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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“Among the priorities set by the Working Group in 2008 were issues related to the summary statements on matters of which the Security Council is seized, meeting formats, the participation of non-Council members in the work of the Security Council and the role of the Security Council President and the Chairs of subsidiary bodies. Owing to time constraints, we were unable to examine the last issue. Early in the year, the Working Group worked towards improving the summary statements by making them more user-friendly. The Working Group subsumed similar and related items into a single agenda item. The Working Group is still considering a proposal to make the summary statement more accurate, reflecting the items of which the Council is actually seized and giving the Council greater involvement in its preparation.”
2008-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6043 (2008) · source
“Mr. Arias: Thank you, Sir, for giving me the opportunity to speak today in my capacity as Chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions. In my statement, I should like to give the Council an overview of the work undertaken by that subsidiary body under my chairmanship and to make a few personal remarks. In 2008, the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions built on the work completed under previous Chairmen and continued to examine ways to best implement the notes by the President of the Security Council in documents S/2006/507 and S/2007/749.”
2008-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6043 (2008) · source
“Above and beyond the use of force, economic and financial measures and the exchange of information and intelligence, combating terrorism also requires that the international community understand and combat the conditions that give rise to terrorism, while fully respecting human rights. In that connection, Panama would like to reiterate the need to establish national and international norms to make it possible to prosecute and punish, by way of example, all those who are in any way linked to the commission of terrorist acts. We should do so while observing the principles enshrined in international humanitarian law and international human rights and development instruments. Doing otherwise would be tantamount to legitimizing the methods used by terrorism to weaken democracy, the rule of law and the full enjoyment of human rights.”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034 (2008) · source
“Panama condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of who commits it, including Governments and where and for what purpose it is committed, including to combat foreign occupation. The Security Council has contributed meaningfully to the efforts of the Organization to combat terrorism. Nevertheless, the level of planning and sophistication of the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai, which were an attack on all of India and on the entire international community, illustrate that our efforts and precautions are still not enough. That obliges us to more effectively use all the means at our disposal to eliminate terrorism.”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034 (2008) · source
“However, today we are experiencing new forms of social divisions that are having an impact on the peaceful coexistence between human beings, which forces us to reflect in a profound way. I should like to begin with the most violent of all, namely, the growing disregard for our environment that, if unabated, will radically transform life on the planet. I could also mention acts of genocide and ethnic cleansing, ongoing violence against women and children and the effects of excessive sales of small arms and light weapons and terrorism. Panama believes that terrorism is defined by the carrying out of acts of violence that indiscriminately injure or kill innocent civilians on the pretext of a greater good.”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034 (2008) · source
“Mr. Arias (Panama) (spoke in Spanish): First and foremost, on behalf of Panama, allow me to thank you, Mr. President, and Ambassador Jurica and the delegation of Croatia for providing us this important opportunity to consider and debate on the most effective manner to combat the scourge of terrorism. We welcome the presence of the Secretary-General in this debate, which demonstrates his personal commitment in the fight against terrorism. For the most part - but with a few significant deviations such as the two world wars and their causes and consequences - in the modern world human beings have been able to live more or less harmoniously, among themselves and with their environment, in accordance with what the French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau called the social contract.”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034 (2008) · source
“If we are to resolve the difficult situation in Darfur and ultimately attain the objectives of resolution 1593 (2005), the Government of the Sudan must fulfil its national and international obligations. The solidarity and continued cooperation of the entire membership of the Organization, in particular the Arab countries and the members of the African Union, are also essential. Panama views as positive the intention shown by the Government of the Sudan to raise the standards of its justice system to acceptable international levels. We also consider the mediation proposed by the State of Qatar as a way to create an atmosphere of peace and sustained justice. That initiative should have the Council's support.”
