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

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

“We stand ready to engage in further thinking on how to enhance the role and capacities of United Nations missions and offices in strengthening this preventive aspect of counter-terrorism. As with many other international threats, prevention is key to our medium- and our long-term success in fighting terrorism.”
2012-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6765 (2012) · source
“Among these measures, and as stated in several occasions in the past, we are of the view that United Nations political missions and political offices in the field, which are particularly well placed to assess the risks of terrorism and forms of violent extremism, should be given the mandates and resources necessary to allow them to advise and assist on appropriate preventive efforts. They should function as a link between the field and the relevant counter-terrorism structures at Headquarters, such as the Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force, the Counter- Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, among others.”
2012-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6765 (2012) · source
“More has to be done, and in a more effective manner, by the United Nations, including this Council, to enhance the preventive agenda of global efforts to counter terrorism. The United Nations retains wide range of structures, both at Headquarters and in the field, that in our view could be used in this area in a more coordinated and interactive way. We welcome all the organizational and operational measures taken so far, but we encourage further adjustments that could strengthen the interaction of all the United Nations bodies engaged, directly or indirectly, in preventive counter-terrorism efforts.”
2012-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6765 (2012) · source
“Respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law is also, in our view, a very effective tool for fighting radicalization and countering the narratives and appeals put forth by terrorist groups. In this regard, and specifically referring to the sanctions regime pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) on terrorism, we are pleased to express our appreciation for the remarkable improvements brought by the Office of the Ombudsperson with regard to the fairness and clarity of procedures for de-listing. Once again, we take the opportunity to highlight the active role of the Ombudsperson, Judge Kimberley Prost, in achieving these goals in conformity with her mandate. In our view, the possibility of introducing this positive step in the framework of other United Nations sanctions regimes merits further active consideration.”
2012-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6765 (2012) · source
“To that end, by advancing regional solutions that are better tailored to realities on the ground and better designed to respond to similar challenges and to build on common strengths and capacities, regional approaches often seem to be the most effective framework. Thirdly, we share the concerns expressed over the increasing connection, in some areas of the world, between terrorism groups and transnational organized crime networks, including those involved in illicit arms and drug trafficking, piracy and robbery at sea, money- laundering and the trafficking of human beings. Last but not least, we would like to reiterate the particular importance of ensuring that counter- terrorism measures fully comply with obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.”
2012-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6765 (2012) · source
“In this regard, we would like to underline the influential role being played by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, with its national and regional strategies aimed at creating and nurturing a culture of inclusion and tolerance for diversity. Secondly, we very much value the attention given to strengthening multilateral and bilateral technical assistance programmes, offered upon request to the States and regions that are most affected by terrorism. The dimensions and seriousness of the challenges posed to those States and regions by terrorism and terrorist acts require, in our view, more consistent provision of international assistance in the form deemed most appropriate and effective.”
2012-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6765 (2012) · source
“I would like to highlight some aspects in this context that, in our view, deserve particular attention. First, I note the need to encourage and assist States in developing comprehensive and integrated counter-terrorism strategies. Those strategies must be devoted not only to law enforcement and reactive approaches, but also to addressing conditions conducive to radicalization and recruitment for terrorist purposes. The strategies therefore must include consistent preventive efforts and measures of a structural and cross-cutting nature. Moreover, where such preventive approaches are concerned, we attach great importance to the promotion of a universal culture of mutual understanding and tolerance among different cultures, religions and communities.”
2012-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6765 (2012) · source
“I thank you very much, Mr. President, for convening this timely meeting and for honouring us with your presence in chairing it. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his introductory statement. International terrorism continues to pose enormous challenges to the international community, requiring increasingly coordinated efforts to ensure that it is effectively prevented and countered. The presidential statement that we are going to adopt rightly calls for enhanced coordination among all relevant actors, including improvements in the cooperative work done within the United Nations system, on the one hand, and among international, regional and subregional organizations, including civil society and the media, on the other.”
2012-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6765 (2012) · source
“We urge both parties sitting at this table with us today to respond favourably and immediately to the demands of the Council and of the African Union and fulfil the requirements contained in resolution 2046 (2012), namely, the ceasing of all hostilities and the return to negotiations under the auspices of the African Union High-level Implementation Panel. We would also like to underline the importance we attach to paragraphs 4 and 7 of the resolution, on issues of humanitarian assistance and on the promotion and protection of human rights.”
