YouSaid · the spoken record

Ashipala-Musavyi

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96
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1999-12-10
most recent
2000-12-19
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18
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un-security-council

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  1. In view of the new political realities in the region, issues such as that of refugees and missing persons warrant that UNMIK and KFOR consult with the authorities in Belgrade in an attempt to find a proper balance in addressing these problems. In conclusion, once again I acknowledge UNMIK, KFOR and other international humanitarian agencies for their ongoing work in Kosovo. Finally, we thank the Foreign Minister for his presence.

    2000-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4249 (2000) · source

  2. Nonetheless, we are pleased to learn that 2,000 of the 5,000 persons who were internally displaced as a result of the latest fighting have returned to their homes in the area. In this context, my delegation commends the joint security operations and other security-related activities conducted by UNMIK police and the Kosovo Force (KFOR) geared towards protecting civilians, including minority communities in Kosovo. The precarious nature of the security situation in the Presevo Valley and its adjacent areas requires urgent attention from, and action by, the Security Council, and I think we heard this today from the Minister when he made his remarks.

    2000-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4249 (2000) · source

  3. With respect to the municipal elections, we concur with the Secretary-General that the elections went well despite a few hiccups - among other things, voter processing at few polling centres and a lack of participation of some minorities. We therefore note with appreciation that during the period following the elections, Kosovo has experienced a significant drop in the level of politically motivated violence. However, as I mentioned earlier, the escalation of armed confrontation between the Serbian security forces and the so-called Liberation Army of Presevo, Medveda and Bujanovac in the ground safety zone not only poses a threat to those 5,000 displaced civilians in the Presevo Valley, but also stands to undermine the foundations of peace, reconciliation and stability in the region.

    2000-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4249 (2000) · source

  4. We also recognize that a political dialogue cannot flourish amidst the threat by military elements of the Kosovo Liberation Army and of the so-called Liberation Army of Presevo. My delegation therefore concurs with the Foreign Minister of Yugoslavia that resolution 1244 (1999) should be implemented fully and that the Kosovo Force (KFOR) and the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) take effective measures to put an end to the undesirable activities of the KLA and their like. S/PVAZA') In our view, the Security Council should continue to show the same zeal and determination at a time when the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yugoslavia is being challenged.

    2000-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4249 (2000) · source

  5. We too are happy to welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the Honourable Mr. Goran Svilanovic, to this meeting and to thank him warmly for his clear and informative statement. I would also like to acknowledge Mr. Annabi and to thank him for his update on the latest developments. My delegation welcomes the efforts undertaken by the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to achieve peace, reconciliation and stability in the Balkan region. We believe that a peaceful democratic atmosphere will facilitate the full implementation of resolution 1244 (1999) and also underscore the broad parameters in which regional problems can be addressed through peaceful political dialogue.

    2000-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4249 (2000) · source

  6. Let me stress, as we have on numerous occasions, that as the Organization continues to work to put in place measures to fight terrorism, a distinction continue to be made between terrorism and the legitimate rights of people under foreign occupation and domination, fighting for their inalienable rights to self- determination and freedom. Namibia supports the 1994 United Nations Declaration on Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism, and we join the community of nations to stand together in relentless pursuit, using all necessary means to combat terrorism in all its manifestations.

    2000-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4242 (2000) · source

  7. It is indiscriminate and brings human tragedy of unparalleled magnitude. In a bid to contain terrorism, Governments are forced to impose harsh security measures to stamp out terrorism and to protect their citizens. Terrorists bury themselves within the surrounding community, indistinguishable from ordinary law-abiding citizens, and at the appropriate moment, they emerge from the shadows to strike before disappearing back into anonymity, thus undermining confidence in the Government's ability to maintain law and order by sowing fear among the citizens. Therefore, the inherent problems of fighting against terrorism warrant cooperation among States. The work being done by the United Nations to combat this scourge are welcome by my delegation.

