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

  1. Mr. Briens (France) (spoke in French): I, too, would like to welcome the Prime Minister of Libya and to assure him of our full support in the current crucial phase that his country is going through. I was not planning to take the floor but since the representative of the Russian Federation has done so, I will make a statement. The International Commission of Inquiry of the Human Rights Council has submitted its report on Libya (A/HRC/ 19/68), which is serious and comprehensive. It is above all a damning report for the forces of Al-Qadhafi that committed crimes against humanity, torture and other degrading treatment.

    2012-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6731 (2012) · source

  2. As the final communique of the London conference stresses, specialized Somali courts would satisfy these needs. Furthermore, I stress the absolute need for Somalia to adopt anti-piracy legislation, in accordance with the road map.

    2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source

  3. The relocation of the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) to Mogadishu is vital in that respect. The bulk of United Nations personnel, however, remain in Nairobi, and we encourage a more general relocation to Mogadishu as soon as security conditions permit. I conclude by addressing the issue of piracy off the coast of Somalia. This global challenge is being tackled on an unprecedented scale by the European Union through Operation Atalanta. Numerous pirates are arrested by Atalanta vessels every year. It is vital therefore for the States of the region, above all Somalia, to assume their responsibilities and establish the necessary arrangements to allow the legal and penitentiary processing of these pirates. It is utterly unacceptable that pirates arrested at great cost should be released without trial.

    2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source

  4. The Council has said on many occasions that there can be no new extension of the transition period. High priority must now be accorded to the challenge of establishing local and regional administrations in regions recovered from Al-Shabaab. Such administrations will be critical to preventing the fragmentation of the country and the emergence of new warlords, as well as to offering basic services to the civilian population. They will have to support the Government, the Garowe Principles and the road map. In that context, we welcome the establishment, at the London conference of 23 February, of a stability fund for recovered zones that will complement the political stabilization of the recovered regions by contributing to their economic revival. The support of the United Nations is key to helping Somali institutions implement the road map.

    2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source

  5. will not be enough to cover the costs incurred by increasing the troop ceiling mandated in resolution 2036 (2012). It is therefore vital, as stated in the resolution, that new contributors pledge to join the European Union in providing financial support. In the political realm, the steps that were expected have been taken. The two successive Conferences held in Garowe enabled us to clarify the institutional architecture of the future Somali State. All of the Somali stakeholders made significant progress on key points of the road map. These efforts will have to be pursued in order to meet the timelines set out, including the adoption in May of a draft constitution. We trust that President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed of the Transitional Federal Government and all Somali stakeholders will adhere to that timeline.

    2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source

  6. In that respect, we note with interest the implementation of the strategic concept and of AMISOM's revised concept of operations. Strengthening Transitional Federal Government forces must also be a priority for AMISOM. In particular, that will require the speedy establishment of a chain of command to strengthen the capacity of action of the Somali national forces that will ultimately need to ensure the stability of Somalia. AMISOM. currently relies on critical financial support from the European Union, which pays the totality of AMISOM. troop salaries. The members of the European Union are currently considering the extent to which that financial support can be stepped up, given that the Union is already engaged at various levels in the region and the funds initially earmarked for AMISOM.

    2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source

  7. The adoption of resolution 2036 (2012) gives the African Union unprecedented resources to strengthen its Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), enabling it not only to better secure the capital but also to combat Al-Shabaab actively in the territories of southern Somalia that the terrorist group still controls. To support these efforts, it is now important for troop-contributing countries to swiftly mobilize the authorized troop contingents so they can become operational and consolidate such recent progress as the taking of Baidoa by the forces of the Transitional Federal Government and Ethiopia. Moreover, the African Union will need to swiftly establish appropriate command structures to enable effective coordination among troop-contributing countries.

    2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source

  8. Mr. Briens (France) (spoke in French): First, I would like to congratulate the United Kingdom on assuming the presidency of the Council and to ensure it of our full support. I also thank Togo for its presidency in February. I thank the Secretary-General and Special Representative Augustine Mahiga for their presentations and personal commitment to the stabilization of the situation in Somalia. I align myself with the statement to be made on behalf of the European Union. Political and security developments in Somalia in recent months have rekindled hope. The international community and the Somali stakeholders must, however, ensure that these gains are lasting. On the security level, the stage is now set for the Somali Government to regain control of the whole country.

