YouSaid · the spoken record

Berger

lines on the record: 198
first: 2010-12-22
most recent: 2013-06-24
sittings or episodes: 32
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

“Without having to create a new mechanism, it could already make use of the tools at hand, for example by reacting to cases of sexual violence in a certain country with Security Council press statements, by writing specific letters to concerned Governments or by referring specific cases more frequently to the Sanctions Committees and, as a last resort, to the ICC.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“Germany has, for example, funded several medical counseling centres in Congo, where women can receive medical and psychological support, as well as emergency HIV post- exposure prophylaxis. We also support transitional justice mechanisms, such as truth and reconciliation committees, and dialogue between these and women's rights organizations. Lastly, our full support is needed by those who are essential to the fight against the scourge of sexual violence, such as human rights defenders, doctors and journalists, who are themselves at special risk. Let me end by stressing that the Security Council has a role to play in monitoring the commitments made by parties to conflicts. In this regard, it can and should do more to hold perpetrators accountable.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“We also welcome the work of the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict in Special Representative of the Secretary- General Bangura's Office in this regard. The German Centre for International Peace Operations offers special pre-deployment courses on establishing the rule of law, which emphasize the need to prosecute sexual violence and raise awareness for gender-based violence. Thirdly, appropriate medical and psychosocial support for survivors of sexual violence, including access to sexual reproductive health services, as well as access to justice and reparations, are fundamental prerequisites for the effective reintegration of women into their respective societies.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“In this regard, Germany has supported, inter alia, a regional project in the Horn of Africa to empower women by helping them to gain access to political and economical decision-making processes. Secondly, when sexual violence constitutes a crime against humanity, a war crime or even genocide, it has to be subject to punishment and has to be excluded from amnesty provisions. Whenever States are not willing or capable to fulfil their responsibility to prosecute perpetrators accordingly, the international community must react in order to prevent a culture of impunity, as was recently stressed at the Group of Eight meeting in the United Kingdom. Regional justice mechanisms and the International Criminal Court (ICC) can also play an important role.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“In cases where acts of sexual violence have already occurred, it is indispensable that perpetrators be immediately brought to justice and survivors receive adequate support and redress. Only effective criminal prosecution during and after conflict will lead to an equally effective prevention system that can help to create long-term peace. Let me stress some important points and provide some practical examples. First, it cannot be stressed enough that part of any effective prevention of sexual Violence is the equal involvement of women. Not only the consideration of their special needs, but also their participation in all stages of decision-making processes are essential. This also applies to programmes such as disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, security sector reform and transitional justice.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“I thank Great Britain for organizing this debate and Secretary Hague in particular for his personal commitment. I also congratulate the United States on having so ably negotiated resolution 2106 (2013) adopted today. We also thank the Secretary-General and his Special Representative Zainab Bangura and commend them for their leadership, as well as today's briefers. Germany aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union. We welcome the focus of today's debate on addressing accountability and the fight against impunity. Let me be clear - our ultimate goal has to be, first and foremost, the prevention of sexual violence in conflict.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“All now depends upon the willingness of all the Afghan interlocutors to engage in substantive negotiations. As in the past, Germany remains willing to lend its good offices, if and when needed. I would like to conclude by underlining that Germany will continue to support the Government of Afghanistan through transition and beyond.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“Preserving and consolidating gains in the protection and promotion of human rights in Afghanistan is of the utmost importance. We are confident that the Government of Afghanistan will continue to ensure the independence of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission according to Afghan law and the Paris Principles. Germany looks forward to the senior officials meeting to be held in Kabul on 3 July with the aim of reviewing the progress made so far in implementing the mutual commitments of the Accountability Framework. Progress on those issues ahead ofthe meeting is strongly encouraged. We welcome the opening of the Taliban office in Doha. That could well be a new beginning, one that will take years to unfold and will no doubt experience many setbacks. Yet, we believe that there is no alternative to that path.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“In that regard, we acknowledge the progress made by the Government of Afghanistan in preparing for the presidential and provincial council elections to be held on 5 April 2014, but further progress is a pressing requirement. Germany is particularly concerned with regard to the pending decisions on the legal framework for the elections, including the establishment ofa credible electoral complaints mechanism as well as the pending appointment of a new chairman to the Independent Election Commission. Furthermore, effective measures need to be put in place to prevent widespread electoral fraud. