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

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

“Twelve years later that information still has not been provided in a comprehensive manner, as demanded by the Council. Resolution 687 (1991), therefore, left in abeyance resolution 678 (1990), which authorized the use of force. It left it in abeyance, but it did not abolish it. The content of resolution 678 (1990) continues to be perfectly valid, and that is recalled in resolution 1441 (2002), unanimously adopted by the Council four and a half months ago.”
2003-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4721 (2003) · source
“They also referred to humanitarian matters, terrorism and the payment of war reparations. With the exception of the last issue, the remaining conditions were not met. Iraq has provided cover to terrorists and has recently boasted of training suicide teams. Saddam Hussain's regime has not returned all those who disappeared or were taken prisoner. It continues to fail to provide information, in a clear, complete and authentic manner, on the whereabouts of its weapons and its programmes for weapons of mass destruction. Let us recall that paragraph 9 of resolution 687 (1991) demanded that Iraq present to the Secretary-General, within a period of 15 days, a detailed report on the locations and characteristics of all its weapons of mass destruction.”
2003-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4721 (2003) · source
“Resolution 660 (1990) considered the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait a breach of the peace and international security. Therefore, at that time, the Security Council determined, for the first time, that Iraq not only constituted a threat to peace and international security, but also that it was in breach of the peace and international security. Iraq did not comply with that demand of the Council, which requested, in its second resolution, that Member States use all means necessary to make Iraq comply with resolution 660 (1990). An international coalition, under that mandate, intervened militarily and restored international legality. Resolution 687 (1991) declared a ceasefire, subordinating it to compliance with a number of conditions. The majority of them demanded the disarmament of weapon of mass destruction.”
2003-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4721 (2003) · source
“To that end, it submitted, together with the United States and Great Britain, a draft resolution designed to rachet up the pressure on the Iraqi regime and which, in fact, offered Saddam Hussain another opportunity to adopt the strategic decision to cooperate fully, immediately and unconditionally with the inspectors. Spain understands, and it has demonstrated that since it became a member of the Council, that a new resolution, even if it were politically desirable, would not be legally necessary. Indeed, the legitimate recourse to the use of force to disarm Iraq of its weapons of mass destruction is based on the logical linking of resolutions 660 (1990), 678 (1990), 687 (1991) and 1441 (2002), adopted pursuant to Chapter VII of the Charter.”
2003-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4721 (2003) · source
“He alone is ultimately responsible for the strong increase in diplomatic, political and military tensions produced in recent days, and he alone will be responsible for facing the grave consequences to which resolution 1441 (2002) refers. The work programme submitted to us for our approval is part of the inspections paradigm established in resolution 1284 (1999), adopted by the Council in 1999. However, we must be clear. Through the unanimous adoption of resolution 1441 (2002), the dynamic is no longer the same. Spain has made arduous efforts at all levels to contribute to a peaceful resolution of the Iraqi crisis.”
2003-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4721 (2003) · source
“Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): We have heard the briefings of Mr. Blix of UNMOVIC, and Mr. Zlauvinen, representative of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on their respective work programmes established under resolution 1284 (1999). Once again, my Government wishes to thank the heads of both inspection teams for their efforts and to commend the work of the teams they lead. The inspections have been suspended. And Saddam Hussain is responsible for that situation. Through his ongoing policy of deceit, concealment and delaying tactics, he has decided to openly opt for the path of confrontation, contravening the interests of his people and the demands of the Security Council.”
