YouSaid · the spoken record

Bolafios Perez

lines on the record: 148
first: 2013-05-10
most recent: 2015-07-23
sittings or episodes: 21
sources: un-security-council

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“Similarly, we believe that the high- level panel review of the various general aspects of peacekeeping operations and special political missions will help in using these tools more efficiently. All of this will contribute to settling conflicts definitively and preventing relapse into violence, which, in most cases, undermines the gains made. Thirdly, we are convinced that women have a central role to play in preventing and settling conflicts, promoting justice and reconciliation, supporting disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, and in rebuilding national institutions, which are all integral pillars for building lasting peace. The review to be carried out by the high-level panel on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security, is very timely.”
2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source
“We therefore welcome the fact that the draft sustainable development goals include a stand-alone objective on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, which would facilitate access to justice for all and create effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. Secondly, Guatemala sees the Peacebuilding Commission as an important institutional interface between the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the General Assembly and the Bretton Woods institutions. We therefore believe that its work is important in terms of the institutional development of the United Nations. We trust that this year's review of the peacebuilding architecture will strengthen it and provide for better coordination among the bodies I just mentioned.”
2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source
“First, we must understand that poverty and social injustice per se do not necessarily lead to violence and conflict. What we must address, therefore, are the underlying circumstances and other, more complex factors that can lead to conflict. When high unemployment, especially among young people, and widespread poverty prevail at the same time as a minority enjoys a quality of life known only in the first world, there is at least some risk of conflict. Those factors must be alleviated, not only for intrinsic ethical reasons, but, in broader terms, as a means of conflict prevention. Peace and development must be addressed in a comprehensive and coordinated way at all levels throughout the United Nations system.”
2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source
“In our view, over the years the complex links between security and development have been codified and clarified in numerous internal reports and resolutions of this Organization, starting with Boutros Boutros- Ghali's 1992 An Agenda for Peace (S/24111), through the Outcome document of the 2005 World Summit in 2005 (General Assembly resolution 60/1) to the current Secretary-General's recent synthesis report on the post-2015 sustainable development agenda (A/69/700). Despite that, we continue to derive lessons for every peacekeeping and peacebuilding operation and mission. The challenges we are seeing increasingly emphasize the interdependence between security, justice and development in the promotion of lasting and sustainable peace. There is much to be said on this topic, but I will limit my remarks to five points.”
2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source
“Ms. Bolafios Perez (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to thank your delegation, Mr. President, for organizing this very timely debate, and for Ms. Michelle Bachelet's personal participation as President. We also appreciate the briefings by, and the presence here this morning of, the Secretary-General, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission and Ms. Leymah Gbowee, President of the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa. Guatemala considers today's open debate very timely, which, it is worth mentioning, coincides with the start of negotiations on the post-2015 development agenda. We are pleased that both the Security Council and the General Assembly, within their respective mandates, are placing greater emphasis on the importance of inclusive development for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source
“We hope that the concerns raised today will be taken into account and we stress the importance of reports of the Secretary-General remaining within the scope of the Security Council's responsibilities.”
2014-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7351 (2014) · source
“Fourthly, strengthening the capacity of the United Nations to assist Member States to combat these phenomena is only one element, albeit an important of, of the broader arsenal of measures to address this issue. While we recognize that the United Nations has a role to assist the affected States, this should be implemented in accordance with existing mandates, at the request of Member States and with full respect for their sovereignty, under national ownership. Finally, turning to resolution 2195 (2014), we recognize the efforts of Council members to achieve a balanced text and take into account the elements of importance to the broader membership. Likewise, we take note of the request for a report of the Secretary- General on threats posed by this new category of terrorist, who benefit from transnational organized crime.”
