YouSaid · the spoken record

Arias

lines on the record: 1,107
first: 1999-09-11
most recent: 2023-02-07
sittings or episodes: 176
sources: un-security-council

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“Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): My country endorses the statement to be made later by Ireland on behalf of the European Union. Spain has decided to co-sponsor this draft resolution because we consider it essential to act urgently to fill a legal vacuum in which international disarmament and non- proliferation treaties and regimes do not sufficiently address the question of how to prevent access by non- State actors - particularly terrorists - to weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The draft resolution's context is none other than the global fight against terrorism, and therefore Spain considers this exercise to be part of what began with resolution 1373 (2001).”
2004-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4950 (2004) · source
“The Security Council could not remain passive in the face of the act committed three days ago. It was contrary to international law and, as has been stated here, it will disastrously fuel tension and hostility in the region.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4934 (2004) · source
“Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): My delegation voted in favour of the resolution for the reasons we stated a few days ago in this Chamber, which were based on the two main ideas contained in last week's declaration by the Council of Ministers of the European Union. Spain opposes any terrorist acts, whatever their source and whatever their motivation may be. A bomb in a bus in Tel Aviv, a bomb in a train in Madrid, a bomb in a building in New York or in Casablanca - all are terrorist acts. They are all equally reprehensible and unjustifiable. We condemn them in the strongest terms and my delegation has made every effort to embody this idea in operative paragraph 2 of the resolution. But, we are also opposed to and condemn extrajudicial executions.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4934 (2004) · source
“In conclusion, the report in question provides a solid basis for the work of the Council and my delegation will play an active role in subsequent discussions in order to move forward on the path to an integrated and focused regional approach that would provide an adequate response to the complex challenges faced by West Africa.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“DDR is a major challenge which goes beyond the national framework and has clear subregional consequences. Hence, we support a comprehensive approach in applying those programmes that would include the regional dimension and pay particular attention to the reintegration of ex- combatants, with special attention given to the needs of women and of child soldiers. Fifthly, the efforts in West Africa must be accompanied by a reconciliation process as well as a strengthening of the social fabric of the populations affected by the conflicts. Implementation of the report's recommendations referring to increased participation of civil society through concrete initiatives, in order to convey values of peace, reconciliation and respect for human rights, would, in fact, have beneficial effects in the post-conflict phase.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“As for small arms and light weapons, we support the recommendation made by the Secretary-General that member States of ECOWAS consider the possibility of adopting a legally binding instrument, before the expiration of the current Moratorium this year Additional initiatives, such as establishment of a regional ECOWAS registry, the possibility of a ban on the activities of mercenaries who operate in the countries of the region, or the establishment of national commissions in order to carry out the Moratorium, are relevant recommendations that warrant serious study by the countries in the region. Fourthly, the security sector reform and the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programmes are two key issues necessary to achieving lasting peace in West Africa.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“We believe that, in the current context, revitalization of that forum would play a very constructive role in confidence-building, which could lead to the adoption of concrete initiatives, as recommended by the report. Basically, the establishment of joint patrols along the borders of Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire would improve the security situation and would have an additional dissuasive effect.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“Since the representative of Ireland will make a statement later on behalf of the European Union, we shall confine ourselves to a few brief comments. First of all, we are pleased to observe the trend towards greater coordination of the activities of the United Nations system in the region, and we support the Secretary-General's recommendation that periodic meetings be held among the United Nations peacekeeping missions and political offices in the region. In addition, we understand that we should actively promote participation, where relevant, by representatives of ECOWAS and of civil society in such meetings. Secondly, the Mano River Union occupies a special place among subregional cooperation forums.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“Ms. Menendez (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): We thank the Secretariat for submitting the report of the Secretary-General on ways to combat subregional and cross-border problems in West Africa (S/2004/200). We also thank Nana Akufo-Addo, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ghana, Mr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Executive Secretary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mr. Jan Egeland, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, and Mr. Zephirin Diabre, Associate Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), for their briefings. We welcome the detailed analysis of the principal challenges confronting the region, as well as the concrete recommendations in that regard contained in the report.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“Secondly, they seriously aggravate an already explosive political situation, contributing to the spiral of violence. My country has never been lukewarm in the fight against terrorism. We condemn terrorism regardless of its origin. We therefore unambiguously condemn the terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas, which have caused enormous suffering among the population of Israel. We reiterate that Israel has the right to defend itself and to protect its citizens from terrorism. However, it must exercise that right according to international law. I wish to conclude as did the European Council, asking all sides to refrain from all acts of violence. Violence will only make even more remote the possibility of achieving peace and a just and lasting solution to the conflict in the Middle East.”
