YouSaid · the spoken record

Cabral

lines on the record: 616
first: 1996-09-20
most recent: 2012-12-20
sittings or episodes: 74
sources: un-security-council

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“Portugal vigorously condemns those incidents. We believe that they indicate that there are reasons for the international community to pay particular attention to the nature of, and motives for, those incidents and to be actively engaged both in preventing future violence and in reacting swiftly to similar occurrences. Changes are coming to Kosovo at a fast pace. The next few months will be of great importance at both the political and institutional levels, as well as with respect to the security environment. In that regard, we take very seriously the Secretary-General's warning about the near future. There is indeed a need to genuinely reach out to the population in the northern part of Kosovo. Precipitous action may spark a sequence of events, the result of which may be unforeseen in scope and seriousness.”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“The progress achieved so far has had an impact on the everyday lives of thousands of people regardless of their ethnicity or their political stance on the status of Kosovo, showing that the basis and the need for dialogue continue to exist. In that context, the implementation of the agreements reached should proceed swiftly, and differences over their interpretation should be resolved. Secondly, the potential for instability in Kosovo remains, and the political and security situations must continue to be addressed by all involved in a balanced and cautious way. The incidents and breaches of public order mentioned in the Secretary-General's report (S/2012/603) and in Mr. Zarif's briefing have resulted in the wounding of civilians, including children, as well as of soldiers of the Kosovo Force (KFOR).”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“The situation in Kosovo over the past few months has already been addressed in detail by both Prime Ministers in their statements and by the briefing of the Special Representative. I shall focus my statement on three specific aspects. First, the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, facilitated by the European Union, should be resumed in the shortest possible term. Portugal calls upon the parties to constructively re-engage in the dialogue that constitutes the fundamental tool that brings the two sides together to work for the common good of all those involved in, and affected by, the situation in Kosovo. The Belgrade- Pristina dialogue must not be allowed to wither on the basis of transient political circumstances.”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“I would like to begin by welcoming Serbia's Prime Minister, Mr. Ivica Dacic', in his first appearance at the Council in that capacity, and to wish him the best in his high duties. I also welcome Prime Minister Hashim Thaci of Kosovo and thank both Prime Ministers for their statements. I also thank Mr. Farid Zarif for his very comprehensive briefing and for his work as Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). On a general note, I would like to highlight the restraint and constructive pragmatism of the relevant political actors on all sides in the context of the holding in Kosovo of Serbian parliamentary and presidential elections. Together with the outstanding job done by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), they contributed decisively to the successful conduct of the voting.”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“Let me conclude by reiterating strong support for UNOCA's innovative efforts addressed at helping to prevent the emergence of new conflicts, resolving existing ones by peaceful means, and promoting democratic and accountable governance in the subregion of Central Africa.”
2012-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6796 (2012) · source
“We highlight the importance of UNOCA's continuing its close coordination with the Economic Community of Central African States and the United Nations Office for West Africa on relevant security challenges with a great impact not only on the West and Central Africa subregions, but to the entire international community, including security and terrorism, the fight against drug trafficking, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, and illicit flows of arms and fighters. As far as the LRA is concerned, the main issue linking the two comprehensive briefings we have had the opportunity to hear today, we welcome the fact that UNOCA will be responsible for overall monitoring and reporting on the regional strategy on the LRA.”
2012-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6796 (2012) · source
“Thus, we firmly support the adoption today of a Security Council presidential statement, ensuring that the Council will continue to closely follow this issue. Portugal will spare no effort to continue to mobilize the international community and to improve the United Nations response to this scourge. Let me now turn to UNOCA, whose work we believe will contribute significantly to enhancing the United Nations engagement towards the achievement of peace and security in Central Africa.”
2012-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6796 (2012) · source
“These objectives are aimed at, first, enhancing the protection of civilians; secondly, expanding disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation or resettlement activities to cover LRA-affected areas; thirdly, promoting a coordinated humanitarian and child-protection response in those areas; and fourthly, providing support to the Governments of LRA-affected countries in the domains of peacebuilding, human rights, the rule of law and long-term development, thus enabling them to extend State authority throughout their territories. Let me conclude with respect to the LRA by underlining once again the importance of sustaining the engagement of the Security Council on this issue.”
