YouSaid · the spoken record

Ayewah

lines on the record: 166
first: 1994-03-04
most recent: 1996-08-30
sittings or episodes: 26
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We hope those proposals will also take into account the requirements of ECOMOG in its leading role in finding a solution to the Liberian crisis.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“We hope the Liberian parties and leaders will now agree to conduct themselves in the interest of peace, national reconciliation and reconstruction. The new implementation plan offers them that opportunity. In concluding, we wish Ms. Perry well as she assumes next Tuesday the mantle of leadership of the Liberian Council of State. With regard to the draft resolution, we agree with its general thrust and import. It is a continued commitment by the international community to the cause of peace in Liberia. Expressions of support are, however, not enough, and in this context, we note the request to the Secretary-General in operative paragraph 5 of the draft resolution to come up with concrete proposals to assist the process.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“We note the intention of the Secretary-General in this regard and urge him to consider further increases in line with his own assessment of the situation and on the basis of the mandate which he already possesses. For so long we have addressed the Liberian parties and factional leaders. We have called upon them and appealed to them to try to overcome their political differences in the interest of peace and reconciliation in their country. They have so far failed to heed those calls and appeals. This is unfortunate. One positive development, however, out of the recent unfortunate fighting in Monrovia, is the increasing assertiveness and visibility of the civilian population concerning the direction of their country. We welcome this trend, and believe it can only have a salutary and positive impact on the peace process.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“Such assistance should be unfettered and given to ECOMOG directly so as not to undermine its cohesiveness as a unified peace-keeping force. We are happy to note the indications of positive response from various quarters. We hope that the pledges of support will soon materialize. Time is of the essence. As we have come to realize at great cost in human lives and material resources, any long lull between a cease-fire and demobilization of combatants risks jeopardizing the tentative gains that have been made on the path to peace. At the same time, UNOMIL's presence needs to be beefed up significantly and in timely fashion to complement ECOMOG's deployment.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“We, however, need to be vigilant in ensuring strict adherence by the parties to the implementation plan and schedule, and to this end, a well- equipped and highly motivated ECOMOG force is essential - even more so since in the ninth preambular paragraph of the draft resolution it is suggested that a continued presence of the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL) is predicated on the presence of ECOMOG and its commitment to ensure the safety of UNOMIL. We would in turn suggest that the Council ensure that ECOMOG is enabled to do so through assistance to it. In this regard, the recent steps taken by ECOMOG to enhance its capability need to be complemented by international assistance in the form of logistical and financial resources.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“While we welcome what has been achieved in Abuja, for which we commend the leadership of ECOWAS, my delegation is all too aware that only with the commitment to peace and national reconciliation of the Liberian parties, particularly the factional leaders, and with the continued support of the international community will we be able to ensure that this will be the last extension of the implementation schedule. None the less, we believe that on the basis of past experience, the new plan, with its provision for the periodic review of progress in the implementation of the Agreement and the formulation of a code of conduct for members of the Council of State and transitional government, as well as the decision to impose sanctions against any party not in compliance with these measures, may well help to usher in peace and stability in Liberia.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“During the open debate on Liberia last May, Council members and other United Nations Member States carried out a critical assessment of the state of play in Liberia and agreed to delay further action until after the meeting of ECOWAS leaders in August of this year. Fortunately, we have achieved some positive results, which is the basis of our deliberations today. After intensive consultations with all parties concerned and painstaking preparations, the ECOWAS Committee of Nine, at its Summit Meeting in Abuja on 17 August 1996, came up with a new implementation schedule for the Abuja Agreement.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“Members of the international community collectively reaffirmed on that occasion their commitment to the cause of peace in Liberia and promised not to abandon its people. A pledging conference on Liberia and the requirements of ECOMOG was subsequently held here at United Nations Headquarters. Unfortunately, we are meeting here today in the Security Council not to welcome the installation of a new Government in Liberia, as called for in the implementation plan, but to support the extension of the implementation schedule of the Abuja Accord, by a period of almost another year. There is enough blame to go around for the setback that we have witnessed, but the major responsibility lies with those who signed an Agreement to end the war in their country but later reneged.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“Almost one year ago, on 15 September 1995 to be precise, we were holding a similar meeting in this Chamber, welcoming the Abuja Agreement of 15 August 1995 on Liberia. The Council will recall that on that occasion we were generally confident and optimistic that at last Liberia was on the road to peace and security, after the nightmare of the civil war of the previous six years. The leaders of the subregion had made an appeal to the international community to assist the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in the implementation of the Accord. They also sent a message to the factional leaders about their frustration at their lack of cooperation in implementing the Accord and the need for them to deliver on their commitments in the interest of peace.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“In conclusion, let me reiterate the appeals that have been made to all the forces and political groups in Burundi to give peace a chance and cooperate with the Organization of African Unity, the United Nations, its agencies and bodies and all other personalities engaged in seeking a solution to the crisis in Burundi and in assisting the people to live in peace.”
