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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“The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Security Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Members of the Council have before them document S/2003/675, which contains the report of the Secretary- General on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo. At this meeting, the Security Council will hear a briefing by Mr. Michael Steiner, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Kosovo and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration in Kosovo. As this is the last briefing of Mr.”
2003-07-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4782 (2003) · source
“At the invitation of the President, Mr. Sahovic' (Serbia and Montenegro) took a seat at the Council table; Mr. Nesho (Albania), Mr. Spatafora (Italy) and Mr. Haragachi (Japan) took the seats reserved for them at the side of the Council Chamber. The President (spoke in Spanish): In accordance with the understanding reached in the Council's prior consultations, and in the absence of objection, I shall take it that the Security Council agrees to extend an invitation under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure to Mr. Michael Steiner, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Kosovo and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo. There being no objection, it is so decided. I invite Mr. Steiner to take a seat at the Council table.”
2003-07-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4782 (2003) · source
“Security Council resolutions 1160 (1998), 1199 (1998), 1203 (1998), 1239 (1999) and 1244 (1999) Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (8/2003/675) The President (spoke in Spanish): I should like to inform the Council that I have received letters from the representatives of Albania, Italy, Japan and Serbia and Montenegro, in which they request to be invited to participate in the discussion of the item on the Council's agenda. In conformity with the usual practice, I propose, with the consent of the Council, to invite those representatives to participate in the discussion, without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure. There being no objection, it is so decided.”
2003-07-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4782 (2003) · source
“I should like to start by thanking Ambassador Sergey Lavrov for his service as President of the Security Council for the month of June 2003. I am sure I speak for all members of the Council in expressing my deep appreciation to Ambassador Lavrov for the great diplomatic skill with which he conducted the Council's business last month. I also express my thanks to his team. Adoption of the agenda The agenda was adopted.”
2003-07-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4782 (2003) · source
“We urge those organizations to pursue their activities in this area, since the strengthening of regional and subregional mechanisms is extremely important in the African context. In conclusion, the statements we have heard in this meeting reflect the willingness of the international community to support the essential efforts that must be made by Guinea-Bissau's leaders to ensure that the country will emerge from its current crisis.”
2003-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4776 (2003) · source
“With regard to the latter point, we attach particular importance to the holding of elections as soon as possible, so long as the necessary conditions are in place to guarantee that the elections are free and fair. Moreover, the human rights situation and the worsening socio-economic situation are also priority issues to which the Guinea-Bissau authorities must devote their efforts, with the support of the international community. In addition to the role being played by the United Nations system, including the Bretton Woods institutions, we also welcome the efforts being made at the subregional level, in particular by the Organization of Portuguese-speaking African States and the Economic Community of West African States.”
2003-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4776 (2003) · source
“Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): Allow me, first of all, to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting, which will facilitate a thorough debate of the situation in Guinea-Bissau at a particularly opportune moment, given that the Security Council mission to West Africa will visit that country in a week's time. We are certain that today's debate will enrich the content of our meetings in the field. The latest report of the Secretary-General on Guinea-Bissau (S/2003/621) clearly states that the overall situation has worsened and that it is on a downward spiral. The political and institutional instability, the lack of a clear separation between executive, legislative and judicial powers and uncertainty with respect to elections are all cause for concern.”
2003-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4776 (2003) · source
“Lastly, in the sphere of international action, we invite the parties to the 1988 Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances to contribute towards the seizure of goods in cases of drug trafficking, including money-laundering, to the specialized international organizations that are involved in the fight against drug trafficking. This is an essential aspect of international action that has already been carried out by Spain through its contribution to UNODC.”
2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774 (2003) · source
“All of our countries, together with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), need to increase cooperation in order to strengthen border controls, to identify and dismantle groups involved in drug trafficking, to carry out programmes to reduce demand and to offer assistance in the area of information. The Paris Conference on drug routes from Central Asia to Europe emphasized the need for a global, well balanced and coordinated approach at the international and regional levels to tackle the drug threat. It is our hope that the so-called Paris Covenant will be fulfilled by everyone.”