    2000-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4242 (2000) · source

  8. Let me begin by thank you, Mr. President, for once again holding a meeting on the subject of international terrorism as a follow-up to Security Council resolution 1269 of October 1999, adopted under your presidency. This resolution condemns all acts, methods and practices of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation. In the same vein, let me take this opportunity to extend our appreciation and thanks to the Legal Counsel for his introductory remarks. S/PVAZAZ We appreciate your country's commitment, Mr. President, to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. As one of the most heinous crimes threatening international peace and security, international terrorism knows no boundaries and is not targeted at any particular region or ethnic group.

    2000-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4242 (2000) · source

  9. Let me reiterate that a comprehensive settlement of the present conflict can only be achieved by granting the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination. Full implementation of Security Council resolution 242 (1967) and resolution 338 (1973) are essential to a lasting solution to this conflict.

    2000-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4231 (2000) · source

  10. Time is of the essence, and in view of the ongoing inputs of the Secretary- General in the context of Security Council resolution 904 (1994), we believe that the deployment of the United Nations observers will save lives, calm emotions and pave the way for restoring the peace process. We must restore the peace process because in the end we have to deal with the fundamental problem that is the cause of all this, namely the occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel. My delegation concurs with the Permanent Observer of Palestine that the parties need assistance, and that is, I believe, why we are here. We are here to help the parties make peace. In this context, we thank all those who have continued to contribute to the search for peace, but we believe that the time has come for the United Nations to become fully engaged.

    2000-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4231 (2000) · source

  11. Recently we had the honour and privilege to listen to a briefing by President Arafat, a briefing that included, among other things, a request for the United Nations to deploy an observer force in the Palestinian occupied territories. As my delegation has stated on several occasions, we support that request, and we have also emphasized that it is a request that is in line with Security Council resolution 904, which was adopted on 18 March 1994 and called for the protection of the Palestinians. Therefore, we believe that we, as the Council, have a duty to follow through with the implementation of our resolutions. The events occurring in the occupied Palestinian territories and in the region at large are cause for severe concern and warrant corresponding and urgent action by the Security Council.

    2000-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4231 (2000) · source

  12. The South African representative will soon make a statement in his capacity as the Chairman of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and my delegation would like to associate itself with that statement. We also support the statement made by the Coordinator of the NAM. Caucus for the month of November, the delegation of Mali. We thank you, Mr. President, for having called this timely meeting to deliberate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. Before my brief remarks, let me express my delegation's condolences to all the bereaved families and to take this opportunity to express our thanks and appreciation to the Arab countries and others outside the region who have taken into their care the injured Palestinians.

    2000-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4231 (2000) · source

  13. President, and to your delegation for affording the wider membership of the United Nations an opportunity to participate in the Council's meetings. That in itself underscores the importance you attach to transparency in the Security Council's deliberations. In conclusion, my delegation commends you, Sir, for having, during your presidency, devoted deliberations to burning African issues.

    2000-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4227 (2000) · source

  14. It is our hope that the task of international humanitarian workers will be facilitated so as to most effectively alleviate the hardships suffered by those in need. We call on the two Governments to ensure the protection of all international personnel. Their presence in the area is a measure for building confidence between the two sides in support of the peace process. Today's briefing is taking place a few days after the General Assembly's deliberations on the item on cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity. It is in this context that we view the importance and significance of coordination and cooperation between the Security Council and the OAU. Finally, may I take this opportunity to place on record our appreciation to you, Mr.

    2000-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4227 (2000) · source

  15. Therefore, any confidence- building measures which can be adhered to by the parties will boost implementation of resolution 1312 (2000) and enhance further the peace between these two neighbouring countries. It is in this context that we view the confidence-building measures you have put forward, Mr. President. We know that the humanitarian situation is deplorable, even under normal circumstances, due to, among other things, the adverse climate in this region. In addition, landmines pose a serious challenge to security and to developmental activities. Therefore, demining activities in the temporary security zones and adjacent areas are crucial, and international assistance is essential.

