YouSaid · the spoken record

Annabi

lines on the record: 845
first: 1999-12-22
most recent: 2009-09-09
sittings or episodes: 45
sources: un-security-council

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

“In a letter dated 13 January 2000 addressed to the Secretary-General, the Foreign Minister of Nigeria offered to suspend, for 90 days, the Withdrawal of the Nigerian troops serving under ECOMOG in Sierra Leone. He made that offer in order to assist in preventing a possible security vacuum before the full deployment of the expanded UNAMSIL. In subsequent decisions with the Nigerian military authorities, it was agreed that two Nigerian infantry battalions and one tank company would be incorporated into UNAMSIL. I wish to express our gratitude to the Government of Nigeria for its cooperation and for the flexibility it has shown to help maintain the needed level of security in the country until the full deployment of UNAMSIL. The disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programme has continued, but albeit at a slow pace.”
2000-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4111 (2000) · source
“Successive efforts have been made to also deploy troops to Koidu and Kailahun on the eastern tip of the country, but most of these efforts were unsuccessful as a result of the RUF's refusal to allow UNAMSIL freedom of movement. On 10 March, however, a UNAMSIL convoy of 65 troops was able to reach Kailahun and Buedu on a recce mission. At the same time, according to oral reports received today from UNAMSIL, the envisaged deployment of a part of the Indian contingent today to Kailahun was again stopped by the RUF. In addition, no troops have yet been able to reach Koidu, although patrols of UNAMSIL military observers have visited the town on four occasions.”
2000-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4111 (2000) · source
“Measures have since been taken at the request of the Secretary-General to prevent such incidents from happening in the future and to try to retrieve these weapons. While some of the weapons have been returned, the bulk of the weapons seized from the Guinean troops have yet to be returned by the RUF. On 23 February 2000, a convoy of the Indian battalion moving from Kenema to Daru was also stopped by a large number of well-armed RUF fighters. A stand-off ensued and continued for two days, but eventually the UNAMSIL convoy had to redeploy to Kenema. On 7 March, however, another convoy of the Indian battalion was able to reach Daru without being obstructed by the RUF. UNAMSIL is now deployed, apart from Freetown, in Lungi, Port Loko, Lunsar, Masiaka, Makeni, Magburaka, Kenema, Daru and Mile 91, as well as at B0 and Moyamba.”
2000-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4111 (2000) · source
“The next day, on 10 March, the Special Representative convened a follow-up meeting with representatives of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), the Government, UNAMSIL and ECOMOG, and at that meeting it was decided that factions would remove all their checkpoints within 48 hours. During the period covered by the report there were several serious incidents involving UNAMSIL and former rebel elements or combatants, although in the case of the main incident, involving the Guinean troops, they were not at that point in time under UNAMSIL command; they had not yet joined UNAMSIL. In the course of these incidents, peacekeeping troops were forced to surrender their weapons to groups of armed rebels.”
2000-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4111 (2000) · source
“Koroma and Chief Hinga Norman, as well as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Adeniji, the UNAMSIL Force Commander and the Force Commander of the ECOWAS Monitoring Group, ECOMOG. At that meeting the following decisions were reached and subsequently made public. There would be full and unhindered access to all parts of the country for UNAMSIL, humanitarian agencies and all civilians, including refugees and internally displaced persons. There would no longer be areas under control of any combatant group and the Government would have full control over every part of the country. Finally, disarmament would take place in selected areas in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, Where facilities are in place, and thereafter in other areas as facilities become available.”
2000-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4111 (2000) · source
“A special meeting was organized on 1 and 2 March 2000 under the auspices of the current Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Bamako, which was attended by high-level representatives of ECOWAS, the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the Special Representative of the Secretary- General and the Sierra Leonean parties. The special meeting concluded with the adoption of a communique which calls on all Sierra Leonean leaders to translate their expressions of commitment to the peace process into concrete action. In a significant development since the issuance of the report, a high-level meeting was convened on 9 March, last week, to follow up on the Bamako meeting with the participation of President Kabbah, Mr. Sankoh, Mr.”
2000-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4111 (2000) · source
“Mr. Annabi: Members of the Council have before them the third report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), which was issued on 7 March. This report covers developments since the last report, which was issued on 11 January 2000 (S/2000/13). During the reporting period there has been some progress in furthering the peace process in Sierra Leone, but in many areas the process has remained slow. There has been in particular little progress in disarmament in the northern and eastern parts of the country, while rebel groups continued to interfere with humanitarian activities and with UNAMSIL patrols and to harass the civilian population in those areas.”