2012-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6796 (2012) · source
“We remain encouraged by the fact that the four LRA-affected countries have confirmed their willingness to contribute to the Regional Task Force and to provide premises for the various components of the regional initiative. We encourage them to further strengthen regional cooperation in order to overcome, with increased support from the international community, the important challenges that lie ahead regarding the implementation of the initiative, and thus succeed in apprehending the top commanders of the LRA and enhancing tactical coordination, information-sharing and joint planning. At the same time, it is fundamental that committed efforts be deployed by all relevant actors in order to fulfil the other strategic objectives set in the regional strategy.”
2012-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6796 (2012) · source
“In that regard, Portugal welcomes the regional strategy developed by UNOCA, in coordination with the relevant United Nations actors and the African Union, to guide the efforts of the United Nations, including the United Nations peacekeeping missions in the region, and other stakeholders in support of international efforts, led by the African Union, to neutralize the threat posed by the LRA and to address the impact of its activities in the four affected countries. The implementation of that strategy is a crucial step in order to translate the renewed attention given by the international community to the LRA issue in the past year into concrete results by attaining the five goals set in the strategy, including the full implementation of the African Union-led regional cooperation initiative.”
2012-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6796 (2012) · source
“The present situation clearly shows that the LRA remains capable of having a terrible impact on civilian populations and thus poses a continuing threat to regional security, notwithstanding the fact that over the years the group has seen its numbers reduced significantly as a result of the steps taken by Governments in the region, with the assistance of the international community. It is crucial that all actors continue to be engaged until the LRA threat is removed.”
2012-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6796 (2012) · source
“Portugal strongly condemns the continued violations by the LRA of international humanitarian law and human rights law, including the recruitment and use of children, killing and maiming, rape, sexual violence and abductions. We strongly urge the LRA to put an end to those practices, to release all abducted persons and to disarm, demobilize and surrender. We also encourage all States to cooperate in order to implement the International Criminal Court arrest warrants for the three remaining LRA leaders in order to bring them to justice.”
2012-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6796 (2012) · source
“I wish to thank you, Mr. President, for having convened this meeting on this very important subject. I would like to start by thanking Special Representative of the Secretary-General Abou Moussa for the very comprehensive briefings on the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and on United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA). I also want to thank the Special Envoy of the African Union for the LRA issue, Ambassador Francisco Madeira, for his very important statement to the Council. The LRA continues to pose a serious threat to civilians in four affected countries. We remain concerned by the fact that attacks against civilians in LRA-affected areas were again on the rise in early 2012 and that more than 445,000 people are internally displaced or living as refugees as a result of LRA activities.”
2012-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6796 (2012) · source
“These include issues such as counter-narcotics, energy and transportation networks, which require international cooperation at its highest level. I conclude by reiterating my country's support for the work of UNAMA. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan has played and will continue to play an essential role in strengthening Afghan institutions towards peace, democracy and the promotion and protection of human rights, and in supporting Afghanistan's full assumption of leadership and ownership in the security, governance and development areas.”
2012-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6793 (2012) · source
“The Afghan Government and security forces may count on Portugal's full support and available expertise for that task. Finally, I would say a few brief words on the multilateral efforts undertaken by both Afghanistan and its friends and partners throughout the world. "Geography is destiny" has become a catchphrase, sometimes all too easily misused. Afghanistan consistently shows that it can find friends and partners that are at a great distance but are clearly and seriously committed to a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan. The path chosen by Afghanistan - the path of international partnership and productive interaction with its neighbours - provides an opportunity for the development of its resources. It shows, at the same time, how truly regional and international the problems that afflict Afghanistan are.”
2012-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6793 (2012) · source
“We continue to witness the most blatant disrespect for civilians by the insurgents, to whom more than 80 per cent of all casualties can safely be attributed. Reaction by the authorities of Afghanistan is imperative, not only as an element of the ongoing struggle for peace in the country, but also as a matter of addressing the essential needs of the population. As regards the human rights of women, we hear of efforts to achieve the adherence of the Government of Afghanistan to the principles of resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security. The development of an action plan to implement the resolution appears to us to be a very relevant instrument for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights and the rule of law, and is in line, furthermore, with the mutual commitments assumed at the Bonn Conference.”