2014-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7351 (2014) · source
“We must adhere to the instruments that are legally binding for States parties, in this particular case the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, and not establish new obligations under the pretext of fighting terrorism. Thirdly, different strategies are required to address the specific threats posed by the different types of phenomena, especially suitable strategies to reduce the demand and supply of illicit drugs. Unless these causes are addressed, the problem will be displaced elsewhere or simply replaced by other illegal activities. Governments must therefore strengthen the rule of law in their countries so as to develop social antibodies against transnational organized crime and break the cycle of criminality and underdevelopment definitively.”
2014-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7351 (2014) · source
“This is further justification for strengthening international cooperation and providing technical assistance, in particular to encourage and facilitate the implementation of relevant conventions and protocols. Secondly, a wide range of existing strategies and initiatives have been developed at the national, regional and international levels, making it harder to identify synergies and similarities. This is due not only to the peculiar nature of each item, or the fact that each is discussed in a different expert forum, but also to the fact that each issue is governed by its own legal and legislative context.”
2014-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7351 (2014) · source
“However, by emphasizing coercive measures, controls and regulations, we risk promoting a more defensive approach by sovereign States. These are some of our comments at the conceptual level. In addition, we also have more specific comments to make. First, we believe that this discussion can contribute to our conflict-prevention efforts in maintaining international peace and security allowing us to fine-tune our responses to emerging threats and challenges. Transnational organized crime and the illicit trafficking in weapons, goods and people, like terrorism, are common and shared responsibilities, and we need to work together to prevent and combat these phenomena.”
2014-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7351 (2014) · source
“Nor does the concept note do much to recognize the particularities of each one of these phenomena, taking into account that, for example, fighting terrorism is quite different from fighting drug-trafficking or organized criminal groups, not to mention the issue of the cross-border movement of people. Nor do we support new categorizations of terrorists according to the type of criminal activity involved as resolution 2195 (2014), just adopted, seeks to do. It must be recalled that a terrorist's motivations are different from those involved in transnational organized crime. We would like to believe that when transnational organized crime is addressed by the United Nations system, whether by Council consideration or in a more general context, such efforts would seek to step up cooperation among Member States to combat this scourge.”
2014-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7351 (2014) · source
“However, in the concept note, all of these phenomena are addressed together, ignoring that the interconnections between them must be treated on a case-by-case basis and that they vary from region to region. Assuming that terrorism and transnational organized crime are automatically linked is not only inaccurate but also dangerous. Saying that there is no country that is not affected by terrorism or manifestations of transnational organized crime would be to send a message that the agenda of the Security Council covers all things, when in reality immediate action by the Council is not necessarily warranted because, quite simply, not all cross-border criminal activity reaches the threshold to constitute a threat to international peace and security.”
2014-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7351 (2014) · source
“Ms. Bolafios Perez (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): 1 thankyoa, Mr. President, for organizing today's open debate and for preparing the extensive concept note (S/2014/869, annex) to guide us in our deliberations. We also express our appreciation to the Under-Secretary- General for his introductory remarks. We would like today to share some concerns that my delegation has with respect to the focus of this debate. We have seen cases where there is criminality and terrorism establishes itself to take advantage thereof, or where terrorists draw on organized crime to finance their activities. In this regard, we recognize the potential linkages and interconnections between terrorism and destabilizing factors such as transnational organized crime and drug-trafficking.”
2014-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7351 (2014) · source
“We believe that a greater spirit of collaboration would make it possible to better and more adequately respond to the particularities of each situation under consideration and maximize the use of existing structures and resources. We see no cost benefit in creating new structures for every threat and challenge that arises. We suggest that existing capacities within the Organization be reviewed before going ahead with the proliferation of structures. Finally, the international community faces a real and growing threat is not new but is more diverse and complex. In this lengthy process of combating terrorism, we cannot forget the victims, who deserve from us a tribute to their memory today. We express our solidarity with the victims of terrorism and their families.”