2000-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4111 (2000) · source
“It was felt that these numbers should be enough to meet the tasks foreseen for them, which are limited to advice and assistance to the Government on the restructuring and training of the local police forces. In other words, they are not going to assume direct law and order functions, but only provide advice on the training and restructuring. We would also establish a presence at the DDR sites and at some key population centres, again for the purpose of providing advice on the maintenance of law and order rather than for the purpose of assuming direct policing functions.”
2000-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4098 (2000) · source
“We already have two Nigerian battalions in UNAMISIL, and we expect another two Nigerian battalions as well as a motorized company; in addition to those, we have offers by four other countries, which I understand are waiting for the adoption of the draft resolution before they are in a position to confirm their offers formally. On the requirements for civilian police, the proposal contained in the Secretary-General's report for 60 civilian police - as opposed to the six that were there previously, a significant increase - was worked out in consultation with the local police authorities as well as with some of the other international partners engaged in providing assistance to the local police on a bilateral basis.”
2000-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4098 (2000) · source
“We are in the process of working with the contributors to see how best we can make up, or encourage them to make up, for these equipment shortfalls. We are also looking at the possibility of civilian contracts for those shortfalls that cannot otherwise be met. I will not pretend that we have all the logistic equipment that we need; there is always a certain delay in all of our operations. But the main difficulties we are encountering at this time regarding operational capability come from shortfalls in the equipment of certain contingents: equipment which was supposed to be available to them and which is not. As regards the expansion of UNAMSIL, we have, of course, been negotiating actively with a number of countries which have expressed interest in participating and which have made offers to participate in the expanded UNAMSIL.”
2000-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4098 (2000) · source
“Mr. Annabi: As regards the capacity of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) to deploy and to operate: as I mentioned in my briefing, troops made available to the United Nations under the new contingent-owned equipment regulations are expected to come fully equipped according to the agreed standards, and to be self-sustaining for a period of at least 60 days. Now, some contributors sometimes have difficulties in meeting these requirements, and I have alluded to them. These shortfalls in equipment affect the operational capabilities of the troops. We have had to deploy some of the troops before they were fully ready, at a time last December when we did not expect to have to deploy them, because of the withdrawal of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) from certain locations.”
2000-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4098 (2000) · source
“Koroma to the provinces also highlights the urgent need to extend State administration throughout the country. It is hoped that the establishment of a credible UNAMSIL presence in strategic locations throughout Sierra Leone, including in and around Kailahun, will facilitate that process. We and the Special Representative are actively working towards that end. At the same time, it would also be important to pursue and strengthen the ongoing bilateral and multilateral efforts regarding the training of the Sierra Leonean military and civilian police in order to advance the implementation of the Lome Agreement.”
2000-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4098 (2000) · source
“Koroma officially resigned from the Sierra Leone Army on 28 January, apparently to be able to pursue his goals through political means, while Mr. Sankoh publicly alluded to the possibility of running for the presidency in the elections to be conducted next year. In conclusion, we feel that it would be important for regional leaders and Security Council members, whether individually or collectively, to continue to engage all parties in this process to impress upon them the need to fulfil their commitments under the Lome Agreement and to cooperate fully with UNAMSIL in the implementation of its mandate. In this connection, President Konare's proactive approach towards the peace settlement in Sierra Leone is a very encouraging development. The proposed joint visit of President Konare, President Kabbah, Mr. Sankoh and Mr.”
2000-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4098 (2000) · source
“On 23 January, Foday Sankoh, in his capacity as Chairman of the Commission of the Management of Strategic Resources, National Reconstruction and Development (CMRRD), announced a moratorium on all mining activities, as well as the cancellation of existing mining licenses issued before 24 January. This announcement was publicly supported by the Government. Some parliamentarians, however, have voiced their uneasiness with this decision. In this connection, it should be noted that neither the CMRRD nor the Commission for the Consolidation of Peace are yet operational, and the Government is currently consulting with Mr. Sankoh and Mr. Koroma on how to expedite the work of these institutions. In the meantime, Mr.”