    2000-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4227 (2000) · source

  16. We in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are proud that one of us has been charged with helping to restore peace and stability in another region. We wish to stress the need for the continuous and comprehensive implementation of Security Council resolution 1312 (2000) of 31 July 2000, which established UNMEE, as well as of other relevant resolutions. It is our firm hope that the commitment of the parties to the agreement on cessation of hostilities will allow the people of Ethiopia and Eritrea, who have been subjected to the horrors of war, to enjoy peace and security. Distrust, in our View, played a major part in causing this conflict.

    2000-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4227 (2000) · source

  17. Mrs. Ashipala-Musavyi: (Mr. President, in your opening remarks you mentioned, among other things, that stability, development and economic growth in Africa are a high priority of the foreign policy of your country. As an African, I should like to say that we can attest to that; it is an indisputable fact. We commend you highly on your initiative to visit the East African subregion to bring us firsthand information on the new developments taking place there. Your thoughtful and substantive briefing and views are particularly timely in view of the arrival and deployment of the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) peacekeeping troops. Let me also take this opportunity to express my delegation's best wishes to the newly appointed Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Mr. Legwaila Joseph Legwaila.

    2000-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4227 (2000) · source

  18. It is also reasonable to assume that it will now be up to the elected leaders of Kosovo - of course, with the assistance of the international community - to start addressing the needs and aspirations of their communities in the spirit of peaceful coexistence and in accordance with Security Council resolution 1244 (1999). We believe that full implementation of Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) is indeed crucial for the peaceful coexistence of all inhabitants of the Kosovo province. Finally, my delegation believes that the municipal elections are just the beginning of a process of democratic representation, and in this context, therefore, we hope that the Special Representative will continue to engage the elected leaders in a more meaningful dialogue - a dialogue which will contribute to much-needed reconciliation.

    2000-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4225 (2000) · source

  19. My delegation, too, would like to acknowledge the presence of the Special Representative, Mr. Kouchner, in our midst today and to thank him for his comprehensive briefing on, among other things, the elections in Kosovo. It is indeed reasonable to say that, despite the non-participation of some ethnic minorities in the municipal elections, the people of Kosovo have exercised their right to democratic governance. In doing so, they have elected their leaders and given them the mandate to plan for the future of all Kosovars. In this regard, my delegation commends the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, the personnel of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and other members involved in implementing the mandate of the United Nations Security Council.

    2000-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4225 (2000) · source

  20. We strongly recommend that the Security Council continue to carry out such Visits to assess the situation on the ground and to establish whether conditions are ripe for peacekeeping and peace-building. United Nations peacekeeping has had some failures and many successes. It is on those successes that we must build.

    2000-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4223 (2000) · source

  21. The poorest countries cannot emerge from conflict without generous aid from the international community, especially from donor countries, in laying the foundations for durable peace and recovery and in avoiding a relapse into conflict. Past experience has shown that peace-building is an important, integral part of peace operations. It is essential that institution-building be a part of peace- building operations. Each peacekeeping operation or mandate should take into account the level of socio- economic development of the country in question. Recent experience has shown also that Security Council missions to conflict areas have enabled Council members to see first-hand the nature and the extent of problems.

    2000-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4223 (2000) · source

  22. The same cannot be said today about the Democratic Republic of the Congo or even Sierra Leone. It therefore follows that a successful United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone or MONUC also depends on peace and stability in the neighbouring countries of Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In the case of Namibia, my country, while there was political will among the parties, the events of 1 April 1989 could have derailed the implementation of Security Council resolution 435 (1978). It was a fatal and dangerous situation, but the Security Council took the right decision by deploying the United Nations Transition Assistance Group fully. That deployment was crucial, for it meant either independence for Namibia or the continuation of apartheid rule.