1996-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3639 (1996) · source
“With regard to the draft resolution the Security Council is about to adopt, we believe it is a balanced text in that it recognizes the primacy of dialogue and painstaking negotiations in trying to resolve the serious socio-political problems in Burundi. It also expresses the intention of the Security Council to support those processes and maintain a hands-on policy on developments in Burundi, including contingency planning for possible humanitarian intervention, should that become necessary. My delegation would, however, like to sound a note of caution: any such efforts or preparations must respect the sovereignty of Burundi and the expressed wish of its Government. Any initiative that attempts to sidestep this condition carries with it serious difficulties and could, in the end, be counterproductive.”
1996-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3639 (1996) · source
“At the continental level, we would like to commend the contributions of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), in particular that of its Observer Mission. The enormous sacrifice made by the OAU to help arrest the situation in Burundi needs to be strengthened by financial and logistical support from members of the international community. It would be unfortunate if this important instrument of preventive action were not sustained due to lack of resources. My delegation therefore hopes that the Security Council will give serious consideration to steps that should be taken in a preventive manner to supplement and strengthen the various initiatives and diplomatic efforts. We also hope that the donor countries will help address the socio-economic difficulties of the people of Burundi.”
1996-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3639 (1996) · source
“The nature of assistance to Burundi must be multidimensional, socio-economic, technical and diplomatic, and must involve efforts at the national, subregional and international levels, all working in tandem. In this regard, the efforts of the Government of Burundi to promote dialogue are crucial. The improved coordination and cooperation between the President and the Prime Minister is a good development in that direction. Closely related to this is the proposal to hold a Regional Conference for Peace, Security and Development in the Great Lakes Region to address the issues of political and economic stability as well as peace and security in the Great Lakes States. We hope it will be possible to find a mutually acceptable basis for such a vital meeting between the countries of the region.”
1996-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3639 (1996) · source
“Furthermore, any action that is contemplated in this regard must have the support of the people of Burundi if it is to succeed. Nevertheless, we should not allow the international community to be held hostage to a veto from or, the sensitivities of any particular group in Burundi. The majority of the people in Burundi desire peace and are prepared to live with one another in peace. Experience has shown that, whenever the Security Council speaks with one voice, the majority of the people in Burundi do listen. As we see it, it is high time that something concrete was done by the international community to strengthen the hands of all the moderate forces in Burundi. Already, the increased attention being paid to Burundi by the international community has somewhat stabilized the situation there in recent weeks. We need to build on that.”
1996-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3639 (1996) · source
“On the basis both of our experience on the ground during the two missions and of the available literature on the subject, we cannot but share the concerns and frustrations expressed in the Secretary-General' s report. But, more importantly, we must draw attention to the overriding need to do something promptly and in a preventive manner to stop Burundi slipping further into violence and bloodshed. While there has been general concern about the events in Burundi, it has not been possible for the international community to match this concern with concrete action. My delegation agrees with the observation that any solution to the crisis in Burundi will depend on the combined political will of the parties in conflict and the willingness of the international community.”