2012-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6764 (2012) · source
“I, too, would like to congratulate you, Sir, on assuming the presidency and to assure you of our full cooperation. I thank Ambassador Susan Rice and all of the American delegation for a most successful presidency. Portugal is extremely concerned about the situation in the Sudan and South Sudan. We supported and voted in favour of resolution 2046 (2012), fully convinced that the Council has the essential responsibility to react to and to act under these circumstances and following the decisions taken by the African Union Peace and Security Council on 24 April.”
2012-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6764 (2012) · source
“As the main body responsible for maintaining peace and security, the Council must be ready to shoulder its responsibilities.”
2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760 (2012) · source
“We believe that this report will provide a very valuable basis for the work of the Security Council, the General Assembly and all other relevant United Nations organs and bodies, with which, we believe, it should be shared, opening the way for better coordinated and more effective assistance strategies and plans of action. We also believe that improving the coherence of action between Headquarters-based bodies and the United Nations structures in the field, distinctively tailored to each specific context and situation, and pursuing consistent preventive approaches could be of great value to this endeavour. As we said at the open debate in November, it is our duty to deepen our knowledge of these phenomena so as to ensure that they do not turn into conflicts.”
2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760 (2012) · source
“The identification of areas of existing overlaps and gaps seems to be a logical step in order to further improve the adequacy and effectiveness of the efforts being carried out. That is why we appreciate and welcome this debate and its anticipated outcome, particularly in respect to the invitation made to the Secretary-General to submit, in six months, a report providing a comprehensive survey and assessment of the United Nations work to address Member States' requests for assistance in countering and preventing illicit cross-border trafficking and movement through their respective borders.”
2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760 (2012) · source
“Indeed, for the United Nations, helping States to secure their borders through technical assistance is already a well-established task, as reflected in a wide range of activities carried out and programmed by a large number of its bodies and organs, both within the orbit of the General Assembly and in the sphere of the Security Council. As in other segments of its activity, however, we believe that the United Nations may and should improve its performance in this area - on the one hand, by improving the effectiveness and operational coordination of its internal efforts to assist States and regions in need, and, on the other, by enhancing its coordination with relevant non-United Nations partners and bodies.”
2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760 (2012) · source
“Today's debate follows, in our View, a similar logic. We believe also that there is clearly here a role for the Security Council to play. The Council cannot simply turn a blind eye to the impact of illicit trafficking and movements across borders in the destabilization of States and regions and their impact on peace processes and on fuelling conflicts - not to mention its links with international terrorism, namely, through its financing. These are concerns that the Council should keep on its horizon, and we should be prepared to act whenever necessary and at the request of the affected countries or region, to which falls the primary responsibility. However, these are issues that the Council should not deal with alone.”
2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760 (2012) · source
“In November last year, under the Portuguese presidency, the Council organized a briefing on new challenges to international peace and security (see S/PV.6668). It was evident then, as it is evident now, that the Council cannot disregard its role in conflict prevention and has to increase its awareness of new realities that are increasingly challenging or have the potential to threat peace and security. We suggested 3 then that the Council could establish a kind of observatory tool - an informal working group of Council members - to monitor these issues on its horizon and to review information derived from reports of the Secretary-General, which could serve as the foundation for concerted, articulated, prompt and effective action of the international community. We think the Council should give this further thought.”
2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760 (2012) · source
“Those areas of concern include the need to protect and secure borders, a need echoed by an increasing number of requests by States for assistance in tackling the various forms of illicit cross-border trafficking and movements, with the aim of countering and preventing the negative impact of those phenomena on their national systems and the unravelling of regional and subregional stability and security. Indeed, all these types of illicit trafficking and movements have a tremendous impact on every State, but in particular on the most fragile ones, debilitating their efforts towards institution-building, peace, stability, the rule of law and sustained development. This is where the United Nations, in its efforts to promote and coordinate the international community assistance, has a crucial role to play.”