2012-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6793 (2012) · source
“We find it particularly noteworthy that the national police plan sets a truly ambitious goal of inducting 5,000 women into the police by 2014. Women agents are essential elements for addressing serious cases of crimes against women and girls, and have shown all over the world that their action has a tangible impact in the fight against gender-based violence and the promotion and protection of the human rights of women. Secondly, I would like to mention the issue of human rights in Afghanistan. The challenges caused by the security situation in the country are of the utmost seriousness and defy the time constraints of a Security Council debate. Suffice it to say this time that Portugal is encouraged by the declining trend in civilian casualties, and we hope that it may be maintained over time.”
2012-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6793 (2012) · source
“As such, I believe that the following sentence in the Secretary-General's report clearly illustrates a crucial capacity for the security forces to have in the very specific Afghan framework: "The United Nations continues to advocate for attention to accountability mechanisms within the Afghan security forces, ensuring the protection of civilians and children amid conflict, as well as the specific needs of women and girls as a central component of transition and post-transition security frameworks." (S/2012/462, para. 12) In this regard, measures taken recently to prioritize community-based policing, strengthen crime detection and prevention, safeguard human rights and combat violence against women and children cannot but be commended and encouraged.”
2012-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6793 (2012) · source
“Professional, capable and sustainable security forces are absolutely indispensable if a free, independent and democratic Afghanistan is to provide essential services and goods to its population and to continue to play its role in the region and in the world. Portugal entirely supports the efforts to focus on the training of security forces, particularly the police, and to ensure that they are more professional and better equipped, both in materiel and in capacity to deliver.”
2012-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6793 (2012) · source
“Thank you, Mr. President, for giving me the floor and organizing this debate. Iwould like to begin by thanking Under-Secretary-General Herve Ladsous and Executive Director YurI Fedotov for their briefings. I also welcome the presence of Ambassador Tanin and his statement. They have all given us a broad and accurate depiction of the current situation in Afghanistan and described the activities of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). I would like to focus now on three points that Portugal deems of outstanding importance. First, I would like to mention capacity-building within the Afghan National Security Forces now that the third tranche of the transition is under way and that the Chicago Summit has determined that the NATO-led combat mission in Afghanistan will cease in 2014.”
2012-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6793 (2012) · source
“Naturally, none of those efforts can work properly and effectively without the full involvement and commitment of the host country in a process of responsible national ownership. Let me conclude by reiterating my country's tribute to all men and women who, often through personal sacrifice and risk, act on our behalf in order to achieve peace and security in the world.”
2012-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6789 (2012) · source
“That aspect merits our full attention, since the quality of the connection between the two sides of the same reality constitutes in most cases the key to sustained success of United Nations actions and interventions. That connection starts, obviously, at Headquarters through proper coordination among different branches of the Secretariat, but it is essential to ensure that it remains a permanent concern of the leadership of each mission. Indeed, the military component plays an important role in early peacebuilding efforts, namely, by keeping law and order, allowing people to go back to their normal lives, establishing a secure environment, strengthening the rule of law and promoting institution-building.”
2012-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6789 (2012) · source
“Another theme I would like to address is the issue of political consent by the parties on the ground, which is essential to ensure the sustainability of a peacekeeping mission and which implies a shared strategic understanding of its objectives, and the permanent, constructive and responsible cooperation between those parties and the United Nations mission. In that context, a specific mechanism could be implemented within each mission in order to monitor how the parties are implementing their given consent through meaningful cooperation and to report its issues through the Secretariat to the Security Council. That would allow the Council to react in a prompt and timely manner to sudden changes in the level of political support enjoyed by the mission concerned. It is often said that peacekeepers are the first peacebuilders.”
2012-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6789 (2012) · source
“A precondition for such a system is to guarantee adequate training before the deployment of a mission, a training that takes into consideration the specific conditions on the ground, but also essential values and objectives of the United Nations, including issues of human rights, women's participation, the protection of civilians, in particular, vulnerable groups, and respect for cultural diversity and environmental conditions. On another, related issue, it is very important that a balanced number of caveats and clear rules of engagement be defined in order to allow a force commander to reach the common operational goals.”
2012-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6789 (2012) · source
“First, it is really a challenge for United Nations peacekeeping operations to fulfil so many diverse mandates and different tasks in the most varied conditions, diverse environments and different geographical areas, and with personnel coming from dissimilar backgrounds and using different languages. We therefore believe that a system is needed to put in place and ensure common operational military standards, of which the manual is a good example.”