2003-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4721 (2003) · source
“We attach great importance to the reintegration of child soldiers - especially to the educational aspect of their reintegration. I should like to ask the States that are present what their activities are in that respect. My last point concerns the ECOWAS Moratorium. In its implementation, African States must not forget the importance of the ways in which these arms are supplied and the great responsibility of the States bordering the countries where conflicts are currently taking place. I should like to ask the Executive Secretary of ECOWAS what technical difficulties are being encountered in the implementation of the Moratorium. What is his assessment of the role of the national commissions established thus far?”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720 (2003) · source
“First of all, I should like to stress the importance of including concrete measures concerning the elimination of small arms and light weapons in disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes for ex-combatants. That component is sometimes not included in peace agreements and, when it is, its implementation in practice is slow and problematic. In our judgement, the delays in this type of programme have very negative consequences in the post-conflict phase. I should like to know the opinions of the West African States present in this Chamber that are implementing this type of programme with regard to what lessons they have learned in that respect. Secondly, I should like to express my concern about the urgent issue of child soldiers in West Africa.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720 (2003) · source
“We believe that the issue's regional dimension is essential and that only through joining measures at the national level with regional initiatives will we be able to consistently and comprehensively confront the threat to peace and security that the millions of small arms and light weapons circulating in West Africa represent. My delegation would like to appeal to all West African countries and to their regional organizations to implement the measures contained in the action plan that resulted from the United Nations Conference on the Illicit Traffic in Small Arms and Light Weapons, held in New York in July 2002. For the sake of brevity, and given the impossibility of dealing with every facet of this debate, I should like to make several comments and to pose several questions on the following points.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720 (2003) · source
“Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): We thank the Guinean presidency of the Security Council for organizing this open debate on two key issues in the complex scenario of threats to international peace and security in West Africa, and we congratulate the presidency on this initiative, which is very timely. We welcome the broad participation that this debate has attracted, with regard to both the States present and the regional and subregional organizations represented by the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720 (2003) · source
“In that regard, the private sector may have something to contribute. Likewise, the Council must be very aware of the role that should be played by regional organizations such as the European Union and the African Union. We believe that the actions of the European Union in that regard provide a model that can be used as an example.”
2003-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4713 (2003) · source
“With respect to the means of the Secretariat, we feel that the coordinating role of the sanctions branch should be promoted in order to avoid any overlaps. Notwithstanding, political will in itself is not enough to ensure that a sanctions regime is effective. The implementation of a sanctions regime requires appropriate mechanisms in all States. And the more precisely targeted sanctions are, the more complex the instruments employed must be. We believe that the sanctions committees should demand that all States submit rigorous reports on the measures taken to comply with sanctions. In conclusion, for all those reasons, it is necessary to strengthen, and to create incentives for, the provision of technical and financial assistance to those countries with insufficiencies that negatively impact on the implementation of sanctions.”
2003-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4713 (2003) · source
“We endorse the proposal of the Stockholm Process to establish a system of regular briefings for the media. To be effective, sanctions also need flexibility and agility. For this reason, Spain resolutely supports the recommendation to introduce the possibility of administrative or judicial processes to correct possible errors or simply to take into account a possible change in the conduct of the sanctions' targets. Some types of sanctions, such as arms embargoes and travel bans, have in common a limited degree of effectiveness. The model suggested by the Stockholm and Bonn-Berlin processes offers practical and imaginative solutions to enhance the accuracy of sanctions to the greatest possible degree; we therefore consider their application to be of great interest.”
2003-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4713 (2003) · source
“As well, the unjust consequences of a set of sanctions that are inadequately targeted offer the sanctions' intended targets a perfect opportunity to exploit to their own advantage criticism of measures that harm innocent citizens of their own country but never - or almost never - impact on the leadership elite. Spain therefore unreservedly supports carrying out periodic reviews to appraise the unfavourable impact of specific sanctions regimes on the socio- economic, humanitarian and political situations. Whether we like it or not, sanctions are one of the most visible aspects of the activities of the United Nations around the world. In a broad range of public opinion, there is a degree of ignorance concerning the reasons for, and the objectives of, sanctions.”
2003-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4713 (2003) · source
“Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to convey my sincere condolences to the delegation of China for the catastrophe that has struck their country. I wish to thank the State Secretary of Sweden, Mr. Dahlgren, and Assistant Secretary- General Turk for their briefings on the outcome of the Stockholm Process. Sanctions are not an end in themselves; they are part of a broader strategy aimed at resolving a conflict. Sanctions that through their deficiency in design affect innocent persons or that are easily flouted can only undermine the trust of the international community, leading it to question the credibility of the United Nations.”
2003-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4713 (2003) · source
“Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): The question I was going to ask has already been put forward by the representative of the Russian Federation. I would like, however, to express my sincere condolences to the delegations of Afghanistan and Pakistan.”