2008-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6028 (2008) · source
“We recognize that it is important that the Prosecutor has concluded the investigations related to the attack perpetrated on 29 September 2007 against a military base of the African Union Mission in the Sudan at Haskanita. We also appreciate the expressions of willingness to cooperate with the Court on the part of some rebel groups. The Security Council must continue to focus its efforts on ensuring that the 17,000 humanitarian workers providing aid to 2.7 million Victims of the Darfur conflict can carry out their noble mission without putting their lives at risk. We cannot allow humanitarian personnel to continue to be subjected to such indiscriminate attacks.”
2008-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6028 (2008) · source
“Panama, as a member of the Security Council and a State party to the Rome Statute, feels obligated to reiterate the appeal to the Government of the Sudan to meet its responsibilities towards the international community. The International Criminal Court represents the will of 108 nations that have decided to exchange the arbitrariness of the past for a system of transnational justice that does not permit to go unpunished the most horrendous crimes of which humankind has proved capable. The same will for change is what motivated the Security Council to adopt resolution 1593 (2005). We are aware of the challenge that that entails. Therefore, both the Council and the United Nations membership must be prepared to take the measures required, even if that affects the highest authorities of a country.”
2008-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6028 (2008) · source
“However, after the presentation of three cases to the Court's judges and the issuance of two arrest warrants against alleged perpetrators of crimes against humanity, those arrest warrants have yet to be carried out. Impunity cannot and must not be an option. In resolution 1593 (2005), the Security Council stipulated that the Government of the Sudan was obliged to cooperate with the Court and with the Office of the Prosecutor. However, Panama is concerned at the lack of constructive responses to the two arrest warrants issued 20 months ago by the International Criminal Court against Ahmad Harun and Ali Kushayb for allegedly having participated in committing crimes against humanity.”
2008-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6028 (2008) · source
“Mr. Arias (Panama) (spoke in Spanish): Permit me at the outset to echo what the representative of Costa Rica said regarding the paramount importance of the establishment of the International Criminal Court. I should also like to thank Prosecutor Luis Moreno- Ocampo for the report that he has provided us on the progress made in the investigations being conducted in Darfur pursuant to resolution 1593 (2005). Through resolution 1593 (2005), this Council took the historic decision to refer a specific case to the International Criminal Court for the first time. The Court and its officials have shouldered that responsibility with all the rigour required for such a lofty duty, as demonstrated by the progress made in the investigations into the situation in Darfur, as presented to us this morning.”
2008-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6028 (2008) · source
“The Security Council has proved that naval forces of various countries can come to the region with the approval of the Government of Somalia to try to stop that piracy. As stated by the representative of France, such Council authorization should be renewed and strengthened. However, it is worrisome that military forces of various countries are operating independently in a region as narrow as Somalia's territorial waters and the Gulf of Aden. Panama believes that the Security Council should review that situation and consider the possibility of providing some form of coordination of those forces under the leadership of the United Nations.”
2008-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6020 (2008) · source
“Unfortunately, the bureaucratic structures of this Organization have prevented such support. Furthermore, while we support the deployment of a multinational force, we are not unaware of the difficulties posed by the risks involved in establishing such a force, and we have heard a number of ideas about that here. Therefore, we reiterate once again that the Organization is obliged to effectively support AMISOM. with the troops and materiel that it needs until something more substantive can be done. With regard to the situation of piracy, which obviously concerns all of us and is linked to the situation in Somalia, we understand that that fact cannot prevent us from seeking individual solutions to it when required.”
2008-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6020 (2008) · source
“We are heartened by their positive attitude towards the political solutions in Somalia, but we also agree with their support for the creation of a multinational force. Panama is deeply concerned at the situation of instability in Somalia, not only because of the risks it poses to international peace and security, but also because it affects the humanitarian situation of the Somali people. There are few situations in the world so grave as that being endured in Somalia today. In that context, Panama has repeatedly requested that the United Nations lend effective support to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the only Mission that currently has any effectiveness in Somalia, and we regret that it has not been provided in the form requested by AMISOM. and the Secretary- General.”