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan can further increase its beneficial role in supporting that Afghan-led and -owned process. Our shared objective is to hold inclusive, transparent and credible elections in Afghanistan.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“However, Germany is confident that, with evolving but persistent international support, the Afghan security forces will continue to prove capable of responding to those challenges. At the Bonn and Tokyo Conferences, the Government of Afghanistan and the international community reaffirmed their partnership and agreed on mutual commitments constituting the foundation on which their long-term partnership rests. My Government is convinced that the comprehensive and timely implementation of the commitments contained in the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework is of paramount importance in achieving Afghanistan's goal of developing into a democratic and economically thriving country.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“Those conferences sent a clear message of the continued support of the international community to Afghanistan and its people. This year is set to provide important steps by Afghanistan in implementing the decisions taken at these conferences. Germany will continue to support Afghanistan in its efforts to do so. My Government welcomes the progress made in the transition of security responsibility. President Karzai announced the fifth and final tranche of security transition earlier this week. With that milestone event, the Afghan National Security Forces have resumed lead security responsibility throughout the country. The security forces continue to face serious challenges, as the latest series of attacks on Afghan and international institutions demonstrates.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report. I would also like to welcome the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Jan Kubis, and extend my thanks to him for his briefing and his and his team's dedicated work in support of the Afghan people. My Government aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier in this debate by the observer of the European Union. Afghanistan has come a long way in its security, political and economic transitions, and progress has been achieved in many respects. In 2011 and 2012, the Government of Afghanistan and the international community set the framework for continued close cooperation throughout the Transformation Decade at conferences held in Istanbul, Bonn, Kabul and Tokyo as well as at the Chicago summit.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“In this context, we would also like to raise awareness of a growing concern that, like poorly managed natural resources, contributes to conflicts and regional instability - namely, poaching and the illicit trade of wildlife. We urgently need new strategies and more international efforts to address the increase in illegal wildlife exploitation. Exploring options for the United Nations to address the negative impact of poaching on peace and security will be at the core of a policy forum we will hold in cooperation with the International Peace Institute tomorrow at the Institute's headquarters. All Member States are cordially invited to attend.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“We want to specifically encourage the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) to engage in the capacity-building of national administrations as the successful implementation of control and regulating initiatives depend on functioning administrations and their integrity. PBC engagement to support the fight against corruption in affected countries also remains crucial. Furthermore, we believe that sanctions against traders of natural resources and companies dealing with armed groups could contribute to strengthening the effective management of extractive industries. Existing sanctions regimes, including the regime for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, provide for this option. It should be applied wherever feasible.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“With regard to due diligence mechanisms, quality and the independence of audits need to be ensured. Addressing the problem of conflict minerals therefore also requires political solutions and further steps. In Africa, the African Union and subregional organizations have an important role to play in this field. Germany welcomes their efforts and supports them, as well as projects to strengthen good governance of mineral resources in a number of countries. Germany also backs the United Nations Global Compact, which assists companies and investors and facilitates constructive discussions on how to engage in conflict-affected and high-risk areas in compliance with United Nations standards, including the principles of anti-corruption, human rights and respect for the environment. The support of United Nations actors also remains key.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“Furthermore, Germany is leading a certification and traceability initiative to establish certified trading chains in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo for minerals and natural resources, fostering the efforts of the local mining authorities and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). However, such technical solutions alone cannot stop the trade in minerals from fuelling conflicts. That requires governance in resource-exporting countries based on the rule of law to make such technical solutions feasible. In this context, sufficient capacity is indispensable to ensuring compliance. Corruption needs to be fought and impunity ended. Closer cooperation among countries in which actors exploiting and using natural resources operate should be pursued.