2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760 (2012) · source
“I would like to start by thanking the United States delegation for bringing today's important matter to the Security Council for our discussion. The interest the topic generates is eloquently demonstrated by the number of speakers inscribed on the list. I would also like to thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his thought-provoking briefing. Portugal attaches great importance to the efforts being developed throughout the United Nations system to respond to requests for assistance by States in areas of national concern related to the ever more sophisticated and often interconnected threats and challenges posed by illicit cross-border trafficking and movement of materials, funds and goods, as well as human beings.”
2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760 (2012) · source
“We also reiterate our calls to all parties to cease all violence in all its forms, cooperate fully with the Mission and the Joint Special Envoy and engage in a Syrian-led political transition that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“Last Saturday, the Security Council authorized the establishment of the United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS) to monitor a cessation of armed violence in all its forms by all parties and to monitor and support the full implementation of the Joint Special Envoy's six-point proposal (see resolution 2043 (2012) and S/PV.6756). It did so, notwithstanding its awareness of the many risks and challenges entailed, and sent a strong and united message of support to the Joint Special Envoy and his six-point proposal, mindful of the fact that it presents a last chance for a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis. We once again urge the Syrian authorities to immediately and visibly implement all their commitments under the six-point proposal and ensure the effective operation of UNSMIS.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“One thing is certain - the only way to ensure Israel's long-term security is to end the occupation, settle all core issues and claims between Palestinians and Israelis and fully normalize diplomatic, political and economic relations between Israel and the Arab and Muslim world. We recall, in that regard, the Arab Peace Initiative, which has just marked its tenth anniversary. Its premises and elements remain as valid today as they were a decade ago. We call upon Israel and the Arabs, with the support of the Quartet's efforts on the Israeli- Palestinian track, to seriously engage on the other dimensions of the Arab-Israeli conflict. The full implementation of the Arab Peace Initiative would enable Israel's integration into its regional environment, thus enabling a stable, peaceful and prosperous future for all in the Middle East.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“To that end, urgent efforts, mainly by Israel, are needed to reverse the economic and fiscal crisis of the Palestinian Authority. Palestinians must have access to their resources, including in Area C, and to export markets. The clearance review mechanism must become more efficient and transparent and must ensure the reliable and predictable transfer of revenues to the Palestinian Authority. We hope that such concrete advances will soon materialize, and we recall that each and every one of those requirements constitutes an international obligation Israel has long subscribed to. Another key aspect of a sustainable peaceful settlement to the conflict is that of Israel's security, which is a matter that Palestinians, Israel's neighbours and the international community must seriously commit to, including through international mechanisms.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“The situation in and around the Gaza Strip remains fragile and unsustainable. All parties must refrain from actions that exacerbate tensions and threaten calm and security. For its part, Hamas, as the de facto authority in Gaza, must end all rocket attacks against Israel, which we vehemently condemn. As for Israel, it must be understood that its unquestionable right to security cannot come at the cost of unnecessary human suffering in Gaza. The Palestinian Authority has worked diligently to prepare for statehood. Just last month, the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund reconfirmed for the third year in a row the State-readiness of the Palestinian institutions and stressed the need to sustain and build upon the Palestinian Authority's important institution-building efforts.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“We welcome the decision by the Israeli Supreme Court sustaining the dismantlement of the Migron outpost by 1 August and the evacuation of the Ulpana neighbourhood in the settlement of Beit El by 1 May. We hope that the Israeli Government will abide fully by the Supreme Court's rulings. We also expect it to cease all plans and attempts to retroactively legalize outposts. Under international law, all settlement activity is illegal, including outposts, as is Israel's appropriation of occupied territory, regardless of whether it is private or public. In Gaza the situation remains one of grave concern and, despite some welcome progress, Israel needs to do much more to enable the reconstruction of destroyed and damaged infrastructure and promote the economic recovery of Gaza's economy.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“We once again urge the Israeli authorities to immediately cease all settlement activity, demolitions and evictions in the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem. As they are well aware, all those actions are illegal under international law. Furthermore, they are quickly rendering physically impossible any peaceful agreement based on a two-State solution. We strongly condemn the approval of the new construction in a range of settlements, as well as the recent evictions of Palestinian families, including refugees, from their homes in Beit Hanina, for the purpose of paving the way for the first Jewish residential presence and a new settlement in the midst of yet another traditional Palestinian neighbourhood in East Jerusalem.