2008-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6020 (2008) · source
“Mr. Arias (Panama) (spoke in Spanish): Permit me to thank and commend you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting on so critical and difficult a situation as that in Somalia and to express our gratitude that it is being held in a public format. We should also like to thank the representatives of the Secretariat for their briefings. We have taken note of the Secretariat's support for the establishment of a multinational force and of the difficulties it is experiencing in that regard. In addition, we welcome the representative of the International Maritime Organization and listened carefully to his concerns at the situation of piracy in the region. Finally, we thank the representatives of Somalia and the African Union for their statements.”
2008-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6020 (2008) · source
“No less important is that, as mentioned in the UNAMI report, human rights in Iraq continue to be violated regularly. In that context, we should make special mention of the thousands of people in various detention centres who continue to call for the application of international human rights standards, while they suffer ill treatment and humiliation and while basic procedural guarantees are denied them. That is why the Council should pay more attention to that serious situation and support the efforts of the United Nations bodies that are involved in this matter. Finally, the main goal of the efforts of this Organization must be to achieve an Iraq that can live in prosperity and peace, both with itself and with its neighbours, an Iraq where human rights are promoted and respected, an Iraq that is free of occupation by multinational forces.”
2008-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6016 (2008) · source
“That is why we recognize the importance of the fact that the United Nations staff have begun to broaden their presence and activities and that different offices, agencies and programmes involved in this matter have got together to establish a permanent international presence in Baghdad. We believe that that initiative will contribute to the implementation of the goals established in the United Nations Assistance Strategy for Iraq 2008-2010. On the other hand, the situation of refugees and displaced persons continues to be cause for concern. We recognize the incentives provided by the Government of Iraq for the return of thousands of displaced persons, as well as the measures so that those individuals can recover their property. We urge the Government of Iraq to continue those measures.”
2008-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6016 (2008) · source
“This is why we note with satisfaction the national voter registration update by the Government of Iraq, as well as the adoption of the provincial elections law, which includes the fundamental issue of the representation of minorities. My delegation recognizes the importance of those achievements for the establishment of democracy in Iraq. It is essential to continue to pay particular attention to those issues. In spite of those advances, thousands of Iraqis continue living in very adverse humanitarian circumstances. An increase in the presence of humanitarian personnel on the ground is crucial for progress.”
2008-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6016 (2008) · source
“We are pleased to see that, in spite of the serious security situation that persists in Iraq, the report of the Secretary-General (S/2008/688) gives some signs of justified optimism. Those signs of optimism are based, first and foremost, on a drop in acts of violence throughout Iraq. That is due in no small measure to the political agreements and understandings achieved among the parties in conflict, with the necessary participation of UNAMI and the leadership of the multinational forces. The holding of provincial elections in Iraq has been a pending topic for many months, due to a lack of the necessary political agreement on establishing laws and on a suitable institutional framework in which to hold the elections.”
2008-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6016 (2008) · source
“Mr. Arias (Panama) (spoke in Spanish): First of all, I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, for his briefing on behalf of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). Through him, I would like also to thank the entire Mission and express the gratitude of Panama for the work it has been doing. We would also like to thank the Permanent Representative of the United States, Mr. Zalmay Khalilzad, who spoke on behalf of the Multinational Force, for his briefing. Finally, we would like to welcome the Ambassador of Iraq, Mr. Hamid Al Bayati, and to thank him for his important statement to the Council.”
2008-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6016 (2008) · source
“We therefore echo the resounding call of the international community for Israel to immediately cease the construction of settlements in Palestinian territories.”