2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source
“But the Security Council cannot and should not do it alone. The Council considers measures primarily ex post facto, while in this case the main focus should be preventive, addressing the conditions conducive to terrorism. In that respect, sanctions against terrorism have the potential to serve as a preventive measure, although much remains to be done to improve their effectiveness and implementation. We note with interest the analysis that counter-terrorism committees are doing in response to the request contained in resolution 2178 (2014). What we would like to see is additional measures to strengthen coordination, coherence, efficiency and transparency among the Security Council, the General Assembly, the Secretariat and the United Nations system.”
2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source
“However, we must continue to strengthen our international legal instruments. The current international situation requires, as soon as possible, a comprehensive convention against terrorism. Its conclusion would be a message of firmness and unity on the part of the entire international community. In addition, it would provide us with a definition of terrorism that would make possible a universal classification of this heinous act, facilitate cooperation and legal assistance among States, and fill the existing gaps in the work of the Security Council, including the legal frameworks for its sanctions regimes. Fourthly, I would like to mention the United Nations efforts in the fight against terrorism. We recognize the role that the Council and its subsidiary bodies have played in promoting this cause.”
2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source
“The emergence of foreign terrorist fighters and violent extremism can be attributed to situations such as extreme poverty, marginalization, lack of opportunities and, especially, youth unemployment. We must help all countries develop their capacities to face this threat and overcome it. We must build national resilience against terrorism. States must foster societies in which individuals and communities are able to resist the ideology of violent extremism, challenge those who make it their own and mitigate the impacts ofa terrorist attack so as to return quickly to daily life. Thirdly, in the course of the past decade, we have come to count on a number of operating tools to address this issue and cooperate efficiently, taking into account the needs and characteristics of each region.”
2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source
“Therefore, it is vital that we act on several fronts at the same time. The role of international cooperation and multilateralism at all levels is critical to neutralizing this threat. Conversely, any purely national effort will be in vain. We should all strengthen the mechanisms for border control, exchange of information and good practices in the prevention of terrorism. We also believe that international legal assistance is key to avoiding impunity for the perpetrators of terrorist acts. Secondly, we must address as a priority the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. In the long run, it is preventive measures that will effectively contribute to eradicating terrorism.”
2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source
“It is discouraging to see that terrorism, in its various forms and spheres, continues to spread and even intensify. The number of acts and victims is increasing, leaving a tragic trail of dead and wounded. The means used are becoming increasingly grotesque, and no one - not even United Nations officials, journalists or humanitarian workers - is immune to the risk of being involved in a terrorist event. The concept note raises for discussion various ways to strengthen international cooperation to combat terrorism and violent extremism. In that connection, we would like to make the following remarks. First, if there has ever been, in our interconnected world, a challenge that a nation cannot face alone, it is that of terrorists who cross borders and threaten to unleash violent extremism.”
2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source
“Ms. Bolafios Perez (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): I wish to thank Australia for taking the initiative to organize this open debate and the Foreign Minister for personally presiding over it. We also would like to express our gratitude for the concept note (S/2014/787, annex) that the Australian delegation has prepared, which I am sure will guide today's debate. We thank the Secretary-General for the information provided, together with the Chairs of the Counter-Terrorism Committee and the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) concerning Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities. The Government of Guatemala categorically rejects all acts of terrorism and reiterates its commitment to preventing and combating this scourge.”
