YouSaid · the spoken record

Biegman

lines on the record: 61
first: 1994-02-14
most recent: 1997-06-30
sittings or episodes: 8
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

“In view of the unrest in northern Angola and the fact that large parts of the country are not yet under Government control, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) at present considers the conditions for the return of refugees, as well as of demobilized soldiers, unfavourable. This, too, is a reason for concern. It is important that more funds be made available, both for demobilization and for UNHCR's repatriation programmes. I should like to conclude by paying tribute to the Secretary-General, his Special Representative and the men and women of UNAVEM. III for their strenuous and unabated efforts to keep Angola on the road to a lasting peace. The personnel of UNAVEM. III are to be congratulated for a job well done, which we all hope will be completed by MONUA.”
1997-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3795 (1997) · source
“It would, hopefully, also resolve the precarious military situation in the border area between Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The transformation of the UNITA radio station into a non-partisan broadcasting facility and the transformation of UNITA into a political party are other remaining political aspects which have to be completed. Notwithstanding the gradual progress made in the peace process, the human rights situation in Angola is still a reason for concern. The promotion of good governance, including abidance by the rule of law and the protection of human rights, should be an integral part of activities focused on reconstruction and the normalization of State administration. MONUA will have an important role to play in the field of human rights.”
1997-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3795 (1997) · source
“Other military tasks, such as the elimination of all obstacles to the free circulation of people and goods and the disarmament of the civilian population, also need to be completed urgently. UNITA must provide the Joint Commission with complete information regarding its armed personnel, including the nature and size of its leader's security contingent. Without that, UNITA will be unable to transform into a legitimate political party. The European Union believes that an early meeting within the national territory between the President of Angola and the Leader of the Largest Opposition Party would contribute significantly to easing political tension and would help in the normalization of State administration in territories under UNITA control.”
1997-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3795 (1997) · source
“We are concerned at the Secretary-General's reports of "serious clashes resulting in casualties" (5/1997/438, para. 9) in north-east Angola. Both sides must cooperate with the United Nations and grant full access to all areas under their control. In particular, we call on UNITA to put an end to attacks against United Nations staff. The pace of demobilization of UNITA soldiers, which is crucial for the success of the peace process, is still slower than originally envisaged. While the Government should create proper conditions for this process, we urge UNITA to cooperate fully with the United Nations in the demobilization of the UNITA fighters and the early completion of the new, united Angolan army.”
1997-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3795 (1997) · source
“The formation of a Government of National Unity and Reconciliation, the participation of UNITA deputies in the National Assembly and the beginning of the normalization of Government administration are important steps on the road to full implementation of the Lusaka Protocol and constitute a good basis for the process of national reconciliation. While some problems remain, the European Union remains optimistic about a positive outcome. It is in that spirit that we welcome the establishment of MONUA, which could make an important contribution to the return of stability and the necessary reconstruction in Angola. The peace process remains fragile, however. Recent developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have increased tensions in Angola.”
1997-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3795 (1997) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The following associated countries - Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia - have aligned themselves with this statement, as has Norway. The Security Council will today be adopting a draft resolution creating a new United Nations Observer Mission in Angola (MONUA), which takes over from the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM. III) after several years of a complex peace process in Angola. In spite of problems and delays, MONUA is the result of positive developments that have taken place during the past months.”