    2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source

  9. The Council has a crucial role to play in that regard, both by adopting targeted measures against perpetrators of gender-based violence in the context of the relevant sanctions committees and through its ability to refer situations to the International Criminal Court. Lastly, it is essential to pursue our efforts to implement a zero-tolerance policy in peacekeeping operations. The United Nations system and Member States must bear their responsibilities in that regard. We should set an example.

    2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722 (2012) · source

  10. It is up to us today to do our utmost to ensure that that resolution is implemented. The Under- Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations mentioned that what is important today here is the swift deployment of women's protection officers in United Nations missions. 12-2393] We also welcome the establishment of a list of parties, annexed to the report of the Special Representative, pursuant to resolution 1960 (2010). This list should make it possible to improve communication of information on troubling situations. It is indeed a decisive step forward in combating impunity for the perpetrators of sexual violence, another imperative in our combat against this scourge. The perpetrators of such violence must be brought to justice and sentenced with all due severity.

    2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722 (2012) · source

  11. Sexual violence does not occur only when there is an armed conflict, as the Special Representative pointed out in her report. Situations in which there is political instability, including a climate of violence before and after elections, are particularly favourable for the commission of those crimes. Thus in Syria, the Syrian armed forces and security forces have resorted to sexual torture of prisoners, including children and adolescents. Sexual violence is not inevitable. Given the magnitude of the challenges facing the United Nations, France fully supports the mandate of the Special Representative. Resolution 1960 (2010), adopted in December 2010, marked a political commitment to use all the means available to the Security Council to ensure that sexual violence is prevented.

    2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722 (2012) · source

  12. Here, the account given by the Secretariat is alarming. Sexual violence remains intolerably high. In many conflicts today, sexual violence is a weapon used to crush individuals and communities. Therefore, these acts of violence are a destabilizing factor and a threat to peace and security with, as Ms. Wallstrom emphasized, lasting consequences. By way of example, hundreds of Somali women refugees have been raped, sometimes in front of their husbands. Conflicts, droughts and massive displacements increase the risk of sexual violence against women and girls. In Darfur, the Government of the Sudan has shut down all clinics for the victims of rape. During the past year, more than 625 cases of sexual violence were registered by the United Nations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722 (2012) · source

  13. It also worked to strengthen attention to this issue within the European Union. At the national level, at the end of 2010 France adopted an action plan for the implementation of the resolutions on women, peace and security. We welcome the progress described in the report of the Special Representative regarding the establishment of institutional mechanisms to implement resolutions adopted by the Security Council. I point 12-2393] particularly to the progressive implementation of monitoring, analysis and communication arrangements, which will make it possible to gather information on sexual violence. This is essential for the Council to be properly informed. However, as Ms. Wallstrom emphasized, the important issue is that of the gap between our initiatives - the mechanisms we establish - and the reality on the ground.

    2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722 (2012) · source

  14. Mr. Briens (France) (spoke in French): I should like to begin by thanking you, Mr. President, for organizing this debate. I welcome the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Wallstrom; the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Ladsous; and Ms. Megheirbi of the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security for their statements. France associates itself with the statement to be made on behalf of the European Union. I should like to reiterate our full support for the work of the Special Representative and to commend the quality of her annual report. We also welcome the work done by the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict. The effective implementation of Security Council resolutions on women, peace and security is a priority for France, which worked actively for their adoption.

    2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722 (2012) · source

  15. Williamson will also investigate allegations of mistreatment, detentions, abductions and killings during the reporting period. In our view, EULEX has the resources, the will and the ability to complete this complex investigation in an impartial and independent manner, provided that it can work without political interference and in respect for the basic rules of confidentiality applicable to such matters. Naturally, EULEX must be able to guarantee witness protection. In that regard, we also expect it to provide the Security Council with periodic updates containing the most accurate possible information on the steps taken to pursue the investigation. Those updates can be included in the quarterly reports of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo.