    2000-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4223 (2000) · source

  23. The problems being experienced with regard to MONUC's full deployment can be overcome if the Security Council examines them in the context of its Charter responsibility and not in terms of individual Council members' national interests. Objectivity, and not selectivity, is a real challenge which the Security Council has to overcome, especially in terms of conflict situations in Africa. With regard to case studies, in the case study of Mozambique, for example - whose findings my delegation fully agrees with - it should be emphasized that, in addition to what is entailed in the background paper which you, Mr. President, made available to us, the regional context of the conflict situation at the time needed to be taken into account. In 1992, there were countries surrounding Mozambique which themselves were fairly politically stable.

    2000-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4223 (2000) · source

  24. What is needed, therefore, is adherence by the international community to the diamond embargoes in place with regard to Sierra Leone and Angola, to cite just two examples. Furthermore, the awaited report by the Secretary- General on the illegal exploitation of the resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo will be an added progressive step. I mentioned at the beginning of my statement that today's discussions should not lay ground for the selective termination of mandates and the abandonment of missions because of a lack of progress, fatigue or even fear. In the View of my delegation, the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) should continue.

    2000-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4223 (2000) · source

  25. In our view, it is the Charter obligation of collective security, not national interests, that should dictate and guide United Nations peacekeeping operation mandates. It has been argued that, in setting out mandates for peacekeeping, we must plan for worst-case scenarios, and we agree. In other words, this is a recognition of inherent difficulties in peace operations. We also concur, therefore, that when appropriate resources accompany every peacekeeping operation, irrespective of its geographical location, then the eventual difficulties are minimized and the foundation, from peacekeeping to peace-building, is assured. Major conflicts today, especially in Africa, are economically driven. Conflict diamonds and other natural resources are cases in point.

    2000-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4223 (2000) · source

  26. We are therefore convinced that this theme is not about getting out, but about getting it right. Post-cold-war United Nations peacekeeping is characterized by successes and failures on the part of the United Nations. In some instances, the United Nations has either withdrawn prematurely or reduced its presence, only to have the situation revert to violence and descend into subsequent human tragedy. Thus, in the view of my delegation, the imbalanced handling and management of present conflicts is indeed a concern. Some conflicts are left to drag on, breaking down state institutions, destroying physical infrastructure and resulting in population displacements, while other conflict situations are addressed rapidly and with massive resources. The case studies provided enable us to draw lessons from our past undertakings.

    2000-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4223 (2000) · source

  27. The paper you have distributed as background to today's discussion not only deals with real situations by way of drawing conclusions from case studies, but, in a very courageous manner, actually touches upon core issues which the Security Council, either through individual members or collectively as an organ of the United Nations, needs to consider. It is some of these issues that my delegation will seek to address briefly. At the outset, I wish to emphasize that the Security Council's primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security is indispensable. An exit with a strategy is not tantamount to an easy way out, nor should it be an abdication of the Council's primary responsibility. We View the objective of this theme as a way of establishing a continuum of peacekeeping to peace-building - two sides of the same coin.

    2000-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4223 (2000) · source

  28. You hail, Sir, from a country with a long and outstanding record of contribution to United Nations peacekeeping and peace-building activities. It is therefore no surprise to my delegation that your presidency saw fit to arrange a public meeting on a theme of such importance. Let me also thank you for the background paper prepared by your delegation on the theme "No exit without strategy". This debate comes at a time when we in the United Nations are deliberating on the report of the Panel on United Nations Peace Operations. The Brahimi report, among others, though not explicitly, addresses aspects of the theme we are discussing today.

    2000-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4223 (2000) · source

  29. The report further reaffirms the indispensable role that women play in conflict prevention and resolution and endorses fully mainstreaming a gender perspective in peacekeeping operations. The full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) is therefore crucial. We are pleased to note that in the implementation plan the Secretary-General has recommended the creation of a gender unit in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations.

    2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source

  30. While regional organizations have a role to play in peace and security, the primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security rests with the Security Council. In this regard, the provision included in the resolution to strengthen the system of consultations with troop-contributing countries at all levels during the consideration of mandates is of paramount importance. My delegation also agrees with those who have emphasized clear and credible mandates. We stress the need for rapid deployment and look forward to the findings by the Secretary-General on the modalities for achieving these objectives. Indeed, in maintaining international peace and security, our best guarantee is to tackle the root causes of conflict. Investing in the promotion of sustainable development is indispensable to peace and security.