1997-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3795 (1997) · source
“Greater cooperation between peacekeeping and the humanitarian community is required. Peacekeeping should focus primarily on contributing to the creation of a secure environment, while humanitarian organizations should concentrate on the effective delivery of humanitarian relief assistance and the protection of human rights and humanitarian law. When the provision of humanitarian relief assistance is envisaged to be provided within the context of a peacekeeping operation, it must be based on a clear and feasible mandate from the Security Council, and the international community should provide the necessary resources for the successful completion of that mandate.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“During that session, the Commission adopted by consensus a resolution on the human rights situation in Zaire, as that country was called at that time. It was decided to carry out a joint mission to investigate allegations of massacres, as well as other issues affecting human rights in the eastern part of the country. The European Union deeply regrets that this mission was prevented from implementing its mandate; it calls upon the new authorities in Kinshasa to enable the mission to fulfil that mandate and encourages the Security Council to maintain its interest in this issue. Respect for human rights and international humanitarian law is a basic precondition for the effective protection of humanitarian assistance to refugees and others in conflict situations.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“The EU reiterates its support of these tribunals and reaffirms that all States concerned have an obligation to cooperate fully with them. The statute of a permanent international criminal court is being negotiated and the European Union supports its negotiation and participates actively in it. Lastly, given the prominence of women and children among refugees, special attention should be given to preventing violence against women and children, as well as raising more generally the awareness of international humanitarian law and human rights among all relevant personnel. More generally, the need for full cooperation with United Nations mechanisms was stressed by the European Union during the fifty-third session of the Commission on Human Rights.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“This calls for an expanded role for civilian police in United Nations peacekeeping operations, inter alia, through assistance to local police forces, as well as in contributing to the restoration of the rule of law, promoting respect for human rights and international humanitarian law and fostering civil reconciliation. For the same purpose, a United Nations human rights field presence has been established in a number of cases, often as an integral part of a United Nations peacekeeping operation. All parties to armed conflicts must respect human rights and international humanitarian law. Those who violate such law or commit war crimes must be prosecuted actively and, if found guilty, sentenced accordingly. In some recent instances, international tribunals have been established.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“This requires effective and close coordination, both at headquarters and in the field. Greater cooperation in pooling and accessing information between the humanitarian community, the peacekeeping operation, other actors and the United Nations as a whole will improve the precision of risk assessments. Where present, the special representative of the Secretary-General has a key role to play in this area. It is clearly important to restore civil order in an early phase and thereby decrease the risk of loss of life of refugees, United Nations personnel and humanitarian relief workers.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“The mandates and nature of specific operations also need to be clearly explained to local populations and to the international media through a proactive and coordinated public information strategy, including through the deployment of United Nations radio stations. Clarity and feasibility are essential to United Nations mandates and missions, which should also be based on accurate and up-to-date information to ensure the protection of humanitarian assistance. Both the Security Council and humanitarian organizations should not just recognize the possible support and military protection a peacekeeping force can provide, but should also realize the limitations which the mandate of the military operation entails. On the other hand, the peacekeeping operation should be kept informed of the plans and intentions of the humanitarian relief effort.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“The Council should insist that in concrete situations safe and unimpeded access for international humanitarian organizations, such as UNHCR, to refugees in and outside camps is ensured. Refugee camps should never be misused as military bases. All parties involved in a conflict should ensure the safety of humanitarian personnel and human rights monitors. The Council should emphasize, whenever appropriate, the responsibilities of host States and parties concerned in this respect. No attempt should be made by warring parties to use humanitarian assistance for political objectives that would endanger the impartiality of the humanitarian assistance.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“The presence of United Nations peacekeeping forces whose mission is largely to support humanitarian assistance has in several cases helped to establish more secure conditions. In some cases it prepared the way for a peace settlement by demonstrating the readiness of the international community to assist and monitor such an outcome. Nevertheless, it remains important to differentiate clearly between peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance, since too close a link between humanitarian aid delivery and a military operation could, in some cases, endanger the perception of impartiality associated with humanitarian aid. We increasingly face security situations which hamper the delivery of humanitarian assistance. The following issues should be given further attention to address this situation.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“Experience has shown that forces operating under a United Nations mandate are increasingly involved in protecting humanitarian relief workers, such as those representing international agencies and non-governmental organizations, from attacks by belligerents. United Nations peacekeeping forces have also been mandated to be directly involved in humanitarian assistance. They have delivered humanitarian food supplies to refugees and established areas to protect those residing there from the threat or use of force. In the United Nations Mission in Haiti (UNMIH), as in so many other peacekeeping operations, peacekeepers were involved in small-scale humanitarian activities which contributed to the success of the operation.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“As a result, civilian refugees and humanitarian workers are also increasingly at risk. It is important to distinguish between civilian refugees and belligerents. It is unacceptable that one or more parties to a conflict intentionally target refugees or the humanitarian workers who are trying to provide relief or protection to them. In the intra-State conflicts with which we are so often confronted, both the recipients and providers of humanitarian assistance and protection can be at risk. It is in response to those risks that a peacekeeping or other military force is sometimes mandated and deployed. Such was the case recently with the multinational force in Albania.