2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774 (2003) · source
“Links between the illicit traffic in drugs, organized crime and financing of terrorist activities have been reiterated in different United Nations forums. Mr. Costa has enlightened us today by highlighting the fact that the international fight against drugs means carrying out development programmes and strengthening activities with respect to reduction in supply, but also of demand. It is necessary to focus on a global approach and to address all three areas: production, trafficking and consumption. Together with shared responsibility between consumer and producer countries, another principal area is the need to consider the drug question as an integral part of policy development and human rights.”
2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774 (2003) · source
“The increase in crime, daily acts of intimidation, battling among factions, the major activity of elements linked to the Taliban and drug trafficking are all endangering the reconstruction effort. Unfortunately, for many, drugs have become a way of life in Afghanistan, and the challenge is precisely to change this way of life. It is necessary to act against the flow of money caused by the trafficking and to avoid having the money give increasing power to the warlords. We want to see the completion of the 10-year strategy for national drug control, prepared by the Afghan Government with the assistance of the United Kingdom, and we support the emphasis that has been placed on the rule of law, on the reduction of demand and on promotion of an alternative sustainable development.”
2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774 (2003) · source
“Mr. Arias (Spain)(sp0ke in Spanish): I would like to begin by saying how much I regret the fact that Ambassador Wang is leaving us. I am convinced that the entire Council, both permanent and non-permanent members, will miss him, because of the common sense, moderation and expertise that he has always shown. At the same time, I want to welcome our Chilean colleague, and I wish him every success in his stay here on the Security Council and in the United Nations. We are grateful to Mr. Guehenno for his briefing and to Mr. Costa for his very complete presentation. Spain supports the statement that will be made by Greece on behalf of the European Union. As has been amply stated, the entire process in Afghanistan is threatened by the deterioration of security.”
2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774 (2003) · source
“It is clear that in every case the Council will have to study the circumstances that prevail at the time, which could vary in the future. For this reason, Spain considers that the Council is still the master when considering whether to renew or not, as necessary, without renewals being automatic, in accordance with the resolution.”
2003-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4772 (2003) · source
“Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Russian): I wish to congratulate you, Sir, on your national holiday. (spoke in Spanish) First of all, I would like to say that Spain, as a member State of the European Union, supports the statement made by the Permanent Representative of Greece. Spain has unreservedly supported the International Criminal Court. In the matter under discussion, we consider that article 16 of the Rome Statute is mentioned in the resolution adopted today in accordance with the Statute. As a result, we understand that the renewal of the provision in paragraph 1 of resolution 1422 (2002) does not affect the integrity of the Statute. Lastly, I would like to add that from our point of View, it should not be taken for granted that invoking article 16 will become a regular practice.”
2003-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4772 (2003) · source
“We condemn any attempt to create mono-ethnic institutions, and we appeal for the dismantling of the parallel administrative structures that are still in operation. Lastly, we emphasize the need to implement the initiative of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to maintain a dialogue on practical issues between the Belgrade authorities and the Kosovo Provisional Institutions, in the framework of resolution 1244 (1999).”
2003-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4770 (2003) · source
“Furthermore, the Provisional Institutions of Self- Government have yet to prove that they are capable of functioning normally and of being genuinely representative and responsible. They must devote themselves exclusively to the management and administration of matters under their competency - matters that affect all the people of Kosovo. Spain views with great concern the attitude ofthe Kosovo Albanian leaders, who are publicly promoting, on an ongoing basis, positions that run counter to resolution 1244 (1999). All of the communities of Kosovo must participate actively in the provisional and municipal institutions. Lack of participation in those institutions will prevent progress on concrete issues of public administration and will do nothing to improve Kosovo's international image.”
2003-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4770 (2003) · source
“Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): I am grateful to Mr. Annabi for his briefing. As Greece, speaking on behalf of the European Union, will be making a statement which Spain fully supports, I will limit myself to a few brief observations. Events in recent weeks show that there is a long way to go on the road towards a multi-ethnic Kosovo based on the principles ofjustice, tolerance and respect for human rights. We are concerned in particular by the fact that there continue to be serious acts of violence, threats and cases of intimidation and discrimination against members of minority groups. The return of displaced persons and refugees is of fundamental importance, and we must all redouble our efforts to make that possible.”
2003-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4770 (2003) · source
“But we hope also that for the United Nations, having overcome the mood of recent days, today's consensus will augur well with respect to the many challenges facing the world and the Council today - African issues, terrorism, the situation in the Middle East, and so on.”