2012-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6789 (2012) · source
“Let me begin by commending the work ofthe United Nations peacekeeping operations and paying tribute to all women and men that compose the personnel of the various missions for the way they carry out their duties, often in very challenging and difficult conditions. They deserve our continuous admiration and support. Let me also commend the work of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), not only in facing the challenges of the ever more complex and multidimensional activity of peacekeeping, but also because of the reform process currently under way and also, more recently, on the development of the United Nations generic infantry battalion manual. I will be very brief, since we believe that we are here today essentially to listen. I will limit myself to some comments on two or three issues already raised by the briefers.”
2012-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6789 (2012) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this debate. Peacekeeping and peacebuilding are at the core of United Nations activities, and those of the Security Council in particular. It is therefore not only useful but also, in our View, extremely important to take the opportunity to interact at regular intervals with the Force Commanders and directly hear their points of View and recommendations based on their unique experience. I therefore thank the Generals, our briefers today, for their very comprehensive and useful presentations. I also welcome all military commanders here today and thank them for their presence. I would also offer a word of thanks to Under-Secretary-General Herve Ladsous for his introduction and for facilitating the organization of today's meeting.”
2012-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6789 (2012) · source
“However, we are concerned about the continuous lack of cooperation displayed by the Sudanese authorities on outstanding arrest warrants. We again stress the need for all States to strengthen cooperation with the Court in order to enforce those warrants. Finally, we would like to thank the Prosecutor, Mr. Moreno-Ocampo, for his efforts during his tenure at the head of the Office of the Prosecutor. We also want to thank him for the role he has played in strengthening the Court and in promoting a better understanding of the Court's potential, thus enhancing the awareness by the international community of the Court's indispensable contribution to the maintenance of peace and security.”
2012-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6778 (2012) · source
“However, as stressed in the latest report to the Council of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (S/2012/33), today such types of crimes continue to be perpetrated and unpunished, as do other crimes of the same pattern identified by the ICC judges, as recent reports of the Secretary-General unfortunately testify. With its independent judicial nature, the ICC remains unique as a tool in conflict prevention, as well as in ensuring both justice and peace in the region. To achieve those goals, the international community, on behalf of which the Security Council referred the case to the ICC, has a strong interest in ensuring that the Court plays its role fully. Cooperation is therefore essential. Without the cooperation of all Member States, the Court cannot fulfil that role.”
2012-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6778 (2012) · source
“That is despite the concerns clearly expressed by the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel regarding the lack of political will and the persistent obstacles to domestic investigation and prosecution. Moreover, the dire humanitarian situation on the ground persists following the expulsion of humanitarian organizations ordered by the Government. As reported, there are fewer institutions now helping the victims of rape because of the expulsion, or threat of expulsion, of organizations working in the area of sexual violence.”
2012-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6778 (2012) · source
“Arrest warrants issued by the Court in two of the three cases have still not been executed. Only in the third case does justice seem to be under way, since the trial of Mr. Banda and Mr. Jerbo, alleged commanders of the rebel forces, is planned to start in July, following the recent confirmation of charges by the Court. Also, on the domestic front, no significant efforts appear to have been undertaken to investigate crimes that come under the ICC's jurisdiction. As highlighted in the report, after more than seven years of instituting several judicial mechanisms, the Sudan has conducted no credible national proceedings relevant to those crimes.”
2012-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6778 (2012) · source
“Allow me first of all to thank Ambassador Agshin Mehdiyev of Azerbaijan and his team for the efficient presidency for the month of May. I also take this opportunity to convey to you, Mr. President, the full support of my delegation for your presidency for this month. I wish to thank Mr. Moreno-Ocampo for his participation here today, as well as for his report on the situation in Darfur pursuant to resolution 1593 (2005). As mentioned in the report, the cases of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes presented to the International Criminal Court (ICC) illustrate the worst incidents that occurred within Darfur. As we consider the fifteenth report, however, we continue to see, with real concern, that the same obstacles and difficulties reported in previous reports still persist.”
2012-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6778 (2012) · source
“We encourage the Prosecutor and his Office to continue their efforts, in cooperation with Libyan authorities, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and all relevant entities in order to identify those responsible for such crimes and make sure that they are brought to trial, as we believe that justice is the cornerstone of peaceful and democratic societies and, thus, a fundamental element of Libya's institution- building.”