2003-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4711 (2003) · source
“In the hardship and suffering of children and in the atrocities carried out against them - atrocities that we had hoped belonged to terrible periods of the past - all of us have a share of the responsibility.”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684 (2003) · source
“Furthermore, many of our countries - mine included - have ratified the important Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict and the Statute of the International Criminal Court. But that is not enough. Ms. Bellamy courageously mentioned, inter alia, a shocking form of humiliation in the context of the tragic situation of such children - their abuse by humanitarian personnel and by the personnel of peacekeeping forces. She touched a sore spot when she pointed out that this meeting would soon end and that the Council would turn its attention to other burning issues. She reminded us that we cannot be passive, but must go further in determining who is responsible and in ending impunity. She concluded that we were all responsible.”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684 (2003) · source
“We must commit ourselves fully, not just partially. As Mr. Otunnu said, we must fully enter the era of implementation. We therefore support his recommendation to examine the actions of the parties to a conflict and give an in-depth and unvarnished account thereof. As the Ambassador of Germany said, the Council must put more bite into its monitoring efforts. In other words, we must take action. The Council has not remained passive. It has adopted three important resolutions; it has affirmed that the protection of children who are exposed to conflict is something that affects international peace and security. It is desirable that a fourth resolution be adopted soon.”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684 (2003) · source
“It details the atrocities that continue to be committed against children in the context of armed conflict, ranging from their use as sexual slaves in one country to their forced recruitment in a number of others, as well as the devastating effects that AIDS, anti-personnel landmines and something as basic as a lack of access to primary education have on children. The report is clearly useful, and the fact that it is sometimes very stark in its denunciations is commendable. The facts have thus now been laid bare, at least at the geographical level. There is now a general awareness on the part of the public - thanks in large part to the non-governmental organizations - although that may not yet be sufficient. Furthermore, a legal framework has now been established. What, then, remains to be done?”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684 (2003) · source
“Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to commend you, Mr. President, for having convened this open meeting on an issue as grave and shocking as that of the tragic situation of children in armed conflict. I would also like to pay tribute to the very lucid and courageous statement made by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Olara Otunnu, whom my Office fully supports and will continue to support, both morally and financially. We encourage him in his efforts and request him to continue to fight such appalling excesses, which know no boundaries, whether geographical or otherwise. We also commend the sharp and inspiring statement by Ms. Carol Bellamy. The report of the Secretary-General is interesting and very clear.”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684 (2003) · source
“The United Nations, particularly the Counter-Terrorism Committee, will be crucial to its success. We urge all States and international organizations to offer full assistance.”
2002-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4561 (2002) · source
“We remain committed to finalizing negotiation of the draft comprehensive convention against terrorism. The United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention at Vienna should provide Member States upon request technical assistance for the signature, accession, ratification and effective implementation of those international instruments. The Union awaits the report of the Secretary-General, requested by the General Assembly in its resolution 56/253, which will make proposals to strengthen the United Nations Terrorism Prevention Branch to enable it to carry out its mandate, as approved by the General Assembly. In conclusion, the international fight against terrorism is going to require a long and costly effort on the part of us all. It can succeed only through strong and sustained international cooperation.”
2002-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4561 (2002) · source
“The European Union is convinced that the fight against terrorism must respect human rights and the rule of law, and that individual human rights must be taken into account in the design and implementation of sanctions in the fight against terrorism. The Union believes that States, in fighting terrorism, must not condone acts of indiscriminate violence against civilians or use counter-terrorism as a pretext for political repression. We commend the Committee's contacts with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and its acceptance of parallel monitoring of the observance of human rights obligations. The European Union is trying to assist in the fight of the international community, urging the speedy signature or ratification of the 12 United Nations instruments against terrorism.”
2002-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4561 (2002) · source
“We recently adopted European Council regulation 881/2002, which incorporates the provisions of Security Council resolution 1390 (2002). The most recent development occurred on 13 June 2002, when the competent European ministers approved harmonization of the criminal offence of terrorism through an agreement that entails a common definition of terrorism that carries the most severe penalties of each national legal system. The establishment of joint investigation teams and the framework decision on the common European arrest warrant and surrender procedures were also approved. This will result in a procedure that is much simpler than the traditional extradition procedures, which judges will use to detain terrorist suspects and to turn them over to the requesting State member of the Union.”