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“Portugal has always stood firmly behind the efforts of the Quartet. We also very much agree that all core issues can only be finally settled through direct negotiations. We continue to believe that the 23 September Quartet statement can provide an adequate framework for discussions on all core issues with a view to achieving a final settlement within a strict time frame. We also very much appreciate Jordan's efforts in that regard. For those efforts to succeed, the parties must commit seriously to negotiations, show good faith and refrain from provocative actions that undermine confidence in each other and in the negotiation process. We regret that Israel continues blatantly to ignore and defy all pleas that it fulfil its obligations.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“We cannot stress enough the urgency of solving the Palestinian question, the core of the Arab-Israeli conflict, through the establishment of a viable and contiguous Palestinian State on the basis of the internationally endorsed parameters. In the light of that, Portugal welcomes the initiative by President Abbas to send a letter to the Prime Minister of Israel as a demonstration of his goodwill and commitment to a just, peaceful and negotiated settlement. We look forward to Prime Minister Netanyahu's response and hope that that exchange of letters will foster an environment conducive to the swift resumption of direct talks between the parties based on the 23 September Quartet statement (see SG/2178). We welcome the Quartet's 11 April renewed call to the parties to meet those objectives (see SG/2182).”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“At the outset, I thank Under-Secretary-General Lynn Pascoe for his very thorough briefing, as well as the Permanent Representative of Israel and the Permanent Observer of Palestine for their statements. Portugal aligns itself with the statement to be delivered later by the observer of the European Union. Over the past year, Palestinians have watched the international community lend its full support to the fulfilment of the legitimate aspirations of their brethren in several Arab countries, while daily life in the occupied Palestinian territory has become increasingly harsh under Israel's continued and reinforced occupation 20 years on from Oslo.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“In that context, I would like to conclude by reaffirming Portugal's full support and active contribution to our common goals.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“As recent events have shown, the Middle East is one of the most unstable regions in the world, where serious risks of internal and international conflict are present. Furthermore, any conflict in the region has a particular potential to reverberate in a much wider area, with a serious danger of increasing any confrontation. To add nuclear weapons to that situation only reinforces existing mistrust and fear. It is for that reason that I very much wish for the success of the diplomatic conference to be hosted by Finland. A successful outcome, which rests on the engagement and support of the countries in the region and other stakeholders, will substantially contribute to peace and stability at the regional as well as at the global level. The United Nations has a pivotal role to play in nuclear non-proliferation, disarmament and security.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“In that regard, Portugal is convinced that the question of the expansion of the membership of the Conference should be recognized as an important step to revitalize disarmament negotiations. Finally, issues of security are indivisible and global. Compliance, enforcement and verification are key concepts to be put into practice if we want to move forward on those matters. We must strengthen mutual trust and confidence. That is why we attach great importance to the promotion of nuclear-weapon-free zones, in particular in the Middle East. We are confident of the necessary follow-up to the 2010 NPT Review Conference to start a process for the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“In that regard, we have to ensure the effective implementation of, and full compliance with, resolution 1540 (2004), as well as the enforcement of strict export controls for sensitive materials and technologies. We have to make full use of non-proliferation mechanisms, like the Nuclear Suppliers Group and other international cooperative instruments, as well as the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism and the Proliferation Security Initiative. Fourthly, we are concerned about the paralysis in the multilateral negotiations in the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva. A consensual programme of work should be formulated and negotiations on the fissile material cut-off treaty should begin without delay.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“We must also promote and universalize the safeguards regime of the International Atomic Energy Agency and ensure sufficient resources and means to enhance the monitoring and verification capabilities of the Agency. Secondly, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty is a vital element of the international disarmament machinery. We urge all remaining States, especially those whose signatures and ratifications are necessary for the Treaty's entry into force, to renew their political commitment and to take all the necessary measures in order to achieve that crucial goal. Thirdly, we have to address the risks posed by terrorist groups acquiring the equipment and the technology to produce a nuclear device.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“There have been positive developments, but it is crucial to continue advancing the agenda with energy and persistence. Nuclear-weapon States have to do more, and the non-proliferation regime has to be strengthened in a credible and verifiable way. In that regard, I will limit myself to a few key issues and priorities. First, we have to reaffirm that the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) remains the core of global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. We have to build on the positive outcome of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, taking forward the three pillars of the NPT in a comprehensive and balanced approach. The Treaty must be strengthened and must become universal.