2003-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4761 (2003) · source
“I can say this because, leaving aside the recent past, it sets out some fundamental principles: first, that of the sovereignty and integrity of Iraq; secondly, the principle that the Iraqis alone are the owners of their political future and their economic resources; thirdly, guidelines for the conduct of the authorities that will be managing this transitional period in Iraq - and transparency in economic affairs is not the least relevant of these guidelines; and, fourthly, it provides an important and independent role for the United Nations. I very much hope that today, in addition to being a significant day, will be a day of hope, primarily for the people of Iraq. We wish them in the immediate future peace, stability and the fullest freedom.”
2003-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4761 (2003) · source
“Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): I believe that this is a very important day for the people of Iraq as well as for the United Nations. The Security Council, as a whole, has understood that the time to be realistic has now come. Some may say that this resolution is not perfect, but no one can deny that it provides an appropriate legal framework for dealing with the special, anomalous and grave situation facing the international community. I believe, therefore, that we have adopted an important, indispensable and relevant resolution.”
2003-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4761 (2003) · source
“In order to have an effective conflict prevention policy, we also need to analyse information originating from other sources, such as the media or civil society. Finally, as our Mexican colleague just pointed out, the Council should consider - as established in Article 36 of the Charter - initiatives employed by the parties to settle a conflict.”
2003-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4753 (2003) · source
“It does not do so because of, among other things, the power relationship within it, which sometimes prevents the consensus needed to deal with an issue. In addition, sometimes there is excessive caution, and problems are allowed to develop in the belief that the conflicts will solve themselves, which is not the case. We also need more synergy between the work of the Council and that of other regional and subregional organizations and bodies. In conclusion, as ways to improve, I should like to emphasize that the Security Council must make greater use of its prerogative under Article 34 of the Charter and to investigate any dispute, or any situation which might lead to international friction. It must make more use of Council missions in conflict zones, which enable it to obtain information first-hand while exerting pressure on the parties.”
2003-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4753 (2003) · source
“The Secretary-General, in a 1998 report on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa (S/1998/318), made a universally applicable statement when he pointed out that peacemaking efforts need to be well coordinated and well prepared. We must avoid situations in which international actors undertake rival or competing efforts, which would do nothing except make finding a solution even more difficult. From all of the foregoing, we may draw a series of conclusions about the improvements needed in the Security Council's work. It is not possible to speak of the pacific settlement of disputes without attaching equal importance to measures of preventive diplomacy. The Council must do more to prevent conflict.”
2003-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4753 (2003) · source
“Thirdly, as Judge Elaraby mentioned, there is a need for adequate analysis of information. In order to have an effective conflict prevention policy, we need - in addition to enhancing the Council's authority, established in Article 34 of the Charter- adequate analysis of information originating from other sources. The fourth element is cooperation with regional organizations and arrangements. In both Chapter VII and Article 33 of the Charter, it is established that Member States must utilize existing regional organizations, among other means of peaceful settlement. The Security Council must therefore promote measures undertaken at the very important regional level. The fifth aspect is the need to coordinate peacemaking initiatives.”
2003-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4753 (2003) · source
“The 1992 document "An Agenda for Peace" (S/24111) rightly pointed out that the Organization's possible failures with regard to the settlement of disputes have been caused largely by an absence of political will on the part of States and not because United Nations measures were insufficient or inadequate. That 1992 affirmation retains its full validity. The second element is the interaction among the various organs of the system. Although the Security Council, through a 2001 presidential statement (S/PRST/2001/5), affirmed its readiness to consider ways to improve its cooperation with other organs of the system - in particular the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council - at times there is not enough synergy between the Council and other organs, and when such cooperation exists, it often comes too late.”
2003-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4753 (2003) · source
“Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): I am grateful, Sir, for your presence here among us, and I congratulate your delegation on having chosen this important subject. The Charter of the United Nations gives the Security Council a mandate concerning the pacific settlement of disputes and mentions a number of mechanisms that we must utilize to that end. In addition, at the Millennium Summit, held in 2000, the heads of State of States Members of the United Nations committed themselves to enhancing the Organization's effectiveness in the maintenance of international peace and security. I shall mention five elements that, in our view, will enable us to improve the Council's effectiveness in that regard. The first is the need for political will.”