2002-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4561 (2002) · source
“To that end, the CTC is optimally qualified to serve as a clearing house for contacts and information exchange on the activities of the various international bodies. The effectiveness of national counter-terrorism efforts can be greatly enhanced through regional organizations. The Union is well prepared for that, as it is not just a cooperation organization; it is geared towards developing common norms and policies. During these past three months, the Union has continued to implement the Common Position and the Action Plan adopted after the events of 11 September. We have revised and substantively enlarged the list of terrorist individuals, entities and groups, which is annexed to the European Common Position of 27 December 2001.”
2002-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4561 (2002) · source
“An overview of the European Union assistance programmes appears on the CTC's website. The European Union will remain in close consultation with the CTC, since it is an important forum for coordinating requests with offers of assistance in counter-terrorism actions. The Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe organized an important conference in Lisbon in June, at which representatives of various international organizations discussed the need for coordination among regional organizations. The European Union stated there that we must try to avoid overlapping and proliferation of bodies with similar or identical tasks. Time and resources should be used more effectively through identifying the added value each organization can provide.”
2002-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4561 (2002) · source
“Similarly, its member States will do likewise in their national capacity. International solidarity and cooperation constitute essential instruments to fight the scourge of terrorism. The European Union stands ready to assist third countries to reinforce their capacity to respond effectively to this international threat. The European Commission has further scope to offer assistance in the areas covered by resolution 1373 (2001) through existing programmes. The European Union expects that the CTC and countries or regions in serious need of assistance will provide specific requests. This would enable the Commission and the European Union member States, together with the international financial institutions and other donors, to enhance coordination to identify and implement concrete actions.”
2002-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4561 (2002) · source
“The Committee is now entering the second phase in its consideration of the reports. A great effort has been made by members of the Committee, its experts and the Secretariat to analyse the wealth of information provided by more than one hundred and fifty reports. Member States should provide the CTC with their pending reports, whether initial or subsequent. We urge those countries that have not yet presented their national reports to do so. However, resolution 1373 (2001) is not complied with through mere presentation of reports. The essential point is to implement the resolution fully, and reports should reflect the reality of legal and practical measures adopted at the national or regional level. The European Union will provide a timely response to the Committee's request for clarifications.”
2002-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4561 (2002) · source
“Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): It is an honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, as well as Iceland, align themselves with this statement. The European Union welcomes this new opportunity to review the work of the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee. We commend and support the transparency with which it works, and we thank Ambassador Greenstock for his commitment and involvement in this essential task. The fight against terrorism remains an absolute priority for the European Union. In this context we acknowledge the central role of the United Nations through the Security Council and the CTC, and we affirm our full commitment.”
2002-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4561 (2002) · source
“The European Union affirms its intention to preserve, strengthen and assist the Palestinian Authority through efforts to rebuild its infrastructure and its security and governance capacity, while supporting reforms and the creation of democratic institutions.”
2002-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4552Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We note with concern efforts to impose restrictions on the freedom of movement of diplomatic and consular representatives by means of security checks. We consider such practices to be a violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Any effort to assist the Palestinians with reconstruction and reform or with elections will require the full and committed cooperation of Israel, in particular by providing guarantees that the results of the reconstruction efforts will not be damaged or destroyed again. In that regard, the European Union reserves the right to claim reparations in the appropriate forums.”
2002-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4552Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Ending the violence and the military occupation will create a climate better suited to organizing and holding democratic, fair and transparent elections in the territories. However, we consider completely counterproductive and unrealistic any attempt to make the reform of Palestinian institutions a precondition for resuming political negotiations. We reiterate our concern at the tragic humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories exacerbated by the continuing restrictions imposed by Israel on the freedom of movement of humanitarian organizations. International agencies and organizations continue to be subjected to a series of restrictions on the movement of their personnel, vehicles and supplies.”
2002-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4552Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The European Union is also concerned by reports of unexploded ordnance and explosive devices left behind after the military campaign and by the risks they hold for the civilian population. There is broad consensus on the urgent need to re-organize the Palestinian security services in a more effective and coherent manner. The European Union welcomes and encourages the discussions under way on political, security and financial reforms in the Palestinian Authority. We welcome the new Palestinian Government and the announcement of elections by Chairman Arafat and the Palestinian Legislative Council. In this regard, we call on Israel to foster an environment conducive to reform, in particular by easing restrictions on the movement of people and goods.”