2008-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5983 (2008) · source
“Mr. Arias (Panama) (spoke in Spanish): Panama recognizes the importance of this meeting, which was convened at the request of Saudi Arabia with the aim of briefing the Security Council on the extension and consequences of the occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel. In that regard, Panama is aware that the situation in the Middle East is too complex to focus merely on one aspect of the conflict. At the same time, Panama reiterates that the occupation of Palestinian territory by Israel, besides being illegal and in violation of the human rights of the Palestinian people, is a significant obstacle to progress in the peace process and the early establishment of two States, Israel and Palestine, living in peace and harmony between themselves and with their neighbours.”
2008-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5983 (2008) · source
“We believe that that practice has particular relevance for the Counter-Terrorism Committee as a subsidiary body. Finally, Panama would like to reiterate that the thematic debates of the Security Council should be aimed principally at discussing matters under the Council's consideration and informing the Council as to the positions of Member States in that regard, and that such debates should not serve as a way for Member States to air their views on general issues. There are other, more appropriate forums for that purpose, in particular the General Assembly. In conclusion, I should like to reiterate our position that the Security Council's working methods are not an end in themselves, but one of the ways to ensure that the Council can carry out the duties and responsibilities entrusted to it by the Charter.”
2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source
“In particular, however, they should be held sufficiently in advance so that they can achieve the desired goal of informing the Council's decisions. In that context, it should be pointed out that the adoption of the mechanism known as the Arria Formula meeting was a significant step forward in the process of enhancing the transparency of the Council's work. The Arria Formula must now be formalized and broadened with a view to greater participation. That principle applies both to the Council and to its subsidiary bodies. In that connection, Panama wishes to reaffirm its support for the practice of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict of inviting to its meetings countries affected by its decisions, as an example to be followed by all subsidiary bodies of the Security Council.”
2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source
“Likewise, it is vital that the Secretariat's reports be disseminated to all Member States in a timely manner. Furthermore, the Council's effectiveness depends on the appropriateness of its decisions and on their due implementation. To that end, it is particularly important that the Council take its decisions after it has become thoroughly familiar with the relevant situations and their consequences. In order to gain such a level of understanding, it is necessary to know and understand the views of each and every country that could be affected by the Council's decisions. Such Council consultations should be broadened to permit greater participation in the Council's deliberations by persons or groups other than Member States. In addition, such consultations should be held as often as required.”
2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source
“From that perspective, we shall analyse a number of the topics that, concerning the implementation of the note by the President of the Security Council (S/2006/507), have been presented in the current presidency's concept paper (S/2008/528) and that we believe to be of particular importance. With regard to the holding of Council meetings, it is important to note that article 48 of the provisional rules of procedure states that the Security Council, unless it decides otherwise, should meet in public. In Panama's opinion, unless there are important reasons justifying the opposite, all Member States should be allowed unconditional access to Council meetings. That alone would contribute significantly to the transparency of the Council's work, its interaction with Member States and, hence, its effectiveness.”
2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source
“The Security Council's working methods are not an end in themselves, but one of the ways to ensure that the Council fulfils, as efficiently and effectively as possible, the obligations and responsibilities entrusted to it by the Charter of the United Nations. Before making a few specific comments, we believe we should point out that the Security Council, because it is an organ whose membership is limited, will always have a problem of representativity. What is more, today it is generally accepted that the Council does not reflect current socio-political realities. That lack of representativity means that the Council's working methods must be aimed at, inter alia, correcting that deficiency to the extent possible.”
2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source
“Mr. Arias (Panama) (spoke in Spanish): First of all, permit me to thank you, Mr. President, and your delegation for the holding of this public debate on a topic of particular importance to my delegation. We are confident that your dedication and leadership will ensure that our deliberations today will have concrete results that will optimize the Council's work. We also highlight the Secretary-General's presence at this debate, which clearly shows the Organization's commitment to promoting the effectiveness and efficiency of the Security Council. In addition, I wish to acknowledge the efforts of the Small Five group, in particular Ambassador Urbina and the delegation of Costa Rica, to promote this debate.”
2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source
“Panama expresses its respect for the territorial integrity of the Republic of Georgia, and also wishes to recognize the right to self-determination of the people of South Ossetia. Panama is aware of the conflict between those two principles.”
