YouSaid · the spoken record

Briens

lines on the record: 504
first: 2010-09-13
most recent: 2013-06-19
sittings or episodes: 69
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 conclusion, we believe that in future it is important that the Security Council continue to review the issue of the management of natural resources, whose consequences for international peace and security, as we have seen, are considerable.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“I should like to conclude by emphasizing that the United Nations system, including the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, can play a very useful supporting role vis-a-vis States that wish to establish transparent institutions responsible for managing their natural resources and to avoid the illegal exploitation of those resources, thereby promoting sustainable development. But to fully benefit from the involvement of the various players in the United Nations system, we must enhance coordination. I would like to note that the current example of the involvement of the World Bank in bringing States of the Great Lakes region closer together through the Secretary-General's Framework Agreement is promising.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“That is also a historic step forward in combatting corruption, given that it aims to make Governments accountable to public opinion for their use of mining-sector resources. Private companies play a key role in the effective, transparent and responsible management of such resources. It is important to continue to encourage them to sign on to the United Nations Global Compact, through which they would align their operations with the 10 universally accepted principles concerning human rights, labour standards, the environment and combating corruption.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“To combat the pillaging of natural resources, France supported, in the General Assembly and the Security Council alike, the establishment of the Kimberley Process certification scheme, which establishes a certification mechanism for the source of diamonds. Those efforts must be carried out at the level of States as well as that of private-sector companies, and they can also be supported by civil society. Frances supports the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, which on a voluntary basis brings together Governments, mining companies and non-governmental organizations. The initiative has as a goal to ensure that those resources serve development and not fuel ongoing conflicts.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“Clearly, the issue of natural resources and their management is far from being the only cause of conflict, but it is a deep-rooted and lasting one that, as we have seen, can affect all phases of a conflict. Good management of such resources is an important element in good governance, which in its turn is essential for maintaining stability. It is important that local people be able to enjoy the benefits of their resources in order not to fuel tension. The Security Council has a responsibility to encourage initiatives that ensure proper, lasting and responsible management. It must support measures that can establish the basis for lasting peace. Aware of all those challenges, the international community has gradually established means to ensure proper management of natural resources, and we must support those initiatives.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“While tensions around natural resources have major consequences on the stability of a region, that should not allow us to forget that the sound management of natural resources is essential in the reconstruction phase and would prevent a relapse into conflict. By benefitting economic development, the sound management of resources also contributes to peacebuilding. We see that, for example, with the normalization of relations between the Sudan and South Sudan with regard to the oil sector, which is one of the necessary preconditions for stabilizing their relations and, beyond that, for their development. In the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, addressing the issue of sharing resources and arable land is an matter that is vital to putting an end to the repeated crises in the region.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“The civil wars in Liberia, Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo all share a sommon aspect: resources such as diamonds, gold, minerals and oil. In other cases, the exploitation of natural resources or of wildlife can fuel conflicts through the purchasing of weapons and payments to armed groups, as for example in the Kivus. Unfortunately, those factors can some together, resulting in suffering for civil populations.Children are often recruited to work in mining. Ms. Bangura, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, has also pointed out in her most recent report the correlation between armed activities related to illegal mining and sexual Violence.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“We would therefore like to thank the United Kingdom presidency of the Security Council for organizing this debate on what is really a major issue at the heart of the Security Council's mandate, especially within the perspective of conflict prevention. International law confers upon States special prerogatives with regard to natural resources; they have sovereign rights over those resources. The Security Council's role is not to question such rights in any instance, but to consider situations in which natural resources play a role in conflicts. There are many such situations. We therefore regret the fact that the Security Council cannot adopt a text on the issue because of the objections of one delegation. In some cases, it is the way in which natural resources are managed that can lead to conflicts. There are many such examples.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“Mr. Briens (France) (spoke in French): At the outset I would like to echo previous speakers in condemning the cowardly attack that took place this morning in Mogadishu and express our condolences to the families of the victims, to the United Nations staff and to the Somalian authorities. I would like to thank the Deputy Secretary-General, Mr. Jan Eliasson, Mr. Kofi Annan, Ms. Rebeca Grynspan and Ms. Anstey for their briefings. The issue of managing and controling natural resources, in particular those of the the extractive industry, is a key issue with regard to maintaining international peace and security. A number of conflicts are related to the issue of natural resources, and that trend will accelerate in the coming years given the increasing pressure upon such resources.