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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“That is an important development in the endeavour to uncover the whole truth behind the allegations, which must remain our ultimate goal. It is important that the members of this Council are kept fully updated on the progress of the EULEX investigations concerning the Senator's allegations. The current situation in Kosovo offers ample opportunity for attempts to force a change of circumstances on the ground, hoping that they may become permanent. Such actions or initiatives by whatever party are unacceptable. It is up to us to make sure that nothing is to be gained by straying from the diplomatic track - as narrow and winding as it may look. In this framework, the work of the international forces and bodies and the reinforcement of their capacities are to be welcomed.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“The continued efforts by this Mission to uphold the rule of law and law enforcement in Kosovo should be duly appreciated. High-profile cases continue to take a prominent place in the report on EULEX activity. Allow me to refer once more to the investigation of the allegations made regarding the trafficking in human organs that may amount to war crimes in Kosovo, with ramifications in other countries. A considerable amount of new staff and resources have been assigned to the EULEX special task force to investigate the allegations in Senator Dick Marty's report, which is now in the last stages of preparation. We welcome the fact that the mission has successfully established jurisdiction regarding certain crimes committed outside the borders of Kosovo.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“Under the auspices of, and at the incentive of, the European Union, the parties are sitting at the same table discussing issues with an impact on the daily lives of people in Serbia and Kosovo. That is a process that can go forward only if there is good faith, good will and a spirit of compromise on both sides. I believe we would be taking a significant step backwards if this process came to a halt because the hope of a mutually agreed settlement had been lost. If we are to expect positive developments, if the negotiations process is to move forward in a meaningful way, concessions are needed from both sides. I will return to that point further on. Now I wish to bring up some of the issues referred to in the report of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX).”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“I wish to thank the Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Farid Zarif, for his briefing. I would like to welcome the Foreign Minister of Serbia, Mr. Vuk Jeremic', and the Foreign Minister of Kosovo, Mr. Enver Hoxhaj, and to thank them for their interventions. I also wish to express my appreciation to Mr. Lamberto Zannier for his work in Kosovo, and I wish him well in his new office. I would like to focus my statement on some specific issues. First is the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, which has already produced some important results in the fields of freedom of movement, civil registry and academic diplomas. It continues to be the most important setting for achieving a mutually agreed solution for the outstanding issues.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“Peacekeeping is an instrumental element in the promotion of peace, aimed at creating security environments conducive to comprehensive political processes through which sustainable solutions to conflicts can be achieved. In our quest for sustainable peace, the Council must also increase its focus on preventive diplomacy and, thus, pay close attention to new challenges to human security.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603 (2011) · source
“Since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security, missions have been mandated, with significant success, to boost women's participation in electoral and post-conflict processes, to prevent sexual violence, and to increase the presence of female peacekeeping personnel and peacekeepers trained to address gender issues. DPKO has made enormous progress in mainstreaming gender in peacekeeping, but we need to strive harder in some of those areas. As Graca Machel stated in her report on the impact of armed conflict on children, "The protection of children must be central to the humanitarian, peacemaking and peacekeeping policies of the United Nations"(A/51/306, para. 281). We commend the fact that currently seven peacekeeping missions have advisers working on the needs of children.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603 (2011) · source
“Peacekeeping operations have a key role to play in protecting civilians in danger when Governments are unable or unwilling to fulfil their responsibility. It is incumbent upon the Council to assure that they will continue to do so. Basic human rights and, ultimately, the lives of populations at risk depend upon it. In our time, failing to protect civilians is unacceptable and would deeply affect the credibility of the United Nations. Therefore, we must continue striving to fully implement resolution 1894 (2009). Moreover, we welcome the contribution of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) to the definition of a coherent operational approach to the protection of civilians in United Nations operations.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603 (2011) · source
“Peacebuilding efforts- such as disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, security sector reform and the relaunching of the economy - should be considered from the genesis of a peacekeeping operation and carried out as soon as the situation on the ground permits and throughout the cycle of a mission. Moreover, a mission should also pave the way for a smooth transition to long-term development assistance with a View to a successful exit strategy for international actors and self-sustained peace and stability. The protection of civilians is the paradigmatic example of the shared responsibility that binds all Member States of the United Nations, in particular those serving on this Council.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603 (2011) · source
“In that regard, we highlight the efforts being made by the African Union, NATO and the European Union, as well as those of the Community of Portuguese- speaking Countries, which is increasingly active in the promotion of democracy, human rights, political stability and social and economic development, namely, in Guinea-Bissau and Timor-Leste. Seventh, peacekeepers are ever more early peacebuilders. Peacekeeping and peacebuilding are to be implemented within a comprehensive approach, no longer as sequential activities but rather as integrated efforts, with obvious synergies.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603 (2011) · source