1996-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3639 (1996) · source
“Permit me, on behalf of the delegation of Nigeria, to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for this month. Your well-known diplomatic skills and sense of humour assure my delegation that the conduct of the business of the Council is in good hands. I should like to pay a tribute to Ambassador Madeleine Albright, the Permanent Representative of the United States, for her gracious and effective stewardship last month. We have read with interest the latest report on Burundi, and commend the Secretary-General on his bold and imaginative efforts in presenting the current state of play in that country. Our delegation, as a member of the Council for the past two years, was privileged to participate in two missions at Burundi.”
1996-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3639 (1996) · source
“It is our honest View that the political programme in Liberia, including the elections scheduled for August 1996 under the provisions of the Abuja Agreement, can succeed only when disarmament, demobilization reintegration of disarmed combatants into civilian life and national reconciliation have been successfully carried out. In concluding, let me say that the Security Council, for its own sake, and the international community at large have a duty to stay the course in Liberia until peace is won. In line with the proverbial wisdom, the Liberian snake has been scotched but not killed. We therefore hope that the Security Council will see its way clear to extend UNOMIL's mandate for a further period of four months, until 31 May 1996. It is the honourable thing to do.”
1996-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3621 (1996) · source
“It was in recognition of this that Nigeria decided to increase its contingent in ECOMOG by two battalions, aside from disbursing substantial funds for the procurement of communications and other vital equipment for the force. The capacity of ECOMOG is being constrained by inadequate logistic support. We therefore wish to remind those countries that had offered to provide such support not to renege, in the interest of peace and security in Liberia, on their commitment or promise. We also hope that countries will redeem their pledges of support to Liberia, in addition to their contributions to the Liberian Trust Fund.”
1996-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3621 (1996) · source
“ECOMOG has no partisan interest in Liberia; it is there only to help restore peace and a climate of confidence which can enable the political process to take root and bear fruits. It bears repeating, therefore, that the solution to the Liberian crisis rests ultimately with the Liberians themselves. It behoves the Liberian authorities to provide a secure environment for ECOMOG, UNOMIL and the humanitarian organizations to carry out their respective mandates and minister to the needs of the civilian population, particularly the refugees and the internally displaced persons. The task of disarmament and demobilization of the Liberian combatants, which number at least 60,000, is certainly arduous.”
1996-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3621 (1996) · source
“The Government of Nigeria hopes that those responsible for this atrocity will be brought expeditiously to justice so that those of its countrymen who have paid the supreme sacrifice in the cause of peace in Liberia shall not have died in vain. A clear message must issue from the Security Council to the Liberian parties that they cannot hold the peace process in Liberia hostage to their personal whims or political ambitions. The Liberian people are definitely tired of war. They desire peace, and peace must be given a chance. Besides, the countries of the subregion are straining to keep ECOMOG afloat, and countries such as mine, in spite of our domestic preoccupations and current circumstances, are determined that ECOMOG must succeed.”
1996-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3621 (1996) · source
“In this connection, we cannot but draw attention to the failure of the international community to deliver on its commitment to provide a force level of 160 military observers, as against the current level of only 82 such observers in Liberia. We are greatly concerned about the continuing incidence of cease-fire violations and the slow pace of disarmament and demobilization of forces in Liberia. We are particularly distressed to note that the peace process in that country suffered a major setback with the attack on ECOMOG in Tubmanburg in December 1995 by General Roosevelt Johnson's wing of the United Liberation Movement of Liberia for Democracy (ULIMO-J), resulting in a number of casualties, including Nigerians.”
1996-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3621 (1996) · source
“We would like to congratulate that Government for its continuing efforts to establish its authority throughout the territory and conduct the business of governance. We are delighted to note that ECOMOG and UNOMIL do not see themselves in competition but, rather, in cooperation in Liberia. That is as it should be. UNOMIL's role can find form, content and import only if it collaborates with ECOMOG. In other words, it is only when ECOMOG is able, or enabled, to fulfil its role and carry out its responsibilities that UNOMIL can have any impact in Liberia. We all desire that UNOMIL should have such an impact. Liberia, as a faithful member of the international community, deserves to have such a United Nations presence in its territory, and it has so requested as it tries to deal with its political crisis.”