2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source
“The use of gender- and age-disaggregated data remains indispensable to ensure adequate attention is given to protecting the human rights of women and girls, promoting their empowerment and effectively implementing activities that will lead to the full application of resolution 1325 (2000) and full respect for international humanitarian law and human rights. In conclusion, let me underscore how important it is that gender equality and the empowerment of women be placed at the centre of the post-2015 development agenda, and that that goal should put an emphasis on building peaceful societies and institutions, both of which are central for realizing the commitments undertaken on women and peace and security.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“This means ensuring that the practice of protection is more consistent and effective; training national security forces and raising their awareness; supporting local civil society groups working on human rights and the protection of displaced women; and advocating for the rights of displaced women with relevant stakeholders. We agree with the report of the Secretary-General that the process of strategic reviews of United Nations peacekeeping operations and sanctions and, in turn, the review the peacebuilding architecture should guarantee the inclusion of the commitments and priorities of the women and peace and security agenda.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“In the light of the fact that human rights abuses and violations - including discrimination, sexual violence and gender-based violence - can occur at various stages of the displacement cycle, the primary challenge for Member States, the United Nations and humanitarian actors face is the need to ensure and improve a protective environment for displaced persons. We reiterate that it is the responsibility of Member States to protect their populations, in particular displaced women and girls, who are the most vulnerable. In order to protect and improve the rights of displaced women and integrate a rights-based approach into national governance structures, there is a need to step up the capacity-building of public institutions, which often lie broken or weakened following a conflict.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“Women should be empowered from girlhood, with access to education, the certainty that their rights are protected and promoted, and the knowledge that they are part of any process affecting their welfare and future. We will not rest until we see the special needs of women and girls on the ground receiving the special and privileged attention they deserve, with the active collaboration of the relevant agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations system and Member States, with the support of non-governmental organizations and civil society. In this context, my delegation would like to acknowledge the important work of UN-Women and the progress achieved to date in mainstreaming gender throughout all activities on the ground of United Nations missions. We urge them to continue their valuable contribution to the challenges at hand.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“All assistance provided to such women and girls must take into account the trauma they have suffered and continue to suffer as displaced persons, through flashbacks, constant rejection and prolonged family separation. There is therefore a major need for counselling, but the road towards recovery also requires efforts to restore normalcy to their lives. This includes a job and the dignity won by earning one's own money and the freedom to spend it, and education for one's children, which in turn holds the promise of a better future. It should be underscored that a child's ability to attend school, even in a bombed building or a refugee camp, symbolizes having a system, a routine and a path towards normalcy - recovering from and overcoming trauma.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“Today's debate gives us the opportunity to consider the comprehensive implementation of the important resolution 1325 (2000), given our firm belief in the essential role women have to play in the prevention and resolution of conflicts; promoting justice and reconciliation; supporting demobilization, disarmament and reintegration; and rebuilding national institutions, all of which are essential pillars for building a lasting peace. It is undeniable that women and girls suffer the most devastating effects that come with conflict, in particular the increasingly widespread use of gender- based violence, rape, sexual exploitation, sexual slavery, forced pregnancies resulting from these deplorable acts, and stigmatization in their communities. All of these aspects affect their mental and emotional stability and even threaten their lives.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“Ms. Bolafios Perez (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to thank you, Madam President, for having organized this open debate on a topic of such relevance to the work of the Council. We also thank the main briefers for their participation and invaluable presentations. We note the report of the Secretary-General which is the basis for our discussions (S/2014/693) and express our special appreciation to the Republic of Argentina for the lucid concept note prepared for this annual meeting on women and peace and security (S/2014/693, annex). We also welcome the adoption of presidential statement S/PRST/2014/21 this morning.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“The reluctance of the Council to take further action or to follow up on matters before the Court, limiting itself to receiving periodic reports from the Prosecutor on specific country situations, shows its indifference not only to upholding the rule of law and to guaranteeing accountability in general, but also, in particular, to ensuring the effective implementation of its own decisions.”
2014-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7285Resumption1 (2014) · source
“We believe that, first, because of the large number of referrals to the Court in the Council's work, which shows a clear development in its approach towards the Court, The second reason is because the ICC deals with complex situations, in which the Security Council seeks to achieve similar goals. Several arrest warrants have been issued against individuals responsible for atrocities committed during some of the worst conflicts on the Council's agenda. The third reason is because the Council must exercise its powers of referral and postponement in an effective and responsible way. When the Council refers a situation to the Court, it must therefore be ready for the Court to effectively fulfil its mandate. When the rule of law is not respected and the Council does not prevent such a breach, the rule of law is violated.”