“Fifth, bearing in mind the various United Nations presences in areas such as the Great Lakes, or the Sudan and South Sudan, we highlight the value of inter-mission cooperation with a View to maximizing potential synergies and the advantages that arise from a strategic regional perspective. Moreover, the missions must enhance their capacity to coordinate the activities of the different actors on the ground, namely, regional and subregional organizations, development agencies and non-governmental organizations. Sixth, the role of international organizations in peace and security, in accordance with Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter, is increasingly important.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603 (2011) · source
“We welcome the Secretariat's efforts in that regard and encourage it to continue improving its management performance. Fourth, the Security Council must also continue to promote interaction with the relevant peacekeeping stakeholders. In that regard, we underline the unique role of troop-contributing countries (TCCs) and police- 11-4815] contributing countries (PCCs), who match our words with deeds through their boots on the ground. Therefore, we are committed to further enhancing the triangular cooperation among TCCs and PCCs, the Security Council and the Secretariat in the decision- making process and throughout the implementation of the mandates.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603 (2011) · source
“First, we must continue our efforts to provide peacekeeping operations with clear, credible and achievable mandates. Subsequently, those mandates must be implemented in a precise, full and effective way. Second, we must provide peacekeeping operations with the means required to achieve the objectives defined by the Council. The capacities on the ground must match the mandated tasks; otherwise, the credibility of the United Nations will be undermined. In that regard, we call upon those members that possess more resources to contribute accordingly, be it in terms of force generation or equipment, such as helicopters. Third, the combination of widespread and growing peacekeeping objectives, on the one hand, and, on the other, the limited resources available imposes the need for efficient and effective management and use of those resources.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603 (2011) · source
“The second principle is impartiality. As Sergio Vieira de Mello said, "In the UN, we cannot surrender our impartiality. It is perhaps our greatest asset." Third is the non-use of force except in self- defence and in defence of the mandate. In that regard, we see with satisfaction that the defence of mandates is becoming increasingly effective, or robust. Regardless of the preferred term, what is important is the end result. Passing from principles to practice, and bearing in mind that this Council, as the executive board for international peace and stability, shoulders a responsibility that is legitimately bestowed upon us by the whole membership of the United Nations, I would like to briefly address seven points that we deem essential to the success of United Nations peacekeeping.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603 (2011) · source
“Over 20,000 military and 3,000 police Portuguese women and men have served in peace operations. We are currently participating in the United Nations peacekeeping missions in Timor-Leste and in Lebanon, as well as in several European Union and NATO operations. When discussing peacekeeping, we should bear in mind three of its cornerstone principles. The first is consent of the parties - essential to assure the sustainability of a mission. It implies, on the one hand, a shared strategic understanding of the objectives, as well as a continuous dialogue and constructive cooperation between the national authorities and the mission. On the other hand, this consent encompasses the responsibility of the national authorities to collaborate with the United Nations mission so that the latter has the proper conditions to fulfil its mandate.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603 (2011) · source
“I also wish to thank the Secretary-General for his important intervention and for his continuous commitment to peacekeeping and the high priority he has assigned to it. Peacekeeping is the flagship activity of the United Nations, its most visible face. As we speak, one hundred thousand women and men are serving the United Nations as military and police personnel in 17 missions, from Timor-Leste to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, from Southern Sudan to Haiti. They are implementing the resolutions we approve in this room, turning our words into actions and our objectives into realities. Several of these women and men have given their lives for the United Nations. Therefore, they deserve our utmost respect and humble tribute. Portugal has continuously assumed its part in the common effort of peacekeeping.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603 (2011) · source
“Before I begin, I would like to briefly express my country's indignation at and unequivocal condemnation of the senseless and abhorrent act of Violence that occurred this morning in Abuja against innocent civilians and against United Nations officers and property. I wish to present our heartfelt condolences to and solidarity with the victims' relatives, to the Government of Nigeria and, through the Secretary-General, to the whole United Nations family. Thank you, Mr. President, for convening this timely debate. It is most suitable that we address this issue under the chairmanship of India, one of the countries that has most contributed to United Nations peacekeeping - a fact that deserves our recognition.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603 (2011) · source
“My second point relates to what my delegation stated the last time that the Council held consultations on Iran, that is, that the work of the 1737 Committee takes on its full significance within the two-track strategy that has been followed. We cannot lose sight of the diplomatic dimension of the process, and we reiterate the call on Iran to fully engage in meaningful negotiations aimed at resolving the pending issues relating to the nature of its nuclear activities, in particular the new uranium enrichment facilities, as well as all heavy-water-related projects. That is why 11-3854] we have to continue to be vigilant. The Council can count on Portugal's continued support for the work of the 1737 Committee.”