2004-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4929 (2004) · source
“Ms. Menendez (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): My delegation associates itself with the statement that the representative of Ireland will make later on behalf of the European Union. In this and other forums, my country has repeatedly and firmly opposed extrajudicial killings. Consequently, we express our rejection and our condemnation of the extrajudicial killing of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and six other people, which took place yesterday. As the ministerial Council of the European Union stated yesterday, 22 March, extrajudicial killings violate international law and undermine the concept of the rule of law, which is a fundamental idea and a basic principle in the fight against terrorism. First of all, events such as those of yesterday delegitimize the fight against terrorism in terms of the law.”
2004-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4929 (2004) · source
“Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): I wish to express my gratitude for the presence in our midst of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Germany and of Serbia and Montenegro, as well as that of the Secretary-General. My delegation fully endorses the statement to be made later by the European Union presidency. We vigorously condemn the clashes that have taken place in Kosovo, which have resulted in many deaths and injuries as well as in attacks against international organizations in Kosovo. We appeal to all Kosovo communities to put an end to the acts of violence and to return to dialogue and negotiation in order to resolve their differences. Lastly, we reaffirm our conviction that resolution 1244 (1999) is the sole legal framework for the establishment of a democratic and multi-ethnic society in Kosovo.”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4928 (2004) · source
“When the Committee points out that revitalization is crucial, it does not do so lightly. We are convinced of its necessity.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921Resumption1 (2004) · source
“We believe that both of those goals can be achieved through the revitalization exercise. Fourthly, the new unit that we intend to create will be temporary. Fifthly, revitalization will clearly help us to avoid duplication of effort. Sixthly, the revitalization exercise is not an attempt to establish a precedent and will certainly not - I repeat, will not - impose a financial burden of any importance on the Organization. The increase in cost will be truly minimal, as compared with what has been spent to date. Lastly, the revitalization exercise that is being proposed, which is in conformity with the spirit and letter of resolution 1373 (2001) and fully respects the Charter, will strengthen, without great cost, the effectiveness of the Council and of the United Nations in the fight against the very serious threat of terrorism.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921Resumption1 (2004) · source
“But I repeat my firm conviction that without serious revitalization, the Committee and the United Nations run the risk, in the medium term, of becoming ineffective. We must not allow that to happen. Secondly, the reform effort - and the necessary draft resolution - will in no way modify the philosophy or the substance of resolution 1373 (2001). I repeat: it will in no way do so. Thirdly, in my opinion, the reform or revitalization effort has two goals. On the one hand it must result in increased and enhanced technical assistance. We know that that is a very important issue; many States react slowly to our requests because of a lack of resources, and we must try to resolve that problem. On the other, it must increase the effectiveness and visibility of the Committee.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921Resumption1 (2004) · source
“I will be brief in my response, but I will try to provide a few clarifications. First of all, I would like sincerely to thank all those who have spoken today for their support for the report of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), and all those who expressed kind words to me. I will go over a few of the points that were made. First, the ultimate reason for the reform effort is that it is an absolute necessity. That is the opinion of the members of the Committee; it was also the opinion of the previous Chairman, Ambassador Greenstock, who was very familiar with this issue; and it is my opinion, after 10 months as Chairman of the Committee. We have listened to the Member States. We must pay attention to the concerns of the Secretariat. We must be respect the Charter.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Terrorism and the campaign against it require a concerted and operative effort on the part of the international community. The report before us, avoiding rhetoric and cosmetic proposals, seeks the objective of achieving a united, operational and more effective Committee. I therefore reiterate our support for the report.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): My country fully supports the report of the Counter- Terrorism Committee, presented by the Chairman. I will refer very briefly to the important need to revitalize the Committee. The Counter-Terrorism Committee has carried out praiseworthy work that may nonetheless prove to be sorely inadequate in the short term. I say this in full knowledge of the situation. The United Nations cannot and should not spare any effort in combating that very serious threat to peace. The report approved by the Committee and summarized earlier by the Chairman seeks precisely to strengthen most seriously the flexibility, visibility and, above all, effectiveness of the Committee and the United Nations in the fight against terrorism.