YouSaid · the spoken record

Ballestero

lines on the record
23
first
2008-10-07
most recent
2009-01-06
sittings or episodes
4
sources
un-security-council

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  1. “Costa Rica is ready to contribute to the adoption of a draft resolution that urgently calls for an immediate cessation of the hostilities, the establishment of an effective and lasting truce and the opening of all border crossings with controls and guarantees accepted and respected by all, so as to allow a return to the path of negotiations that will ultimately lead to the establishment of a viable and democratic Palestinian State, living side by side with Israel and jointly promoting the well-being and development that their peoples deserve and desire.”

    2009-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6061 (2009) · source

  2. “It is important to shake off our inertia by moving away from the eye-for-an-eye approach, which only leads to the blindness of all, and by adopting a courageous position that can create an environment conducive to negotiations. Costa Rica echoed the words of the French delegation when, in this very Chamber on 16 December, Ambassador Ripert stated "the absolute need for respect for humanitarian law" which "unreservedly prohibits terrorist acts that blindly strike civilian populations" and "also prohibits any form of collective punishment" (ibid., p. 9). His delegation called upon the members of the Council not to forget that those rules must provide guidance in addressing the situation in Gaza. Costa Rica supports his words.”

    2009-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6061 (2009) · source

  3. “Unfortunately, the situation has shown that we were wrong and that it was not enough. Today's meeting should not be a mere declaration of good intentions. Little more than three weeks ago, Minister Miliband said here that "the perils of inertia are clear; inactivity and confrontation are the recruiting sergeants for extremism" (ibid., p. 6). The political process and the situation on the ground are inseparable, and it is therefore necessary for this Council to demand an immediate end to all military action, using all the instruments and powers stipulated in the Charter of the United Nations. In this Chamber, there are voices defending the errors of all the parties. For that reason, as we already said some months ago, this Council can be part of the problem and not part of the solution to the crisis in Middle East.”

    2009-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6061 (2009) · source

  4. “For Russian Minister Lavrov, the resolution's aim was "to strengthen the continuity and irreversibility of the political process and give that approach the strength of international law" (ibid., p. 5). Today, the situation on the ground demonstrates that resolution 1850 (2008) was not enough to achieve those lofty aims. Subsequently, the beginning of the Israeli military offensive generated a press statement that expressed shared concern at the escalating violence, terrorist acts, the fate of the civilian population and the terrifying humanitarian situation in Gaza. In it, the members of the Council expressed the need to reopen the way to finding a political solution to the Middle East issue. We hoped that those statements of the Council would prevent the serious situation that we are experiencing and regretting today.”

    2009-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6061 (2009) · source

  5. “We have called for the Council to play a significant role in what we feel to be one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. We have not been as successful in that goal as we had hoped. In recent weeks, the members of this Council unanimously agreed on what became resolution 1850 (2008), the first resolution on this topic since 2004, which broke the silence of this Council. That resolution, as Secretary of State Rice said at the time, aimed to describe "the contours of the negotiations" and to define "the role of the international community, which will prevent a return to violence and hopelessness". I repeat: "which will prevent a return to violence and hopelessness" (S/PV.6045, p. 3).”

    2009-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6061 (2009) · source

  6. “Mr. Ballestero (Costa Rica) (spoke in Spanish): My delegation is pleased to see you here in New York, Mr. President, to preside over this meeting. We also welcome the presence of President Abbas, the Secretary-General, Secretary of State Rice, the various ministers and deputy ministers for foreign affairs and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States. My country has been a member of the Security Council for the past 12 months. Throughout that period, we have tried to give meaning to our presence here by promoting the observance of international law in the Middle East, the fulfilment of the commitments of the parties and the implementation of the resolutions of the Security Council. During the entire time, we have also called for the Council to take significant steps to alleviate tensions and strengthen the peace process.”

    2009-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6061 (2009) · source

  7. “I thank Mr. Pascoe for his briefing, which, as always, was very comprehensive and balanced. In accordance with the understanding reached in the Council's prior consultations, I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion of the subject. The meeting rose at 10.40 am.”

    2008-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6022 (2008) · source

  8. “In accordance with the understanding reached in the Council's prior consultations, I shall take it that the Security Council agrees to extend an invitation under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure to Mr. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs. It is so decided. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. At this meeting, the Security Council will hear a briefing by Mr. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, to whom I now give the floor.”