    2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source

  16. We expect the Task Force to conduct its investigation in Kosovo and beyond its borders, which it can do in cases involving crimes committed by citizens of Kosovo. I note that the States of the region have expressed their confidence in Mr. Williamson and assured him of their full cooperation on the political and legal levels. We are particularly encouraged by the commitments made in that regard by the Prime Minister of Albania, as confirmed in the letter from the Albanian authorities addressed to the President of the Security Council on 6 February. I am also pleased to note that the Lead Prosecutor will rely in part on the work already carried out by some institutions, in particular the Council of Europe. Finally, I should like to emphasize that, as indicated in the report of the Secretary-General, Mr.

    2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source

  17. Our requests and expectations are, of course, the same with respect to Pristina. I should like to say one last word on the current investigation into the allegations of organ trafficking contained in the Marty report. In the light of the seriousness of those allegations, France would like the truth to be known, and, if the allegations are found to be true, for those responsible to be brought to justice. That is why we supported the creation of the l9-member Special Investigative Task Force of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and the appointment of a very experienced individual, Clint Williamson, as its Lead Prosecutor. His actions throughout his career are well known in this Chamber. His impartiality is unquestionable.

    2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source

  18. Any attack on them is unacceptable, as is any obstacle to their freedom of movement. The international community is present in Kosovo to maintain security and stability on the ground, including by ensuring respect for freedom of movement and enhancing the rule of law, in accordance with the resolutions of the Security Council. We welcomed the call made by the President of Serbia to lift the barricades in northern Kosovo. Once again, we call on Belgrade to bring to bear all of its influence to re-establish freedom of movement there and to fully implement all of the agreements already reached, in particular the agreement on the integrated management of crossing points. We also call on the Serbian authorities to cooperate fully with the European Union Rule of Law Mission.

    2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source

  19. The Ahtisaari Plan offers a solid basis on which the parties can build to establish broad autonomy for Serbs in the north, consolidate the rights of minorities and protect their religious heritage. Let me turn now to the situation on the ground in northern Kosovo. We hope that the agreements reached in Brussels will make it possible, if not to reduce tensions, at least to ease the daily lives of its inhabitants, who are the primary victims of those on both sides who have an interest in triggering incidents and allowing for the emergence of a lawless zone conducive to all types of trafficking. Our substantive position remains unchanged. The police officers and soldiers deployed in the framework of NATO and the European Union cannot be seen as parties to the conflict.

    2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source

  20. The autonomy of northern Kosovo within the legal framework of Kosovo is in the interests of Kosovo, its stability and its regional and European integration, because the primary goal of the two countries is to rejoin their European family. Those who continue to use ethnic nationalism as a political platform are in the wrong century. We have also noted the recent statements made by President Tadie. We welcome with interest his four- point proposal calling for the implementation of decentralization, guarantees for the Kosovo Serbs, status for the Serbian Orthodox Church and its holy sites, and the settlement of property issues. Those proposals will open the way to a lasting reconciliation between Kosovo Serbs and Albanians without bringing into question the independence and territorial integrity of Kosovo.

    2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source

  21. They must continue to work towards the compromises required for the two countries to achieve regional reconciliation and European rapprochement. The stability of the Balkans as a whole is at stake. The Secretary-General rightly highlights in his report (S/2012/72) the positive rhetoric used by leaders in Pristina and Belgrade, which we welcome. In that context, it is important for Prime Minister Thaci to convince the Kosovo Serbs that Serbians and Albanians have a shared future and common interests in northern Kosovo. We call on the Kosovo government to act in order to ensure the peaceful integration of northern Kosovo by inviting its authorities to come to the table to discuss the issue.

    2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source

  22. The authorities of Serbia and Kosovo have established a regular channel for communication; and they have concluded several agreements, aimed at improving the daily lives of the population, whose effects are beginning to be felt. Nonetheless, much remains to be done. These first efforts towards the normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo are steps in the right direction. We encourage Belgrade and Pristina to constructively and pragmatically continue the dialogue by reaching agreement on pending issues. We are convinced in particular that agreement is possible on the participation of Kosovo in regional forums. Political courage will definitely be required on the part of both sides. The parties must not succumb to the temptation to turn inward that can arise in a difficult economic and social context.

