YouSaid · the spoken record

Assaf

lines on the record

76

first

2005-01-28

most recent

2011-11-14

sittings or episodes

18

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un-security-council

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1. “It is imperative that the international community exert a concerted effort to ensure the return of refugees and IDPs to safe and secure homes. The Security Council has both a political responsibility and a moral duty towards defenceless civilians in situations of armed conflict, as well as towards humanitarian aid workers and journalists who risk their lives to help those vulnerable populations and to report on their plight. We owe it to them all to endow our peacekeeping operations with the necessary resources to carry out their mandates, as well as to embolden them with the necessary political will.”

   2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354 (2010) · source

2. “While Lebanon commends the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and OCHA in Gaza, the fact remains that unless the siege is lifted and the people of Gaza allowed to experience sustainable and sustained economic development, their basic human right to freedom from want and need will continue to be threatened. Lebanon also expresses its appreciation for the quick-impact projects carried out by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, which have made an important difference in the lives of our citizens. While there is no doubt that civilians in armed conflict are forced into vulnerable situations, it must be acknowledged that refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) are generally in even more precarious conditions.”

   2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354 (2010) · source

3. “Standing idle as human rights and international humanitarian law are violated and civilian access to aid is consistently impeded means abandoning the victims twice. The people of Gaza, whose hospitals and schools have been repeatedly bombed by the Israeli army, should be allowed to access, without waiting endless hours at checkpoints, the humanitarian aid that would cater to their basic human needs. Moreover, the blockade of Gaza should be lifted immediately and without conditions. The efforts to protect civilians should also tackle the root causes hampering enduring peace and security, in addition to dealing with imminent physical threats.”

   2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354 (2010) · source

4. “The use of cluster munitions as a means of indiscriminate attacks against civilians is particularly lethal, since its risks to civilians endure long after the conflict has ended. The Lebanese armed forces, assisted by the international community, are still working on clearing vast areas from the 4 million cluster bombs Israel dropped in the last 48 hours of the war it waged in 2006. Hundreds of civilians - a large proportion of whom are children - are still dying or losing limbs, four years on, as a result of unexploded munitions. Lebanon reiterates its demand that Israel pay due compensation for the Lebanese children and farmers harmed by cluster munitions, in addition to the fishermen and others affected by the oil spill caused by the Israeli bombing of the Jiyeh power plant in 2006.”

   2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354 (2010) · source

5. “Thus the prospects for building safe, peaceful and prosperous societies are eroded, as children's hope for the future is shattered, women and girls continue to be subject to endemic sexual and gender-based violence, and able men are killed or injured. Tolerating impunity for the armed targeting of civilians only encourages perpetrators in their heinous practices. Lebanon supports the establishment of standing mechanisms for the timely creation of independent fact-finding commissions in the immediate aftermath of hostilities. That would improve the Council's ability to fairly assess the realities on the ground and to take appropriate action against those parties undermining international law and international humanitarian law.”

   2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354 (2010) · source

6. “I wish to thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive briefing, as well as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Pillay, for her perceptive remarks and the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Holmes, for his insightful comments. We wish him all the best in his next endeavour. Lebanon also expresses its support for the informal group of experts on the protection of civilians. Its diligent work, coupled with that of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), has been instrumental in reporting the realities on the ground. Civilians continue to account for the majority of casualties in armed conflicts, even after more than a decade since the adoption of resolution 1265 (1999).”

   2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354 (2010) · source

7. “The Tribunals are also an important gateway towards closing a painful chapter in the past history of Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, as well as towards strengthening national reconciliation, guaranteeing stability, deterring future crimes and providing justice for victims and easing the suffering of their families. Lebanon will continue to support every effort to ensure the success of the international justice system.”

   2010-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6342 (2010) · source

8. “Such a mechanism must guarantee witness protection, fugitive apprehension and the preservation of the Tribunals' archives, which will constitute a valuable framework of reference for international criminal law. The establishment of these two Tribunals after the end of the cold war was a qualitative leap that confronted the phenomenon of impunity. The Tribunals' successful completion of their tasks will lay the groundwork for holding criminals accountable and for strengthening the rule of law at the international and national levels.”

   2010-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6342 (2010) · source

9. “Moreover, my country encourages the referral of more cases to national courts that meet fair trial standards, which would reduce the workload of the ICTR and the ICTY and expedite the implementation of the completion strategy. Lebanon commends the cooperation demonstrated by most States with both Tribunals, especially the States of the former Yugoslavia and the States neighbouring Rwanda, and calls on them all to cooperate fully with the two Tribunals. The role of these States is fundamental to locating, arresting and handing over fugitives, as are the potential evidence and information available to those States. Lebanon also appreciates the efforts of the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals, chaired by Austria, and hopes that a residual mechanism will be established to ensure the completion of the Tribunals' efforts.”