2000-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4098 (2000) · source
“The current Chairman of ECOWAS, President Konare of Mali, has announced his intention to undertake - together with President Kabbah, Foday Sankoh and Johnny Paul Koroma - visits to the provinces of Sierra Leone, in order to try to give a fresh impetus to the DDR process. President Konare also appointed a Special Envoy for Sierra Leone to ensure effective coordination between ECOWAS and other partners in the peace process. The implementation of the Lorne Agreement, however, remains difficult. On 20 January, while addressing RUF commanders in Makeni, Foday Sankoh instructed them not to allow the deployment of United Nations peacekeepers. The Special Representative, Mr. Adeniji, reacted to this with a strongly worded public statement, which in turn led Foday Sankoh to state that his comments had been misunderstood.”
2000-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4098 (2000) · source
“The World Bank, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the United Nations Development Programme have just completed a high-level mission to Sierra Leone to explore operational responses aimed at strengthening the linkage between humanitarian assistance and early reconstruction and development. Preliminary consultations to this effect with members of the humanitarian community are scheduled to take place shortly in Geneva. Finally, a word about recent political developments. On 24 January, the second meeting of the Joint Implementation Committee was held in Freetown. This meeting confirmed the commitment of ECOWAS to remain fully involved in the peace process.”
2000-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4098 (2000) · source
“At the same time, UNAMSIL and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights continue to assist the Government in its preparations for the establishment of the Human Rights Commission. As regards the humanitarian situation, plans for the rapid expansion of humanitarian operations inside the country, starting with Makeni, continue to be delayed by insecurity. A comprehensive inter-agency humanitarian assessment mission to those areas was postponed until this week due to rebel activity. In Kabala, humanitarian workers also continue to be harassed by disarmed combatants. As a result, despite the efforts of United Nations agencies, humanitarian activities in the northern and eastern parts of the country remain limited.”
2000-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4098 (2000) · source
“However, the civilian population continues to be harassed by ex-SLA combatants roaming the area in search of food and shelter. In RUF-dominated areas around Alikalia, the continued imposition of so-called taxation is having an effect on local food availability. There has been some progress with regard to the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The Attorney-General and the Minister of Justice of Sierra Leone on 2 February informed the Special Representative of the Secretary-General that the draft statute to establish the Truth and Reconciliation Commission had been finalized. It is expected that the draft statute will be circulated to the Cabinet shortly, with a view to its adoption by Parliament, hopefully later this month.”
2000-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4098 (2000) · source
“The Special Representative of the Secretary-General believes - and we agree of course - that any deadline for disarmament should be realistic. He is currently discussing this issue with the President and the other parties concerned. Regarding the human rights situation, on 20 and 21 January two United Nations human rights assessment missions were conducted in Port Loko and Kabala. In Port Loko, most human rights abuses appear to be perpetrated by ex-SLA elements from the Occra Hills area. There are almost daily reports from this area of looting, burning of houses, harassment and abductions of civilians, as well as of sexual abuse and individual abductions. In the meantime, in Kabala, incidents of harassment, abduction and rape somewhat subsided last month.”
2000-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4098 (2000) · source
“There continue to be incidents in which ex-combatants arrive at DDR sites with no weapons or with only hand grenades. It should be noted that at a recent Joint Monitoring Commission meeting, held in Freetown, rebel representatives claimed that the RUF leadership had not allowed their commanders to surrender their weapons. Such ambivalence on the part of the rebel leaders of course raises questions regarding their readiness to cooperate in good faith with the DDR process and to implement their commitments under the Lome Agreement. In the meantime, there have been indications that President Kabbah, Foday Sankoh and Johnny Paul Koroma may issue a press release proposing 29 February as the deadline for the end of the disarmament process.”
2000-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4098 (2000) · source
“In Port Loko itself, following a grenade explosion in a disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) camp, the security situation has remained tense. Ceasefire violations have also been reported in the areas of Occra Hills, Pepe] Island and Masiaka. In addition, UNAMSIL has reported tension at Daru and Segbwema as a result of movements by armed Revolutionary United Front (RUF) elements. On the other hand, since we last briefed the Council, more than 60 child soldiers have been released by ex-Sierra Leone Army (SLA) rebel commanders at Occra Hills. As regards the disarmament process, it has continued to be slow, except for in the Port Loko area, where a large number of additional combatants were disarmed recently. As of 3 February - the end of last week - 7,616 ex-combatants had been disarmed.”