    2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source

  23. Mr. Briens (France) (spoke in French): I should like at the outset to thank the Assistant Secretary- General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Edmond Mulet, for his briefing, and Special Representative of the Secretary-General Farid Zarif for participating in this debate by videoconference, which is a welcome practice at this time of budgetary constraints. I also welcome the presence here in the Chamber of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Serbia and Kosovo. We begin this year in the hope that a dynamic of commitment will follow in the wake of the recent period of increased tensions. We have reason to be optimistic. The dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, launched about a year ago and facilitated by the European Union, has yielded positive results.

    2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source

  24. The United Nations, like humanitarian non-governmental organizations, provides vital support to the population affected by the famine in the entire region. We continue to stand ready to respond to the food crisis in the Horn of Africa. Unimpeded access of humanitarian aid must be ensured.

    2012-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6701 (2012) · source

  25. That strategic concept must now undergo a thorough political, operational and financial review, in particular on the basis of the report that the Secretary-General will soon submit to us. Moreover, we recall that establishing credible Somali security forces is also essential. That is an issue of political credibility for the Transitional Federal Government. It is those forces that should take over from AMISOM. as soon as possible, and thus complete the stabilization of the country in terms of security. I will conclude by raising the humanitarian situation, which is still a matter of concern. Four million people, including 3 million in the south, still need food assistance, while access to humanitarian aid is possible only for approximately 1.5 million people, given the deteriorating security situation and cases of food aid being diverted.

    2012-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6701 (2012) · source

  26. Similarly, the intervention led by Kenya since October 2011, which was simultaneously carried out by Ethiopia, relying on militias in the Somali west, have also helped to weaken Al-Shabaab. We are delighted by that weakening of Al-Shabaab, which is an encouraging sign for the future of the political transition. In that context, the African Union has submitted detailed requests to the Security Council to strengthen AMISOM, while the situation indeed seems favourable. As we have heard, those requests in particular entail raising the troop ceiling and extending the scope of the logistical support package. The new strategic concept for AMISOM. on 5 January (see S/2012/19, annex) specifies the context in which those requests are made.

    2012-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6701 (2012) · source

  27. On the security front, the success of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the Somali security forces in recent months has made it possible to regain control of new areas of Mogadishu and its surroundings. Such results must be welcomed, while the troops deployed on the ground undertake their work in particularly difficult conditions. Such progress on the ground was confirmed by the visit of the Secretary- General to Mogadishu last December, for the first time in 18 years, and the announcement of a return of United Nations agencies to the Somali capital. Those are positive signs for the future, on which we can congratulate ourselves and that we welcome.

    2012-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6701 (2012) · source

  28. As the Council has already pointed out, the continuing support of the international community for the Transitional Institutions will depend on the implementation of the road map in the set timeframe. Those who would impede the peace process, as well as peace and security in Somalia, could be subject to Security Council sanctions. However, we must also note the positive developments. Significant progress has been made on the constitutional aspect of the road map and on parliamentary reform. The national conference on the constitutional process, which was held from 21 to 23 December 2011 in Garowe, in Puntland, was a relative success, as it made it possible to set clear principles for the next steps of that process. That progress must now be consolidated and the efforts continued and supported.

    2012-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6701 (2012) · source

  29. The timely implementation of all components of that road map is now imperative. Although the TFIs face considerable challenges, they must nevertheless take advantage without delay of the favourable developments in the security situation in Mogadishu so as to implement the objectives set out in the road map. We also expect the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) to be genuinely proactive in the fight against maritime piracy. The report of the Secretary-General dated 9 December 2011 (S/2011/759) makes clear that insufficient progress has been made in the implementation of the road map. Moreover, the parliamentary crisis that started on 13 December with the attempt to dismiss the speaker continues. In those conditions, our vigilance with respect to the action of the Transitional Institutions is only heightened.

