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 have not attempted to hide the major drug trafficking problem in Guinea-Bissau, which could ruin all of our efforts in terms of democracy and development and have effects we cannot even measure on the minds of young people and on their present and future behaviour. As I said, we are the weakest link. We need the assistance of the international community. We need solid institutions. We need a police force that works and courts that are capable of rendering justice. We need to build prisons. We need a functioning, credible, justice system to which both the people of Guinea- Bissau and foreigners can appeal in their search for justice. For that reason, I would like to express my agreement with previous speakers: we must first of all put much more emphasis on institution-building.”
2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source
“I would like to say that we share the Council's concerns with regard to the drug trafficking problem. Until five years ago, no one had ever heard of drugs in Guinea-Bissau. No one had ever even heard of marijuana. I myself have never seen a single leaf of marijuana, and I am not the most naive amongst my compatriots. If we are now facing this situation, it is because we are the weakest link in the chain of the subregion. We do not have the institutions we need. We are talking about a State that is decaying, and I say that frankly because, as Mr. Pascoe has just noted, we have been honest when we have come to the international community to ask for help.”
2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source
“We owe that to the international community in return for the aid that we have received. I think that everything suggests not only that the elections will be held on 16 November, but that they will take place in full transparency. Some speakers have mentioned the level of participation of the people of Guinea-Bissau in exercising their democratic rights: there has been more than 96 per cent participation, ensuring that voters have their voting cards. Despite the fact that this is the rainy season - and those who are familiar with the difficulties created by the rainy season in Africa will recognize the importance of what I am saying - that figure of more than 96 per cent not only reflects the level of participation, but demonstrates the importance of the coming elections to the people of Guinea-Bissau.”
2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source
“However, in a country that wishes to learn democracy and that is devoted to the virtues of democracy, in a young country that is facing enormous economic and financial problems, it is almost natural to consider that there will be differences in point of View, and even disputes. If I may say so, differences in point of view are consubstantial with the existence of a genuine democracy. We hope that what has transpired in Guinea- Bissau can serve as a lesson, because we have been able to overcome those difficulties by turning to democratic institutions - specifically, to the Supreme Court. There was no violence, and that is the result of how strongly democratic principles are anchored in the mentality of my compatriots, something that I believe should be celebrated. We will do everything to ensure that the elections take place.”
2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source
“We hope, and indeed I am convinced, that when the time comes, the people of Guinea-Bissau will show not only civic spirit but also civility: civil spirit in taking the opportunity to freely choose those men or women who will be called upon to represent the people in the National Assembly; civility in going to the polls in an orderly fashion, thus guaranteeing the transparency of those elections and ensuring that they will be credible and that their results may be accepted by all for the greater good of our people. I would like to say that, yes, there have been tensions.”
2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source
“I am happy that, in his statement, the representative of Croatia described the immense nature of the task before us, which we must accomplish by working together with our partners. I would like to say that we are aware that we need to persevere and that we need to create the favourable conditions necessary for the holding of free, transparent and credible elections on 16 November. President Vieira of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau has stated that before the General Assembly. We want those elections to be an opportunity for the people of Guinea-Bissau to freely declare their will and make their choice.”
2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source
“Lynn Pascoe, Under- Secretary-General for Political Affairs, for his briefing introducing the very important report of the Secretary- General. We, in Guinea-Bissau, are very devoted to peace and stability, as you have just observed, Mr. President. That is especially true because we know that we ourselves bear primary responsibility for addressing the situation in our country and for ensuring that peace and security become a permanent reality in Guinea-Bissau. We agree with the representative of the United States when she says quite pertinently that Guinea- Bissau needs to show leadership. That is exactly what we would like to do. However, in order to achieve that, we need stable institutions, we need to consolidate our institutions and we need to overcome major obstacles.”
2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source
“Mr. Cabral (Guinea-Bissau) (spoke in French): I thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to address the members of the Security Council on behalf of my country, Guinea-Bissau, especially because the analysis of the situation in Guinea-Bissau contained in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2008/628), comes as you assume the presidency of the Council. I express to you the congratulations of my delegation, and I echo the congratulations you expressed at the outset to the Permanent Representative of Burkina Faso on the manner in which he guided the work of the Council last month. I do so with all the more pleasure because he is a representative of an eminent member of the countries of West Africa. I would like to thank Mr.”