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“Germany aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the observer of the European Union. I would like to stress the following points. Financial transparency in the extractive industries and the transparency of supply in case of mineral imports from conflict regions are in our view crucial to help reduce the potential for conflict and to deter corruption. Germany therefore supports the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and the Kimberley Process, and we very much welcome the discussion that took place at the Summit of the Group of Eight. In the Security Council, we have actively supported setting out clear standards of supply-chain due diligence for businesses using minerals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo in accordance with the guidelines of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“I would like to add my voice to those who have condemned the terrorist attack on the United Nations compound in Mogadishu, and my condolences to the families of those killed and affected. The effective and transparent management of natural resources matters. Natural resources are still fuelling conflicts, both internal and between States. Many countries rich in natural resources are immersed in poverty because of mismanagement of these resources and corruption. We therefore welcome today's open debate and the United Kingdom's initiative to explore - in the context of maintaining international peace and security - ways how to strengthen responsible management of extractive industries. We also regret that it was not possible to agree on a draft presidential statement.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“In that context, we wish to recall that States from all over the world have requested that the Council refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“During her recent visit to Syria in December, the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict learned from the Syrian Government that at least 1,300 school facilities had been damaged since violence broke out. In Syria we are also witnessing the devastating consequences that deliberate attacks on hospitals, health workers and ambulances have for the sick and wounded. All parties responsible for targeting medical personnel, punishing medical personnel for performing their duties or attacking or misusing the Geneva Conventions' emblems should know that such acts constitute war crimes. We remain convinced that accountability for such grave violations must be ensured.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Leila Zerrougui, the disproportionate and indiscriminate killing of children in the course of military operations may amount to war crimes. In Syria, boys and girls are being bombarded in their neighbourhoods. We recall that the Syrian uprising itself was triggered by children in Dara'a being subjected to torture, some of them for weeks. Schools and hospitals must be zones of peace where children are granted protection even in times of conflict, as is stipulated in resolution 1998 (2011). Yet in Syria the United Nations has documented Government attacks on schools and the denial of access to hospitals for civilians. In some cases, anti-Government armed groups have targeted school buildings.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“It is just one example of the horrors that children continue to face each and every day in Syria and of the psychological trauma that that war will have on a whole future generation. The civil war in Syria is intensifying and, as we heard from the High Commissioner for Human Rights today, the pain and suffering it inflicts on the civilian population continue to increase in scale and scope. The war has moved into the major cities. Indiscriminate attacks on Civilians, especially women and children, often caused by the use of explosive weapons with broad impact in densely populated areas, remain the most appalling aspect of the Syrian conflict. According to the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Ms.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“It is a pleasure to see you preside over this open debate, Sir, and let me say that the large number of delegations taking the floor, even at this late hour, shows how pertinent it was for the Korean presidency to organize it. Germany aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union and by that made by the representative of Switzerland on behalf of the Group of Friends of the Protection of Civilians. We also welcome the presidential statement adopted today (S/PRST/2013/2) and the establishment of a standing reporting procedure. Many of us recall a photograph that went around the world very recently. It is of a small boy walking down a street, staring straight at the bodies of dozens of slaughtered men, found in a river near Aleppo.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“We also condemn all statements questioning the impartiality of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. Such statements only serve to undermine the mandate and authority of that institution. The judgments and decisions of an independent judiciary cannot be rated on their ability to please all parties involved. To conclude, let me reiterate our strong support for the commitment of both parties to seriously engage in the EU-led dialogue. Progress in the dialogue process will serve as a catalyst for Serbia's and Kosovo's European aspirations - aspirations that Germany unequivocally supports.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“The extension of the EULEX mandate until June 2014 will allow the mission to continue its capacity-building efforts in the rule of law sector and to support the Kosovo authorities in the prosecution of war crimes, organized crime and corruption. In that context, we specifically welcome progress made by the EULEX Special Investigative Task Force by, inter alia, ensuring Montenegro's support and cooperation in the ongoing investigations. We call on all partners to respect the Task Force's restraint in commenting publicly on its findings while investigations are still ongoing. We concur with the Secretary- General's analysis that publishing confidential testimony would jeopardize further investigations and ultimately put the lives of witnesses at risk.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“My second point is on the security situation in Kosovo, which has remained calm, despite occasional security incidents in the north. We fully support the approach of Mr. Zarif to urge the perpetrators of such acts to refrain from violence and to engage in a peaceful dialogue with all relevant stakeholders. We also join him in strongly condemning recurring attacks by Kosovo Serbian actors against the international presence on the ground, including the reported attack on 7 September against the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and the Kosovo police. The EU remains committed to further supporting Kosovo's law enforcement authorities.