1996-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3621 (1996) · source
“From the failure of the Banjul accord to the collapse of the Bamako accord, to the failures of the four successive Yamoussoukro Accords and the Geneva accord, all efforts to resolve the Liberian crisis were frustrated by the failure of the parties to reach accommodation through compromise. Another round of accords, in Cotonou, Akosombo, and Accra, in spite of their promise, failed to bring the desired peace to Liberia. It was therefore a matter of satisfaction for my Government to have successfully hosted the Abuja meeting in August last year, which resulted in a breakthrough in the Liberian conflict. Today we have a functioning Government in Liberia and a cease-fire which is generally holding.”
1996-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3621 (1996) · source
“Six years ago, Nigeria's efforts to bring peace to Liberia culminated in the establishment of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), an international military intervention force of West African States under the authority of the Heads of State of ECOWAS. ECOMOG, which blazed the trail for subregional endeavours in crisis management and conflict resolution, was conceived as a complement to the political and diplomatic efforts which were being deployed to find a just and lasting solution to the Liberian crisis. Over the years, the several accords which had been painstakingly arrived at to resolve the Liberian crisis had failed to bring an early end to the conflict.”
1996-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3621 (1996) · source
“It has been submitted in pursuance of Security Council resolution 1014 (1995) of 15 September 1995, which extended the mandate of the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL) until 31 January 1996, and of resolution 1020 (1995) of 10 November 1995, which adjusted UNOMIL's mandate and approved a new concept of operations for it. We have just listened to the very important statement by the Foreign Minister of Liberia on the current situation in his country. We thank him for his candour and objectivity in presenting a Liberian perspective on the subject matter before the Council. We cannot agree more with the View that the Liberian peace process needs to be assisted if it is to result in the consolidation of peace, thus clearing the way for national reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction.”
1996-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3621 (1996) · source
“Mr. President, the delegation of Nigeria welcomes you to the presidency of the Security Council during this month of January, and takes advantage of this opportunity to acknowledge with appreciation the professional manner in which Ambassador Lavrov of the Russian Federation conducted the business of Council last month. We welcome Chile, Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, Poland and the Republic of Korea as new members of the Council. The current report of the Secretary-General, the fifteenth in the series, represents a further step in the continuing efforts by the international community to help solve the seemingly intractable conflict in Liberia.”
1996-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3621 (1996) · source
“As Member States of the United Nations, we should not support decisions that have the effect of subordinating our Organization or our Secretary-General to another organization, no matter how powerful its members. After all, ours is still the most universal expression of the will of the international community. However, in view of my Government's policy of supporting all peace initiatives and the primary objective of helping to resolve the Balkan conflict, we are able to go along with the overriding purpose of this draft resolution. We are therefore able to support it.”
1995-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3607 (1995) · source
“Concerning the various provisions of this extensive draft resolution, we should like to observe that it took members of the Contact Group about two weeks to discuss and resolve among themselves the various intricacies of what is undoubtedly a complex military, political and humanitarian operation. To have expected other members of the Security Council to make meaningful contributions towards its enrichment in less than 48 hours was certainly unrealistic. We would not like to believe that it was deliberately done to achieve the purpose of their not being able to contribute meaningfully. For example, questions about the time-frame and concept of the operation are not quite clear, nor can one say exactly whence the post of High Representative - in spite of the qualities of the nominee - derives its legitimacy and authority.”
1995-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3607 (1995) · source
“In our view, what our Organization lacks in the present circumstances is the political backing and resource support of Member States to directly undertake enforcement operations as envisaged under Chapter VII of the Charter. My delegation believes that we should not continue to contract out what would normally be a United Nations responsibility to a group of powerful States. It is my delegation' s belief that, with the necessary political will and commitment to the ideas of collective security enshrined in the United Nations Charter, multinational forces for peace enforcement should be placed at the disposal of the United Nations and operated under the command of the Secretary- General.”