    2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source

  31. My delegation commends Ambassador Ward of Jamaica for his leadership of the Working Group, which led to the adoption of today's resolution in the Security Council. At the Summit of the Security Council, the President of Namibia, Mr. Sam Nujoma, commended the report of the Panel on United Nations Peace Operations and the recommendations therein. We therefore welcome the speedy consideration of the Brahimi Report system-wide. In the View of my delegation, the recommendations contained in the resolution adopted today give us an opportunity to take into account lessons learned in past and ongoing peace operations. As per the Charter of the United Nations, peacekeeping operations are a collective and shared responsibility.

    2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source

  32. In our view, the study to be undertaken in accordance with one provision of that resolution needs to take into account some of the issues that Mrs. Ogata raised today. For our part, we shall study Mrs. Ogata's briefing notes for maximal use in relevant forums. When we were commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of UNHCR, Mrs. Ogata said, among other things, that there was really nothing to celebrate, because we do not need refugees or internally displaced persons in the first place. None the less, my delegation would like to thank Mrs. Ogata for having placed herself at the service of those who needed her. Her successor, High Commissioner-elect Ruud Lubbers, hails from a country - your country, Mr. President - with a long and outstanding record on humanitarian assistance. My delegation looks forward to working with him.

    2000-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4219 (2000) · source

  33. Ogata did a good job of discussing that issue. We have noted the shortfall in funding for humanitarian activities, and we call on the donor community to provide the funding required to enable UNHCR and other humanitarian agencies to bring relief to civilians in need. In her briefing, Mrs. Ogata raised many important issues and made concrete proposals. I believe that those proposals are timely as the Council considers, inter alia, the report (S/2000/809) of the Panel on United Nations Peace Operations chaired by Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, on which she also touched. My colleague from the United States delegation referred in his statement to Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security.

    2000-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4219 (2000) · source

  34. That group of civilians have special needs that require special attention. Despite the continuing efforts of UNHCR and other humanitarian agencies, the refugee population has not decreased. My delegation notes that internally displaced persons do not necessarily draw the attention of the international community, but that their situation is just as critical as that of refugees. It is imperative that we all work together to ensure that conflict does not occur. In that way, we avoid an increase in the number of the people about whom we are speaking today. We wish to emphasize the need for the international community to support post-conflict peace-building activities where conflicts have taken place, by assisting countries in their reconciliation and economic reconstruction efforts, which will ensure long-term security. In her briefing, Mrs.

    2000-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4219 (2000) · source

  35. It is thus essential to preserve a safe environment to enable humanitarian workers to reach those in need. In this regard, States must carry out their obligation to protect humanitarian personnel. Those who attack humanitarian personnel must be brought to justice. Many factors have an impact on the situation of refugees and of humanitarian workers. The easy availability of the small arms and light weapons that fuel armed conflict is a major factor. It is therefore essential that arms-producing countries exercise restraint and ensure that the arms they produce do not reach the areas in question. Without downplaying the severity of the situation of all refugees and internally displaced persons, I wish to place particular emphasis on the situation of women and girl refugees.

    2000-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4219 (2000) · source

  36. I would like to thank Mrs. Ogata for her briefing. For 10 years, she and her staff have done magnificent work on behalf of millions of women, children and men who have lost their identities and are now known merely as refugees or internally displaced persons. We have witnessed an increase in the number of conflicts; as a result, the number of the people to whom I have referred has also increased. This was indeed a challenging period for Mrs. Ogata, but she met the challenge head-on. We applaud her tireless efforts and wish her the best in her future endeavours. Those whom the staff of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) seek to help have become a weapon of war. Over the past months, deliberate attacks on humanitarian workers have occurred.