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“We therefore encourage political leaders in both countries to reach out to their respective constituencies in order to prepare them for the difficult decisions and painful compromises ahead. That is particularly relevant with regard to northern Kosovo. The newly established Mitrovica North administrative office can play a positive role in Pristina's outreach towards the Serb communities in that regard. We therefore condemn the reported cases of intimidation and threats against the staff. Ultimately, both sides need to understand that further progress lies in their national interest. It will free resources that are now tied up in dealing with the ongoing conflict and allow both countries to advance on their path towards European Union (EU) integration.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“Regarding the areas of security, the judiciary and municipal administration, there is persistent violation of resolution 1244 (1999), which constitutes a constant threat to stability. A positive step would be the establishment of a multi-ethnic police unit by Pristina with a clear mandate to improve the protection of Serbian Orthodox religious sites. Both sides should also seriously consider the proposed liaison arrangements in their respective capitals. That could obviously facilitate future discussions and provide important practical support to citizens of the other country. Any solution to those controversial issues will need to be understood and accepted by the people in Serbia and Kosovo.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“We welcome the participation of the Serbian and Kosovar delegations in numerous regional conferences over the past few weeks. That dynamic needs to continue, with Kosovo's effective representation in the Regional Cooperation Council being the next important step. We also support Kosovo's further integration into the international community. We therefore welcome the recent Board decision of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to admit Kosovo as a member. However, the implementation of agreements concluded months ago will not be sufficient. A crucial issue that would and should be addressed urgently as part of the dialogue is the continued existence of parallel Serbian State structures in northern Kosovo.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“Such normalization, with good- neighbourly relations as a result, is paramount if both Serbia and Kosovo are to advance towards ultimately becoming European Union members with full rights and obligations. We commend the willingness of the leaders on both sides to invest their political capital in that process. That capital will soon need to translate into concrete and tangible results on the ground, starting with the operation of the first border posts in the framework of the integrated border management by December, as agreed by the two Prime Ministers at their most recent meeting on 7 November. My country also welcomes the steps taken by both sides to finally implement the agreement on the representation of Kosovo in regional organizations.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“Let me begin by welcoming Mr. Enver Hoxhaj, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kosovo, and Mr. Ivan Mrkic', Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia, to the Council. I would also like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Farid Zarif, for his briefing and comprehensive report (S/2012/818), which gives reason for cautious optimism. First and foremost, we welcome the fact that the European Union-led dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo has finally resumed at the highest political level. That is an essential step forward and we fully support the efforts of High Representative Baroness Ashton as facilitator. As pointed out by Ms. Ashton and Secretary Clinton during their recent visit to Belgrade and Pristina, the common goal needs to be the normalization of relations between both countries.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“We fully share the view of the Prosecutor that such crimes may well fall under the Rome Statute and that the ICC therefore has the full authority to investigate and, if needed, to prosecute the perpetrators of those heinous crimes. Finally, I wish to reiterate Germany's readiness to support ongoing investigations following requests for cooperation.”
2012-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6855 (2012) · source
“Thirdly, on the more general point of how potential future referrals by the Council should be worded, Germany regrets that, despite a clear legal obligation to allow for the full application of the Rome Statute to all activities undertaken by the ICC and its staff under the Statute, some staff members of the ICC were detained in Libya in June. We are therefore of the view that future referrals should explicitly highlight the privileges and immunities enjoyed by ICC staff. Fourthly, Germany remains very concerned about reports, including by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry, regarding gender-related crimes that were committed in Libya.”
2012-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6855 (2012) · source
“Secondly, with regard to the admissibility challenge presented by Libya in the case of Saif Al-Islam Al-Qadhafi, Germany reiterates its view that the ultimate decision on the matter is to be made by the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber. It is in the interest of all to establish clarity on the issue ofjurisdiction as soon as possible. We therefore urge the Libyan authorities to swiftly supply the Pre-Trial Chamber with copies of the evidence that was presented orally during the public hearing held on 9 and 10 October. We expect all concerned to fully accept and implement the forthcoming decision by the ICC.”
2012-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6855 (2012) · source
“The Prime Minister and his Government should therefore receive all the support they need, and we look forward to working closely with them. Let me now turn to the points that were raised by the Prosecutor. I would like to address four issues. First, on cooperation, we fully support the Prosecutor's call on all concernedto fully cooperate with the ICC and thereby contribute to the implementation of resolution 1970 (2011). We are mindful that the resolution explicitly demands full cooperation with the ICC from the Libyan authorities. We therefore encourage Libya to meet its obligations without preconditions or restrictions. In that context, we appreciate the renewal of the mandate of the Libyan focal point to the ICC on 11 September.”