    2008-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6022 (2008) · source

  9. “The protection and promotion of human rights necessarily require reliable and effective reporting mechanisms. For this reason, we urge the Iraqi authorities to continue to fight this culture of impunity, as well as the culture of silence, through the implementation of legal mechanisms to this end. In this context, my delegation also believes that it is important that the Iraqi authorities adopt the bill to establish an independent human rights commission. Lastly, we are concerned by the delay of the six- monthly report of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq on human rights. We hope that we can soon have it before the Council. I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council. I have the honour of giving the floor to Mr. de Mistura to respond to the comments and questions that have been raised.”

    2008-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6016 (2008) · source

  10. “My country also observes that, thanks to progress in the field, as stated by the Secretary-General, "the Government of Iraq is increasingly able to fund its own reconstruction agenda thanks to greater stability and oil revenues, which have been rising through 2008." (S/2008/688, para. 59) Costa Rica certainly is pleased to note this. In the midst of this positive picture, we continue to be concerned by the ongoing political violence, by terrorist attacks, as well as the deaths of civilians, which take place within the context of military operations. Lastly, we would like to point out the Secretary- General's statement in paragraph 40 of the same report, to the effect that, "systematic human rights violations remain constant, but are less visible and less widely reported".”

    2008-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6016 (2008) · source

  11. “We are also pleased by the news of the increase in diplomatic contacts between Iraq and neighbouring countries, a process that will make possible better integration of Iraq into the regional framework and that helps to strengthen the mechanisms of dialogue and cooperation. Costa Rica believes that the stability of Iraq depends to a great extent on cooperation with its neighbours and a stable and secure relationship with them. My delegation is also pleased to see the progress made in the development of institutional capacity in Iraq, in particular with regard to the management of public budgets for the delivery of local services. We note the importance of implementing initiatives, such as the United Nations Assistance Strategy for Iraq 2008-2010, recently signed by the Government of Iraq and the United Nations.”

    2008-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6016 (2008) · source

  12. “In particular, we are pleased at the holding of provincial elections next year, because we believe it is important that Iraqi authorities strengthen their legitimacy in the eyes of the all Iraqi people through the consolidating of democratic processes. We urge UNAMI to continue to contribute, through technical assistance and advice, with a transparent election process that offers representation guarantees for Iraq's citizens. My delegation supports UNAMI and, in particular, the efforts by Mr. de Mistura in the very positive role they have played in offering the necessary electoral assistance. We believe it is fitting to remind all political players of the Security Council's support for UNAMI, to counter any attempt to manipulate in any way the results of the elections.”

    2008-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6016 (2008) · source

  13. “Mr. Ballestero (Costa Rica) (spoke in Spanish): I will now speak in my national capacity. Like the other delegations that have spoken before me, I would like to thank Mr. Staffan de Mistura and Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad for the presentations of the reports on the work of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) and on the multinational force in Iraq. Likewise, I would like to thank the Permanent Representative of Iraq, Ambassador Al Bayati, for his statement. For me it is always a personal pleasure to see him in this Chamber. My delegation is pleased to take note of the positive news contained in the Secretary-General's report on UNAMI (S/2008/688) concerning the progress made in the country's reconstruction and the establishment of a federal, pluralistic and unified Iraq.”

    2008-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6016 (2008) · source

  14. “This Council needs to send a clear message to the people and Government of Guinea-Bissau, one that will tell all the actors involved in the future of that country that the Security Council is following the situation closely and, more importantly, will do everything possible for it to take the path of development, good governance and the rule of law. Thus Costa Rica wishes to thank the delegation of Burkina Faso for presenting a draft presidential statement, which we are studying in detail and expect to endorse.”

    2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source

  15. “Although the elements of security and justice are basic for peacebuilding in Guinea-Bissau, the catalyst for change doubtless is democratic legitimacy. Costa Rica believes that the electoral process of next November is essential in peacebuilding. The very high number of voters who registered in the process - 94.6 per cent - is an encouraging sign that shows the importance of those legislative elections for the people themselves. Therefore we call on the Government and other political actors to participate in a frank and permanent dialogue that will strengthen achievements and allow for an electoral process that is transparent, peaceful and inclusive.”