    2000-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4219 (2000) · source

  37. In conclusion, my delegation acknowledges the contribution of the international community, major international humanitarian institutions, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, United Nations agencies, the European Union and others to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Once again, we thank the High Representative for his very useful briefing, and Namibia wishes him well as he labours to assist the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina to realize their dreams.

    2000-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4136 (2000) · source

  38. In this context, we hope that the return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their homes and regions will provide the necessary momentum for the leaders of both entities to implement property laws throughout the country. We also hope that the implementation of the Stability Pact will help to speed up economic recovery and, as a result, create employment opportunities for the people. Notwithstanding the problems involved in the fulfilment of the Dayton Peace Accords, we cannot fail to recognize the fact that the authorities in both entities have no meaningful alternative to cooperating with the Office of the High Representative and the international community in their quest for a comprehensive peace.

    2000-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4136 (2000) · source

  39. Indeed, the leaders in that country should set aside their political and ethnic differences and embrace the strength that they have in diversity so as to harmonize the wishes and aspirations of their people. Against the backdrop of these positive developments, my delegation expresses its concern, in line with that of the High Representative, with respect to the little tangible progress on privatization programmes and the lack of political will from the leadership, especially the legislators in the upper House of Parliament, to get things done. We also register our concern about the application and practice of human rights and humanitarian law in the country. On balance, my delegation shares the frustration of Mr. Petritsch with the slow pace at which these issues are being considered by the leadership in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    2000-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4136 (2000) · source

  40. In addition, we also observe with satisfaction the introduction into the legislative procedure of the Draft Permanent Rules of Procedure for Parliament, as well as the adoption by Parliament, on 13 April 2000, of the Law on the Council of Ministers. In our view, the second municipal elections in Bosnia were among the positive developments that could not have taken place without the firm guidance and support of the Office of the High Representative and other major players involved in the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement. We also regard the official proclamation of the Statute of the Brcko District as an exemplary achievement. The appointment of the interim government and District Assembly stand out as one of the practical building blocks for a future multi-ethnic and multi-religious Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    2000-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4136 (2000) · source

  41. We thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting. We would like welcome the High Representative, Mr. Petritsch, to our midst, and we also thank him for his briefing. The excellent work that the High Representative and his colleagues are doing in Bosnia and Herzegovina on behalf of the international community deserves our support. We believe that the Dayton/Paris Accords remain the viable mechanism for bringing peace and stability to Bosnia and Herzegovina. We note with appreciation that, as reported by the High Representative, in November 1999 the Parliamentary Assembly adopted two essential laws: the Law on Asylum and Immigration and the Law on Refugees and Displaced Persons.

    2000-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4136 (2000) · source

  42. My delegation is satisfied with the general security situation, although cross-border incidents remain a concern. We are, however, confident that the measures being adopted, such as the recent signing UNTAET and Indonesia of a Memorandum of Understanding on security, boundary- crossing, the passage of refugees and the provision of humanitarian assistance along the border of East and West Timor will indeed go a long way towards improving the situation. We therefore hope that improved border safety will further speed up the safe repatriation of refugees to East Timor.

    2000-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4133 (2000) · source

  43. At the same time, the consultations and participation of the East Timorese at all levels in decision-making mechanisms remain crucial to ensure the success of future projects. My delegation is glad to note a recent report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which states that life has returned to normal in most areas in East Timor and that children attending school is a familiar sight in villages. However, we also recognize the other socio-economic problems that remain, such as large-scale unemployment and the potential consequences this situation can have on security. I believe this point was adequately elaborated on by Mr. Annabi. No doubt there is an urgent need to address the situation, and the continuing efforts of UNTAET through job creation and other empowerment projects are welcome.

    2000-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4133 (2000) · source

  44. Let me also start by thanking Mr. Annabi for the comprehensive briefing he gave us on East Timor. At the outset, my delegation would like to pay tribute to Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello and the staff of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) for their accomplishments so far and for the solid foundation created to date for the reconstruction and administration of East Timor. We recognize indeed the daunting task that they and the international community face, a situation that is exacerbated by, among other things, the very high expectations of the East Timorese people. In this regard, the constant efforts of Mr. Vieira de Mello and the East Timorese leaders to promote confidence-building and reconciliation are noted and are very welcome.