1995-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3607 (1995) · source
“The draft resolution before us has been described as urgent and very critical to the implementation of peace in Bosnia. The Security Council has been requested to adopt this draft resolution so as to enable the implementation process to start. In principle, my delegation has no problems with that view. We are all for peace. However, let me state the following. We would have preferred a United Nations operation under the policy control of the Security Council and the managerial supervision of the Secretary-General, in spite of the fact that the parties to the Agreement have requested a multinational force. We are of course mindful of the observations of the Secretary-General about the inability of the United Nations at present to undertake such an operation.”
1995-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3607 (1995) · source
“In addition to the foregoing, the parties to the conflict and particularly all the States in the region must recognize the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of one another. There must be a genuine effort and commitment to abandon the military logic and the illusion that there could be the victor and the vanquished. In this regard, all the States must respect Annex l-B of the Dayton Agreement on arms control and regional stabilization. And we call on the States in the region, many of them with the capacity for the production of armaments, to be responsible in their dealings with the parties. Furthermore, the multi- ethnic, multireligious and multicultural nature of the States in the region must be recognized, respected and preserved by all.”
1995-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3607 (1995) · source
“Let me, however, say that my Government will extend its full cooperation to the work of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. This is because in the end there can be no lasting peace without justice, and unless justice is done, and seen to be done, the cycle of killings in the Balkans may never cease. There will be no easy answers to all of these issues, yet there is no viable alternative to a determined effort to confront and resolve these problems if the peoples of Bosnia are to start enjoying peace and begin the process of rebuilding their lives and their homes. My Government will be behind them and give them all the support within our means. We wish them well.”
1995-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3607 (1995) · source
“We none the less believed then, as we do now, that this agreement represents the best opportunity thus far to end the conflict. We therefore repeat our call to all the Bosnian parties and their respective allies to back their commitments with concrete steps on the ground. The agreement reached will have a lot of humanitarian and emotional implications. It is likely to lead to the movement of peoples, with implications for their lives. People may have to make difficult decisions on whether to remain where their families have lived for hundreds of years or move to new areas where they would feel more secure. These are emotional questions, the resolution of which will determine the success of the Peace Agreement. There is also the important question of justice as opposed to the exigency of securing peace for the present time.”
1995-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3607 (1995) · source
“With the signing of the Peace Agreement in Paris yesterday, the parties in the former Yugoslavia have taken another important step in their search for peace in their homelands. Although it is an important step, it is none the less a symbolic one: now comes the hard part of the implementation of the various accords they have entered into. We congratulate in this specific instance all the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and their leaders for what seems like the dawn of peace in a country that has been ravaged by war during the last four years. After the initialling of the Dayton Agreement on 21 November 1995, my delegation observed that the development represented an important breakthrough in the peace process. We saw it as a first step in what would undoubtedly be a long and difficult journey to peace.”
1995-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3607 (1995) · source
“My delegation was touched by the sensitivity of those who made comments about a reported incident in my country. However, I would like to place on record that the Nigerian delegation takes strong exception to the comments made by certain members of the Council, led by the British delegation, over a decision taken, after due process, by the Government of Nigeria in the exercise of its sovereignty. The Nigerian delegation wishes to remind those delegations that have ascribed to themselves the role of the world's policemen to kindly note that what reportedly took place in Nigeria earlier today. in relation to the subject of their comments, bears no relevance to the item under consideration in the Council. The Nigerian delegation therefore finds it unacceptable for those members to meddle in Nigeria's domestic affairs.”
1995-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3592 (1995) · source
“It is also true, however, that, because of the delicate and positive stage of the peace process in that country, the international community should give peace a chance by a renewed determination to help Liberians help themselves.”