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“Like most countries around the world, we believe that the proliferation of nuclear weapons, as well as other weapons of mass destruction, represents a major threat to international peace and security, and we call for a coordinated and resolute response by the international community as a whole. We are conscious of, and encouraged by, the enormous amount of work and resolute efforts that were accomplished in recent years. We stand by the basic deal that President Obama outlined in Prague three years ago to build on a consensus that all nations have the right to peaceful nuclear energy, that nations with nuclear weapons have the responsibility to move towards disarmament, and that those without such weapons have the responsibility to forsake them.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“I would like to thank you, Madam President, for convening this important and timely meeting. This is indeed the right moment to take stock of international efforts on nuclear non-proliferation, disarmament and security and to reaffirm our shared commitment to seek a safer world for all. I also thank the Secretary-General for his statement and for his support. Nuclear disarmament and preventing proliferation are at core of our common concerns when addressing international security priorities. Portugal is deeply committed to global disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“I wish the best to Special Representative of the Secretary- General Kubis in the implementation of the mandate, and I assure him that we in the Security Council will continue to be ready to support the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan as required.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“Recent developments in the relations between State institutions, such as the National Assembly and the Government, are signs to be welcomed. UNAMA's role in the national political sphere, namely, by working for the strengthening of national electoral institutions at the request of Afghan authorities, deserves the Security Council's full support. I conclude by reiterating my country's support for the mandate that we are preparing to approve. It is an ambitious mandate for UNAMA, and rightly so, given the priorities identified by the Afghan national authorities and the United Nations. International assistance to Afghanistan must adapt as new necessities arise and the situation on the ground changes.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“The rapid sequence of these major events is a good measure of the commitment of the international community to Afghanistan and the Afghan people, and of its interest in seizing the opportunity to consolidate the foundations of security, social and economic development and the regional integration of Afghanistan. Portugal, as a partner of Afghanistan, is working towards, and looking forward to, outcomes from those meetings that may prove successful for the people of Afghanistan. Broad national consensus in Afghanistan regarding governance, development and the rule of law, as well as on development strategies and initiatives, is vital for a sustainable transition and, ultimately, for the success of the peace and reconciliation process.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“It is now fundamental that the achievements already attained by international assistance in Afghanistan, both civil and military, are not endangered by these events. This is an undertaking for all stakeholders in Afghanistan, including the national authorities. In these circumstances, it is clear that the coming summits and conferences will have increased importance, namely, the NATO summit in Chicago, in May, the conference on refugees in May in Switzerland, the follow-up ministerial meeting of the Istanbul conference in June and the Tokyo summit next July.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“The Mission will also continue to assess the situation of civilians, notably children, and the participation of women in political life and processes in Afghanistan, and to play a relevant role in humanitarian action. The relevance of this task, particularly during the coming months, cannot be overstated. Secondly, in discharging their mission, international forces and international assistance face a deteriorating environment in Afghanistan. The current situation is the product of deeply regrettable actions, some of them mutually avoidable, some unpredictable. These events have had a strong impact on the population, as indeed they had on all of us friends and partners of Afghanistan. Apologies have been made and responsibilities accepted.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“That is an area where the action of the State is perhaps more visible to foreign partners and more keenly felt by the population. In that regard, the action undertaken to address serious problems in the correctional system is encouraging despite the serious challenges that still exist. It is important that UNAMA and humanitarian actors are able to work on those issues with relevant Government interlocutors. On the same note, we are encouraged by the care put into the mandate of UNAMA regarding human rights, notably the human rights of women and girls. The Mission's capacity in this area will continue to rank high in its priorities and in ours. The Mission will continue to support the efforts undertaken by the Afghan authorities, such as the full implementation of the law on the elimination of violence against women.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“Such emphasis is a recognition of the fact that Afghan institutions are on the way to an increased capacity to undertake their constitutional mandate for the Afghan people in all aspects of the country's activity. At the same time, the proposed renewed mandate aims at striking a balance between the growing fulfilment of that objective and the need for an active, strong and secure presence of the United Nations throughout Afghanistan. UNAMA's leadership and coordination role is thus strengthened by such a balance, and by the clear priorities and objectives laid out in the draft resolution. A significant part of the transition to full Afghan leadership and ownership is clearly the consolidation of the rule of law and human rights sector in the country.