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“Zbogar, and the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), as they carry out crucial work to implement the dialogue agreements between Belgrade and Pristina and combat corruption, organized crime and impunity for the most heinous crimes, including alleged trafficking in organs. All parties must respect the freedom of movement of troops and personnel deployed under the Kosovo Force and EULEX. France remains committed to the reality of a sovereign, peaceful, democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo living in peace with its neighbours. It believes that Serbia must become one of the pillars of stability in the Balkans. Today, we have inched a bit closer to those two goals.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“Kosovo has now been recognized by the majority ofthe States Members ofthe Organization, reflecting the reality of a State that aspires to good relations with its neighbours and peaceful integration within its region and to find its proper place in the international community. As the European Union, NATO and the OSCE adjust their presence on the ground, we encourage the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) to do the same with a view to promoting peaceful conduct, in cooperation with the Kosovo authorities, while avoiding the undue influence of those who champion the status quo. In that context, I wish to thank the Special Representative and the UNMIK actors for their efforts. It is also essential that the Kosovo authorities actively cooperate with the Special Representative of the European Union, Mr.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“The two parties must work to successfully achieve the municipal elections scheduled in the autumn, in cooperation with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The previously concluded agreements must also be fully implemented. If the conclusions reached by the European Council at its December 2012 meeting are met, by the end of June new milestones on the two countries' paths to Europe - including the launching of negotiations with Serbia on accession to the European Union and a stabilization and association agreement with Kosovo - could be reached. The international community must acknowledge those positive developments and cast off the paradigms of a bygone era.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“Their statements before the Council today represent a new demonstration of their spirit of cooperation. We call upon them to ensure the swift implementation of the agreement, pursuant to the road map of 22 May. Serbia must steadily dismantle the parallel sovereign structures that it maintains in the north, pursuant to its commitment. For its part, Kosovo must provide the future community of majority-Serb areas with substantive autonomy, as provided for in the 19 April agreement, in order to reassure the northern Serbian population and allow it to find its lasting place in Kosovo. Generally speaking, it is clearly important to ensure that the rights of the various communities throughout the territory, especially concerning their cultural and religious heritage, are protected.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“Mr. Briens (France) (spoke in French): I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for his briefing and Mr. lvica Dacie, Prime Minster of Serbia, and Mr. Hashim Thaci, Prime Minister of Kosovo, for their statements. The Security Council is meeting for the first time since the historic agreement of 19 April was achieved between Serbia and Kosovo under the auspices of the European Union. The agreement lays the bases for normalized relations that will contribute to regional stability and enable the people to turn towards their future, the development of their countries and their European prospects. We commend the Serb and Kosovo authorities, particularly the two Prime Ministers, who have been personally committed to that difficult exercise, for their determination and courage.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“In conclusion, I would like to thank the Ambassador of Guatemala, Chair of the Informal Working Group on the International Tribunals, his entire team, the representatives of the Tribunals and the staff of the Office ofLegal Affairs for their efforts in accomplishing the transition provided for in resolution 1966 (2010).”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“For France, as a member of the European Union, full cooperation with the ICTY, as well as regional cooperation, remains a major consideration and an essential obligation within the framework of the stabilization and association process for candidate and potential candidate countries for membership. The historic agreement of 19 April between Serbia and Kosovo, reached under the auspices of the European Union, creates a new context that brings hope for stability in the region, the future of the peoples involved and the European prospects for those two States. We hope that the spirit that made that agreement possible, one that promotes justice and rejects impunity, will enable them to definitively turn the page on the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“The ICTY has designated the Srebrenica massacre as genocide - soldiers were disarmed and executed, in violation of the law, ethnic cleansing campaigns took place and members of ethnic minorities were persecuted. While the international Tribunals are bringing their work to a close, the responsibility of the States in the region to commit to combating impunity must now take centre stage. As I said previously, we are not entirely convinced that the countries of the region have mobilized to continue those efforts at the local level. And regional cooperation remains inadequate.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“Its aim is to strengthen the integration of the States in the region and to put an end to decades of instability and mistrust by tackling the root causes of tension. For its part, the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia is now managing some very complex cases, which explains the slippage in its timetable. We hope that it will conclude its work as soon as possible, though nothing should undermine its capacity to see that justice is served. I should recall that the decisions of the international criminal justice system apply to all, something that is as true for the ad hoc Tribunals as for the International Criminal Court. We are also obliged to respect the victims. Every decision of the Tribunal has confirmed that atrocities were committed in the region of the former Yugoslavia by all parties.