2008-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5953 (2008) · source
“Panama is also concerned by and condemns the entirely disproportionate, and therefore illegitimate, use of force by the Russian Federation with the stated aim of protecting its citizens and peacekeeping forces. Panama recalls that the right of self-defence provided for in Article 51 of the Charter has some basic restrictions, and any abuse of these by the Russian Federation is a violation of its fiduciary obligations as a permanent member of the Council. Panama issues a call for the Council to immediately express itself in favour of a cessation of hostilities and a return to the status quo ante. The Council should also support the diplomatic efforts undertaken by a number of countries and international organizations.”
2008-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5953 (2008) · source
“Mr. Arias (Panama) (spoke in Spanish): First of all, allow me to express my gratitude for the briefings that were given to us by Under-Secretary-General Pascoe and Assistant Secretary-General Mulet. Panama has listened very closely and with great concern to the views expressed in this Chamber over the past few days by the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Georgia and by the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation and other members of the Council. Regarding this matter, Panama would like to state that we are concerned by and condemn the decision taken by the Georgian Government to seek to impose its authority over South Ossetia through the use of force.”
2008-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5953 (2008) · source
“Mr. Arias (Panama) (spoke in Spanish): Like other delegations that have taken the floor, the delegation of Panama is concerned at the situation of violence prevailing in South Ossetia and other regions that are part of Georgia. But of greatest concern is the fact that the Security Council has been unable to reach agreement and understanding regarding questions of fact. The versions offered today of events in South Ossetia are considerably divergent, but they have both been accepted by the Council. Nonetheless, along with others, Panama appeals for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to the status quo ante in order to facilitate peaceful negotiations.”
2008-08-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5952 (2008) · source
“In that regard, we call for a timely completion of the respective negotiations to achieve the rapid release of the abducted Israeli corporal, Gilad Shalit, and Israel's transfer to Lebanon of the Shaba'a Farms. Finally, now more than ever, the peace process in the Middle East requires the political resolve of all the parties directly involved and the active participation of the international community and of this Security Council. Everything indicates that this is a rare and all- too-elusive moment of hope.”
2008-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5940 (2008) · source
“In that context, my delegation echoes all those Governments and non-governmental organizations that have declared that Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories, and in particular its construction of settlements in those territories, remain serious obstacles to the peace process. Israel must therefore immediately cease the construction of settlements. In that context, Panama takes this opportunity to affirm, as we have on earlier occasions, that any peace agreement between Palestine and Israel must provide for the existence of two States living side by side in peace with each other and with their neighbours, with the 1967 borders recognized as their common borders.”
2008-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5940 (2008) · source
“In addition, we recognize the significant efforts deployed by Qatar towards the establishment of a national unity Government in Lebanon. The delegation of Panama expresses its profound gratitude to all those individuals and Governments who worked to ensure that those events would take place. Those achievements confirm the fact that, in spite of the desire and need to obtain a comprehensive peace in order to resolve the question of the Middle East, taking discreet steps and reaching timely agreements can serve as catalysts for reaching broader and more substantial agreements.”
2008-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5940 (2008) · source
“Pascoe in his report, the ceasefire mediated by Egypt over a month ago between Hamas and Israel has remained nearly unbroken, inaugurating a period of relative calm to Gaza and Israel and allowing their respective populations at the very least to live in a space free from violence. We trust that that reciprocal measure will enable the bilateral negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians to take place in an improved climate of trust, and we call for the extension of the ceasefire to the West Bank. We are also encouraged by the news of the exchange of prisoners or human remains between Israel and Hizbullah through the mediation of Germany, proximity talks between Israeli and Syrian negotiators through the good offices of Turkey, and the efforts of the President of France to encourage Syria and Lebanon to resume diplomatic relations.”