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“To this day, the Counter-Terrorism Committee is the only comprehensive and general instrument within the United Nations to help Member States implement the measures contained in resolution 1373 (2001); that is Why we must strengthen it. In the words of the Secretary-General, "The work of the Counter- Terrorism Committee and the cooperation it has received from Member States have been unprecedented and exemplary" (S/PV.4453, p. 2). To maintain that state of affairs and to be effective, the Committee must be revitalized.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“We have agreed to establish a sunset clause for 31 December 2007, under which the Directorate will continue to exist only if the Security Council so decides. For full implementation of the revitalization, we need a Security Council resolution one which, I stress, will not modify resolution 1373 (2001) or other existing relevant resolutions. In the work before us, I appeal to all representatives of Member States to continue and strengthen their support, which is needed to fight terrorism. The battle against this scourge, which, I repeat - it is not a cliche - is one of the greatest threats to peace and security in our time, cannot be won without the full commitment and conviction of the United Nations and the international community.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“The plenary will focus on policy and strategic decisions, while the Directorate will be the executive branch of the CTC and will be part of the Secretariat. The staff of the new Directorate will be assigned to a technical assistance and assessment office and an information and administration office. To ensure the necessary financial responsibility, the Committee's financial resources will be subject, obviously, to United Nations rules and regulations. It is important to emphasize the main features of this revitalization. First, it is consistent with Security Council practice under the Charter and United Nations rules and regulations. Secondly, it will not be a permanent structure and will not set a precedent for other Security Council bodies.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“Fifthly, we must improve the Committee's capacity to make practical and concrete recommendations to the Security Council in all areas related to resolution 1373 (2001). Sixthly and finally, we must expedite our work and simplify procedures, adopt a proactive communication strategy and develop and maintain a high degree of capacity in all areas relevant to the resolution. On the basis of those criteria, we have agreed that the proposal for the new structure should be as follows. The revitalized Committee will maintain the current structure: the plenary, composed of Security Council member States, and the Bureau, composed of the chair and the vice-chairs. As an important addition, a Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate will be created, under which the current staff of experts and Secretariat personnel will be reorganized.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“First, we must step up our efforts to promote and monitor the implementation of all aspects of resolution 1373 (2001) through dialogue on the basis of its guiding principles of cooperation, transparency and even-handedness. Secondly, we must strengthen the facilitation of technical assistance to States. Thirdly, we must strengthen the contacts and coordination with other United Nations bodies and enhance cooperation and coordination among international and regional organizations. Fourthly, we must improve the capacity to collect information on the efforts of Member States and to facilitate the provision of appropriate technical assistance, including visits on the ground, always with the approval of the State concerned.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“The report from the Chair, approved on 14 November, shows that the current procedures and structures of the CTC must be reconsidered. That is particularly true given that the CTC has evolved to assume a more proactive role in the dialogue with Member States, in evaluating the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001), in facilitating technical assistance to Member States and in promoting closer cooperation with regional and subregional organizations. All those challenges make it imperative to revitalize the CTC. The revitalization described in the 19 February report gives the CTC the appropriate means to fulfil its task within the existing United Nations structure. It is also useful to point out the main goals of the revitalization.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“First of all, it is relevant to stress that the idea behind the revitalization of the CTC has its origin in a dual conviction - first, that terrorism is one of the majors threats to international peace and security, and secondly, that the United Nations must continue to play the lead role in the fight against that threat and that the role of the Security Council, through the CTC, must be maintained and reinforced. The goal of the revitalization is therefore to provide the CTC with the means to become more operational, more proactive and more visible. The revitalization of the Committee is urgent and absolutely necessary to strengthen the fight against terrorism by giving the CTC further means to fulfil its mandate of monitoring the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001).”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“In this regard, I am pleased to announce that we are preparing a final joint declaration to be signed by all participants, which will include concrete ways to enhance our work in the fight against terrorism and which will announce the establishment of a joint assistance matrix that will be the responsibility of the CTC and would give States and international organizations alike an overall picture and a practical tool for making better use of the technical assistance programmes available. Thirdly, and no less important, I wish to comment on the main aspects of the 19 February report of the CTC on its own revitalization, which has been circulated today as a public document of the Security Council.