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“Regarding assistance to the Tribunal, moreover, the relocation of those who have been acquitted or who have completed their sentences after having been found guilty is a matter that we are seriously focused on. France was among the first to admit several individuals to its territory at the Tribunal's request. We hope that more States will grant entry to such people. The Tribunal has positioned the issue of justice at the heart of our concerns in the region. The ICC is continuing that work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Today we are pleased to see the work of international justice completed at the political level by the implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework Agreement for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Great Lakes Region.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“Munyeshyaka. The French authorities pay full attention to issues raised by the Tribunal with regard to those proceedings. While the Tribunal works to conclude its activities, we should remain vigilant; three high-ranking fugitives, whose arrest is a priority, are still at large - Felicien Kabuga, Augustin Bizimana and Protais Mpiranya. They will be tried by the Residual Mechanism when they are apprehended, and we must ensure that the Mechanism has sufficient resources to allow it to see that task through. I should point out that the Council's resolutions mandate universal cooperation with the ICTR, and it is important that the Council remind everyone of that obligation.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“The shadow of the International Criminal Court (ICC) continues to lengthen, with the Rome Statute hanging like a sword of Damocles over those who torture, recruit children or commit sexual violence. The Secretary-General's determined policy in promoting human rights, avoiding contact with those wanted by the ICC and instructing mediators not to consider amnesty or immunity for perpetrators of serious crimes has done a great deal to strengthen the impact of international justice, and we salute his efforts. Regarding the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, I commend the efforts that it has made to stick to its work deadlines as far as possible. I should also confirm our concern to receive full information from the Tribunal about the two cases that have been referred to French jurisdiction, those concerning Mr. Bucyibaruta and Mr.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“It has not been ideal, of course; the political rhetoric and denial of some crimes, and the lack of regional cooperation in bringing intermediate-level criminals to trial are still cause for concern. But the course has held steady. The Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) have anchored the United Nations in an era that Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called the age of accountability. As they prepare to bring their work to a close, another body, this one permanent and with a universal jurisdiction, endowed by a statute that reflects the great juridical traditions, has already taken up the baton.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“Mr. Briens (France) (spoke in French): I would like to thank President Meron, President Joensen and Prosecutors Jallow and Brammertz for their briefings. France associates itself with the statement to be delivered later by the observer of the European Union. This year we are celebrating the twentieth anniversary of resolution 827 (1993), which created the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY). The Security Council commemorated the event on 28 May. In 20 years, the region has recovered its human face. The political dialogue has continued to make progress under the auspices of the European Union. The Tribunal, guarantor of the right to the truth, the fight against impunity and the duty to remember, has played its full part in that evolution.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“Thirdly and finally, the Council must once again be united in exerting real pressure on the parties to end the violations committed against civilians. We regret, in this respect, that some refuse to recognize the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation, which is nevertheless ongoing and indisputable.”
2013-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6974 (2013) · source
“Secondly, we must isolate and punish the criminals. We welcome in this respect the guidelines issued by the Secretary-General on limiting contact with persons wanted by the Court to what is essential for the Organization. We must apply these guidelines consistently. In particular, it would not seem to be good policy to allow contact with the accused when the chance that that might improve the situation is minimal. Another option, which has repeatedly discussed but not yet undertaken, is to register individuals subject to an arrest warrant on the list established by the Sanctions Committee. I recall in this respect that paragraph 3 of resolution 1591 (2005) provides explicitly that people who violate international humanitarian law or international human rights law may be subject to sanctions.”
2013-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6974 (2013) · source
“The Prosecutor's Office has reviewed the work of all the special courts established since 2005. They have done nothing. Criminals have full immunity. That is also the finding of the African Union High-level Panel on Darfur. Finally, I note that the implementation of the peace process has serious gaps. Reconstruction is stalled, the return of displaced persons and refugees has been delayed, and the resurgence of fighting has increased populations' insecurity. Given this situation, what can we do? First, we must encourage cooperation by all. All those who support the Court must be thanked. We know, however, that two countries have refused to cooperate over the past six months. We must respond to the letters we have received from the Court through the Secretary- General on issues of non-cooperation.”