2012-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6855 (2012) · source
“I would like to thank the Prosecutor for presenting her report. Since this is the first time that Ms. Bensouda has briefed the Council, please allow me to congratulate her on the assumption of the post of Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC). We are convinced that the Office of the Prosecutor is in good hands, and we wish her every success. We commend Libya on the progress achieved during the first year of liberation from the Al-Qadhafi dictatorship. The recent approval of the new Cabinet of Prime Minister Zeidan in the first elections for decades is an important step in the transition process. No one expected this transition to be easy and without challenges after decades of systematic destruction of political institutions by the former regime.”
2012-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6855 (2012) · source
“for United Nations and other international personnel. Such protection is key to enabling the United Nations and others to engage with the Somalis in Mogadishu and elsewhere in the country. United Nations assistance to the Somali authories and direct interaction with them on the ground are crucial in order to stabilize the country and to create a peace dividend for the Somali people. We hope that it will be possible to include this element in the next resolution on AMISOM. that will be adopted against the background of the United Nations and AU assessment of AMISOM and the future United Nations role in the country.”
2012-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6854 (2012) · source
“During negotiations, my delegation supported a provision that clearly addressed the need for sustainable funding for AMISOM, as requested by the African Union (AU) in its latest report. We believe that, politically, AMISOM. is a joint undertaking between the African Union and the United Nations, and that the Council shares the responsibility to secure the sustainabality ofthe Mission. The success of AMISOM. is in our common interest, and the Council should not limit itself to calling for new donors when it comes to the funding of the Mission. We think that an informed and thorough discussion of the issue, in close cooperation with the African Union, is overdue. Furthermore, we should have liked the Council to repeat and stress its request with regard to a guard force to be provided by AMISOM.”
2012-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6854 (2012) · source
“Let me in turn congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Council. Ijoin in the thanks that have been expressed to Ambassador Rosenthal and his team for their presidency last month. Germany voted in favour of resolution 2073 (2012). My country continues to strongly support the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). AMISOM carries out its task in very difficult circumstances. It has been instrumental in securing the progress that we have seen recently on the ground, and it will be indispensable for many months to come. We commend the efforts of the United Kingdom that guided the Council through very dynamic negotiations aimed at achieving consensus. We deplore the fact that it was impossible to achieve such consensus on the first proposed draft, which contained many positive and necessary elements.”
2012-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6854 (2012) · source
“The passing of a law that enables the Task Force to conduct full, fair and independent criminal investigations in Albania has been a major step. The Task Force has also intensified its cooperation with other relevant counterparts in the region and with the International Criminal Court for the Former Yugoslavia. We therefore call on all sides to stop engaging in discussions about reporting lines, roles and responsibilities, and rather unite behind the Special Investigative Task Force's important work.”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“Building confidence between the local population and the competent authorities in Pristina remains indispensable. In that context, we commend the Government of Kosovo on its decision to establish an administrative office in north Mitrovica. That decision marks an important step in a broader strategy to reach out to the Serbian population in the north. We encourage all actors on the ground, including UNMIK, to support Pristina's outreach initiative. Let me once against stress that Germany takes the allegations contained in the so-called Marty report seriously. We are therefore very pleased that the important work of the EULEX Special Investigative Task Force has progressed significantly since our last debate in May (see S/PV.6769).”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“Finally, I would like to touch briefly upon the situation in northern Kosovo, where the security situation remains volatile. Owing to roadblocks and repeated physical attacks on EULEX staff and vehicles, the free movement of EULEX remains impaired. We strongly condemn ongoing roadblocks and threats against EULEX staff and call upon all parties, especially the Serbian authorities, to use their influence on the responsible actors in northern Kosovo to allow EULEX to fully carry out its mandate. We also strongly condemn continued acts of violence against KFOR, such as the use of firearms by Serbian protesters against a group of KFOR soldiers on 1 June in a clear attempt to severely injure or even kill the soldiers. Ultimately, the problems in northern Kosovo can only be solved politically.”