    2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source

  16. “This Council, UNOGBIS and the Peacebuilding Commission should act together to ensure results in the short term that can be sustained over the long term. For that reason, Costa Rica Views with interest the Secretary-General's recommendation on creating a panel of experts to investigate the identity and activities of those involved in the drug business and drug trafficking. However, we consider - and we must stress this - that we need more details with regard to the implications, the concrete objectives and the scope of the proposal, including the links that, it is hoped, that panel of experts would have with the other institutional efforts deployed in Guinea-Bissau, especially with the sovereign Government of the country. In that sense, we endorse the words of the Permanent Representative of South Africa.”

    2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source

  17. “Therefore it is essential to attack corruption at its roots and take the needed measures to strengthen the fight against organized crime. In that context, regional efforts developed recently should have the full support of the entire international community. Costa Rica reiterates its support for the regional conference on drug trafficking and organized crime being organized by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Praia, Cape Verde at the end of the month. We await the results with interest. The threat of organized crime while institutional development is only emerging can be attacked successfully only through a coordinated fashion among all the States affected. The regional approach must be robust and effective, as Under-Secretary-General Pascoe has said.”

    2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source

  18. “On the other hand, the intent to stage a coup that the authorities discovered in August, apparently led by the Chief of Staff of the Navy, shows the fragility of the institutional progress achieved and demonstrates the magnitude of the challenges that must be overcome in implementing a broad security sector reform. Costa Rica would suggest making a priority of that component of the peacebuilding plan, so that the rule of law can be strengthened, the bases for institutional development can be established, and legal economic activities can be facilitated. A State that, like Guinea-Bissau, is fighting to consolidate itself finds its best ally in a system of institutions that is stable and worthy of trust by its users.”

    2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source

  19. “The Council should continue to seek the necessary political support so that, in close coordination with the Peacebuilding Commission, the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS), can fulfil its mandate in a creative, coordinated and effective manner. We have followed very carefully the political events of the last few months, and we are concerned at the deterioration we see in relations among the different parties, which reached the point that the Government party decided to withdraw from the political and government stability pact that was signed last year. The results came quickly.”

    2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source

  20. “Only a process reflecting national priorities, based on internal dialogue and strengthened by the cooperation of all stakeholders - certainly including the international community - can help to overcome the enormous challenges facing the people of Guinea- Bissau. We agree with and support the assessment made by Ambassador Viotti that this is not the end of the Peacebuilding Commission's engagement, but rather the beginning of another, very important stage. My country is concerned to note that the situation on the ground remains extremely fragile. If there is a place where the linkage between the pillars of security, development and human rights is absolutely indisputable, it is Guinea-Bissau.”

    2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source

  21. “In our View, the convening of today's debate is a direct result of a broad call, made just a few weeks ago, for the Council to apply, judiciously and rigorously, the standard that public meetings should be the rule, not the exception. I take this opportunity, Sir, to pay tribute to your presidency for the openness you have displayed in this regard and to the other members of the Council for their flexibility. Our debate should give us an opportunity to recognize the efforts of the Government of Guinea- Bissau and the Peacebuilding Commission in adopting the Strategic Framework for Peacebuilding in Guinea- Bissau. In our View, that is a step in the right direction.”

    2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source

  22. “President, for having convened this debate in a format that enables all Members of the Organization to benefit from the briefings and to consider all the statements to be made by Council members and by the Permanent Representative of Guinea-Bissau, to whose statement we shall listen carefully after Council members have spoken, and not before, as we thought had been adopted as our normal practice. My delegation had understood that this discussion had been completed and that, as a general rule, Council members would first hear the representative of the country concerned before making their own statements. It appears that this matter will need to be taken up again in consultations.”

    2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source

  23. “Mr. Ballestero (Costa Rica) (spoke in Spanish): Let me start, Sir, by congratulating you on your assumption of the presidency and by reaffirming our full support. Also, I take this opportunity to thank Ambassador Kafando and his team for their successful presidency during the complicated month of September. My thanks go also to Mr. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, and Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, Chair of the Guinea-Bissau configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, for their briefings and for all their endeavours to improve compliance with the mandates relating to Guinea-Bissau. Moreover, I thank you, Mr.”

    2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source