2013-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6974 (2013) · source
“The Office of the Prosecutor and the Judges of the Court have done their share of work through preliminary analysis of crimes, investigations, the issuance of five arrest warrants against four individuals and legal proceedings against rebels who have decided to give themselves up voluntarily. The first trial against the rebel leaders is set for May 2014 for the attacks against peacekeeping soldiers in Haskanita. The Sudan, in turn, is not fulfilling its responsibilities. Despite repeated announcements and the increase in the number of special national courts meant to prosecute serious crimes committed in Darfur, no legal proceedings have been undertaken. Unlike Libya, which is legally committed to the ICC, the Sudan has taken no steps to try the persons who have been charged.”
2013-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6974 (2013) · source
“As highlighted in the Council, impunity has encouraged them to use the same methods in South Kordofan as in Darfur. It is the same crime, same perpetrators, same modus operandi and, especially, same victims - civilians. There is also no disagreement on how to break the cycle of violence. All facets of the Peace Agreement must be implemented in good faith and extended to the rebel groups that continue to refuse to enter into negotiations; civilians must be protected by allowing UNAMID to implement its mandate; humanitarian access must be ensured; and those responsible for crimes must be prosecuted. The Council has said as much, and the African Union does not say otherwise.”
2013-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6974 (2013) · source
“Nearly nine years after the referral to the Court by the Council, four individuals accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including one accused of genocide, continue to evade the Court, in full sight of all, despite the arrest warrants issued against them by the International Criminal Court. President Al-Bashir, former militia leader Ali Kushayb, Defence Minister Abdelrahim Mohamed Hussein and current governor of South Kordofan Ahmed Haroun are free. Those four people, who are wanted for the massacre and displacement of thousands of civilians or accused of having committed genocide in ways they hoped would be invisible, including through rape, persecution and the intentional blocking of access to aid, are still in key positions and able to order further abuses.”
2013-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6974 (2013) · source
“The Prosecutor has identified a number of areas of concern, which we share. Despite the Government's attempts to dissimulate, the reports confirm aerial bombardments by the Sudanese Air Force, which is mostly affecting civilians. Sudanese security forces are involved in attacks on civilians, which are hastily represented as intertribal clashes. Sexual violence in displaced persons camps is widespread. Human rights defenders, international experts and humanitarian workers are threatened. The work of humanitarian workers and UNAMID is obstructed, keeping them from preventing incidents and providing relief to civilians.”
2013-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6974 (2013) · source
“Mr. Briens (France) (spoke in French): I would like to convey my gratitude to the Prosecutor for her briefing. There are great many lessons to be learned from the report. As Ms. Bensouda has noted by referring to resolution 2091 (2013), adopted on 14 February, and to the recent data published by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, there is no disagreement within the international community regarding the current state of affairs. The fate of civilians in Darfur remains unacceptable. The Government and the militia forces that it has integrated within the security forces continue to target civilians. Neither the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) nor the humanitarian personnel present there enjoys the necessary freedom of access to exercise their protection mandate.”
2013-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6974 (2013) · source
“I would like to conclude by addressing a worrisome trend that the Special Representative of the Secretary- General also touched upon, that is, the growing scope of poaching in Central Africa to fund criminal activities, including terrorism. This phenomenon, which threatens both the security of the region and endangered species, is now well established. In that regard, cooperation between States in the region, ECCAS, the African Union and United Nations must be stepped up.”
2013-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6971 (2013) · source
“However, it must be further developed and updated to ensure the effectiveness of the efforts undertaken. Moreover, peacekeeping operations involved in the fight against the LRA, such as the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, have their own monitoring and coordination mechanisms regarding attacks and locations of members of the LRA. They must actively employ those tools to encourage fighters to defect and to welcome deserters, especially children.”
2013-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6971 (2013) · source
“We encourage close cooperation between the Regional Task Force and the United Nations peacekeeping operations on the ground to achieve the disarmament and demobilization of the LRA rebels, the arrest and transfer to the ICC of its leaders, and better protection of civilian populations. In terms of the role of the United Nations, UNOCA has developed an implementation plan for the United Nations regional strategy to address the threat and impact of the activities of the Lord's Resistance Army (S/2013/240, annex). Presented last April, that plan details the funding needed for projects to combat the LRA conducted by United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations. The plan will allow for a better structuring of international efforts.”