2014-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7285Resumption1 (2014) · source
“With regard to the follow-up of situations referred by the Security Council to the International Criminal Court, we believe that that is a critical issue, since it concerns the important relationship between the two bodies. My country has devoted enormous efforts to improving and strengthening that relationship. Such experience results from our recent membership of the Security Council, during which we discovered that the relationship with the Court is holistic and dynamic and requires ongoing dialogue. In that regard, we reiterate our belief that the best way to fill that gap is to have an appropriate forum to discuss all aspects of the relationship between the two bodies.”
2014-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7285Resumption1 (2014) · source
“That is to say, we would prefer the Office to have a greater role in all sanctions processes, including serving as a filter during the drawing up of lists. We must be mindful of the fact that due process applies not only to individuals but also to the effective implementation of sanctions. We believe that the notion of fair and transparent processes must be equally present in all regimes. That is central to the credibility and legitimacy of the Security Council's work. In that regard, I would also like to mention the importance of promoting and ensuring the independence of the Office of the Ombudsperson. That requires adequate arrangements with regard to the management structure and conditions of service of the Office and its members. We call on the Secretary-General to take the necessary measures to address that issue.”
2014-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7285Resumption1 (2014) · source
“The establishment of the Office of the Ombudsperson has been one of the critical elements in improving the procedural safeguards of the United Nations sanctions regime. In the five years that the Office has been functioning, we cannot forget the reasons that led us to establish it. We welcome the achievements to date, which, while significant, are not definitive. Much remains to be done to achieve a system that meets everyone's expectations. In that regard, we wish to reiterate something that we have said before in this Chamber. The mandate of the Office of the Ombudsperson should be extended in two ways: first, to other sanctions regimes and, secondly, in order to entrust it with responsibilities beyond the removal of names from the sanctions list.”
2014-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7285Resumption1 (2014) · source
“We also need to improve the transparency of the work of the Security Council and its interaction with States that are not members of the Council during wrap- up sessions, as well as the pursuit of mechanisms to increase the transparency, interaction and efficiency of the work of the subsidiary organs and the sanctions committees. We reiterate the importance of continuing to consider the issue of the selection criteria for experts of the subsidiary organs of the Security Council, in accordance with the note by the President S/2006/997, in particular the criterion of broad geographical representation. We also believe that it is essential to further promote interaction between the Security Council and troop-contributing countries.”
2014-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7285Resumption1 (2014) · source
“While recognizing the importance ofthe adoption of those notes and their complex negotiation, we believe that the due implementation of all those notes is even more important. We cannot allow for such developments to become a dead letter. On the other hand, there are several other outstanding issues to improve, for example, the need to achieve better interaction between the Council and the Chairs of the Peacebuilding Commission and of the country configurations, in particular their participation in Security Council meetings, including informal consultations, and a more analytical annual report of the Security Council on situations under consideration.”
2014-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7285Resumption1 (2014) · source
“Ms. Bolafios Perez (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to congratulate you, Madam President, on having organized this open debate and to thank you for the concept paper (S/2014/725, annex) on such an important topic. We would also like to thank Ms. Kimberly Prost, Ombudsperson of the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) concerning Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities, and Ms. Fatou Bensouda, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, for their comments. My delegation commends the work done by Argentina as Chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Issues. During the past two years, thanks to the remarkable efforts of its delegation, we have agreed on six notes by the President of the Security Council that reflect the consensus on various issues.”
2014-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7285Resumption1 (2014) · source
“The parties must make a true and renewed effort to chart a clear path towards a just and lasting negotiated peace that includes, among other things, the lifting of the embargo, the cessation of settlement construction, taking Israel's legitimate security concerns into account and the establishment of two States living side by side in peace and security. We are aware of the enormous challenges that the pursuit of a political solution at both the national and the international levels may mean for the parties. However, we insist that it is the only way left. Continuing along the current course will only deepen the divisions, thereby hampering the desired goal ofpeace. The status quo is not an option.”