2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source
“We are resolved to move forward and not to be discouraged in our effort to create all the conditions necessary to promote human rights and the rule of law so that our democracy can be a truly inclusive democracy, allowing all citizens to be involved in and to manage our national affairs. 08-39896 I should like once again to thank members of the Council for their focused attention to my country and above all for their willingness, through an appeal to the international community, to provide substantial support and assistance to my country as soon as possible.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“Finally, I should like once again to thank our colleague from Brazil, the Chair of the Guinea-Bissau configuration, for her praiseworthy efforts, working together with other members of the configuration, because we have been able to make great progress. Earlier, she referred to the visit to my country, thanks to which it was possible to observe the situation there and to make contact not only with the national authorities, but also with civil society and private citizens, to take the pulse and to see exactly what is happening in the country. That visit made it possible not only to identify the many challenges, but also to see that we have reason for hope in my country.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“That dimension has, fortunately, been recognized not only by Guinea-Bissau, but by all countries in the West African region, as well as by our international partners. We are making efforts. We have already made considerable progress, but more has to be done. As I said earlier, we are the weak link in the chain. Drug traffickers know full well that, so long as Guinea- Bissau does not have the means to combat that scourge, which, as Mr. Costa said when he referred to metastasis, is a real cancer. It is a terrifying cancer that has to be fought rapidly with effective means so that drugs, which we never had in our country until 2005, do not hinder our country's socio-economic development. Thus, I should like to thank Mr. Costa for all his efforts and for all the help he has given to my country.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“Omoregie indicated earlier that everything is being done in order for the elections to take place, as announced on 16 November. He just explained the remaining difficulties to the Council. I, too, would like to appeal to the international community so that the requisite financial support be given as soon as possible so that all of the steps can be covered leading up to that crucial date of 16 November. I should also like to thank Mr. Costa for his report, and in particular for all the aid that the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has been giving Guinea-Bissau. That support is crucial. We are facing enormous difficulties because the challenge is tremendous. We are a small country, the weak link in the subregional chain, with drugs being a subregional problem.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“I observe, as the Secretary-General did in his report, that there is further room for work; there are serious problems that persist and the authorities in Guinea-Bissau have to make more of an effort, so that, as a nation, we can muster all the energy to work together in an inclusive democracy. However, as is recognized in the report we still need the unwavering support of the international community. Without that support, it will not be possible, despite of our resolve, in spite of our will and in spite our clear awareness of our prime responsibility as citizens of Guinea-Bissau, it simply will not be possible to meet all of the challenges we face because they are so numerous. Without taking too much of the Council's time, I would like to acknowledge that we have to solidify democracy in our country. Mr.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“Mr. Cabral (Guinea-Bissau) (spoke in French): I am grateful to the members of the Council for offering me this opportunity. I would first thank the Representative of the Secretary-General in Guinea- Bissau for having introduced the Secretary-General's report (S/2008/395) and also for the additional information which he brought to the Council's attention. Like the Secretary-General, and like most of the citizens of Guinea-Bissau, I, too, feel that notable progress has been made in my country. In spite of all the difficulties we are facing, we are determined to move forward so that peace and stability can become reality in my country and so that we can finally focus on much more crucial questions, such as the socio- economic development in our country.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“The ultimate objective of the efforts of the international community and our own efforts at the national level is to improve the living conditions of our people and ensure that we can at last live in a truly democratic country at peace with itself.”
2008-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5860 (2008) · source
“That configuration is being led with great skill and determination and with the sensitivity for which our Brazilian friends are known - sensitivity which comes from their awareness of the situation in Africa in general and in Guinea-Bissau in particular. I am therefore hopeful that, under the leadership of our colleague Ambassador Viotti of Brazil, we will be able to work with the members of the Council to ensure that good governance becomes a reality in Guinea-Bissau, that democracy is strengthened in our country and that the elections - which constitute a decisive step towards strengthening democracy - take place. I also hope that our case can receive greater attention and interest and that the international community will assess the situation in Guinea-Bissau anew, so that concerted efforts can be made to improve the situation.”
2008-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5860 (2008) · source
“As the Representative of the Secretary- General pointed out a few moments ago, the date for those elections has been set. The fact is that it is not up to the country's President to unilaterally set the date for elections. There is a democratic process in place, which the Council and the international community support and which we have followed. It is up to the National Electoral Commission to assess the situation and, after having consulted the political parties, to make a recommendation to the President. I am pleased that the President yesterday promulgated the law setting 16 November as the date for the elections. In conclusion, I would like to say that we are pleased with the cooperation we have established with the Peacebuilding Commission, and especially with its Guinea-Bissau configuration.”