2013-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6971 (2013) · source
“The rebels led by Joseph Kony, who is himself sought by the International Criminal Court (ICC), continue their atrocities, primarily in the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but also in the Sudan, South Sudan and Uganda. Over 25 years, the group has killed more than 100,000 people in Central Africa. And it has kidnapped or forcibly recruited between 60,000 and 100,000 children and displaced 2.5 million people. We welcome the concrete progress made by the African Union to strengthen the tools for fighting the LRA. The African Union Regional Task Force against the Lord's Resistance Army now comprises 3,500 troops. Its concept of operations and rules of engagement have been finalized.”
2013-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6971 (2013) · source
“On the political front, the efforts of ECCAS and the N'Djamena summits of 3 and 18 April allowed for the development of a transition framework with a view to the holding of elections in 18 months. The contact group meeting in Brazzaville on 3 May confirmed that positive momentum and encouraged the partners of the Central African Republic to support the transition. With the support of the international community, the Prime Minister and the transitional authorities must together make every effort to ensure that the agreed objectives are met, especially that of strengthening the representative character of the transitional authorities. While the efforts to stabilize the Central African Republic continue, the fight against the threat posed by the LRA must also continue tirelessly.”
2013-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6971 (2013) · source
“The crisis in the Central African Republic is taking on an ever-broader regional dimension. Humanitarian needs are growing every day. At the moment, there are approximately 206,000 displaced persons and 50,000 refugees, primarily in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chad, Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo. One million three-hundred thousand people are in a situation of food insecurity. Against that backdrop, the international humanitarian response remains, for the time being, much too weak. The urgent appeal launched by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has only been covered up to 27 per cent of the total requested.”
2013-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6971 (2013) · source
“In spite of announced measures to enforce the cantonment of Seleka troops, public order remains tenuous. Human rights violations and looting continue. Civilians are the primary targets of the Violence, which further complicates the delivery of humanitarian aid. Stabilizing the security situation must therefore be the priority. We welcome the ECCAS decision to strengthen the Mission for the Consolidation of Peace in the Central African Republic (MICOPAX). Cooperation between the ECCAS, the African Union and the United Nations must continue to assess how the United Nations, and the Security Council in particular, could support the strengthening of MICOPAX, which is necessary to ensure the re-establishment of order and protect the people in the Central African Republic.”
2013-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6971 (2013) · source
“In addition to the workshops and conferences that are organized on a regular basis at the initiative of UNOCA, it is crucial for the Office, as a matter of priority, to concentrate its activities on prevention and support for efforts to resolve the conflicts within the subregion. The crisis in the Central African Republic, the crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the fight against the LRA are matters for follow-up by subregional organizations, the African Union and the relevant United Nations peacekeeping operations and offices. In that context, UNOCA's know-how should be drawn upon to directly support those efforts. The situation in Bangui and throughout the Central African Republic following the takeover by Seleka continues to be most worrisome.”
2013-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6971 (2013) · source
“Mr. Briens (France) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Abou Moussa, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa, for his briefing on the situation in Central African Republic, the activities of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), and the efforts to combat the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). The many political and security challenges in Central Africa require additional cooperation from all national, regional, subregional and United Nations stakeholders. In that regard, we welcome the connections made between UNOCA and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region.”
2013-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6971 (2013) · source
“These considerations do not reflect a positive assessment of the political situation; quite the opposite, continuing political difficulties require us to rethink and adjust our strategy. Maintaining at any price an approach dating from the 1990s does not serve Bosnia and Herzegovina. We would like to reduce the Office to a scale consonant with its residual responsibilities by strengthening its transparency and complementary nature with the Office of the EU. The current Government crisis reminds us that it is high time to change our approach to ensure that Bosnian politicians shoulder their responsibilities. When they do, the role of the High Representative must be strictly limited to the essential core of his mission within the framework of the civil tranche of the Dayton Peace Agreement.”
2013-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6966 (2013) · source
“The activities of EUFOR Althea in its drawdown phase must continue to complement those of other actors on the ground, particularly the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which has deployed its second largest mission covering a broad range of activities, such as governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights and the management of arms stocks and munitions surpluses. In that area, the OSCE should retain the leading role; a proliferation of actors would be counterproductive. The reconfiguration of the Office of the High Representative is being considered, including by the European Union, which I would remind the Council contributes more than 53 per cent to the budget of the Office.”