2008-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5940 (2008) · source
“Mr. Arias (Panama) (spoke in Spanish): First and foremost, I would like to thank Mr. Lynn Pascoe for the briefing that he has just given us and the representatives of Israel and Palestine for their respective statements. Allow me to take this opportunity to bid farewell to Ambassador Dan Gillerman, to convey to him the gratitude of Panama and myself for the manner in which he has led his mission to the United Nations, and to wish him every success in his future activities. Mr. Pascoe's briefing conveyed both a negative and positive picture of the region, but it is on the latter that Panama wishes to place emphasis on this occasion. As was stated by Mr.”
2008-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5940 (2008) · source
“My delegation reiterates its support for the efforts of the International Criminal Court to bring to justice all those who perpetrate grave violations of international humanitarian law and human rights, in particular the rights of the child. Furthermore, Panama considers that in situations of armed conflict, for which there are sanctions committees, this Council should add to the list of individuals subject to sanctions those guilty of grave violations against the rights of the child.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936 (2008) · source
“The international community must tackle even more urgently a global situation that makes the effects of conflict on vulnerable populations even more adverse. The food crisis today threatens to exacerbate the already meagre levels of child nutrition. The United Nations, standing for the citizenry of the world, must set itself up as the prime advocate in redressing that gap. Its success will depend on the coordination amongst its own bodies, agencies and funds, as well as cooperation with Governments, non-governmental organizations and the efforts of local communities. It is difficult to broach the question of children and armed conflict without referring to the necessity of putting an end to impunity.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936 (2008) · source
“Those children are deprived of the opportunity to enjoy the most sacred treasures of childhood, namely, a future and hope, and their frustration and despair are such that violence and the resurgence of conflict inevitably ensue. That trend is especially manifest in children displaced by conflict. Unlike refugees, they are bereft of any international legal status, and consequently there is no guardianship of their rights if the institutions of the State do not have the necessary resources to protect them. Therefore, it is imperative to create reintegration programmes and policies with a special emphasis on the status of children as subjects of law, on the specific needs of victims and the education of the communities, with a view to forgiving child soldiers and reintegrating them into their societies.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936 (2008) · source
“However, the Council has dedicated its work almost exclusively to six grave violations and their respective recommendations, when the issue should, in fact, be viewed more broadly without divorcing the rights of children in armed conflict from the rights of all children in general. The Council and its Working Group must examine the issue in depth, lest we squander an entire generation and jeopardize those that follow. Panama views with enormous concern the fact that, notwithstanding the headway made in international standards on the protection of the rights of the child, those children continue to be deprived of their rights during armed conflicts, in which they are compelled to take part or become Victims of unspeakable atrocities.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936 (2008) · source
“Mr. Arias (Panama) (spoke in Spanish): First and foremost, Sir, may I extend a welcome to you in the Council and express the honour and satisfaction we feel at seeing you chairing this important debate, the theme of which is of great significance to us. Likewise, we wish to acknowledge the Secretary-General's contribution and those of the other staff members who have addressed us. We also acknowledge and appreciate the role that they play in dealing with the question of children and armed conflict. Including the item of children and armed conflict on the Council's agenda reflects a clear evolution in what we nowadays define as a threat to peace. Beyond that, the work of the Council on the issue has made it possible to raise the world's awareness of the plight of children in situations of armed conflict and their rights in such situations.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936 (2008) · source
“Panama believes that, while it is true that when the Charter initially gave the Security Council responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, it was referring mainly to conflicts between States. In today's globalized and interdependent world, the concept of threats to international peace has evolved to include situations in which there are serious and widespread violations of human rights such as those being suffered today by the people of Zimbabwe. In that connection, I shall limit myself to referring to the report of the Secretary-General, which states that the seriousness of the situation and its potential consequences could have widespread repercussions for regional peace and security. For those reasons, Panama voted in favour of the draft resolution.”