2011-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6563 (2011) · source
“Both reports have been crucial in shedding light on some of the apparent patterns of violations of the relevant Security Council resolutions, namely, paragraph 5 of resolution 1747 (2007), which enforces a ban on the export and procurement by Iran of any arms and related material. I must say in that regard that Portugal is convinced of the usefulness and urgency of making the final report public, including by posting it on the Committee's website. It is important, in our View, to make available to other Member States the concrete contents of the report. This should be done as a measure of transparency and accountability with regard to the activities that are being undertaken by the Committee, but also as a way to raise awareness among the wider international community and ensure broader understanding of the goals that are being pursued.”
2011-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6563 (2011) · source
“I, too, would like to thank Ambassador Nestor Osorio for the 90-day report on the activities of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), as well as for his leadership of the Committee. I also want to convey my appreciation to the Panel of Experts for the final report presented to the Council in May, which includes concrete and useful recommendations aimed at further improving the efficiency of the regime and at assisting Member States in implementing the necessary measures to that end, in accordance with the relevant resolutions.”
2011-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6563 (2011) · source
“Allow me to say one last word to express our appreciation for the close cooperation and coordination among the three counter-terrorism committees, aimed at facilitating the fulfilment of their mandates, improving efficiency and maximizing results. In this regard, we support the possible future co-location of the groups of experts. We also commend the committees' contributions within the framework of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF), and in this respect I wish to welcome the outreach efforts of the CTITF and commend it and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate for their very useful briefings to the general membership on the activities pursued, in cooperation with States and regional organizations, in the context of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“We welcome in particular the fact that the resolution recognizes the significance of active and enhanced cooperation with States and relevant international, regional and subregional organizations to promote the sharing of experiences, lessons learned and best practices, as well as facilitating the provision of technical assistance in order to meet all the requests that might be presented to the Committee. Finally, we support the establishment of a group of experts, and we consider it essential to conduct a careful reflection in the near future on its expertise requirements and on a workable structure that will improve the Committee's ability to carry out its mandate.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“In relation to the 1540 Committee, I wish to thank Ambassador Sangqu for his report and his leadership of the Committee during the few months leading to the unanimous adoption of resolution 1977 (2011) last month, extending the mandate of the Committee for the next 10 years. We feel that a good compromise was reached. A decade will provide the necessary continuity to effectively monitor and assist efforts to prevent weapons of mass destruction from falling into the wrong hands, while maintaining a wide ownership of the process. With two comprehensive reviews per cycle, regular assessment is ensured, as well as the opportunity to adjust to new realities, challenges and threats.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“11-3390] In light of the upcoming draft resolution to renew resolution 1904 (2009), we believe that improving the Committee's procedures and working methods with a view to underlining the preventive and temporary nature of the sanctions regime with fair and clear procedures and enhanced transparency, in line with the thrust of the Monitoring Team's recommendations in its recent report, will only reinforce its impact, allowing for a stronger application of the sanctions regime by States, thus rendering it more effective in the framework of counter-terrorism. We look forward to this future exercise and to engaging fully in its negotiations.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“The establishment of the Office of Ombudsperson to assist the Committee in de-listing requests was one significant landmark in this regard, opening an important door to listed individuals seeking the reappreciation of the measures that affect them and to reassess and readdress the situation. Portugal strongly supports Judge Kimberly Prost and commends her for her strong commitment to carrying out an important mandate. The three comprehensive reports already submitted are a testimony to the serious work done so far by the Ombudsperson to collect all the relevant available information on the cases in question and to provide final observations with reasoned arguments that merit serious consideration by the Committee. In this regard, we also attach importance to a complete and well-founded response of the Committee to these observations.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“With regard to the briefing on the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999), I wish to thank Ambassador Wittig for sharing with us his useful and appropriate personal comments on the Committee's current challenges. We welcome the very relevant achievements and engagement of the Chair regarding the ongoing process of review of several categories of individuals and entities on the Committee's consolidated list, as well as with regard to their respective narrative summaries. Following the adoptions of resolutions 1904 (2009) and 1267 (1999), the Committee has taken significant steps to promote transparency and improve the sanctions regime.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“Along with its work in assisting Member States on matters relating to the better implementation of relevant Council resolutions, the Committee should, in our view, continue, and even intensify, its regional and thematic approach with a view to developing regional capacities and networks, prompting multi-sector cooperation between States and organizations involved in dealing with challenges concerning terrorism threats to their region. In this regard, we welcome the initiatives by the Committee and CTED in South Asia and the Sahel, which, together with the Horn of Africa region, should be seen, in our opinion, as key priority areas for further international coordinated engagement in countering international terrorism.