2008-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5860 (2008) · source
“We also need the international community's assistance for our approach to human rights, which should not simply be theoretical but should ensure respect for human rights, civic protection and the access of all to genuine justice. I should therefore like to dwell for a few moments on the amnesty law that has been voted on in Guinea-Bissau's National Assembly. This law does not mean that we want to promote a policy of impunity - quite the contrary. The amnesty law should be seen as part of an effort at national reconciliation. Of course, we will spare no effort to ensure that the crucial issue of impunity is resolved and that those who have committed crimes are brought to justice and receive the punishment they deserve under the law. 08-28372 I would also like to refer to the upcoming elections.”
2008-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5860 (2008) · source
“We are on our way to establishing an inclusive democracy, for we want a participatory democracy in Guinea-Bissau. We therefore agree with the Secretary- General that further efforts must be made to ensure that we can strengthen democracy in our country. There are, however, some conditions to be met in order to do that. We are a poor country with problems and are in need of international assistance. I shall not refer to the content of the report, as members are familiar with it. I would simply like to say that we need the international community to help us move ahead with reforms, including the reform of the security and public administration sectors, in order to give new impetus to democracy and good governance alike.”
2008-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5860 (2008) · source
“Members of the Council will have noted from the briefing she has just delivered the excellent quality of the work done to date and how closely the whole of the Commission, the Guinea- Bissau configuration, officials of Guinea-Bissau and international partners are working together to ensure that we can put in place a new process that can provide more sustained attention to Guinea-Bissau. We have taken note of the latest report (S/2008/181) of the Secretary-General. We are very pleased that he has recognized the efforts that have been made in Guinea-Bissau, which have led to substantial progress. In that regard, I do not think it an exaggeration to say that we are moving in the right direction to strengthen democracy. We now have in place an inclusive Government comprised of numerous parties.”
2008-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5860 (2008) · source
“The Council's response once again today should be interpreted as its agreement that our country deserves the attention of the international community and to have the Peacebuilding Commission focus on its case in particular in order to determine how we can work together to ensure that the situation changes for the better. I would therefore like to say how pleased I am with the choice of the Brazilian Ambassador as Chair of the Guinea-Bissau configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission.”
2008-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5860 (2008) · source
“Mr. Cabral (Guinea-Bissau) (spoke in French): On behalf of my delegation, allow me to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of March. I am grateful to the members of the Council for having agreed to my request to participate in this meeting. My purpose today is to thank the members of the Security Council on behalf of my Government for having responded favourably to the request of our Government to inscribe Guinea-Bissau on the agenda of the Peacebuilding Commission.”
2008-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5860 (2008) · source
“I would like to pledge to you, Sir, that we will do our utmost to be worthy of the trust of the international community and that everything will be done, with the assistance of one and all, so that the country will return to true democracy and so that finally we will be able to devote our energies and skills and the scant resources of our country to the disposal of a people that really needs it and which merits help.”
2003-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4834 (2003) · source
“In a country that is suffering, as our country is, a country that finds it very difficult to reestablish itself, it should be easy to understand that it is urgently necessary to provide the necessary financial assistance to this country so that it can be up and running again shortly. The United Nations, whose role has been under discussion, has established through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) an Emergency Economic Management Fund. If money is added to the Fund quickly, that would help our country meet some of its pressing financial needs right now. I would like to now thank UNDP and its representative in Guinea-Bissau for his useful and effective role and the courage which he has displayed in the discharge of his duties.”
2003-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4834 (2003) · source
“The political parties recognized that it was indispensable for everyone to put the country ahead of their own individual interests. Civil society is now, more than ever, determined to participate in the strict management of the affairs of our country. It is always difficult to accept this type of change, but I believe that we must, as Mr. Kalomoh has indicated, make the necessary effort to understand that there is a process of "give and take", which should lead us, in the near future, to a return to constitutional order and democracy. For now, with your help and that of the entire international community, we hope it will be possible to mobilize the necessary resources, because nobody can be expected to perform miracles.”
2003-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4834 (2003) · source
“Our decision and our commitment to do everything we can so that the country can get back on its feet, so that we can put the country back on track - that is to say, our commitment to the democratic path - is expressed by the fact that, through consultation, cooperation and in-depth discussion, all the participants and actors in Guinea-Bissau's political life agreed on a transitional charter. The charter is clear and precise; it unequivocally specifies all the steps that must be undertaken for the country to restore the constitutional order that we all want. The Military Committee for the Restoration of Constitutional and Democratic Order understood that it was necessary and in conformity with international principles for the country to be ruled by civilians.”
