-Secretary-General Miyet for the briefing, and we also wish to thank Ambassador Holbrooke for the information he provided to us following his recent trip to Africa. We sincerely hope that his visit to the region will bear fruitful results for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We welcome the appointment of the former President of Botswana, Sir Ketumile Joni Masira, as mediator for the national dialogue, as provided for under the Ceasefire Agreement on the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“President, as a fellow son of Africa, for presiding over this very important meeting. Your presence here testifies to your personal commitment and that of your country to Africa.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081 (1999) · source
“We must send a clear message to rebel movements in Africa and to their supporters that we have made enough noise and that now we mean business. It is time for us to take action. Here I agree with what you said, Mr. President, and with what Ambassador Fowler said with regard to Angola. That situation has been going on for a long time. UNITA is there and is getting support from Member States of this Organization - Member States that are supposed to ensure the full implementation of the sanctions imposed by the Security Council. If there is a need, and I am sure there is, those who support UNITA must be exposed and shamed. We look forward to the report by the panels in February, and we hope that the Council will take appropriate steps in this regard. Finally, let me thank you, Mr.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081 (1999) · source
“Furthermore, cooperation with subregional organizations should be enhanced. Subregional organizations need support. In this connection, we also agree with your idea, Mr. President, that the Security Council should consider sending a mission to the region to address the problems there. On the additional steps that the Council can take to help solve, and even prevent, conflict, let me say that, while acting within the provisions of the Charter, the Council should make use of the good offices of the Secretary-General; for example, when his special envoys are sent to visit conflict situations in potential trouble spots. In this respect, the services of eminent African personalities should be enlisted. In the end, it is the political will that I talked about earlier, on all of our parts, which will help to put an end to conflict in Africa.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081 (1999) · source
“In our view, the level of information between the United Nations and the OAU on conflict situations is not always even. Therefore, it would always be of help if the Council could benefit from direct exchanges of views with representatives of the OAU. In this connection, we support the proposal made by the Secretary-General that the Security Council should hold a meeting in Africa at the appropriate time. This proposal should be further explored by the Council. In addition, we know that through cooperation between the United Nations and the OAU a mechanism has been established whereby regular meetings are held between the United Nations Secretariat and the OAU, including on issues of peace and security. From the viewpoint of the OAU, can the Security Council benefit from the outcome of such discussions?”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081 (1999) · source
“We can continue to express concern about the humanitarian situation and find excuses for inaction, but we are all aware that the situation will deteriorate further. We must find the ways to pursue our national interests. The situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a test case for the Security Council. Words alone will not work; they will not help. What we should do is act - and act now. The United Nations needs to support financially and logistically operations initiated by the Organization of African Unity (OAU). In the absence of that flexibility, the situation will continue to deteriorate. When Africa speaks to ask for help, the Security Council should listen. One of the effective ways to achieve that is through coordination and cooperation between the Security Council and the OAU subregional organizations.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081 (1999) · source
“This requires Council members to exercise the necessary political will - and I would like to underline necessary political will - and for all Member States to provide such intervention with the required resources, be they human, material or financial. Of course, trust funds are helpful. But we believe they should not replace regular funding. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for example, if decisive action had been taken at the beginning of the conflict, we would not be faced with the massive human suffering being experienced in that country today. Even now that it is evidently clear what the real causes of that conflict are, there is still a lot of hesitation, foot- dragging and lack of political will from some quarters.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081 (1999) · source
“The size and mandate of peacekeeping operations should be dictated by the magnitude of the conflict, and not by geographical location. Of course, I have taken note of what my neighbour to my left said before me. When a peacekeeping operation is anticipated, the Council should make advance preparations to that end. The Secretary-General and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations should be viewed as complementary to the work of the Council. The efforts of the Secretary-General should be supported. The Security Council and the Secretary- General are not in competition. In addition, timely action by the Council and the international community is a must if we are serious about conflict prevention. We cannot overemphasize the importance of timely intervention in order to avoid the escalation of conflicts.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081 (1999) · source
“We commend your delegation, Mr. President, for organizing this very important meeting. Let me also welcome back from Africa my colleague and friend, Ambassador Holbrooke. We look forward to discussing in more detail the findings of his trip. With the Security Council at risk of gradually losing credibility in Africa, there is a need, inter alia, for innovation in addressing African issues. You have given us, Mr. President, three elements to discuss, and I shall address them briefly and as candidly as I can. Let me start with the question of how to meet the needs of African peacekeeping more effectively. The members of the Security Council should separate their national interests from the needs of those affected by conflict. Peacekeeping operations in Africa should not be treated differently from those in other parts of the world.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081 (1999) · source
“The draft resolution before us today, in our view, does not represent faithfully the content of the last report of the Secretary-General. Furthermore, it is selective in its approach and ignores crucial concerns previously expressed by the Council. An obvious example of this is the omission of reference to the concern expressed by the Council in resolutions 1238 (1999) and 1263 (1999), which, inter alia, stated that the appeals process should not be turned into a new round of identification. Furthermore, it is our view that the draft resolution paints a negative picture, which might negatively affect the implementation of the settlement plan and would send a wrong message to the international community. It is for these reasons that my delegation cannot support the draft resolution before us.”