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“We strongly believe that effective counter- terrorism measures and respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law are not only complementary but mutually reinforcing. In the light of that view, we encourage the Committee to continue to incorporate the consideration of human rights and rule of law issues in its country visits, preliminary 11-3390] implementation assessment programmes and strategic activity plans.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“In this regard, we note in particular the outcome of the special meeting on the prevention of terrorism organized by the Committee and the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) last month in Strasbourg and hosted by the Council of Europe. The preventative aspects of the fight against terrorism reflected in resolution 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005) and highlighted more recently in resolution 1963 (2010) should play, we believe, an indispensable role in the general framework of any comprehensive structural counter-terrorism strategy in order to actively address conditions conducive to radicalization, incitement and recruitment to terrorism. In this regard, we congratulate the CTC for the well designed set of thematic discussion panels, which were attended at a remarkably high level and fruitfully open to civil society experts.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“I thank Ambassadors Peter Wittig, Hardeep Singh Puri and Baso Sangqu for their comprehensive briefings and commend them for their work chairing their respective Committees. Portugal aligns itself with the statement to be delivered later by the representative of the European Union. Following the order of the briefings we have heard, let me turn first to the work of the Counter- Terrorism Committee (CTC). We very much appreciate the high priority given by Ambassador Singh Puri to enhancing transparency and public outreach and further strengthening cooperation with international, regional and subregional organizations.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“Finally, and in connection with the previous point, I would underline the need for coordination with international actors, which in the report is presented as the establishment of partnerships for ensuring that technical expertise is readily available when needed. Articulation is therefore a central concern in the other stages of post-conflict assistance because it would be much more difficult to adapt and to accommodate different actors at a later stage. However, we should ensure that there is clarity as to who is leading each particular international assistance process in order to avoid duplication of efforts.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6533 (2011) · source
“In many situations, this articulation is crucial to preventing a relapse into conflict. Thirdly, we are very encouraged by the recommendations regarding the capacity of the United Nations to provide the kind of civilian expertise that is needed in a particular post-conflict situation. Our understanding is that the United Nations must show greater flexibility and adaptability to changing situations. If certain tasks are no longer necessary, resources allocated to those tasks should be transferred to others requiring more attention. The reallocation of resources should be conducted in close consultation with national authorities, identifying and filling existing capacity gaps.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6533 (2011) · source
“Thus, international efforts should be directed to ensure that decisions on policy objectives and priorities are taken by national actors and that international efforts are there mainly to assist, and not to replace, those of State authorities. Secondly, we should view civilian assistance tasks as requiring attention from the early stages of post-conflict reconstruction. Mandates should be clear in identifying the role and functions of peacekeepers as early peacebuilders in such areas as the multidimensional tasks of rule of law and security sector reform. The United Nations must ensure a comprehensive and integrated approach to its presence in a given country, and work on concrete measures to improve the linkage between civilian and political tasks and those tasks traditionally performed by peacekeepers.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6533 (2011) · source
“Allow me to underline some elements related not only to the report but also to the wider topic of civilian capabilities that, in our view, deserve particular attention. First, I would like to underline the importance of fostering national ownership in initiatives aimed at State-building backed by the international community. There is certainly a long way to go to increase levels of ownership, but the report is very clear in identifying, as the first priority of post-conflict assistance, the strengthening of national capacities for fulfilling core functions of the State. Choices always have to be made.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6533 (2011) · source
“I would like to start by thanking Under-Secretary-General Susana Malcorra and the Chair of the Senior Advisory Group, Mr. J ean- Marie Guehenno, for their briefings on the findings in the report of the independent review on civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict (S/2011/85) and for their views on the way ahead for the implementation of the suggested recommendations. I also thank Ambassador Gasana for his useful contribution to this debate. Portugal is very supportive of the approach and of the major findings of the report of the Senior Advisory Group. The report should, in our view, become a reference document for the planning and management of peacebuilding activities, not just by the United Nations, but also by other multilateral and bilateral actors.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6533 (2011) · source