2008-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5933 (2008) · source
“Mr. Arias (Panama) (spoke in Spanish): We are all aware of the deplorable economic situation in which the people of Zimbabwe find themselves and the serious and widespread violations of their human rights being committed, primarily by their Government. That issue did not give rise to a great deal of discussion during the debate on the draft resolution that has just been put before the Council. Among other things, differences in position focused on whether the Charter authorized the Council to adopt the draft resolution before it, given that some members believe that the situation in Zimbabwe is strictly an internal affair that does not pose a risk to either international or regional peace.”
2008-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5933 (2008) · source
“We thus appeal to both parties to withdraw the military forces that have recently been deployed on the border and immediately to initiate bilateral dialogue, making use of the good offices and mechanisms provided by the United Nations and other relevant international bodies. Likewise, Panama considers it appropriate for the Secretary-General to keep the Security Council informed of any developments in the situation.”
2008-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5924 (2008) · source
“The United Nations and each and every one of its Member States are called upon to respect the territorial integrity of States, and that includes respecting their borders. When two neighbouring States dispute the location of borders, the dispute should be resolved through bilateral negotiations. If an agreement cannot be reached between the two parties, they should submit the dispute to the International Court of Justice. In the event of any dispute that might jeopardize international peace and security, this Council is called upon to act to prevent the dispute from escalating into armed conflict. To that purpose, the Security Council should use all means at its disposal, including dialogue, participation and collaboration between Member States.”
2008-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5924 (2008) · source
“Mr. Arias (Panama) (spoke in Spanish): I should like to join in welcoming to this Council His Excellency Mr. Dileita Mohamed Dileita, Prime Minister of Djibouti, and in acknowledging the presence here of the Permanent Representative of Eritrea and the representatives of the African Union and of the League of Arab States. I should also like to express our thanks for the briefing we have received today from Mr. Joao Honwana of the Department of Political Affairs. The Council is meeting today at the request of the Government of Djibouti for the purpose of assessing the serious situation on the border between Djibouti and Eritrea, where confrontations have recently occurred between the armed forces of the two countries. In that connection, allow me to outline Panama's position.”
2008-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5924 (2008) · source
“Given that situation, we cannot hope to overcome the violence in Darfur and in the Sudan in general unless the Council and all Members of the United Nations act differently and in greater conformity with the decisions of the Council. As Mr. Eliasson has said, that will require that we provide incentives and disincentives to the parties to the conflict. As the Permanent Representative of Libya said, it will require more active participation by civil society and traditional leaders. And as the Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom said, it will require strengthening the current sanctions, especially the arms embargo, and the imposition of new sanctions if necessary.”
2008-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5922 (2008) · source
“With regard to the decision of the Council to refer the situation in Darfur to the International Criminal Court, the Court has carried out the task given to it. Nevertheless, the Council has not provided the support that decision merits. In that connection, I cannot fail to refer to the words of President Kabila as cited here by Ambassador Sawers: (spoke in English) 4: . one cannot put justice aside and hope for a durable peace ..." (supra). (spoke in Spanish) If we add to the foregoing the repeated breakdown of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement - as recently reflected in the reprehensible destruction of the town of Abyei - and the conflict between the Governments of the Sudan and Chad, we cannot but conclude that, despite the words of Ambassador Spatafora, we are facing a fairly hopeless situation.”
2008-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5922 (2008) · source
“Salim, the failure of the peace process is in large part due to the failure, both on the part of the Khartoum Government and certain rebel groups, to decide to begin a political dialogue. Moreover, some of the rebel groups are being supported by influential members of the international community from within and outside the region. With regard to the deployment of the Hybrid Operation, despite a small amount of progress, there is a clear lack of cooperation on the part of the Khartoum Government. In addition, despite significant efforts in that regard by the Organization, including the Security Council and the Secretariat, the United Nations has not been able to put together the necessary troops and equipment to allow the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur to carry out its mandate.”
2008-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5922 (2008) · source