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“Outside the United Nations, the European Union and other regional bodies, as well as non-governmental organizations, are also exploring new ways to alleviate these problems. The international community is increasingly called upon to provide comprehensive responses to crises which meet the political, military and the humanitarian demands of the situation. Over the past few years, the nature of crises in which humanitarian workers are engaged has changed considerably. One of the most troubling aspects is the fact that the safety of refugees and humanitarian workers - indeed, one of the cornerstones of international humanitarian law - has increasingly come under attack. In some cases, such as recently in the Great Lakes area, there is a deliberate targeting of refugees as part of the military strategy of the parties in the conflict.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU). The associated countries of Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and the Slovak Republic have aligned themselves with this statement, as have Iceland and Liechtenstein. In the post-cold-war era, an era of bitter intra-State conflicts, the international community has been confronted with new challenges to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to refugees and persons displaced within the borders of their own countries. The United Nations is making a concerted effort to develop a coherent approach to dealing with the assistance and protection needs of both refugees and internally displaced persons, 80 per cent of whom are women and children.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“The new Government can rest assured that its efforts in the reconstruction of a reconciled Angola and in the framework of the peace process will meet with a willingness on the part of the European Union to cooperate actively. With international assistance, a successful consolidation of the peace process and good governance can certainly be achieved. The PresidentzThe next speaker is the representative of Zimbabwe. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table and to make his statement.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3769 (1997) · source
“We attach particular importance to the deployment of human rights officers and of police observers, who would monitor compliance with the peace accords, including freedom of movement throughout the country. Once again, we would like to commend the staff of UNAVEM. III, United Nations agencies and non- governmental organizations, who perform their work in often trying conditions. It is important that their safety continue to be assured both at present and during any future United Nations presence in Angola. During his visit to Angola, the Secretary-General launched the United Nations consolidated appeal for 1997, which includes humanitarian needs as well as a basis for rehabilitation and reconstruction.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3769 (1997) · source
“At the same time, we feel that the United Nations still has a role to play in support of the peace process. Accordingly, we concur with the Secretary-General's recommendation to extend the mandate of UNAVEM. III until 30 June 1997, on the understanding that the operation would gradually proceed with the transition towards a United Nations observer mission in Angola to be formally established on 1 July 1997. In addition to the completion of the remaining military tasks, the observer mission would focus on political, police and human rights aspects, as well as on humanitarian and public information programmes aimed at consolidating the national reconciliation process.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3769 (1997) · source
“The outstanding political tasks must now also be completed. The European Union and its member States have provided significant political, financial, material and personnel support for demining activities in Angola. We hope that the planned transfer of the responsibility for support of the national mine- clearance programme from the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM. III) to the United Nations Development Programme will take place soon in order to secure the future of the programme. We therefore look forward to the early signing of the project document concerning the development of a national mine-clearance capacity in Angola. We have taken note of the Secretary-General's intention to complete the phased drawdown of UNAVEM's military units by the end of August of this year.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3769 (1997) · source
“It is also to be borne in mind that much remains to be done in order to achieve the same unity of administration at the provincial and national levels as has been achieved at the central level. With the establishment of the new Government, the way is now open for the full completion of important tasks such as the normalization of the State administration throughout the national territory and policy discussions with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Rapid progress is called for in the incorporation of UNITA troops into the Angolan army and the National Police, as well as in the area of demobilization. We welcome the launching of the rapid demobilization programme last Saturday. The 27,000 soldiers, who left the quarterng areas as deserters and absentees, should return as soon as possible and be demobilized.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3769 (1997) · source
“Moreover, we should like to pay tribute to the Secretary-General, whose most timely Visit to Angola was a major factor in achieving this breakthrough, as well as to his Special Representative, Maitre Blondin Beye, and the three observer countries for the indispensable role they have played in the formation of the new Government. The Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), UNITA and the other parties can and must now walk the last mile to the full implementation of the Lusaka accords and national reconciliation together. In view of the extremely difficult road which led to the Government of Unity and National Reconciliation, continued confidence- building between its components will be necessary. In this context, an early meeting between President Dos Santos and Mr. Savimbi seems to be an important step.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3769 (1997) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The following associated countries have aligned themselves with this statement: Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia. Iceland and Norway have also aligned themselves with this statement. The European Union welcomes the inauguration of the Government of Unity and National Reconciliation on 11 April, which marks one of the most important steps in the peace process initiated at Lisbon in 1991 and renewed at Lusaka in 1994, and which sets Angola on the promising path of development for the benefit of all Angolans. We would like to congratulate the Angolan people and express our best wishes to the new Angolan Government for the further consolidation of the peace process.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3769 (1997) · source
“We support the Secretary-General's recommendation for the attachment of a group of 155 military observers to the United Nations Mission for the Verification of Human Rights and of Compliance with the Commitments of the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights in Guatemala (MINUGUA). At the same time, we subscribe to the call contained in the draft resolution for both parties to honour their mutual commitments and to cooperate fully with the verification of the ceasefire agreement and all the resulting obligations.”