2012-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6772 (2012) · source
“Violations of human rights and international humanitarian law are violations irrespective of whoever may be found responsible for them. Acts of retaliation are inadmissible, and every person has the right to a fair trial. Cases of arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances must stop and be accounted for. The same applies with regard to acts of retaliation against civilians believed to be Al-Qadhafi loyalists, such as suggested by the actions against Tawerghan civilians identified in the report. Those are serious findings that, if proven, must be accounted for. Under the ICC's jurisdiction, no amnesty is possible for war crimes and crimes against humanity. In conclusion, we look forward to a full and complete investigation of allegations of all serious crimes committed in Libya.”
2012-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6772 (2012) · source
“We also thank the Prosecutor for the information provided on the ongoing investigations. We look forward to further developments concerning the investigation of gender crimes and the two patterns of rape identified in the report (A/HRC/ 17/44) of the Commission of Inquiry. In that respect, we appreciate the concern of the Office in ensuring the protection of victims during its investigative efforts, thus preventing situations where victims could be further victimized through exposure and retaliation. The report gives us a disturbing account of other serious violations identified in the Commission of Inquiry's report as having been committed in Libya, during and after conflict, which are now under the scrutiny of the Prosecutor's investigation.”
2012-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6772 (2012) · source
“The information provided highlights the procedural steps undertaken to bring to justice the last two accused and the various contacts between the Office and Libyan authorities, as well as with other relevant entities, to ensure that they will be brought to trial. We shall follow closely future developments on those procedures, bearing in mind the important role that the Statute confers upon the Court in deciding the admissibility of the case against Saif Al-Islam Al-Qadhafi following the procedural challenge filed by the Libyan Government. We fully trust the Court in its evaluation of the situation in order to make sure that the trial is undertaken in full compliance with international standards. Likewise, we have the same expectation concerning the case against the other accused and the need for his prompt presentation for trial.”
2012-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6772 (2012) · source
“We also welcome the contacts that the Office continues to maintain with Libyan authorities, the Government's expressed support to the Court and the acknowledgement of the positive role that the ICC plays in preventing further violence in the country. Portugal stresses the importance of accountability and the need to fight impunity for serious violations of human rights. Those are universal goals that guide the United Nations and are at the core of the international community's concerns. We thank the Prosecutor for his update on the cases of Muammar Al-Qadhafi, Saif Al-Islam Al-Qadhafi and Abdullah Al-Senussi.”
2012-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6772 (2012) · source
“I also wish to thank Mr. Moreno-Ocampo, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his report and for comprehensive briefing today. I want also to commend him for the work under way and for the efforts that his Office is undertaking to establish the truth and investigate all facts and evidence relevant to assessing criminal responsibility under the Rome Statute. In that regard, we welcome the close cooperation that the Prosecutor's Office continues to benefit from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as the synergy between the Office and the United Nations Commission of Inquiry, as stressed in the Prosecutor's report.”
2012-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6772 (2012) · source
“We welcome the reinforcement of the European Union presence in the country and we support the European Union forces, particularly the European Union Police Mission, the competencies of which will soon be assumed by the European Union Special Representative and by the European Union Force-Operation Althea, the mission and presence of which, we believe, continue to be of significant importance for Bosnia and Herzegovina. We also bear in mind the ongoing discussions on the reconfiguration of the international presence with a view to reflecting on the specific needs of Bosnia and Herzegovina and responding to them in an adequate, constructive and open-minded manner.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6771 (2012) · source
“In that context, we reiterate the urgent need to adopt the 2012 State budget and the 2012-2014 global fiscal framework, as they would contribute to the strengthening of Bosnia and Herzegovina's social and economic stability and, ultimately, to peace and security throughout the region. Challenges to the fiscal structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina at its different levels, as we have witnessed over the past months, directly threaten the operation and sustainability of the federal Government and risk creating new obstacles for a Government, and indeed for an entire country, that faces a very complex situation in that regard. In conclusion, the international community, and notably the European Union, must continue to be fully engaged with Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6771 (2012) · source
“Bosnia and Herzegovina has undertaken significant efforts to overcome the political impasse following the October 2010 elections, which affected the development of national policies, its progress towards meeting the 5+2 agenda to close the Office of the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and its European Union and NATO integration. In that regard, the constructive attitude of the political leaders and the relevant authorities is much to be appreciated and encouraged so that the positive momentum towards the adoption of relevant reforms is not lost. Among those reforms, the economic reforms are of particular importance, given the difficult situation of the country.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6771 (2012) · source