2000-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4098 (2000) · source
“Simultaneously, the Special Representative is working with Foday Sankoh and Johnny Paul Koroma in order to put an end to the recent attempts by rebel elements to restrict UNAMSIL's freedom of movement, and in order to secure the return of the weapons and equipment that have been seized from United Nations troops by these rebel elements. The security situation in the country, I have to say, remains difficult, with a continued high level of ambushes, lawlessness and banditry in a number of areas. Continued attempts to restrict the freedom of movement of United Nations personnel in rebel-held areas are also, as I just mentioned, a source of major concern. While Freetown and Lungi remained relatively calm, there was in recent weeks a discernible increase in rebel-related activity, in particular along the Port Loko-Lungi road.”
2000-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4098 (2000) · source
“The matter was extensively addressed and discussed at the troop contributors' meeting, which was held on Friday of last week, and on Friday the Military Adviser also held a separate meeting to discuss these issues with the representatives of the major troop contributors. At the same time, the Special Representative and the Force Commander have been consulting on the ground with all the contingent commanders to impress on them the need to apply UNAMSIL's rules of engagement resolutely, and the need to apply them strictly, in accordance with the mandates entrusted to UNAMSIL by the Security Council.”
2000-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4098 (2000) · source
“In addition, a reconnaissance is underway in the area of Kailahun in preparation for the deployment of the Indian battalion to that area. The total strength of the military component of UNAMSIL currently stands at 4,830 personnel, including 232 military observers. It should be noted, however, that some battalions that have joined UNAMSIL lack essential equipment, which of course affects their operational capabilities. It should also be noted that during the course of last month there were several incidents in which UNAMSIL peacekeepers were confronted by rebel elements, but did not respond, in our view, in a satisfactory manner. This is of course a matter of particular concern to us here at Headquarters, but also to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Adeniji, and to the Force Commander, Major-General Jetley.”
2000-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4098 (2000) · source
“As of today, there are reportedly 5,500 ECOMOG troops remaining in Sierra Leone, mostly concentrated in and around Freetown peninsula. Turning now to UNAMSIL'S deployment, Council members will remember that, in view of the withdrawal of Nigerian troops from several key locations in Sierra Leone at the end of December last year, UNAMSIL had to accelerate its own deployment, despite the substantial risks in doing so, to Makeni, Magburaka, Kenema and Dam. At present, United Nations troops are also deployed in the Freetown peninsula, at Lungi airport and its vicinity, Papel and Tasso Islands, Port Loko, Lunsar, Masiaka, Rogberi and Mano Junction. A quick-reaction company from India, as well as a guard and administrative company and an engineer company, are also deployed in and around Freetown.”
2000-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4098 (2000) · source
“On 13 January, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria wrote to the Secretary-General indicating that his Government was "prepared to suspend for 90 days the withdrawal of those forces deemed necessary to maintain security in Sierra Leone if they can be re-flagged as United Nations peacekeeping troops". In anticipation of the adoption of the draft resolution that would expand the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), we have initiated negotiations with a high- level Nigerian delegation headed by the Chief of Staff of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Major-General Malu, which in fact started in Freetown today. The purpose of these talks is to discuss the modalities for the incorporation of additional Nigerian troops and equipment into UNAMSIL.”
2000-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4098 (2000) · source
“Mr. Annabi: Since we last briefed the Security Council on 12 January, the situation in Sierra Leone has remained relatively stable, although there have been a number of serious incidents, to which I will refer in this briefing. As members of the Council are aware, in the letter of 23 December addressed to the President of the Security Council by the Secretary-General, as well as in his subsequent report to the Council of 11 January, the Secretary-General informed the Council that the Government of Nigeria had decided to repatriate its troops participating in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) in Sierra Leone.”