    2012-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6701 (2012) · source

  30. Mr. Briens (France) (spoke in French): Allow me at the outset to thank you, Madam President, for having convened this meeting, which makes it possible to strengthen the dialogue and coordination between the African Union and the United Nations on the question of Somalia. In that respect, I should like to thank Commissioner Lamamra for having made the trip to New York to present the positions of the African Union, as well as the Ministers of Kenya and of Uganda. Lastly, I thank Mr. Pascoe for his presentation. On the political front, a key milestone was achieved with the adoption on 6 September last by the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs) in Somalia, the Presidents of Puntland and of Galmudug, and representatives of Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama'a of the road map setting out the priority tasks to be carried out by 20 August 2012.

    2012-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6701 (2012) · source

  31. Faced with that challenge, we have no choice but to remain united and firm. We urge Iran to heed the message of the IAEA and the international community and to at last concretely demonstrate its willingness to sincerely negotiate and as quickly as possible clarify all issues raised by the IAEA.

    2011-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6697 (2011) · source

  32. The Iranian regime is locking itself into a dangerous spiral from which there is no way out - one of isolation, of repression and of violating international law. Apart from nuclear issues, the several serious events that have occurred in recent weeks, which have been denounced by the international community, only heighten our concerns. In particular, I am thinking of the Iranian plot to carry out an attack on United States soil, revealed in October, and the unacceptable attack on 29 November against the British Embassy in Tehran, in violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. The seriousness of the situation and the Iranian regime's deaf ear to the many negotiation offers made by the E3+3 obliges the international community to show unprecedented resolve and to mobilize as never before.

    2011-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6697 (2011) · source

  33. Moreover, we must continue to rigorously implement the sanctions adopted by the Security Council. In doing so we must first issue a firm response to the numerous reported violations. We must also enhance the implementation of sanctions when necessary, pursuant to the mandate given by the Council. The Panel of Experts has issued several recommendations. The Committee must follow up on them and, in particular, designate the individuals and entities involved in any violations. Once again, we ask that the final report of the Panel be published in accordance with the ongoing practice of Sanctions Committees. Should Iran persist in its refusal to comply with its international obligations and to cooperate seriously, we are prepared, together with all countries that agree to do so, to adopt sanctions of an unprecedented scope.

    2011-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6697 (2011) · source

  34. In Vienna, on 18 November, the IAEA Board of Governors adopted, with an unprecedented majority, a resolution (GOV/2011/69) expressing its deep and increasing concern and urging Iran to shed light, as soon as possible, on all of its activities relative to a military programme by cooperating unreservedly with the IAEA. The Board requested the Director General of the Agency to report on the implementation of that resolution at its next meeting, in March 2012. In that context, I welcome the fact that all members of the Council who are also present in Vienna voted in favour of the Board of Governors' resolution. Once again, that action shows that the international community is united and determined not to tolerate abuse of the right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, as recognized under the NPT.

    2011-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6697 (2011) · source

  35. All of those activities, together with Iran's intensive pursuit of a ballistic programme, paint an overall picture that leaves very little doubt as to its intentions. As emphasized by Mr. Alain Juppe, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, all of that information shows that Iran has sought, and is very likely pursuing its efforts, to develop a nuclear weapon under the guise of a supposedly peaceful civilian nuclear programme. The IAEA member States, the States parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and, beyond that, the entire international community must take action in response to the seriousness of the facts reported by the Agency.

    2011-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6697 (2011) · source

  36. Other Iranian announcements reported by the IAEA have only worsened our concerns: the announcement, in June, of the threefold increase in enrichment capacity to 20 per cent and the installation, in August, of the first centrifuge in the Qom plant - an instillation now intended to produce enriched uranium at the level of 20 per cent U-235, rather than the 3.5 per cent Iran announced in 2009. In October, there was a transfer of the first fissile material at that same Qom facility - an installation that, I would recall, was built in secret and includes bunkers adapted for military use. It is a plant that could easily and swiftly be reconfigured to produce uranium at a rate higher than 20 per cent. In that context, we are also concerned by the Agency's reports that several kilograms of natural uranium metal have inexplicably disappeared.