2003-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4753 (2003) · source
“The Organization should be capable of taking on new tasks as the situation requires, while an exit strategy should be defined that will allow the gradual reduction and ultimate elimination of the United Nations presence, leaving outstanding tasks in the hands of national authorities. In this regard, we consider it very useful to minimize the contribution of international personnel, while building the capacities of local personnel, as has been done in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. The combination of these three factors - early involvement, flexibility and evolving participation - is essential if we wish the United Nations to play its due role in the context of post-conflict periods, which is critical if we are to avoid a return to confrontation.”
2003-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4748 (2003) · source
“In peace-building missions as such, or in peacekeeping operations with peace-building functions - such as the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone or the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor - the concrete requirements of each situation must act to define the Organization's action. At the same time, flexibility is vital to adapting the mandate of a mission to the changing circumstances of the process. Flexibility is also necessary to establishing structures that will allow for cooperation with regional organizations. Thirdly and lastly, we deem the evolving nature of United Nations participation throughout the post- conflict period to be indispensable.”
2003-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4748 (2003) · source
“Logically, such involvement must in due course be accompanied by the necessary material and human resources without which a mission will have a hard time succeeding. This aspect is essential. The resources allocated to peacekeeping operations often totally and abruptly vanish when a conflict ends, with disastrous consequences. In this regard, in order to establish the most coherent and complete strategy possible, it is vital to promote contacts between the Security Council and the specialized agencies, such as the United Nations Development Programme, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Secondly, it is essential to ensure the flexibility of modalities for action, given the need to adapt to a broad diversity of situations. There is no uniform structure that can be universally applied to United Nations missions.”
2003-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4748 (2003) · source
“Moreover, programmes for the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants must be established, arms trafficking and the spread of small arms stopped, refugees and internally displaced persons returned home, and human rights promoted. All of this is necessary to the foundation of a country that can develop freely, democratically and in peace. Some thoughts about United Nations participation in post-conflict peace-building situations lead us to certain conclusions. First, experience teaches us that the early involvement of the United Nations is required. It is worth considering the United Nations mandate at the beginning of the process in order to define a consistent and strategic position for the Organization that can foresee the difficulties to be encountered.”
2003-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4748 (2003) · source
“Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): Allow me to begin by thanking you, Sir, for convening this meeting on a topic to which we attach great importance. In our View, the United Nations key role in the maintenance of peace makes it an essential player in the post-conflict period. The phase following the end of hostilities is crucial. If a genuine attempt is to be made to resolve the problem, reforms must be undertaken allowing the countries involved to be economically, politically and socially viable. Democratic institutions must be established and consolidated, a police force created and the rule of law strengthened, while a sustainable and equitable economy and an effective and responsible administration must be fostered.”
2003-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4748 (2003) · source
“Kosovo will be a democratic society only when the majority respects the minority. Finally, we appeal for dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina within the framework of resolution 1244 (1999). The leaders of both sides should avoid creating tension and work constructively. That will certainly be to the benefit of all communities.”
2003-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4742 (2003) · source
“The refusal to take the interests of minorities into account and the decision of the Kosovo Assembly to adopt a law on higher education violate the Constitutional Framework and run counter to resolution 1244 (1999). All the Kosovo communities should take part in the provisional and municipal institutions. We therefore condemn any attempt to create mono-ethnic institutions and urge the dismantling of the parallel administrative structures that continue to function. The return of displaced persons and refugees is an issue that remains to be resolved, despite the minimal progress achieved with UNMIK'S intervention. We are particularly disturbed by the fact that there are still cases of violence, threat, intimidation and discrimination against members of minorities.”
2003-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4742 (2003) · source
“The basic idea is that the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government should be accountable to the people of Kosovo in the provision of services and to the Administration which they serve. These responsibilities do not include the powers reserved for the Special Representative in accordance with chapter 8 of the Constitutional Framework. Spain is greatly concerned by the fact that the Kosovo Albanian leaders and the Provisional Institutions publicly and continually promote positions that run counter to resolution 1244 (1999), instead of devoting themselves exclusively to the management and administration of matters under their authority that affect the entire population of Kosovo, including refugees.”