   2010-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6342 (2010) · source

10. “Mr. Assaf (Lebanon) (spoke in Arabic): Allow me at the outset to thank the Presidents and Prosecutors of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) for their briefings. Lebanon highly appreciates the efforts of the two international Tribunals to achieve the completion strategy as soon as possible. Lebanon notes the progress made in the various trial Chambers, but at the same time is aware of the difficulties that, as predicted, have prevented the completion of certain tasks. Lebanon therefore supports any necessary measure taken by the Security Council to enable the two Tribunals to complete their proceedings as soon as possible, without compromising due process.”

    2010-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6342 (2010) · source

11. “Mulet's proposal, we express our readiness to work with the other members of the Council to adapt MINUSTAH's mandate to the changes on the ground, including to provide technical, operational and logistical assistance, in full respect for the authority and competence of the Government of Haiti.”

    2010-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6303 (2010) · source

12. “Lebanon supports national and human capacity- building efforts in Haiti through its assistance in the fields of education, information-sharing, equal opportunity, the strengthening of equitable development, and respect for human rights. The report refers to this as an "investment in human capital". We therefore express our satisfaction at the security and political stability in the country. We support MINUSTAH's technical assistance for the upcoming elections. In the light of the report of the Secretary-General, upon the approval of the Haitian Government and in line with Mr.”

    2010-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6303 (2010) · source

13. “The challenge now lies in continuing our work to ensure that all of the assistance is transformed into tangible services on the ground. We fully support the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), which lost 101 staff members, including the head of Mission and his deputy. We welcome the additional efforts of the Mission in the areas of emergency assistance, assisting civilians and reopening roads. My country understands the difficult circumstances under which the Mission is operating and therefore welcomes the response of States to the United Nations appeal aimed at strengthening troop levels pursuant to resolution 1908 (2010) of 19 January. The people and Government of Haiti must play a primary role in determining the future of their country.”

    2010-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6303 (2010) · source

14. “Faced with this disaster, we can only reiterate the statement of the Secretary-General in his report that "our best tribute to [the people of Haiti] is to continue their work, to transform Haiti and build anew out of tragedy (5/2010/200, para. 80). Lebanon welcomes the Action Plan for the Reconstruction and the Development of Haiti presented by the Government of Haiti at the pledging conference held in New York on 31 March. We welcome the positive results of the pledging conference, which raised $9 billion. The donors' generosity reflected the international community's solidarity with the Haitian people and highlighted the importance of collective efforts when facing the disasters that regularly confront humankind.”

    2010-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6303 (2010) · source

15. “Mr. Assaf (Lebanon) (spoke in Arabic): At the outset I welcome His Excellency Mr. Jean-Max Bellerive, Prime Minister of Haiti, and thank him for his statement. I thank Mr. Edmond Mulet for his message of hope. Allow me to make the following comments. My delegation again expresses its solidarity with the Haitian people following the humanitarian disaster caused by the earthquake of 12 January, which left 220,000 people dead, 1.5 million without shelter, and $11.5 billion in damage. It is unfortunate to note that Haiti will require a great deal of time before it is in a position to overcome this crisis.”

    2010-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6303 (2010) · source

16. “We thank the Security Council for its commitment and assure it that the Lebanese people will continue to steadfastly face all of the challenges and dangers inherent in preserving the unity, stability and independence of Lebanon. We will not turn back on this path.”

    2005-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5329 (2005) · source

17. “Mr. Assaf (Lebanon) (spoke in Arabic): I would like to begin by thanking the Security Council for having adopted resolution 1644 (2005) unanimously. The adoption by the Council of this resolution is proof of the Council's commitment to helping Lebanon in the very difficult circumstances in which our country finds itself. This is in accordance with the Council's responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, in particular in the light of the terrorist bombings that took place in Lebanon between 1 October 2004 - the date of the attempted assassination of Minister Marwan Hamadeh - and the time of the assassination of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, as well as other attacks, including the terrorist bombing the day before yesterday that claimed the life of Gibran Tueni, who was a Member of Parliament.”

    2005-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5329 (2005) · source

18. “We have seen that there is a link joining the terrorist crimes that began with the attempted assassination of Economy Minister Marwan Hamadeh on 1 October 2004. All those crimes have been thoroughly condemned by the Lebanese people. The Security Council too has condemned those crimes. Accordingly, the Government of Lebanon has requested in writing that the Security Council extend the mandate of the International Independent Investigation Commission established pursuant to resolution 1595 (2005) or that it establish another international investigation commission to help the Lebanese authorities in the current investigation of all other terrorist crimes, assassinations and attempted assassinations of political and media figures in Lebanon, starting with the attempted assassination of Mr. Marwan Hamadeh on 1 October 2004.”