1995-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3592 (1995) · source
“We support the proposed adjustment to the mandate of UNOMIL as well as its new concept of operations. The recommendations and proposals contained in the report of the Secretary-General have taken account of the evolution of the problem in Liberia and the current realities, which are very different from what they were at the time of the signing of the Cotonou Agreement. The Secretary-General' s proposals and recommendations which we are about to approve through this draft resolution would, in our view, enhance the ability of UNOMIL effectively to complement ECOMOG in the peace process. My delegation agrees with the conclusion in the Secretary-General's report that it is ultimately the people and leaders of Liberia who must give peace a chance.”
1995-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3592 (1995) · source
“None the less, our efforts in the region need to be supplemented by those of the international community to provide ECOMOG with the logistical support, assistance in transportation and communications equipment and fuel that will enable it to discharge its functions effectively. In this regard, we can only recall that, for UNOMIL to discharge its functions, ECOMOG must be in a position effectively to undertake its own primary assignment. It is in this connection that we thank the Secretary- General for organizing the recent Conference on Assistance to Liberia. We are encouraged by the initial response to the appeal and we look forward to a timely disbursement of those commitments, so that the momentum so generated does not fizzle out owing to a long delay between the pledges and actual disbursement.”
1995-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3592 (1995) · source
“We also realize that the true test of the commitment of the parties to peace lies ahead, when the process of the assembly, disarmament and demobilization of over 60,000 combatants commences. While the main responsibility for the implementation of the peace agreement rests with the Liberian parties, the critical phase of disarmament and demobilization requires the assistance and support of the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL) and all the leaders of the region. In this regard, Nigeria has decided to increase its contingent in ECOMOG by two battalions and we have disbursed additional funds for the procurement of communications and other vital equipment for ECOMOG.”
1995-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3592 (1995) · source
“Over the past two months, the Liberian parties have re- established a cease-fire, installed a Council of State and shown a greater willingness to take concrete steps towards the restoration of peace and stability in their country. These are remarkable achievements and, as a result, a real opportunity now exists for ensuring that the peace process in Liberia becomes irreversible. These encouraging signs in the peace process need to be highlighted. At the same time, we are concerned about some negative actions of the parties, particularly the cease-fire violations and the slow progress of disengagement of forces, as well as delays in removing checkpoints in certain areas. We have drawn this to the attention of the Liberian parties and urged them to take immediate steps to remove these obstacles.”
1995-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3592 (1995) · source
“The Nigerian delegation would like to thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive and timely report on the situation in Liberia (S/ 1995/ 881). In our View, his report represents a fair assessment of developments on the ground in Liberia since the Council adopted resolution 1014 (1995), on 15 September. The momentum for peace in Liberia is greater today than at any other time since the war began in 1989, and now that the peace process in Liberia has entered a new and crucial phase a concrete expression of international support is required as a matter of urgency. The recent positive developments, particularly since the signing of the Abuja Agreement in August this year, have given my Government cause to be optimistic.”
1995-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3592 (1995) · source
“All acts of violations of international humanitarian law stand condemned and should be judged individually. No act of violence by one party justifies a similar act committed by the other. Furthermore, the passion of war, the fear of defeat or loss of territory cannot justify the violation of the basic rights and freedoms of non-combatants. Finally, let me appeal to all the parties to give peace a chance and enhance the success of the ongoing peace talks by refraining from any action that could destabilize the fragile truce on the ground. On the basis of the foregoing, my delegation will vote in favour of the draft resolution.”
1995-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3591 (1995) · source
“It is against this backdrop that this draft resolution is a necessary reminder to all the parties to the conflict in former Yugoslavia of their obligations to cooperate with the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in investigating and determining reports of serious violations of international humanitarian law. It is also appropriate to restate the obligations of all States, and in particular those in the region of the former Yugoslavia, to comply fully with the provisions of Security Council resolution 827 (1993) by cooperating fully with the International Tribunal. As a general observation, let me state that my delegation rejects any attempt to strike a balance or compare the atrocities of one side to that of the other.”