“I would like to welcome the High Representative, Ambassador Valentin Inzko, and convey to him Portugal's appreciation and support for his important and demanding work and that of his Office, in the interest of peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I also thank him for his very comprehensive report (see S/2012/307). Portugal naturally shares the views expressed in the statement that will be made later by the observer of the European Union, but allow me to underline some issues of particular concern for my country.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6771 (2012) · source
“In concluding, allow me to underline that time is of the essence. As the Secretary-General clearly said, despite the challenges, there is a real opportunity to move the country to a new phase in the political process. For that to happen, Somali leaders must unite in the commitment to ending the transition in August.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“As the security and political situation registers progress, the achievements made to date in Somalia will only be sustainable if all stakeholders continue to pursue a multifaceted response to the country's underlying causes of instability, including by building stability at the local level and by stepping up the action to tackle the threats posed by piracy and terrorism. Portugal has always argued that piracy is a problem of organized crime, with onshore roots in Somalia. Its causes are related to the conflict that has ravaged Somalia for over two decades and the severe impoverishment of the population, particularly the coastal communities. We are especially worried about the expansion of piracy attacks throughout the Indian Ocean, reaching as far south as the coast of Mozambique and eastwards towards the shores of India.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“We encourage other donors to join that process. Likewise, we recall the importance of continued support and humanitarian assistance to Somalia. We are concerned about the impoverishment of the population owing to the prevailing conflict and the persistent drought, as well as the implications of such a situation with the growing number of refugees in the region. As the Secretary-General underlines in his report (S/2012/283), the humanitarian situation continues to be fragile and the progress made remains reversible. Portugal urges all parties to ensure full and unhindered access for humanitarian aid across the country so that vulnerable people can be reached.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“Furthermore, I would like to acknowledge the efforts made to date by all partners involved in military action in Somalia to minimize the negative impact of military intervention on Somali civilians and to protect their human rights. I encourage them to continue to do so. The unbroken commitment of the Somali authorities to effective governance and security is central to consolidating AMISOM's military gains on the ground and to ensuring the governance of territories previously under Al-Shabaab rule. We take this opportunity to call on the Transitional Federal Institutions to fully embrace the leadership of that process. Through the European Union Training Mission, to which Portugal will provide 16 military troops in 2012, we will continue to support the development of the Somali national security forces.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“The adoption of resolution 2036 (2012) and the significant strengthening of AMISOM. that it authorized are a clear expression of the political importance and appropriateness of the continued and significant support to allow the Mission to fulfil its mandate. Through the United Nations and the European Union, Portugal will continue its support to AMISOM. In that regard, allow me to call on the new troop- contributing countries to fully integrate their forces into the AMISOM. command and control structure, in line with the aforementioned resolution. Allow me also to call on other donors to contribute to sustainable funding for AMISOM. and to provide force enablers to allow the Mission to operate effectively.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“While the international community's will and determination in continuing to support the Somali people are clear, as demonstrated by the continuous hard work of Special Representative of the Secretary- General Augustine Mahiga, whose efforts I wish to commend, and by the upcoming Istanbul Conference on 31 May and 1 June, as well as the International Somalia Contact Group meeting in Rome on 2 and 3 July, responsibility for the delivery of a political solution lies with the Somalis themselves. Portugal echoes the Secretary-General's view that appropriate action should be taken against those who are judged to be blocking or undermining progress. Portugal recognizes and commends the crucial role of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in bringing security to the country.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“It is crucial that the Somali authorities implement the Garoowe principles, which provide a solid basis for the way forward with the establishment of new institutions and the adoption of a new constitution by a representative Constituent Assembly in full transparency. The constitution, subject to a national referendum in due course, must be underpinned by respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the rights of women and of persons belonging to minorities, and must create a framework for all Somalis to take part in public life. At the same time, it is essential to guarantee the accessibility and deliverance of basic services to the population, to support sustainable peace and development, to build an effective Government, and to re-establish an independent judiciary.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“I would like to thank Special Representative Augustine Mahiga for his very helpful briefing and analysis. Allow me also to thank His Excellency President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed for his presence and for his statement. Portugal welcomes the progress made to date in the implementation of the Kampala road map. However, we are concerned about delays in implementing some of its key tasks, as well as the negative impact of the long-lasting impasse in the Transitional Federal Parliament. With only three months to go until the end of the political transition in Somalia, we must reiterate that it is up to the Somali leadership to seize this opportunity and to implement its commitments to ensure that the 20 August deadline is met.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source