2000-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4098 (2000) · source
“We have made an effort to present an integrated picture, and I can assure the Council that we will continue to do what we can to ensure proper coordination in the implementation of these programmes. to avoid, as much as we can, overlap and duplication among various agencies.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“If the present trend continues - and we have no reason to believe that it will not - certainly the Secretary-General will reassess the situation in due course and will not hesitate to come back to the Security Council with proposed reductions if he feels they can be safely undertaken. I can assure the Council that he will not wish to keep more troops in East Timor than are necessary to implement the mandate as foreseen in resolution 1272 (1999). Finally, on coordination and division of labour regarding the implementation of the assistance that has been offered to East Timor, we have made an unusual effort to present to donors a comprehensive picture on the humanitarian assistance side, on requirements for administration and for creating a self-government capacity, and on longer-term reconstruction and development requirements.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“We believe - and this is the assessment of all the experts concerned - that it is wise and prudent that the peacekeeping force taking over from the multinational force should be a strong, credible force, and that it should be endowed with a credible deterrent capacity. It will be smaller than the multinational force; when I visited East Timor at the end of November I was informed that the International Force, East Timor (INTERFET) had more than 11,000 troops in East Timor. The United Nations force which will take over during February will have more than 8,000 troops. But it is a fact that the security situation has improved, and we welcome this. We must, in this regard, pay tribute to INTERFET for the excellent work it has done to restore peace and security in the territory.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“One hundred twenty thousand have returned, and we may be reaching the point where some do not wish to return, at least in the immediate future. We hope, however, that the working group whose establishment was agreed upon with the Indonesian authorities during the Special Representative's visit to Jakarta, and which will look at all these issues, can help improve the situation and enable us to move quickly towards a situation where we have more clarity as to the exact wishes and intentions of those who are left in West Timor, so that those who wish to return can indeed return in safe conditions and so that those who do not wish to return can be resettled elsewhere. There was also a question by the representative of France regarding the strength of the United Nations peacekeeping force.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“Mr. Annabi: One set of questions related to the decrease in the rate of return of refugees from West Timor. As I said, we feel that this is due to a combination of factors. Some misinformation and intimidation is still going on, and that, of course, is one factor. According to the information we have, the fact that there has been extensive destruction in the territory and that some of the refugees are not sure that they will have a home to return to is possibly another factor. And finally, the third factor is probably the fact that those in West Timor who had voted in favour of autonomy - and let us not forget that more than 20 per cent of the East Timorese voted in favour of autonomy - may not wish to return to East Timor at the present time, or may not feel comfortable about doing so for one reason or another.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“UNTAET will be working with the East Timorese civil servants, whose recruitment will begin in the near future. The Timorese have agreed that the civil service, which used to be subsidized from Jakarta, should be much reduced to a size that East Timor can afford and can itself sustain once UNTAET leaves. UNTAET is in the process of setting up a commission, composed mainly of East Timorese, to deal with the appointment of civil servants and to determine salaries and other conditions of employment.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“The Special Rapporteurs on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and on the question of torture and violence against women visited East Timor from 4 to 10 November. The international commission of inquiry established by the Commission on Human Rights visited East Timor from 25 November to 8 December. Both groups are expected to report to the General Assembly in the near future. I wish to acknowledge with appreciation the assistance of those Governments which have given us the names of experts for the broad range of functions that UNTAET has to carry out in East Timor. However, there are still significant gaps in the staffing of UNTAET, particularly in the fields of labour and social affairs. We are also searching for an appropriate official to serve as the ombudsperson.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“The immediate priorities for the administration are the restoration of essential infrastructure, the provision of basic social services, the recruitment of civil servants and the revival of commerce and trade. A total of 275 civilian police are deployed throughout the territory, and UNTAET is making every effort to begin the training of T imorese police by the beginning of February. INTERFET, together with United Nations police, continues to uncover the bodies of persons who were killed during the period leading up to and after the ballot on 30 August. Steps have been taken to record and secure the evidence for further investigation once the requisite expertise and facilities are available. The United Nations is working with several Governments that have offered assistance.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“They discussed, among other things, the establishment of an Indonesian representation in Dili, the resumption of flights between Indonesia and East Timor by Indonesian carriers and future commercial links and cooperation on banking and financial services. It was also agreed, subject to a decision by the Indonesian Cabinet, to constitute a working group with UNTAET participation, which is to work out measures to end militia harassment of East Timorese refugees still in West Timor. The Secretary-General has invited President Wahid to visit East Timor, and President Wahid has accepted and indicated that he will visit at an early opportunity. Turning to governance and public administration, UNTAET has now established a skeleton administration in East Timor, including an effective presence in each of the 13 districts of East Timor.