    2011-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6697 (2011) · source

  37. The IAEA notes its serious concern and details Iranian activities that are "specific to nuclear weapons" (5/2011/695, annex, para. 44). Those activities cover all areas necessary for nuclear-weapon production, including the production of fissile material, work on uranium metal components, explosives, hydrodynamic experiments, modelling and calculations, neutron triggers, preparations for nuclear testing and integration into a ballistic missile. Those activities occurred before the end of 2003 under the framework of a structured programme. However, the Agency emphasizes that some of those activities may still be ongoing. The Agency also recalls that Iran has never really cooperated in responding to its concerns and that, in 2008, it broke off all dialogue with the Agency on that issue.

    2011-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6697 (2011) · source

  38. Mr. Briens (France) (spoke in French): I would first of all like to thank Ambassador Osorio for his quarterly report and for his efficient and dedicated chairmanship of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). The Security Council has been seized of an unprecedented report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The report (S/2011/695, annex), which was published on 8 November, has only deepened France's concern about the Iranian nuclear programme. It contains a remarkably detailed summary of all of the information made available to the Agency over the past decade on the possible military aspect of the Iranian nuclear programme. As the Agency has noted, its information derives from many sources, including more than 10 of its member States and information provided by Iran itself.

    2011-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6697 (2011) · source

  39. In its resolution 1966 (2010), adopted in December 2010, the Security Council set a timeline for the completion of the work of the two Tribunals and established the Residual Mechanism to complete the proceedings. We will soon elect the judges for the Residual Mechanism. We would like to thank the representatives of the Tribunals as well as the Office of Legal Affairs of the Secretariat for their efforts made in order to respect the timeline and to ensure the effective operation of the Residual Mechanism.

    2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6678 (2011) · source

  40. We are ready to ensure follow-up under the leadership of the Chair of the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals, the Ambassador of Portugal. With respect to cooperation with the ICTY, a question that arose when we listened to the Prosecutor's report concerned the reasons as to why the arrest of fugitives in Serbia has taken such a long time. Another question concerns the escape of a criminal who was imprisoned in Foca, and who has not yet been caught. Lastly, generally speaking, the lack of cooperation of States in the region in tracking and prosecuting mid-level criminals is disturbing. We must stress that for the European Union, cooperation with the ICTY and regional cooperation have always been, and will remain, important considerations.

    2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6678 (2011) · source

  41. It is important that the Council maintain its determination in that regard. Given the complexity of the cases before the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, it is understandable, as the Tribunal's President and Prosecutor have explained, that the proceedings require time. There is therefore a need to ensure that the Tribunal has all of the means necessary to work effectively, and in particular that it can address the challenge of staff retention. We listened attentively to the sensible proposals of Judge Meron, whom we commend on assuming his new functions. The proposals, which Judge Khan supports, are important as they are specific and easy to implement, as is the case with the recommendation on the recruitment of interns.

    2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6678 (2011) · source

  42. Lastly, the ideas presented by Judge Khan with regard to ensuring the Tribunal's legacy warrant our full attention. With respect to the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), France welcomes the progress that has been made, as no fugitives remain at large following the arrest of Goran Hadzic', on 20 July. That is a crucial milestone in the work of the Tribunal and sends an important message to all of those who, even today, continue to attempt to obtain power or remain in power by planning and ordering attacks against civilians. It also sends a message to all of those who are being sought under an international criminal warrant for the commission of war crimes, crimes against humanity or the crime of genocide who believe that they can rely on the Council's inaction or lassitude to evade justice.

    2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6678 (2011) · source

  43. Judicial procedures are continuing in France with respect to the Laurent Bucyibaruta and Wenceslas Munyeshyaka cases. We look forward to hosting the Prosecutor in France next week to assess the status of the procedures. Nine accused, including three who are high- ranking, remain fugitives. We welcome the efforts of the Prosecutor to find and to arrest those fugitives. We note that the Prosecutor expects increased cooperation from Kenya in the Felicien Kabuga case. More disturbing, the Prosecutor also mentioned the presence of Protais Mpiranya in Zimbabwe. That is a major concern. Everyone's cooperation with the ICTR is required in accordance with Security Council resolutions. Undoubtedly, we will find a way to remind every one of their obligations.