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“The Committee will continue to study Member States' reports on their implementation of resolution 1373 (2001). It has also been established that the CTC will approve a report on the measures to be taken to tackle the problems identified in its 14 November report. This touches on the third issue, which I will address later. It is also important that we review the conclusions of next week's meeting between international and regional organizations in Vienna.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“I met in Paris with the Counter-Terrorism Action Group of the G8 and, in Vienna, with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. In Brussels, I pursued contacts with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the European Union Working Party on Terrorism and the World Customs Organization. Finally, I met in Strasbourg with the Council of Europe. In every one of those meetings, we explored better ways to increase cooperation between the CTC and those organizations and to improve coordination with their programmes in the fight against terrorism, with the principal aim of avoiding overlapping. As to the second issue, the main lines of the CTC's current working programme are as follows.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“The next follow-up meeting is scheduled for next week, 11 and 12 March, in Vienna and will be hosted by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. At the same time, I have continued sending letters to various international organizations suggesting the specific areas in which such cooperation can be strengthened. In pursuit of this policy during the period I have referred to, I undertook a trip to strengthen the Committee's connections to various organizations headquartered in Europe. Over the course of four days, I visited four capitals and met with eight organizations.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“The Committee has continued to encourage and participate in meetings between international and regional organizations, such as that which took place in Washington, DC, on 7 October, organized by the Organization of American States and its Inter-American Committee against Terrorism. I take this opportunity to express our gratitude for the work of the Organization of American States and its Committee. The Washington, DC, meeting reaffirmed the commitment of all participants to pursuing further coordination among their programmes in order to avoid duplication and better to assist States in their efforts to implement resolution 1373 (2001).”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“The report from the Chair was sent to the Security Council on 14 November and takes into account the opinions expressed by the members of the Committee, describing the main problems encountered and the challenges to be met for the proper and full compliance with resolution 1373 (2001) by States, the effective operation of the CTC itself and the strengthening of the Security Council with respect to the implementation of the resolution. Another important aspect of our work is that we have continued to expand our contacts and cooperation with international, regional and subregional organizations, as outlined in the action plan agreed by the Committee.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“Thirdly, we will continue to update the Counter- Terrorism Committee web site, which we have also done. Fourthly, we will send to the Security Council the list of States that submit their reports late, which I, as Chairman of the CTC, have done. Last but not least, the ninth working programme also contains the commitment of the Chairman to submit a report by 15 November on the problems encountered by States and the CTC itself in implementing the important resolution 1373 (2001).”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“Before I begin, however, I would like to say that, as members are aware, it is customary to hold this kind of meeting every three months, but that, at the request of several members of the CTC, the meeting was delayed because it was believed that it would be preferable for the report on revitalization to be ready when I addressed the Council. Let me begin with the CTC's work during October, November and December 2003. In the Committee's ninth working programme, we stated that we would complete the review of 70 reports from Member States and others on their implementation of resolution 1373 (2001). The CTC has approved 44 reports and its sub-committees have reviewed and considered 37 reports. Secondly, we will continue to circulate the matrix on a monthly basis, with a view to identifying assistance needs and offers, which we have done.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“It is a pleasure for me to address the Council in my capacity as Chairman of the Counter-Terrorism Committee. At today's meeting, I will address three important issues. First of all, I should like to inform the Council about the work done by the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) during the last three months of the past year. Secondly, I should like to point out the principal themes of the tenth programme of work for the current trimester. And, last but not least, I wish to share with the Council the main aspects of the CTC's report of 19 February on its own revitalization.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“I want to state our concern about this issue, because it undermines the authority of the High Representative and violates international commitments undertaken by Bosnia and Herzegovina. My country therefore urges local authorities to take the steps necessary to put an end to this situation. We voice our support for the High Representative in that regard. Spain would thus favour the Security Council considering the issue and giving the High Representative its public support.”