2003-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4742 (2003) · source
“Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): We wish to thank Mr. Annabi for his presentation of the Secretary- General's report. Given the fact that the representative of Greece will make a statement on behalf of the European Union, I shall limit myself to making a few comments. Kosovo has a huge challenge before it. Its institutions have yet to demonstrate that they can function normally and be truly representative. Furthermore, recent incidents, such as the attack on a bridge that took place a few days ago, recall images of a past that is not entirely obsolete. The process of the transfer of powers should be gradual and take into account the capacity of institutions to assume responsibilities.”
2003-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4742 (2003) · source
“I conclude by appealing to the Security Council and to all Member States to continue working together, in accordance with the Charter, for the maintenance of international peace and security in the face of the global threat posed by terrorism. And of course, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the members of the Council for the confidence in me that they have shown by electing me to head a task so important, so pressing, so crucial and so global in scope. I express my hope that I will be equal to the task.”
2003-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4734 (2003) · source
“The CTC's transparency has enabled the Committee to be perceived as an important tool in the fight against terrorism. In that regard, it is essential to develop, enhance and continually update the CTC web site in order to provide easy, fast and productive access to all States and international organizations. Finally, equality of treatment must continue, enabling the CTC to be a genuinely universal tool that works with and assists all States, making possible their mutual enrichment by means of, inter alia, an exchange of experience leading to the improvement and development of the mechanisms of the fight against terrorism.”
2003-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4734 (2003) · source
“The Committee has been working on the basis of three criteria that should continue to guide its path: the principles of cooperation, transparency and equal treatment. Cooperation between the Committee and international organizations and States will be increasingly important. This is of particular significance, and the Spanish chairmanship recognizes it as such. Evidence of this, as Sir Jeremy Greenstock stated, is the forthcoming meeting of representatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the World Customs Organization. We should not overlook the important role of the CTC as a catalyst and as an intermediary between those States that require assistance and those able to provide it.”
2003-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4734 (2003) · source
“We are therefore firmly committed to addressing it resolutely, in which task the Committee is an essential tool. We have received a significant legacy of work well done, in which the tirelessness and professional skills of the experts assigned to the Committee and the Secretariat's services to the Council have also been essential. In that regard, I extend them our gratitude and assure them of our intention to continue to collaborate closely with them. As Ambassador Greenstock has rightly stated, the Committee is entering a new phase in its work, qualitatively quite distinct from earlier phases. Up until now, we have focused on identifying the existence of national legislation; from now on, we will focus on the implementation and effectiveness of that legislation.”
2003-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4734 (2003) · source
“The Committee has been consolidated as the primary instrument of global cooperation against terrorism. This is due, to a great extent, to the wealth of professional qualities that make Ambassador Greenstock an irreplaceable diplomatic personality. I will do my very best to follow his example, however humbly. Terrorism threatens all States and must therefore be addressed in concertation. Since it easily transcends borders, international cooperation is vital. The chairmanship of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, now assumed by Spain, is a great responsibility to which my country is fully sensitive. As all here are aware, we have suffered from terrible acts of terrorism for several decades and we have first-hand experience, unfortunately, of the horrific effects of that scourge.”
2003-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4734 (2003) · source
“Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, I wish to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Council. I wish you every success. I am certain that your intelligence, impartiality and clear-sightedness will be of great assistance to us all. We wish also to congratulate Guinea on its presidency last month. The Guinean presidency did outstanding work at a historic, difficult and trying time, during which it demonstrated great flexibility and savoir faire. I wish to express my thanks to the mission of the United Kingdom, and in particular to Ambassador Greenstock and First Secretary Anna Clunes, for their arduous and magnificent work during the first 18 months of the Counter-Terrorism Committee's existence.”
2003-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4734 (2003) · source
“Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): I offer sincere congratulations to the German Ambassador and his team for their untiring and generous efforts, sensitivity, perseverance and their great elegance in leading this ship to a good port. I would like to reiterate the gratitude and appreciation of my delegation to the German Ambassador and his team. After a few tense and somber days, today is an important day for the Council, due to the fact that it was able to unite to tackle a serious humanitarian issue. As the Secretary-General aptly observed a few days ago, the peoples of the world might feel a sense of frustration when they witnessed what was happening in the United Nations Security Council. What happened today can serve to redress the situation, improve our image and restore the unity that must prevail in this important body.”