2002-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4552Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The current restrictions have already had a devastating effect on the living conditions of the Palestinians. Additional measures will further deteriorate the economy, ruining the Palestinian private sector and seriously hindering any implementation of reforms. Israeli military operations since 29 March have also severely damaged and seriously disrupted the work of the Palestinian civil administration. As well, Palestinian security organs and their infrastructure have suffered considerable damage, including the death or detention of personnel. This virtual paralysis of Palestinian security in the West Bank has created an unpredictable and even more fragmented political environment in the West Bank, posing an even greater security risk for Israel.”
2002-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4552Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We view with great concern the closures established by the Israeli Authorities - which create separated zones around the major cities in the West Bank, cutting them off from one another - as well as other measures to tighten further existing restrictions on the movement of people and goods. We call upon Israel to renounce such measures. Furthermore, the expansion of settlements proceeds unabated as does the destruction of Palestinian land and private property. The Palestinian population living in the Gaza Strip is facing a similar situation. The European Union considers that all the settlements are illegal and an obstacle to peace. The unbearable military pressure on Palestinian society only aggravates the feelings of frustration, hopelessness and hatred while failing to achieve long- term security for Israel.”
2002-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4552Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The West Bank is divided into several separate and disconnected population centres. There seems to be no distinction between area A and area B. That is totally unacceptable and constitutes a flagrant violation of the Oslo Accords and subsequent agreements between the parties. Israel has a legitimate right to fight terrorism, but not at the expense of international law by imposing collective punishment on 3.5 million Palestinians, who are imprisoned in their own cities and towns. Israel must immediately cease these activities and allow the Palestinian Authority to fulfil its security commitments and to halt the rapid deterioration of the Palestinian economy.”
2002-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4552Resumption1 (2002) · source
“These acts are morally repugnant, contrary to international law and extremely harmful to the national aspirations of the Palestinian people. We welcome the fact that President Arafat and the Palestinian Authority have repeatedly rejected and condemned these terror attacks. We urge them both, as legitimate representatives of the Palestinian people, to make every possible effort to prevent such acts, disrupt all terrorist networks and undertake more determined action against terrorism. We underline the need to bring the perpetrators of these criminal acts to justice. Israeli forces are moving freely throughout Palestinian-controlled territory, attacking towns and arresting and killing suspected militants. Palestinian cities are besieged and sealed off by the Israeli military forces.”
2002-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4552Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We are convinced that a full and immediate implementation of Security Council resolutions 1402 (2002)and 1403 (2002) - in particular, an immediate cessation of violence, a meaningful ceasefire and the definitive withdrawal of Israeli troops from all areas under the control of the Palestinian Authority - are essential. We deeply regret that these and other Security Council resolutions on this issue continue to be utterly ignored or selectively interpreted and partially implemented. As it has done for other criminal acts perpetrated in the past, the European Union condemns the latest terror attacks in Israel in the strongest possible terms. Suicide attacks against and killings of Israeli civilians have continued.”
2002-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4552Resumption1 (2002) · source
“International support for reconstruction and reform, a negotiating and international follow-up mechanism and the establishment of a mechanism to observe and monitor the situation on the ground are equally essential. We reiterate the shared vision and final goal of the international community of two States in the region- a democratic, viable and independent Palestine living side by side with Israel within secure and internationally recognized borders. The political roadmap is clear and based on Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 1397 (2002), the principles of Madrid and Oslo and subsequent agreements between the parties, as well as on the Arab League peace initiative.”
2002-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4552Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The "quartet" of special envoys is meeting tomorrow, Friday, in Washington, D.C., and days later at the highest level at the margins of the G-8 summit in Canada. As a member of the "quartet", the European Union is currently working towards the soonest possible convening of an international peace conference involving not only the parties, but the international and regional players, and aimed at achieving concrete results on the political, security and economic aspects with a well-defined timetable, providing a credible political perspective and a definitive settlement of the conflict. In particular, an immediate resumption of political negotiations and of cooperation in security matters will be essential, along with the reconstruction of the infrastructure of the Palestinian Authority, restoring its governance.”
2002-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4552Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia; Cyprus, Malta and Turkey; and Iceland and Liechtenstein align themselves with this statement. In the face of continued violence in the Middle East, it is essential to redouble efforts to achieve a peaceful and comprehensive political solution to this conflict. It is clear that this highly volatile situation will not be resolved via the current mindset in which the leaders of both parties are now locked. Violence only breeds more violence. Peace and security will be achieved only through negotiations that should start as soon as possible.”