2004-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4920 (2004) · source
“Although there has been progress in this area - such as the establishment of a single Indirect Taxation Authority and the suppression of interior customs administrations - obviously much still remains to be done, above all in terms of the low level of investments and the minimal general economic activity, which, together with a worsening social situation where unemployment is at disturbing levels, could place the country in an explosive situation in the medium and long term. Lastly, we followed carefully the problems that have arisen concerning revision by local authorities of police certification, which revision the International Police Task Force refused.”
2004-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4920 (2004) · source
“Thirdly, we think it is important to recognize the progress represented by the adoption of the law on defence. It does not simply fill a lacuna; it introduces a vital element of parliamentary control over the armed forces and enables the country to come closer to NATO guidelines so that Bosnia and Herzegovina may in future succeed in becoming a member of the Partnership for Peace. We also welcome the efforts to establish a State information and protection agency. While there is still a great deal to be done, we feel that the activities of the High Representative have been decisive in this regard by setting the right course. Fourthly, Spain wishes to express its concern at the economic stagnation.”
2004-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4920 (2004) · source
“This will bring the country closer to a modern and democratic justice system, one closer to European standards. I would like to mention the idea of a setting up a chamber in the International Criminal Court to deal with war criminals. We fully support the donors' conference organized by the Office of the High Representative, and we wish to place on record our recognition of such an opportune initiative, which will contribute to establishing justice and will make it possible to establish the bases of national reconciliation. Secondly, Spain welcomes the closure of the Refugee and Return Task Force, as scheduled. This is a recognition of its successes, especially the volume of returns and more particularly with respect to the restoration of property.”
2004-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4920 (2004) · source
“Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): We are glad to welcome the presence here of the Prime Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Adnan Terzic. I also wish to thank the High Representative for his outstanding work in Bosnia and Herzegovina since he took up his tasks, and in particular for the full report on what was achieved in the last months of 2003 (S/2004/ 126, annex). Also, I am grateful for Mr. Guehenno's contribution. Spain fully supports the statement to be made later by the representative of Ireland on behalf of the European Union. First of all, my country welcomes the achievements with regard to establishing the rule of law described in the report, especially with respect to the progress toward establishing a single State-level high judicial and prosecutorial council.”
2004-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4920 (2004) · source
“In summary, it is our hope that on 1 July the Iraqi administration will be completely prepared and able to confront the major responsibilities that lie ahead. No effort must be spared to make that occur.”
2004-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4914 (2004) · source
“A majority of the people in Iraq want direct elections. That is why we completely agree with the report's recommendation that an autonomous and independent Iraqi electoral commission should be established without further delay to start preparing the process. Lastly, it was mentioned that it is vital that the provisional Government to be established be able fully to exercise Iraqi sovereignty. The day-to-day responsibilities of the Government of Iraq are carried out by Iraqis, and Ministries are headed by Iraqis. We completely support the process of Iraqization which is under way; it must enable the provisional Government to be established by 30 June to carry out its responsibilities completely.”
2004-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4914 (2004) · source
“Of course, I share that View, and it is also reflected in resolutions of the Security Council. My Government firmly supported the sending of a mission to Iraq. We have now received its report (S/2004/ 140), which contains important recommendations and conclusions. For example, it recognizes - and this is important - that it will be impossible to have credible direct elections before 30 June and that it will be necessary to establish a provisional Government before that date through some mechanism other than direct elections. In my view, there are two main issues regarding this process. The first is that the date of 30 June should be maintained; given the consensus among Iraqis on the handover of sovereignty. The second very important point is that the Iraqis must feel themselves to be masters of their own process.”