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“We condemn all acts of inter-ethnic violence by all parties and reaffirm our strong support for continued cooperation between the Kosovo police and EULEX in that regard. Other parties, including Serbs in northern Kosovo, need to refrain from violence and enhance their cooperation with EULEX as well. However, the report provided by EULEX clearly indicates that acts of violence against perpetrators of all ethnic backgrounds are being investigated and prosecuted. Statements making different claims are therefore simply false and dangerously misleading. We welcome UNMIK's focus on the challenges faced by minority communities in Kosovo and on the question of voluntary returns to Kosovo. However, any future analysis of the question of voluntary returns will also need to take economic and demographic factors into account.”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“The second major political development that I would like to touch upon today is the decision taken by the International Steering Group on 2 July to end the supervision of Kosovo's independence and, accordingly, to close the International Civilian Office in Kosovo. Ending supervised independence, which still requires the adoption of the necessary constitutional and legislative amendments by the competent Kosovo authorities, is based on our firm conviction that Kosovo has grown into a democratic and multi-ethnic State through the implementation of its obligations under the Ahtisaari plan. Those obligations include, inter alia, the adoption of laws on the rights of ethnic minorities, on cultural and religious heritage and on decentralization. However, certain challenges persist.”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“On his recent, very timely visit to Kosovo and other countries in the region, including to places of symbolic importance such as Srebrenica in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Prizren and the Visoki Decani Monastery in Kosovo, the Secretary-General consistently highlighted the need for the resolution of existing tensions through dialogue and closer regional cooperation. With regard to Kosovo, we hope that both sides will respond to the Secretary-General's call by constructively engaging in the high-level dialogue process, as a necessary step towards fulfilling their countries' European aspirations.”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“Therefore, we fully back the initiative of the High Representative of the EU, Catherine Ashton, which has the objective of raising the dialogue, under the auspices of the EU, to a political level so as to accomplish tangible and sustainable progress in normalizing relations between Belgrade and Pristina. We welcome the fact that Prime Ministers Dacic' and Thaci have noted that they were ready to engage in such dialogue. (spoke in English) The swift and full implementation of existing agreements, for example on integrated border management and on the representation of Kosovo in regional organizations, remains key. As a second step, agreements need to be reached in areas that have not been tackled yet, like energy and telecommunications.”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“The Government of Kosovo took the opportunity presented to demonstrate that it actively took into account the interests of the Serbian minority in the country. The elections also demonstrate that it is possible to make compromises on practical issues when there is a political will to find a solution that benefits both parties. After the establishment of a new Serbian Government, we hope that dialogue mediated by the EU between Belgrade and Pristina will swiftly resume. Given the possibility of EU membership for both Serbia and Kosovo, such dialogue continues to be the most effective means of contributing to keeping peace and stability in the region going.”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“We are pleased that a wide majority of Serbians - 75 per cent - supported parties advocating a strengthened integration of Serbia with the European Union (EU). I would like to assure Mr. Dacic that Germany shall continue to be a reliable partner ready to closely cooperate with his Government and support the process of necessary reform. We also welcome the fact that Serbian citizens of Kosovo were able to participate in elections without having encountered any major security issues. That is the result of pragmatic cooperation between all parties involved and the noteworthy support of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Kosovo police, the European Union Rule of Law Mission in (EULEX) and the Kosovo Force (KFOR).”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“Mr. Berger (Germany) (spoke in French): First and foremost, allow me to welcome His Excellency Mr. Ivica Dacic', Prime Minister of Serbia; His Excellency Mr. Hashim Thaci, Prime Minister of Kosovo; His Excellency Mr. Enver Hoxhaj, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kosovo; and His Excellency Mr. Ivan Mrkie, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia. Like the speakers who have gone before me, I should like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Farid Zarif, for his detailed briefing. Over the past three months, we have witnessed two major political events in Kosovo and in the region, which I would like to touch upon today. First, presidential and legislative elections in Serbia were held in May, and led to the establishment of a new Government in Belgrade.”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“Common standards, training and the interoperability of equipment are prerequisites for effective coordination. In that regard, I understood Lieutenant General Prakash's suggestions when he commented on his experience. The question, apart from what he said, is whether there are other experiences in that regard that the Force Commanders could share with the Council. Would they have any recommendations to make in that area?”
2012-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6789 (2012) · source