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“Joao Tavares, a militia leader, and the subsequent announcement by the latter of the militia's disbandment. The establishment of good relations between East Timor and Indonesia is also high on UNTAET's agenda. At the end of November, Mr. Gusmao visited Jakarta at the invitation of President Wahid. Mr. Gusmao was warmly welcomed by President Wahid and other senior Indonesian officials, who assured him of their determination to build friendly relations with East Timor. They also undertook to assist in a number of areas, including the release of all remaining East Timorese political prisoners, and I am happy to report that this has occurred since then. Mr. Vieira de Mello also visited Jakarta earlier this month, where he met with President Wahid and other senior officials.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“The first meeting of the National Consultative Commission was held on 11 December, and the next meeting is scheduled to take place on 28 or 29 December. The Council will create sectoral committees that will comprise East Timorese and international experts. Members of the Consultative Commission attended the donor conference in Tokyo as part of the United Nations delegation, including Mr. Xanana Gusmao, who addressed that meeting. While two of the seats allocated to the pro-autonomy parties have yet to be filled, the fact that their participation was readily agreed to by the CNRT is a positive sign as regards prospects for national reconciliation. There have also been meetings between CNRT representatives and pro-autonomy groups abroad. Another positive development was the meeting on 12 December between Xanana Gusmao and Mr.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“To this end, UNTAET has established the National Consultative Commission of East Timor, which will be the primary mechanism for cooperation with the East Timorese. The Commission is chaired by Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, the Secretary- General's Special Representative and Transitional Administrator, and will be composed of 15 members. Seven of them are designated by the Council of National Resistance of East Timor (CNRT), a broad coalition that favoured independence; Mr. Jose Alexandre Gusmao, also known as Xanana Gusmao, and Mr. Jose Ramos Horta, who returned to East Timor on 1 December after 24 years in exile, are the acknowledged leaders of the CNRT. Three members of the Commission are designated by political parties that supported autonomy and one by the Catholic Church, and four will represent UNTAET.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“Several factors, I think, may account for this; one of them is continued intimidation and misinforming of refugees in West Timor by militias; another is the lack of infrastructure, aggravated by the rainy season, which may be acting as a deterrent. In addition, there are indications that the number of refugees still in West Timor do not foresee, for various reasons, or do not wish, for various reasons, to return in the immediate future to East Timor. Relations between UNTAET and the East Timorese are very good. UNTAET is administering East Timor in accordance with Security Council resolution 1272 (1999), in close cooperation and consultation with the Timorese, as envisaged under that resolution.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“Turning now to the return of refugees and the humanitarian situation, globally the humanitarian situation has improved, although it remains very difficult in the wake of the extensive destruction that took place following the announcement of the results of the popular consultation. The coordination of humanitarian relief activities among United Nations agencies, government agencies and non- governmental organizations has been very effective. Ensuring the voluntary return of refugees remains a top priority of UNTAET. As of yesterday, close to 120,000 refugees had returned. Despite the agreement between INTERFET and the Indonesian forces, which was reached on 22 November under the auspices of Ambassador Holbrooke, there has been no significant increase in the rate of return.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“The transition from INTERFET to the United Nations is to take place during the month of February, from the beginning to the end of that month, on the basis of an agreed concept that will ensure that a strong operational capacity will be maintained throughout. While much of UNTAET's force will come from INTERFET, a number of important assets will need to be brought in from abroad. These include, in particular, engineering units and helicopter support. The Force Commander, as the Secretary-General has announced, will be an officer from the Philippines and the Deputy Force Commander will be an officer from Australia.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“The fighters of FALANTIL remain in their cantonment area at Aileu, from where some minor incidents of indiscipline have been reported. The military observers of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) are deployed throughout the territory and have also set up 11 liaison posts on both sides of the border with West Timor to ensure appropriate liaison between the International Force, East Timor (INTERFET) and the Indonesian armed forces and to facilitate the return of refugees. The planning for the establishment of UNTAET's military component is proceeding in close consultation with INTERFET.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“We are most grateful for this support, and I think a special word of appreciation is due to the Government of Japan, which made a significant contribution to the success of the conference, both as host of the conference and as a major donor. The preparations for the Tokyo conference involved exceptionally close cooperation between the United Nations and ita agencies and programmes, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and, of course, the representatives of the people of East Timor. Turning to the security situation, the situation has remained largely stable. There have been isolated cases of verbal and sometimes physical abuse of returning refugees on the grounds that they had supported autonomy rather than independence during the popular consultation, but no serious casualties have resulted.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“Mr. Annabi: I should like to begin this briefing on the situation concerning East Timor with an expression of deep appreciation to the Governments that participated in the donor conference held in Tokyo on 16-17 December. That conference was, in our view, very successful. Pledges were made amounting to a total of $522 million, covering humanitarian assistance, administration and capacity- building for self-government and reconstruction and development. The timely disbursement of these funds will ensure that the United Nations will have the resources required for the large and complex tasks it has undertaken in East Timor.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source