2014-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7281 (2014) · source
“That should include an investigation into all possible violations of international humanitarian law committed by all sides during the conflict. We also believe that it will be important to strengthen the ceasefire agreement for the resumption of any kind of peace talks. Along the same lines, it is vital that all parties refrain from any unilateral action and provocations that could contribute to increased tension. It is essential not to lose sight of the root causes of the recent hostilities: a restrictive occupation that has continued for nearly half a century, the ongoing denial of Palestinian rights and a lack of tangible progress in the peace negotiations.”
2014-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7281 (2014) · source
“We hope that all stakeholders will strive to ensure that it is fully implemented. We also believe that the Conference on Palestine and the reconstruction of Gaza that took place in Cairo on 12 October is a step in the right direction. It is encouraging that the reconstruction work has begun. We hope that such work helps the civilian population most affected by the conflict. In that regard, we recognize the success of the temporary tripartite agreement negotiated by the United Nations in ensuring the entry of reconstruction materials into the Gaza Strip. However, the peace process must continue. It is therefore necessary to promote an environment conducive to peace, mutual understanding and respect for human rights.”
2014-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7281 (2014) · source
“The recent events between Israel and Palestine have not been encouraging. The 51 days of conflict had disastrous consequences. More than 2,100 Palestinians died, along with more than 70 Israelis. Almost one third of the population of the Gaza Strip was expelled from their homes. Many of them lost all their belongings. Whole neighbourhoods, including basic public infrastructure, were devastated. Dozens of schools, hospitals and clinics were destroyed or damaged. United Nations facilities were affected and United Nations staff lost their lives. The Secretary-General called the destruction indescribable. The successful reconstruction of Gaza requires a strong political basis. In that regard, we deem the reconciliation agreement reached on 25 September in Cairo to be positive.”
2014-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7281 (2014) · source
“Ms. Bolafios Perez (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to congratulate you, Sir, and your team on your country's leadership and work as President of the Security Council this month, which is a particularly busy one. I would also like to thank the Secretary- General for his informative briefing. Guatemala remains steadfast in its belief that diplomacy and dialogue are the best way to achieve a long-term solution in each of the conflicts that undermine the Middle East region. Although the extent of the existing intransigence and hostilities could suggest that such a view is naive, we continue to believe that political solutions to the disputes that have divided the region for years are the only path that offers lasting stability and the possibility of returning to the path of progress and development.”
2014-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7281 (2014) · source
“We recall that the consensus reached was that any reduction of MINUSTAH's military component should take place gradually and responsibly and be associated with the necessary capacity-building, increasing with respect to the Haitian National Police numbers, and that all decisions should be based on conditions on the ground, and not on the budgetary needs of other missions. We regret that the post-2016 scenario is being imposed in 2014, and we were therefore not in a position to co-sponsor the resolution, as my country and other countries in the region have traditionally done.”
2014-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7277 (2014) · source
“Thirdly, it ignores another key index, which we had set as a condition for the reduction of troops, which is progress in the professionalization of the Haitian National Police, whose current plan will be completed in 2016. Fourthly, experience has shown that we must maintain an adequate presence in Haiti, particularly during electoral periods. The measures that have just been adopted could jeopardize the holding of the election itself. Finally, we believe that MINUSTAH should remain in Haiti no longer than necessary.”
2014-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7277 (2014) · source
“Several reasons led us to ask to participate in this meeting on the renewal of the MINUSTAH mandate. First, we understand that the political and security situation in Haiti has not improved enough to proceed to an accelerated and sharp reduction by more than half of the current troop level, as the Security Council has just decided. Secondly, resolution 2180 (2014), which has just been adopted, interrupts MINUSTAH's ongoing consolidation plan for 2013-2016. It also replaces in less than six months the five options that were under consideration by the Security Council and troop- contributing countries with a single new option with considerable consequences.”