1997-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3730 (1997) · source
“The European Union therefore agrees with the report of the Secretary-General of 17 December 1996, which states that the verification will require the deployment of United Nations military observers and that, in accordance with the established practice of the United Nations, such deployment will require the authorization of the Security Council, which has consistently supported the peace process in Central America since it first commended the efforts of the Contadora countries in resolution 530 (1983). We therefore hope that the draft resolution before the Council today can be adopted by consensus, as a testimony of the continued determination of the whole international community to support the peace process in Guatemala.”
1997-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3730 (1997) · source
“We call upon them to fulfil in good faith the commitments they have entered into, bearing in mind that it is their primary responsibility to consolidate the peace and to prevent any resurgence of violence. The citizens of Guatemala deserve at last to live in peace. Guatemala now faces the challenge of building a democratic society based on the rule of law, open to the equal participation of all Guatemalan citizens and with full respect for human rights. The verification of the peace accords has been entrusted by both parties to the United Nations.”
1997-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3730 (1997) · source
“The European Union has for a long time taken an active interest in the Central American peace process, in particular through the San J ose dialogue, and reiterates its readiness to support the Guatemalan people in implementing the peace agreements. We wish to congratulate the Government of Guatemala and the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca (URNG). Their common determination and the persistent efforts of the United Nations, in particular of United Nations Moderator Jean Arnault, assisted by the Group of Friends, have laid the basis for the far-reaching agreements signed in Mexico, Oslo, Stockholm and Madrid that entered into force on the occasion of the signing ceremony in Guatemala City. The implementation of the Agreement needs the full cooperation of the parties.”
1997-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3730 (1997) · source
“Offering the customary congratulations on your presidency, Sir, I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The following associated countries have aligned themselves with this intervention: Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. The Union warmly welcomed the signing in Guatemala City on 29 December of the Agreement on a Firm and Lasting Peace. That signing was a historic step in Guatemala's history, bringing an end to the longest-running conflict in the region, which had brought immense pain and suffering to the Guatemalan people. It is at the same time the culmination of the peace process in Central America.”
1997-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3730 (1997) · source
“III, our future assistance and cooperation will not have to be limited to emergency and humanitarian aid only, but our humanitarian assistance to Angola will be continued in 1995. Let me finally express the hope that on the road to peace and national reconciliation all sides will be guided by statesmanship, wisdom and above all generosity towards their former adversaries. UNAVEM. III will be there to help, but it is ultimately for the Angolans themselves to realize our common dream of a unified, peaceful, democratic and prosperous Angola, where good governance, multi-party democracy, power-sharing and respect for human rights prevail. Let peace not become elusive once more. The Angolan people deserve better - and much better - than that.”
1995-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3499 (1995) · source
“II, even during the fiercest hostilities, and will continue to serve in UNAVEM. III. We fully share the importance attached in the draft resolution to the speedy establishment of a comprehensive mine-clearance programme in Angola. Among all the activities UNAVEM. III is expected to carry out, mine-clearance is of the utmost importance, as the continuous presence of mines could greatly hamper the implementation of other elements of the "Acordos de Paz" and the Lusaka Protocol. In 1994 my country contributed 10 million Netherlands guilders - roughly $6 million - for humanitarian assistance to the people of Angola. We express the sincere hope that, through the efforts of both the Angolan parties and UNAVEM.”
1995-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3499 (1995) · source
“The Netherlands Government therefore urges the parties not to allow any further delays, but scrupulously to comply with the time-table envisaged in the Lusaka Protocol. On the other hand, in order to avoid a dangerous vacuum, the timely deployment of the peace-keeping forces - once the conditions listed in the Secretary-General's report are met - cannot be overemphasized. In order to facilitate the peace process, an early meeting between President dos Santos and Mr. Savimbi is, in our view, crucial, and we call upon both leaders to make every effort to realize such a meeting at their earliest convenience. It goes without saying that my Government wholeheartedly supports the decision the Security Council is about to take to establish UNAVEM. III. Netherlands military and police observers have served in UNAVEM.”