2013-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6966 (2013) · source
“The reconfiguration of the European Union-led force Operation Althea (EUF OR Althea), resulting from a calm and stable environment, has made it possible to reduce the forces stationed there to 600 persons and to focus them on capacity-building and training. The Security Council must acknowledge that change, the nature of EUFOR Althea in the autumn, when it scrutinizes the role of the mission. EUFOR Althea still has a residual executive mandate to support the abilities of the country's authorities to maintain security as the situation may require. The Bosnian authorities have always been able to ensure security, and therefore do not need the European military presence for that purpose, as is regularly recalled in the reports of the Operation Commander.”
2013-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6966 (2013) · source
“We welcome the ongoing reconfiguration of the international presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is a harbinger of opportunity and an illustration of the leading role that the European Union can and should play in the country, in accordance with the European vision offered to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The European Union is stepping up its political, humane and financial commitment to the country. The Office of the Special Representative of the European Union has been considerably strengthened in its regional presence and the rule of law. Mr. Peter Sarensen, Special Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina, enjoys our full support.”
2013-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6966 (2013) · source
“However, it is also essential to improve the functioning and effectiveness of institutions, starting with the establishment of a coordination mechanism on European issues. We remain attached to the prospect of seeing Bosnia and Herzegovina join the European Union as a united and sovereign country enjoying full territorial integrity. However, a country under trusteeship and deeply divided cannot as such belong to the European Union. It rests with the Bosnians and their leaders to find an historic compromise that would allow Bosnia and Herzegovina to develop institutions that function effectively, which clearly would not allow the prevailing exploitation of the institutional framework inherited from the Dayton Agreement.”
2013-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6966 (2013) · source
“We particularly regret that in the light of the fact that other States of the region are about to reach historical milestones in that process or have demonstrated their ability to commit to dialogue and compromise in order to give themselves the opportunity to make progress towards the European perspective. We therefore call once again on the Bosnian Government to undertake the reforms expected of it, first and foremost with regard to bringing the Constitution in line with the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights in the Sejdie-Finci case. That is a crucial element for progress towards European integration and resolving the issue of the apportionment of defence and State property.”
2013-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6966 (2013) · source
“Mr. Briens (France) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Valentin Inzko, High Representative for Bosnia- Herzegovina, for his briefing. I associate myself with the statement to be made by the observer of the European Union. The security situation on the ground has remained calm and stable - something for which Bosnia and Herzegovina's institutions have been fully responible. That has been the state of affairs for several years, and we should welcome it. However, the succession of political crises - for months at a time at the central level, and now at the Federation level - and the continuing tension between the political representatives of communities paralyse the country and are of concern to us. Those incessant clashes divert Bosnian authorities from the goal of Euro-Atlantic integration.”
2013-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6966 (2013) · source
“We must ensure, during the next UNSMIL briefing, that the Mission describes to the Council the synergies involved in upholding the mandates of each institution.”
2013-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6962 (2013) · source
“The easiest thing, of course, would be to request experts to deal with the issue in the framework of the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals. We must also ensure that, in the framework of the Sanctions Committees, we respond to requests for information from the Court. The process initiated by resolution 1970 (2011) must run its course. Indeed, that is what the Council reiterated in its resolutions 1973 (2011), 2009 (2011), 2040 (2012) and 2095 (2013). That requires both full cooperation on the part of Libya with the Office of the Prosecutor and full support from the Council. It also requires further consultation by the Secretariat and Mr. Tarek Mitri, the head of UNSMIL, with the Prosecutor, so as to ensure that UNSMIL contributes to combating impunity and supports the activities of the ICC.”
2013-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6962 (2013) · source
“Given the crimes perpetrated by Libyan officials, both the United Nations and regional organizations condemned the atrocities that were perpetrated. Resolution 1970 (2011), referring the situation in Libya to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, is at the heart of the process for identifying perpetrators, whatever their rank. It has allowed us to save thousands of human lives. Today follow-up must be provided to that approach. The Council must be rigorous and better organize its cooperation with the ICC when it refers cases to it. That is one ofthe lessons that we draw from the public debate on interaction with the ICC held last year under the auspices of Guatemala, as well as yesterday's dialogue. We must be ready to better and more quickly deal with the requests for support and cooperation made by the Court.”
2013-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6962 (2013) · source