“With sufficient credible and early information the Council will be more able to use preventive diplomacy to influence parties to conflict to comply with international law and to make specific commitments regarding civilian populations. It is now up to us to seek such information and to ensure that the Security Council acts consistently and with resolve to send a political signal in demanding immediate compliance with international humanitarian law to protect all civilians - women, men and children - who are directly targeted or are accidental victims of conflict.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“Two international commissions of inquiry, on Cote d'Ivoire and on Libya, have recently been dispatched to investigate human rights violations, to establish the facts and circumstances of those violations and, where possible, to identify those responsible so as to make recommendations, in particular on accountability measures. Another fact- finding mission will soon be sent to Syria for the same purposes. The Council will certainly benefit from the work of those missions, which hopefully will contribute not only to enhancing accountability but also to promoting peaceful solutions to existing crises. In conclusion, I wish to underline that a Council that is better informed is also better prepared to take effective action; hence the need for real-time information regarding threats to civilians.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“Another aspect that is crucial - and that was rightly examined in the Secretary-General's report - is the need to enhance accountability for violations of humanitarian and human rights law. Countering impunity, either by the action of international institutions such as the International Criminal Court or by the actions of national institutions, has a deterrent effect at the national, regional and international level, and is a fundamental tool to prevent further violations. In this respect, Portugal would like to underline once again the important role of the International Criminal Court in fighting impunity for the most serious crimes and encourages all efforts to promote the universalization of the Rome Statute. We would also highlight the crucial role that the Human Rights Council is playing in the fight against impunity.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“The prevention of conflict is always the most effective way to protect civilians. That explains why reliable early-warning information on threats to civilians is crucial. Preventive measures are core elements of resolution 1894 (2009) and important pillars of the responsibility to protect. In this regard, we would like to underline the value of practical but very effective preventive measures that are now in place in a number of peacekeeping missions to ensure timely action, for instance telephone hotlines. But other measures can be devised, including to support the efforts of civilian populations to protect themselves, through education and training programmes, while engaging State authorities, who retain the primary responsibility for protection.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“In his report to the Council last November (S/2010/579), the Secretary-General referred to the need to identify new and innovative ways to address specific situations that are not on the agenda. We fully agree. When the protection of civilians has been at stake, we have found creative ways to bring the issue to the attention of this body and to take action. Resolutions 1970 (2011) and 1973 (2011) are perhaps the most striking examples of swift action by the Council to respond to a situation that was not formally on its agenda but where civilians were targeted. But more can be done - and more consistently - to convey effective political signals using existing tools at the disposal of the Council, such as press statements, presidential statements, resolutions, briefings and consultations. Indeed, we need to be realistic.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“We should recognize that the overall attention of the Security Council to issues related to the protection of civilians has been increasing. The Council has the necessary normative framework and tools at hand to guide its action in this area in an effective and accountable manner. A number of peacekeeping missions have been established with strong protection mandates. Specific training courses have been deployed by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations to enhance the understanding of the concept of the protection of civilians. Local strategies and improved engagement with the communities have been devised, and all these tools have had a significant impact on enhancing the protection of civilian populations.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“Portugal condemns all attacks directed against civilians in Libya; in Cote d'Ivoire; in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the Lord's Resistance Army regularly carries out attacks against villages; in Afghanistan or Iraq, where weapons and explosive devices cause so much civilian suffering; or in Syria, where intense violence has resulted in over 500 people killed and thousands of others injured. Learning from past situations such as Rwanda or Srebrenica, it is clear that the Security Council must pay persistent attention to the plight of civilians in crisis and that it must act promptly when indiscriminate attacks against the civilian population take place. When civilians are under threat, the United Nations, and the Security Council in particular, must respond.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“I join previous speakers in thanking our briefers today, and you, Sir, for convening this timely debate. In the last few months, civilians have been under attack in several parts of the world. Civilians continue to represent the majority of the victims of conflict. They are not only affected by conflicts, but very frequently are deliberately targeted by the different parties. Women are too often subjected to sexual violence used as a tactic of war. Children are too often killed or maimed or used in armed conflict. Widespread violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in times of war contribute to fuelling instability, violence and conflict.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“Portugal is proud to have participated in the international community's efforts to bring peace to the Balkans and to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Fifteen years of hard work and costly sacrifice by the Bosnian people and the international community should not and will not be reversed. The Bosnian people deserve peace and prosperity. Portugal trusts that the international community will continue to be fully engaged in working for a united, independent and peaceful Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2011-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6529 (2011) · source
“In that context, Portugal reaffirms its support for the High Representative's authority. It is our belief that the national interests of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty must be preserved. Today is Europe Day, and Portugal strongly believes that Bosnia and Herzegovina's future is with the European Union. It is our conviction that tangible progress at both the political and the technical levels is in Bosnia and Herzegovina's best interest, as it is a precondition to Euro-Atlantic integration. The EU's role in Bosnia and Herzegovina in general and in relation to the current situation is vital. It reflects a consistent political and economic commitment and deserves the international community's full support.”