1999-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4080 (1999) · source
“My delegation firmly believes in the inalienable rights of the people of Western Sahara to self-determination and independence. We also believe that the United Nations Settlement Plan for Western Sahara remains the only credible mechanism to achieve this. This plan has the full support of the Organization of African Unity. With regard to our work of today, my delegation would have preferred a technical resolution to extend the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara to 29 February 2000, as recommended by the Secretary-General. This would have been more appropriate while we are awaiting a more comprehensive report from the Secretary-General, on the occasion of whose presentation the Council is expected to review the overall situation regarding Western Sahara.”
1999-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4080 (1999) · source
“Instead, it now appears that the continued existence of the oil-for-food programme is threatened by the very same political differences which created the impasse previously. We urge the permanent five to speed up their consultations so that the omnibus resolution may be brought back to the Council. My delegation would have preferred a full six-month renewal of the oil-for-food programme. However, we voted in favour of the one-week extension in the hope that it will assist the Council in coming to a conclusion on the comprehensive resolution.”
1999-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4077 (1999) · source
“The humanitarian situation of the civilian population in Iraq as a result of the punishing sanctions has been of concern to my delegation since the day we entered the Security Council as a member. In our view, the oil-for-food programme, although limited in what it can achieve, therefore plays a major role in alleviating this plight. It is our view that everything should be done to ensure that it is not disrupted. On the other hand, we remain equally frustrated by the inability of the Council to address the Iraqi issue comprehensively. It was for this reason that the Council agreed that the permanent five should try to resolve the differences among themselves. However, today I have to express our frustration that no clear resolve is yet available.”
1999-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4077 (1999) · source
“For the Security Council to play its role in the prevention of conflict, a strong political commitment from all Member States, complemented by adequate provision of financial resources, is key. Political commitment and allocation of adequate financial resources are integral parts of effective prevention of armed conflict and maintenance of international peace and security.”
1999-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072 (1999) · source
“It is in this context that the OAU Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Algiers declared: "We reaffirm our commitment to respect for the major role and responsibilities of the United Nations and its Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security. In this connection, we once again call for a genuine democratization of international relations based on the active participation and balanced consideration of the legitimate concerns of all nations. We call, in particular, for the democratization of the United Nations and its Security Council and the recognition of Africa's legitimate place within this organ." Words of intention alone are never enough.”
1999-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072 (1999) · source
“The success of any peacekeeping operation rests on the pillar of consensus among all States members of the Security Council. The United Nations peacekeeping operations are indeed an essential component of the role of the Security Council in maintaining peace and security in the world. In addition, changing times and circumstances dictate that the international community needs a revitalized Security Council. We remain convinced that the presence of the African States in both categories of membership in the Security Council will help Africa to participate meaningfully in the prevention of armed conflict, particularly in Africa.”
1999-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072 (1999) · source