    2000-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4133 (2000) · source

  45. My delegation joins those who have expressed disappointment about the inability of the Council and the Government of Iraq to reach an agreement on arrangements enabling Iraqi pilgrims to perform the Hajj this year. We sincerely hope that the situation will change next year. Finally, my delegation wishes to see the timely and full implementation of resolution 1284 (1999). In this regard, it is important for the Government of Iraq to resume cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Tripartite Commission and the Technical Subcommittee, as reiterated by the Council in section B of resolution 1284 (1999). We look forward to the report of the Secretary-General on this issue.

    2000-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4120Resumption1 (2000) · source

  46. We trust that the lists of pharmaceutical and medical supplies, as well as those for basic medical and agricultural equipment, will be approved soon and that all of them will be reviewed regularly to allow for expansion. However, we also note the references to the number of instances where the sanctions Committee failed to reach consensus on matters vital to the administration of the programme. My delegation supports the Secretary-General in his call for efforts to be renewed to resolve the outstanding issues. We further welcome the recommendations to the Government of Iraq and the Committee established by resolution 661 (1990) aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the programme.

    2000-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4120Resumption1 (2000) · source

  47. Bellamy, as requested by the delegation of Jamaica. We support the recommendations proposed by the Secretary-General to address this matter. In particular we support looking into an expanded role for the observation mechanism. I believe, as do some who spoke before me, that indeed it is time for an impact assessment of these sanctions. As far back as 1997, it became clear that the programme as constituted could not prevent the continued deterioration of the health and nutritional well-being of the Iraqi people. My delegation welcomes the progress achieved in certain areas, such as the approval of the lists of foodstuffs and educational items.

    2000-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4120Resumption1 (2000) · source

  48. Is everyone considered an adult? Truly, the images coming out of Iraq regarding the situation of children are disheartening. According to UNICEF, unacceptably high mortality and morbidity rates persist. Not long ago many of us might have seen a programme entitled Cry Freetown, which was about children in Sierra Leone. Having spoken to many of my colleagues privately, I know that we were all touched by what we saw. Last night on ITN another equally sad programme was shown, this time about Iraqi children. The messages regarding those children cannot but touch everybody. One does not need to be a mother or a father for one's heart to bleed at what the Iraqi children are going through; one needs only to be human. We cannot use political concerns to address humanitarian needs. We therefore look forward to the comments by Ms.

    2000-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4120Resumption1 (2000) · source

  49. This report again reveals the profoundly negative effect holds have on sectors crucial to the most vulnerable groups, such as children. It is particularly alarming that little or no improvement has occurred in sectors such as water, sanitation and electricity. For example, the progress recorded as a result of the arrival of medical supplies has been compromised by the very high death rate resulting from acute respiratory disease, as cited in paragraph 138 of the report. Among those severely affected by acute respiratory diseases are children. Even more frightening, only one out of 10 children is being correctly treated, only 9 per cent of pneumonia cases are correctly treated and only 4 per cent of children are systematically checked for danger signs. One can therefore ask, are there no more children in Iraq today?

    2000-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4120Resumption1 (2000) · source

  50. An Iraq whose social and economic fabric has been destroyed will not only affect the Iraqi people, but will also not serve the interests of its neighbours. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) representative in Baghdad has recently again confirmed UNICEF's findings of last year on how children in Iraq have been disproportionately affected by the sanctions regime. This situation continues to deteriorate and could result in an irreversible breakdown of the social, cultural and economic fabric. Central to this issue and hampering the effectiveness of the programme is the matter of holds and delayed deliveries. The high number of holds on and delays affecting individual contracts is a matter that certainly needs to be reviewed.

    2000-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4120Resumption1 (2000) · source