    2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6678 (2011) · source

  44. Mr. Briens (France) (spoke in French): First of all, I would like to thank the Presidents and the Prosecutors of the International Criminal Tribunals for their reports. With respect to the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), the Tribunal's President and Prosecutor Jallow have both described the considerable efforts that were made in recent months by the entire staff of the Tribunal in order to complete the trials under way and to preserve evidence under rule 71 bis, in the event that the three high-ranking fugitives 4 Felicien Kabuga, Protais Mpiranya and Augustin Bizimana - are arrested one day. France appreciates the work accomplished. The transfer of the Uwinkindi case to Rwanda, if confirmed, will also be an important step forward.

    2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6678 (2011) · source

  45. The Council has developed a new meeting format that allows it to better exchange Views with Members of the United Nations on situations that concern them directly. In that regard, the interactive dialogue format is sufficiently flexible to respond to several categories of need. For instance, it made it possible to hold several meetings with Chadian officials before we withdrew the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad. In principle, we support this type of exercise. In conclusion, today we will hear many ideas for improving the Council's working methods. We encourage the Chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation to compile the operational recommendations to be made.

    2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source

  46. That illustrates that the Security Council works well. We should therefore continue to innovate to take better decisions. To that end, various avenues could be pursued. First, missions to the field provide an opportunity for members of the Council to better understand the reality and to speak directly with local stakeholders. There should be a way to better define the goals for such missions in more operational terms. Videoconferencing is now being used to communicate with United Nations missions on the ground. That makes it possible for the Council to be informed directly and in real time. It also allows United Nations officials to avoid having to make a trip to New York when it is important for them to be present in the field. The use of this tool could perhaps be made more systematic.

    2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source

  47. In that connection, during its presidency in May, France organized a debate on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (see S/PV.6539) that brought together the main stakeholders as well as other Congolese officials. The meeting was preceded by a seminar with non-governmental organizations that made it possible to consolidate consensus on a complex issue. We believe that such an exercise, including broad agreement, could be useful and productive. Finally, I would like to underscore the importance of continuing to innovate. In the course of the past month, the reality on the international stage has compelled the Council to take important decisions in difficult circumstances. It is also worth noting that, in spite of our political differences at times, cases of recourse to procedural points were the rare exception.

    2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source

  48. At the same time, we should implement the recommendation of the group of five small nations to strengthen the links between the Security Council's work on thematic issues - such as the rule of law, combating impunity, protecting civilians and new threats - and its efforts on specific situations. Another example is the fact that the Council now has regular exchanges with the Department of Political Affairs on situations of risk that merit particular attention. In doing so, it is better able to anticipate and predict crises. It is important to pursue that effort and to bring in representatives of the Secretary-General on thematic issues, in particular when it comes to preventing war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Lastly, today the Council has better follow-up of crisis situations and of the decisions it takes.

    2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source

  49. The Council is the master of its agenda and its procedures, which are uncomplicated and allow for its practices to change with the needs. It is an asset for the Council to be able to adapt its work and functioning to new demands. Many examples point to the fact that it can do so. The Council meets more frequently to hold thematic debates, which make it possible for it to refine its approach to issues pertaining to international peace and security. To that end, it turns to the expertise of regional organizations and specialized international bodies, as well as to civil society in general.

    2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source

  50. Recently, we should have heard from the High Commissioner for Human Rights here in the Chamber, rather than in consultations. On the initiative of France and the United Kingdom, a regular dialogue has been established with troop contributors to peacekeeping operations. With the agreement of all delegations concerned, we should now make that dialogue more substantial. Another positive aspect is the fact that the President of the Council now meets regularly with the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, and that the Chairs of the country- specific configurations are invited to participate in the Council's meetings. My second comment pertains to the fact that the Council has demonstrated its ability to adapt to new demands.

    2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source