2002-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4552Resumption1 (2002) · source
“In that connection I must insist on the importance of the emergency loya jirga, which will offer the first real opportunity to reach a nationwide consensus on common national institutions based on democratic traditions. We appeal once more to all Afghan leaders to fully support the constitutional process that will begin with the emergency loya jirga.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“The European Union will therefore ensure a gender- sensitive approach in its activities, including in development assistance. Although the pace of return of refugees has exceeded expectations, as witnessed by the recent closure of the 22-year-old Nasir Bagh camp in Pakistan, many are still hosted by neighbouring countries, and many of those who return join thousands of internally displaced persons. Their needs continue to demand attention and humanitarian assistance from the international community. In my last statement on Afghanistan before the Council, on 26 March, I stressed that security, stability and reconstruction should be sought primarily by the Afghan people.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“The European Union will thus offer to assist the Interim Authority and its successor in establishing structures to ensure respect for human rights without discrimination, including the establishment of the Human Rights Commission foreseen in the Bonn Agreement. The European Union is concerned by recent reports about allegations of human rights abuses, and supports the prompt initiative taken by UNAMA to request a thorough investigation through the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The European Union considers that Afghan women must enjoy full human rights as well as equal access to health care, education and employment; they must have the opportunity to participate on equal terms in the political and social life of their country and to play a central role in the reconstruction of Afghanistan.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“The European Union will encourage and support the Afghan Interim Authority and the United Nations in the establishment of the Judicial Commission and the reform of the judicial system. Likewise, we encourage the early establishment of the Civil Service Commission and will assist in establishing an efficient public administration, a legal system and other mechanisms necessary to ensure respect for the rule of law and democratic principles, including freedom of expression. Respect for human rights is essential both in itself and as a means of achieving reconciliation and peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic groups.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“In particular, we welcome the success of the Interim Administration's recent crop eradication programme, which has destroyed a significant proportion of the current harvest in the main poppy-growing areas. The European Union will continue its dialogue with the Interim Authority on how best to achieve reconstruction and attain the political objectives set out in the Bonn Agreement while ensuring greater ownership by the Afghans themselves. We welcome the creation of the Afghan Assistance Coordination Authority and acknowledge its contribution to the reconstruction effort. Sustainable economic development and the effective use of donor funding urgently require that sound currency arrangements, as well as strong and transparent budgetary and treasury systems, be put in place.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“European Union reconstruction assistance will be conditional on all Afghan parties positively contributing to the process and the goals agreed in Bonn with the aim of establishing peace, a representative Government and stability in Afghanistan, as well as helping to eradicate terrorism and the illicit production and trafficking of narcotic drugs. Given the harmful consequences of drug production and trafficking for Afghanistan, for the region, and for our own countries, the European Union reaffirms its readiness to support efforts undertaken by the Afghan Interim Authority, with the help of the United Nations International Drug Control Programme with a view to solving this most important problem.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“The European Union will work for a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan, and is a key partner in the reconstruction effort, as witnessed by its support for the Afghan Interim Authority and its important commitment of support pledged at the Tokyo Conference. We have actively monitored and supported the implementation of the Bonn Agreement, inter alia by appointing a special envoy for Afghanistan. In addition, the European Union is a major source of humanitarian assistance. Furthermore, European Union member States, including Spain, participate in ISAF and are key contributors to operation Enduring Freedom. International assistance to Afghanistan should be based upon the respect for and promotion of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Bonn Agreement is the basic road map for the political future of the country.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“The European Union supports the adoption of a Security Council resolution extending the mandate of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) beyond 20 June 2002 well in advance of that date, thus sending a strong signal of support to the loya jirga and the rest of the Bonn Agreement implementation process. We welcome the decision taken by Turkey to take over the leadership of ISAF from the United Kingdom, to which we would also like to express our gratitude. The cooperation and commitment of neighbouring countries will be very important for the successful reconstruction of Afghanistan and the implementation of the Bonn Agreement. The European Union will integrate this regional dimension in its Afghanistan policy, enhancing the political dialogue and promoting joint initiatives with those countries.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source