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary- General Jan Kubis for his briefing. I also welcome to the Security Council Ambassador Tanin, Permanent Representative of Afghanistan, and I thank him for his statement. Portugal also aligns itself with the statement to be delivered in the name of the European Union. Next Thursday, the Security Council will be called upon to adopt a draft resolution renewing the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). Portugal agrees with the basic proposals contained in that mandate. In it, the Security Council builds upon the enhanced role of the Afghan Government and, overall, of the national institutions in the process of transition and increased Afghan leadership and ownership.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“International assistance can also be instrumental in helping individual countries and regional organizations to adapt their legal frameworks to enable them to deal more effectively with the changing nature of the threats to security and stability. The creation of regional judicial institutions to deal with the issue of piracy, as mentioned in the report, is an interesting recommendation that, in our View, could be explored by the relevant regional organizations. As we have learned from the situation in the Indian Ocean, piracy is a complex phenomenon that requires our regular and close attention. Encouraging better capacities, better knowledge and better coordination among the actors in the fight against piracy will prove to be a decisive contribution of the Security Council to regional stability and development.”
2012-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6723 (2012) · source
“For example, the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on drug trafficking, organized crime and drug abuse is a reference framework for initiatives in that area, and it could be enlarged in order to include the threat of piracy. The West Africa Coast Initiative, which encourages the pooling of national knowledge and resources, could also add the issue of piracy to its areas of activity. The same applies to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Regional Programme for West Africa. Best practices from individual countries and bilateral assistance programmes already in place should be shared with regional partners.”
2012-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6723 (2012) · source
“It is very positive that a number of regional organizations, including ECOWAS and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), as well as the Gulf of Guinea Commission and the Maritime Organization for West and Central Africa, are paying attention to and addressing the problem of piracy. To be effective, those different efforts must be coordinated, while fully respecting each organization's particular area of competence. The United Nations can play a central role in ensuring the coherence and overall coordination of those initiatives, as well as in mobilizing international assistance to build the capacity of regional organizations in crucial areas such as surveillance, patrolling and information sharing. We should also try to make good use of existing mechanisms.”
2012-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6723 (2012) · source
“Most importantly, piracy affects countries with very different levels of institutional capacity to deal with the problem, and cannot be solved through isolated measures by each individual State. Therefore, we fully share the central recommendation of the report, namely, the need for a region-wide strategy to fight piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, based first and foremost on the efforts of regional bodies. The political will expressed by the leaders of ECOWAS to work together with the Gulf of Guinea Commission countries and to harmonize their anti-piracy policies is a very encouraging sign. We look forward to the outcome of the planned summit to bring together all the States of the Gulf of Guinea. Let me add a few thoughts on the role of the international community, and of the United Nations in particular, in contributing to regional efforts.”
2012-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6723 (2012) · source
“As we mentioned then, piracy is linked to other forms of organized crime and benefits from existing criminal networks and their resources. As the report highlights, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea is not a new phenomenon, but has in recent years become more frequent, more sophisticated in its techniques and more violent. Its effects are felt much beyond the purely security realm, as it disrupts trade and economic activities vital to coastal States. West African economies have reportedly lost about $2 billion of annual revenue as a result of piracy. Benin in particular has seen its shipping activities decline by 70 per cent as a result of attacks in the past two years.”
2012-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6723 (2012) · source
“I thank the Togolese presidency for giving us another opportunity to further our understanding of the phenomenon of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, and to discuss what we can collectively do to deal with that threat to regional peace and stability. I also thank Under-Secretary- General Pascoe for his presentation and for highlighting the main findings of the assessment mission report (see S/2012/45). I also welcome the representatives of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Gulf of Guinea Commission and thank them for their statements. Portugal sees the problem of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea as a ramification of the wider threat of transnational organized crime in West Africa, which we had the opportunity to discuss last week (see S/PV.6717).”
2012-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6723 (2012) · source