2014-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7277 (2014) · source
“Ms. Bolafios Perez (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): Allow me to begin by reaffirming our commitment to United Nations peacekeeping operations, as well as to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), to which my country has contributed troops since its establishment in 2004. When it comes to United Nations peacekeeping operations, the Security Council must be predictable in its actions. That requires, including on the part of the Secretariat in accordance with the principle of triangular cooperation, that troop-contributing countries be kept informed and consulted during each cycle of the life of a mission so that they can make informed decisions. Even though it is true that the final decision is up to the Security Council, it is also true that troop-contributing countries are key partners in that common effort.”
2014-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7277 (2014) · source
“At the same time, it is also true that without the support of the international community, the people of Haiti may not by themselves achieve the stability for which the Mission was established. In conclusion, I would like to acknowledge Ms. Sandra Honore for her work as the head of the MINUSTAH at a time marked by challenges and difficulties. She has carried out outstanding work, as she has showed us once again today with the presentation of the report of the Secretary-General. Guatemala will continue to support her leadership.”
2014-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7262 (2014) · source
“In fact, the understanding has always been that any significant reduction of the military component of MINUSTAH should not only be undertaken steadily, gradually and responsibly, but must also be linked with the necessary capacity- building and increased strength of the Haitian National Police. That is not a matter of quantity but due to the fact that the professionalism of the police is linked to progress in the judicial and correctional fields required for strengthening the rule of law in order to achieve a police force that is also of quality. In short, we clearly understand that without the strong political will of the leaders and all the people of Haiti to achieve a democratic security, no military presence or international pressure can overcome the impasse facing the country.”
2014-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7262 (2014) · source
“For now, we are viewing the proposal with some scepticism, since we continue to believe that for the time being we should avoid actions that could jeopardize the proper conduct of elections. The report of the Secretary-General and the recent meeting with troop-contributing countries (see S/PV.7261) show that operational support for the MINUSTAH forces is still needed. It should be remembered that we are in the Mission's consolidation phase. The process of reconfiguration and restructuring should start only once that phase is complete. We must act carefully on the basis ofthe conditions on the ground and in close consultation with the Government of Haiti, as well as with the troop-contributing countries. With regard to strengthening security across the country, we note the progress in the professionalization of the Haitian National Police.”
2014-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7262 (2014) · source
“Holding inclusive elections in 2014, as the Constitution requires, is crucial to the consolidation of democracy and the rule of law and to promoting the socioeconomic development needed to improve the people's living conditions and achieve lasting stability. In that regard, Guatemala fully shares the Secretary- General's concerns, outlined in paragraph 62 of his report, about the consequences of further delays in holding elections. If the hoped-for electoral process is to succeed, security and confidence must rule, something that can be achieved only with a significant and deterrent military and police presence. Experience has shown that the United Nations must maintain an adequate presence in the country, which is why we are carefully mulling over the Secretary-General's recent proposal to reduce the Mission's military component by half.”
2014-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7262 (2014) · source
“Ms. Bolafios Perez (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): We would like to thank Ms. Sandra Honore for her introduction of the Secretary-General's report (S/2014/617) and the Permanent Representative of Haiti for his valuable comments. Some months ago, Guatemala was pleased to hear the announcement of the consensus forged in Haiti with the signing of the El Rancho Accord, which we believe showed how the country's political culture had evolved. We therefore regret the fact that the Accord has yet to be implemented, as well as the existence of an atmosphere of mistrust that has not only hindered the holding of parliamentary elections for 2015 but is also delaying the reconstruction process. We urge the country's political leaders to resume their dialogue and overcome this new impasse.”
2014-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7262 (2014) · source
“We believe that field visits of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict are very useful in apprising us of each case. Our delegation had the privilege to participate in the visit to Myanmar in December 2013, which allowed us to assess the political will of the Government to end the recruitment of children into its armed forces and its renewed commitment to extend the action plan. We encourage such visits to continue. In conclusion, we have an obligation to future generations in countries affected by armed conflicts. Violations of the rights of children compromise future prosperity and the ability of countries to achieve a lasting peace. We must pledge to do everything in our reach to prevent heinous violations and rise to the challenge of protecting the world's children.”
2014-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7259 (2014) · source