2011-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6529 (2011) · source
“We appeal to the leaders of all three constituent peoples to work together constructively and to refrain from using divisive rhetoric in order to overcome the general political deadlock in that country, and in particular to urgently form a Government at the State level. The current stalemate harms the prospects of Bosnia and Herzegovina's future prosperity and the region's stability. The decision taken unilaterally to hold a referendum in Republika Srpska on an issue that pertains to national sovereignty and the powers of the High Representative is a serious threat to political balance within the country and a challenge to the established constitutional order. The international community is rightly concerned by that threat to the Dayton framework, and the options available to deal with it are well known to all parties.”
2011-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6529 (2011) · source
“I, too, would like to welcome High Representative and European Union (EU) Special Representative Mr. Valentine Inzko and to convey to him Portugal's appreciation and support for his work in the interests of peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In that context, we also thank him for his recent report (see S/2011/283) and for today's presentation, all of which deserve our full support. Portugal aligns itself with the statement to be made later today by the European Union representative. Today's debate finds Bosnia and Herzegovina facing a particularly difficult political situation that may have dire implications for national, regional and international peace and security.”
2011-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6529 (2011) · source
“We also wish to highlight the importance of the protection of victims and witnesses, and commend the prosecution for exercising the utmost caution in this phase in order to avoid putting at risk persons and humanitarian personnel who have given testimony. We see an important role in this context for the United Nations International Commission of Inquiry established by the Human Rights Council, which recently started its investigation in Libya, and we welcome the Prosecutor's intention to liaise closely with it. However, we are worried about the impact of the work of the Commission on the situation on the ground. We hope that the Commission can conclude its work soon. Finally, we would like to seize this opportunity to express Portugal's support for the ICC and its fundamental role in fighting impunity and promoting peace and security.”
2011-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6528 (2011) · source
“The International Criminal Court has an important role to play in this regard not only in investigating the most serious crimes and in judging and punishing the perpetrators most responsible, but also in preventing the escalation of violence as a dissuasive instrument for potential perpetrators and sometimes the only source of hope for endangered civilians and communities in conflict zones. We therefore express our full support for the continuation of the efforts made in the context of the investigation and commend the support provided to the Prosecution by States and organizations in these endeavours. Cooperation with the Prosecutor and the Court is essential to the success of the criminal investigations and judicial proceedings.”
2011-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6528 (2011) · source
“Under these circumstances, a political solution is becoming all the more pressing. In that sense, it is indispensable to reach a ceasefire that is both verifiable and sustainable. We thus commend and fully support the role and the endeavours of Special Envoy Al-Khatib in reaching an agreement on a ceasefire and on the launching of an inclusive political process. However, we cannot forget the importance of justice as a fundamental value of human society and as an inherent part of the process to achieve a sustainable peace and bring confidence to the affected communities victimized by the persistent violence.”
2011-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6528 (2011) · source
“We are very troubled by the humanitarian situation in Libya, with persistent violence against civilians and serious violations of international humanitarian law. We wish to express our serious concern at the information on crimes against humanitarian, further acts of violence and continuation of war crimes, as described in the Prosecutor's report and highlighted here today by Mr. Moreno-Ocampo. We are also disturbed at recent statements by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict pertaining to serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, widely echoed in the international press.”
2011-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6528 (2011) · source