    2005-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5323 (2005) · source

19. “In accordance with paragraph 14 of Security Council resolution 1636 (2005), by which the Security Council expresses its readiness to consider any additional request for assistance from the Lebanese Government to ensure that all those responsible for the crime are held responsible, the Government of Lebanon today asked the Security Council to establish an international tribunal, which could have its seat either in or outside Lebanon, and which would try all those who, in the judgement of the Commission, were involved in the terrorist crime that claimed the lives of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, Member of Parliament Bassil Fuleihan and their companions. The series of terrorist acts has continued. The latest incident occurred yesterday, when Member of Parliament and journalist Mr. Gebrane Tueni was killed.”

    2005-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5323 (2005) · source

20. “In that context, we invite all parties concerned to extend their genuine and rapid cooperation to the Commission, in accordance with Security Council resolutions 1595 (2005) and 1636 (2005), by shedding light on all aspects of that terrorist crime and punishing all the perpetrators in order to preserve the region's stability and security. International precedents show that the best way to judge those involved in serious crimes of this nature is to establish an international tribunal so that justice can be delivered through fair trials free of pressure and obstacles.”

    2005-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5323 (2005) · source

21. “We hope that we can continue our constructive cooperation with his successor so that the investigation can proceed with the same energy and determination. That is vital, and it is the wish of all sectors of the Lebanese people. We hope that, as we have requested, and in accordance with resolution 1636 (2005), the Security Council will decide to extend the mandate of the International Independent Investigation Commission for a renewable six-month period, according to the Commission's needs. The judicial and security bodies of Lebanon will continue their cooperation with the Commission.”

    2005-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5323 (2005) · source

22. “Mr. Assaf (Lebanon) (spoke in Arabic): First of all, Mr. President, I would like to thank you for having invited us to participate in this meeting. We express our gratitude for your efforts and those of the Secretary-General, in following recent developments in the situation in my country. I would also like to thank the United Nations International Independent Investigation Commission (UNIIIC), which is responsible for the inquiry into the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, as well as its head, Mr. Detlev Mehlis, for their enormous and effective professional efforts. These are reflected in the report submitted today. We wish Judge Mehlis every success in his future tasks after his praiseworthy efforts in Lebanon.”

    2005-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5323 (2005) · source

23. “The construction also contravenes the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, which ruled that the wall violates international law and is an obstacle to the establishment of a contiguous Palestinian State, and that Israel must cease construction forthwith, dismantle the completed sections, and offer compensation for the damage resulting from the construction. The Security Council is required to take all necessary measures to put an end to the illegal situation resulting from the construction of the separation wall, pursuant to the provisions of international law and to paragraph 160 of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on that issue.”

    2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230Resumption1 (2005) · source

24. “If those reasons were genuine, why should it not be built along the armistice lines of 1949? The construction is a unilateral measure that totally disregards the recommendations contained in resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) on achieving a peaceful settlement through negotiations and, of course, with the agreement of both parties. In pursuing its construction of the separation wall, Israel is violating both the legal principle that establishes the illegality of acquiring land by force and the relevant General Assembly resolutions calling on it to cease building the wall in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.”

    2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230Resumption1 (2005) · source

25. “Mr. Assaf (Lebanon) (spoke in Arabic): Israel continues to build the separation wall inside the occupied Palestinian territories. It is now 720 kilometres long and 90 per cent of its length falls within the West Bank, at a depth of 22 kilometres in some places. It isolates the Palestinian population and violates their basic rights. The completion of the wall will entail the annexation of approximately 1,000 square kilometres of West Bank territory, as noted in one of the Secretary-General's reports. Thus, it is not accurate to claim that the wall separates Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, for the majority of its sections separate Palestinian lands from other Palestinian lands that have been usurped and annexed by Israel. Israel advances security reasons to justify the construction of the wall.”

    2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230Resumption1 (2005) · source

26. “Mr. Assaf (Lebanon) (spoke in Arabic): Lebanon very much appreciates the efforts and the sacrifices that have been made by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to secure peace and security in the region. The Lebanese Government would like to underscore the importance that it attaches to UNIFIL and to the fact that UNIFIL must remain in place, carrying out its tasks in keeping with resolution 425 (1978), without any review or change whatsoever. The Government of Lebanon believes that it would have been desirable to draft a technical resolution to extend UNIFIL's mandate without selectively highlighting passages from the Secretary- General's report and without introducing any political elements into the resolution. Those elements could have a detrimental effect on peace and security.”

    2005-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5117 (2005) · source