1995-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3499 (1995) · source
“Of even greater importance is the fact that the cease- fire, concluded shortly after the signing of the Protocol, is holding, since agreements and cease-fires have been concluded before in Angola, but did not last. The draft resolution before us bears witness to the fact that the international community has learned from previous experience and is not naive any more about stated good intentions by warring parties; it contains numerous conditions for the deployment and continuation of activities of the various components of a third United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM. III), which are all linked to the need for the parties to show good faith and the necessary political will by effectively implementing the commitments which they themselves have undertaken.”
1995-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3499 (1995) · source
“My country has a long-standing relationship with Angola in the field of development cooperation and humanitarian assistance, and we have therefore witnessed with particular interest the long and difficult road both parties have walked to finally arrive at the Lusaka Protocol. We were extremely pleased when, on 20 November last year, the Protocol was finally signed. We commend the role that the Secretary-General, the three observer States, Zambia, as host country of the negotiations, and several other African States have played in this respect. Most of all we pay tribute to the special representative of the Secretary-General, Maitre Beye, who, apart from being a professional optimist, seems to have endless patience and perseverance.”
1995-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3499 (1995) · source
“First, Sir, I should like to offer you my sincere congratulations on your assumption of the presidency of the Council. The presence in our midst of many illustrious visitors - the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity, as well as no fewer than 11 Foreign Ministers of African States - is a reflection of the fact that this is a momentous occasion. More than two years after the first United Nations attempt to bring peace to Angola failed, the guns are largely silent and we find ourselves on the eve of a new, large-scale peacekeeping operation. After 34 years of suffering, of the gruesome ordeal of the struggle for independence, followed by relentless civil strife, there is hope again for the Angolan people.”
1995-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3499 (1995) · source
“The primacy of the United Nations, so far as enforcement is concerned, has been laid down in the Charter and must be respected. However, this does not preclude a division of labour between United Nations and regional organizations, which, in the opinion of my country, should be based on considerations of comparative advantage. Individual tasks should be performed by the organization best equipped to do them. In this way, duplication and institutional competition can be avoided, and the effectiveness of our common effort will be enhanced.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“This should include the transition from humanitarian assistance to development cooperation - a vital instrument in the promotion of international peace and security. Achieving synergy between the different organizations concerned should be an important goal, and we wholeheartedly support the Secretary-General in his efforts aimed at greater coordination in the field. Let me conclude by stating that we welcome the attention that the Supplement gives to regional organizations. The cooperation between these organizations and the United Nations seems to be evolving in the right direction. The Secretary-General is correct in stating that a universal model for their relationship with the United Nations cannot be established.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“But - especially if there should be a reduction in military enforcement activities on the part of the United Nations, as proposed by the Secretary-General - the Organization will have to make sure that it does not lose the only remaining means of action in cases of threats to the peace, breaches of the peace or acts of aggression. The Netherlands, in cooperation with Australia, intends to address various questions related to the effective application of sanctions in a working paper to be presented on the occasion of the United Nations Congress on Public International Law, which will take place in New York in March 1995. In reading the Supplement, I was particularly pleased with the emphasis that the Secretary-General puts on the concept of post-conflict peace-building.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“The Council must have flexibility in its choice of instruments while trying to maintain or restore international peace and security. The Charter specifically mentions sanctions as one of the instruments for this purpose. The Secretary-General rightly observes that sanctions often have unwanted side-effects. The experience gained since 1990 tells us that a mechanism such as that proposed by the Secretary-General may give a sharper edge to what he calls a blunt instrument. The effectiveness and credibility of the sanctions instrument, applied in conformity with the Charter, would certainly be improved if some of the Secretary-General's recommendations were adopted.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“The new procedures decided upon recently by the Council have already resulted in improved information and consultations on the operations mandated by the Council, and I hope further progress will be made in this respect. This is a legitimate expectation on the part of those countries which, while not on the Council, are nevertheless major contributors to United Nations peace-keeping operations and thus instrumental in the implementation of the Council's decisions. This enhanced involvement of the troop contributors in the political process is also important in order to maintain domestic public support. It can be realized without encroaching on the special responsibilities of the Council or the Secretary-General.