1995-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3591 (1995) · source
“In this regard, the events in Zepa and Srebrenica, and recently in Banja Luka and Sanski Most, represent only the latest in a long series of condemnable acts by the Bosnian Serbs. With respect to the Croatian authorities, their treatment of ethnic Serbs living in Croatia, particularly in former sectors North, West and South, is contrary to their repeated claim of belief in a multireligious and multi-ethnic society. To date, conditions do not exist that would demonstrate to the outside world and convince the minority Serbs that their rights would be protected by the rulership in Zagreb. Some of the legislation that has been enacted does not facilitate the voluntary return of the many Serb refugees who have fled or are being forced to flee their homes.”
1995-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3591 (1995) · source
“This is understandable, given the fact that it is the first of such tribunals established by the United Nations. We note, however, that the Tribunal has now handed down its first indictment, and we call on the parties concerned, as well as the States of the region, to extend the necessary cooperation to it, so as to enable it fully to discharge its responsibilities. Concerning the present draft resolution, it is a matter of regret that the Bosnian Serb authorities, as well as the Government of Croatia, have not heeded our call to them in several resolutions and presidential statements to strictly comply with their provisions and to respect the rights of the persons in their areas of control, irrespective of their ethnic, cultural or religious affiliations.”
1995-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3591 (1995) · source
“Mr. President, permit me to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for the month of November. You can count on the support of the Nigerian delegation. The humanitarian situation in the former Yugoslavia, particularly the plight of innocent civilians in areas of conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina and recently in Croatia, remains a serious concern to the international community, and rightly so. From what we have read, seen and been told, the worst atrocities committed against innocent and unarmed civilians in this theatre of war constitute a gross violation of international humanitarian law. It is for this reason that the Security Council decided to establish an International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Unfortunately, this Tribunal has experienced operational difficulties.”
1995-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3591 (1995) · source
“Such a reassessment should be carried out by both the United Nations and NATO, not in competition but in partnership. My Government therefore calls for restraint on all sides and requests those Governments with the greatest influence on the parties to exercise their leverage in bringing them to the negotiating table. We hope that the conclusions reached today at the meeting in Geneva will provide a springboard and the necessary momentum for advancing the peace process.”
1995-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3575 (1995) · source
“In this regard, we have seen the recent NATO air strikes as an appropriate and measured response to the recent artillery attack by the Bosnian Serb forces against a civilian centre, but at the same time we regretted that it became necessary to employ such force. None the less, let me restate that my Government's preferred option continues to be a negotiated political settlement, and we urge that all concerned accept the pursuit of this option in good faith. The military option is futile and should be abandoned. The hope of my delegation is that these strikes have not done irreparable damage to the neutrality of the United Nations, as well as impaired the recent glimmer of hope for a peaceful settlement. We think it is not too late to reassess the current strategy and take a long-term view of where it could eventually lead us.”
1995-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3575 (1995) · source
“The recent developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the major offensive in Croatia, have marked a turning point in the crisis. My Government had called upon all concerned to intensify the search for a political solution. And we had been encouraged by some signs that such was beginning to happen. However, the Sarajevo market incident threw another unexpected wrench into the wheel of the peace process. Another aspect of the problem that has engaged the attention of my Government has been the role of our Blue Helmets in the conflict. While we felt the need to enhance the credibility of the United Nations efforts by enhancing UNPROFOR'S capacity to defend itself and execute its mandate, we also cautioned about the prospects of the United Nations becoming involved as a party to the conflict.”
1995-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3575 (1995) · source
“Furthermore, since joining the Council, we have supported all well-meaning proposals, in the form of resolutions and presidential statements that have been presented in the Council aimed at moving forward the peace process. We continue, however, to view with concern the lack of unity of purpose and harmonization of policies among the key players in the crisis, and specifically within the Contact Group. The tendency on the part of the major Powers to pick favourites and to let off the other side easily has not helped to advance our collective search for peace. My delegation has therefore repeatedly called on the regional Powers and organizations most directly concerned and with the capability to take action to coordinate their efforts with those of the United Nations in promoting a peaceful resolution of the conflict.”
1995-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3575 (1995) · source