2003-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4732 (2003) · source
“I am referring to the question of the Middle East - a tragic, anguishing and unsustainable situation which, through the accusations of double standards, fuels misunderstanding and the understandable frustration of the population of that area. The serious implementation of the road map is a necessary and urgent step for achieving the establishment of two viable, respected States living in peace.”
2003-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726Resumption1 (2003) · source
“It would be incomprehensible if, because of differences in the Security Council arising from political considerations of one kind or another, we were to deprive hundreds of thousands of human beings of aid that in many cases is vital to their survival. The spectacle of a Council bogged down for days by some political nuance would not be understood, nor would it be very edifying or contribute to the prestige of this organ or the United Nations. Humanitarian assistance cannot wait. After the divergences of recent months, the Council should now recover its unity on this pressing question. But the Security Council and the United Nations have before them other outstanding challenges of extraordinary importance that must be promptly addressed once the current crisis is overcome.”
2003-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Spain has offered assistance to alleviate the consequences of the situation in Iraq, valued at â‚¬34 million and earmarked for United Nations programmes, the Red Cross, other non-governmental organizations and the countries neighbouring Iraq to ease the situation of refugees. Moreover, Spain feels that the Security Council must adopt a pragmatic approach by allowing the United Nations and its Secretary-General the broadest possible room for manoeuvring in meeting the humanitarian needs that arise and, to that end, by making the oil for food programme flexible. In any case, humanitarian assistance must reach those to whom it is provided as soon as possible. This is a matter of urgency.”
2003-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Spain fully agrees with the conclusions of the recent Council of Europe, which highlighted its commitment to maintaining the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Iraq, respect for human rights and the rights of minorities, and disarmament. The conclusions also emphasized the primary role of the United Nations. We also defend the indisputable right of the Iraqis to determine their political future and to control and dispose of their natural resources. The highest priority for Spain at this time is the Iraqi population and the provision of humanitarian assistance as a matter of the utmost urgency.”
2003-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): Saddam Hussain's repeated non-compliance over the past 12 years with his obligation to eliminate his weapons of mass destruction - as set forth in many resolutions of the Security Council and most recently in resolution 1441 (2002), which gave Iraq one last chance to disarm- has compelled an international coalition, which includes my country, to take enforcement action to achieve that disarmament. Spain and other members of the Security Council used to the maximum all available diplomatic resources to achieve the disarmament of Iraq by peaceful means. Resolution 1441 (2002) and its reference to others adopted by this Council supported the legality of the action undertaken by the coalition. We want military operations to end as soon as possible, with a minimum loss of human life.”
2003-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726Resumption1 (2003) · source
“In conclusion, the humanitarian dimension concerns us. We believe that measures must be taken to alleviate the suffering of the Iraqi people. We hope to receive more information from the Secretary-General, and we support the initiative of submitting a draft resolution on humanitarian issues.”
2003-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4721 (2003) · source
“Finally, my country would have sincerely preferred for us to have met here under very different circumstances, in order to adopt the UNMOVIC and IAEA work programmes and to take note of their implementation, on the basis of the genuine and full cooperation of the Iraqi regime, and to set new timetables for Iraqi disarmament. However, unfortunately, that scenario has not materialized. The commendable work of the inspectors, which Spain values and supports, is part of a system that has demonstrated its effectiveness in enormously diverse countries and circumstances. However, the system of inspections has always had an inescapable prerequisite: the full, active and immediate cooperation of the party being inspected. For 12 years, Saddam Hussain has not wanted or provided such cooperation.”
2003-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4721 (2003) · source
“Resolution 1441 (2002) recognizes that Iraq's non-compliance with the Council's resolutions constitutes a threat to international peace and security, it recalls that these have not been restored in the region - I am using the language of the resolution - and it decides that Iraq has failed to comply and continues to fail to comply most seriously with the demands imposed by the international community. In accordance with the provisions of the Council's most recent resolution, I repeat, the Council has not met just once, but rather many times, to examine successive reports of the inspectors. Iraq has still not complied with the will of the international community, as has been demanded of it. Therefore, peace and international security continue unassured.”
2003-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4721 (2003) · source