2004-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4914 (2004) · source
“It is obviously necessary for Iraq, as soon as possible, to recover full normalcy in its relationships with neighbouring countries. The November 2003 Damascus meeting was a fundamental step, and the February 2004 Kuwait meeting was attended by an Iraqi delegation. Here in the United Nations, we particularly welcomed the establishment of the so-called core group and of the Group of Friends, since these are an appropriate channel for participation by neighbouring countries. But it is also important that Iraq participate in such meetings. It would not make much sense to recognize that it is necessary for Iraq to be integrated in the region, but at the same time to initiate a process behind its back. The third point mentioned is that the United Nations must play a vital role.”
2004-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4914 (2004) · source
“This led to the Agreement of 15 November, whose basic objective, let us not forget, is to have the Iraqis become, as soon as possible, masters of their own destiny and thus to take a stand on it. Of course, this is not easy; perhaps the best way to understand the work under way in Iraq is to pose some questions. For example, would it have been possible for the Iraqis openly to express their opinions on the electoral process just a few months ago? I do not think there is any need for me to answer that question. In today's Iraq the people enjoy freedom of expression, which had been impossible for decades, and the Iraqi people can state their preferences on a political model. There is no better way than that to recover sovereignty. The second point is the appropriateness of involving all the States of the region in the process.”
2004-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4914 (2004) · source
“At several meetings, particularly that held on 21 November 2003, a number of Council members, not necessarily members of the Coalition, spoke of the need to rebuild consensus, both in Iraq and at the regional and international levels. Several members mentioned the elements that could be essential in recovering that consensus. Let me review a few of them. First of all, it was noted that the political process needs to have broad support from Iraqi society. In the last quarter, there have been many contacts between the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) and Governing Council in order to obtain the greatest possible political and societal support for the needed transition process.”
2004-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4914 (2004) · source
“Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): I want to thank the delegations of the United States and the United Kingdom for the valuable information that they have provided to us. We listened attentively to the account of the major efforts they are making in the face of considerable difficulties - areas of shadow - to which Ambassador Negroponte referred, including the atrocious attacks endured by the Iraqi population recently. But it is important that these efforts go on intensely, so that the Iraqis can live in peace and so that they can control their own destiny. It is sometimes useful to review statements made in the Council to see how the Views of members have been followed up. I think that is a valuable exercise and would be useful on this occasion.”
2004-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4914 (2004) · source
“We thus encourage the participants in that process to continue their work, including the establishment of national preparatory committees by all participating States and the convening, as soon as possible, of an initial regional meeting of these committees, which will make it possible to further the preparations for the conference. Convening that conference and improving bilateral relations between countries of the region are positive initiatives that promote confidence-building measures and cooperation and strengthen the dynamic of peace being consolidated in the region.”
2004-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4911 (2004) · source
“We believe that the time has come to apply, without delay, the process of demobilization and disarmament and to tackle the restructuring of the armed forces. It is equally important that the necessary measures be taken for the establishment of the truth and reconciliation commission. In connection with the future international conference on the Great Lakes region, we are pleased to note that during the meeting held in Addis Ababa, decisions were taken on participation in that conference and that progress is being made in clarifying its objectives, desired results and timetable.”
2004-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4911 (2004) · source
“Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): We are grateful to Mr. Kalomoh for having introduced this very interesting report from the Secretary-General (S/2004/52), on which I would like to make a few brief comments. Regarding the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the progress made in the peace process since the Security Council mission is encouraging. Nonetheless, it is essential that the transitional authorities make progress without delay in key areas such as disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) of ex-combatants. They must also restructure the armed forces and undertake judiciary reform in order to put an end to impunity. All of this, of course, is with a view to holding free and democratic elections in June of next year. With regard to Burundi, we welcome the progress made in recent months.”
2004-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4911 (2004) · source
“In that way, the International Criminal Court will contribute through its work not only to the achievement of justice and the effectiveness of human rights and humanitarian standards, but also to strengthening peace and security throughout the world.”
2004-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4903 (2004) · source