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“However, my country does not draw the conclusion from the experiences in, for instance, Bosnia and Herzegovina that we have given the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) the wrong mandate. On the contrary, UNPROFOR's capabilities should be strengthened and its vulnerability reduced, so that it can indeed perform its existing mandate. In his Supplement, the Secretary-General also refers to the new interaction between the Council and the troop- contributing countries. The Netherlands has repeatedly emphasized the importance of enhanced transparency and better consultations with troop- contributing countries that are not members of the Council.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“As the Supplement makes clear, the nature of the problem confronting the international community has changed as a result of the recent wave of intra-State conflicts and the phenomenon of the failed State. The responsibility of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace and security makes it incumbent upon the Organization to devise ways to address these new threats. In the case of massive violations of human rights and humanitarian emergencies it may become unavoidable to combine peace-keeping operations with elements of enforcement. I agree that there is a real possibility of contradiction and confusion, and that the United Nations force may face situations of a very difficult and delicate nature.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“New elements, such as the protection of safe areas and of humanitarian operations during continuing warfare, as well as putting pressure on the parties, endanger the success of the peace-keeping formula, especially if the peace-keepers lack the capability for the effective use of force, so the argument goes. Of course, the Netherlands agrees that the capabilities of the peace-keeping forces should be sufficient to meet the requirements of the mandate. Mandate and means should be well-balanced. However, the answer is not, in our view, to limit ourselves to the kind of peace-keeping that was appropriate for a world which was very different from the one we are now living in.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“The Netherlands has undertaken a preliminary internal study as to the feasibility and modalities of such a United Nations brigade, and intends to further pursue this option in consultations with Member States and the Secretariat in the very near future. In his "Supplement to An Agenda for Peace" the Secretary-General makes a clear distinction between peace-keeping and peace-enforcing. If we understand the text correctly, the Secretary-General argues that we should return to the classical type of peace-keeping operations, based on the consent of all parties, impartiality and non-use of force.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“In particular, he mentioned the possibility of creating an all-volunteer, professional United Nations brigade at the service of the Security Council, a brigade which could be rapidly deployed in a crisis situation. The personnel of such a brigade would have no links with the armed forces of Member States and would be directly contracted by the United Nations. This would seem to be the best way to guarantee that these units would actually be available in an emergency, as the use of units which would remain part of national forces would still be subject to often time- consuming national decision-making, including, in many cases, parliamentary approval. Moreover, the outcome of this decision-making would not necessarily be positive.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“The coming celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations next October would provide a good opportunity to this end. I would suggest that the Heads of State and Government incorporate in their declarations on that occasion a solemn reaffirmation of their willingness to accept an offer of good offices by the United Nations in conflicts to which they may become a party. This could constitute a code of conduct for Member States in the field of preventive diplomacy. We warmly welcome the conclusion of the Secretary-General that the idea of a rapid reaction force deserves serious attention and we fully share his analysis. As will be recalled, the Netherlands Minister of Foreign Affairs in his intervention during the forty-ninth session of the General Assembly also argued in favour of such a force.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“These changes call for reflection, and I would like to address a number of the issues raised in the Supplement. In the report, the Secretary-General stresses the importance of preventive diplomacy. But, as he points out, the greatest obstacle to its successful application is the reluctance of one or other of the parties in a conflict to accept an active role for the United Nations. The hope is expressed that in the long run the international climate of opinion will evolve in such a way that it will become established practice for countries not to refuse an offer of United Nations good offices. The Netherlands shares this View, but it would be useful, I think, to discuss in somewhat more detail what we can do to bring about such a climate.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“As a substantial contributor to United Nations peace-keeping and crisis-management, the Netherlands attaches great importance to the strengthening of the United Nations capacity in this domain and to the views and recommendations put forward in the Secretary-General's Agenda for Peace. This is a crucial element of the United Nations response to the new challenges confronting the international community after the end of the cold war. The timely and thought-provoking position paper of the Secretary-General, which has been presented as a Supplement to his Agenda for Peace, describes the dramatic changes in both the volume and the nature of United Nations activities in the field of peace and security which have occurred since the Agenda was written.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“Let me congratulate you, Sir, on the assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of January. May I also express my delegation's sincere condolences to the Government of Japan on the occasion of the terrible disaster that struck the Kobe region yesterday. I am happy to have the opportunity to address the Council on the important matter under discussion today, which has already been the subject of an intervention by the French delegation on behalf of the European Union. We subscribe entirely to the views put forward in that intervention, but would like to make a few additional remarks.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source