2003-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4834 (2003) · source
“Today, we are here to ask the international community to understand the situation in Guinea- Bissau and to help us ensure that the changes we wish - and that we will carry out - can be made in calmness and stability, and that all the participants, both political parties and members of civil society - the whole population in general - can participate in the rigorous management of a poor country that wants to get back on its feet. I believe it is perhaps that aspect that should hold the international community's attention.”
2003-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4834 (2003) · source
“We are not in favour of coups d'etat. But I must say that the situation in Guinea-Bissau is not similar to the one prevailing in the Central African Republic. The people of Guinea-Bissau welcomed the coup, because the people of Guinea-Bissau - whose dignity everyone recognizes - had experienced and silently endured unspeakable difficulties. One cannot ask a nation to suffer forever. One cannot ask heads of families who are not in a position to ensure their children's survival to continue to tighten their belts. There are limits. We had hoped that it would be possible for those changes to take place differently.”
2003-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4834 (2003) · source
“It is true that a coup d'etat took place in Guinea-Bissau. We understand all those who - along with you, Mr. President, and other Council members - condemned that act. We deplore the fact that it was necessary to resort to that kind of change in our country. The Military Committee itself recognized that. I saw its communique, in which it recognizes that any change of the constitutional change by force is to be condemned. But there are circumstances in which one must do what is necessary to understand what is happening in a country. Ambassador Zinser just recalled what he himself and his colleagues verified in Guinea-Bissau: an instability, a situation whose precariousness was a harbinger of the situation that we are experiencing today. We must avoid the temptation to make a comparison that is sometimes not so exact.”
2003-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4834 (2003) · source
“He went as a true brother, as an expert on the situation in Guinea-Bissau and on the psychology of the country's inhabitants. Above all, he went with the intention of understanding how to able to give us the most appropriate advice. That is what he did, and we thank him for it. I should like to thank all of those who have gained a better understanding of the situation in Guinea-Bissau. I want to mention the Economic and Social Council's Ad Hoc Advisory Group and the Security Council's Ad hoc Working Group on Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa. I want to mention earnestly and with great gratitude the Group of Friends, under the dynamic leadership of the Ambassador of Gambia, for its unceasing efforts to ensure that Guinea- Bissau is better understood and thus can be adequately assisted. We are faced with a humanitarian situation.”
2003-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4834 (2003) · source
“Kalomoh, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs with responsibility for Africa, for the information that he was kind enough to bring to the Council's attention. I believe that that information has convinced Council members once again of the gravity of the situation prevailing in our country. But Mr. Kalomoh's briefing also confirmed a factual situation on which the successive reports of the Secretary-General have updated the Council: chronic instability in a country facing grave economic and financial difficulties. I should also like to thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Timor-Leste, our great friend and brother Mr. Jose Ramos Horta, who, on behalf of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries, led a mission in Guinea-Bissau. But it was not only in that capacity that he went to Guinea-Bissau.”
2003-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4834 (2003) · source
“I should like to tell the Council that, by electing President Kumba Yala in January 2000, the people of Guinea-Bissau had hoped that it would be possible for the country to choose democracy once and for all. The people of Guinea-Bissau had hoped that it would be possible for all the conditions to be created so that participatory democracy could see the light of day in our country. The people of Guinea-Bissau had hoped that it would be possible 4 through rigorous management of our country's scant resources - to ensure the equitable distribution of those resources. The circumstances that we are experiencing today are the direct consequence of poor management of the affairs of State. I should like to thank Mr.”
2003-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4834 (2003) · source
“Mr. Cabral (Guinea-Bissau) (spoke in French): On behalf of my delegation, I should like to thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity you have provided us today to participate in this meeting on the situation prevailing in Guinea-Bissau. Indeed, we are indebted to Council members for their interest in our country, a small country in difficulty - I would even say a country in distress. That concern has never wavered, and I believe that the statements we heard this morning strengthen us in the conviction that, with the help of the Security Council and of other members of the international community, we will be able to meet the challenges and to return to what we have always wanted: to re-establish constitutional order in our country and to create conditions for a genuine democracy.”
2003-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4834 (2003) · source
“We welcome the conclusions of the Peace Implementation Conference held at Bonn on 9 and 10 December 1997, including the conclusion that there is a need to maintain an international military presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina after June 1998. Such a presence is required for the consolidation of peace and the maintenance of the security and stability that Bosnia and Herzegovina so sorely needs. We hope that the conclusions of the recent Bonn Conference will help in accelerating and consolidating the peace process.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“That is why we agree with and support his recommendation to extend the mandate of UNMIBH for 12 months. An effective United Nations presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina is still necessary for consolidating peace and the other achievements we have welcomed. In particular, we agree that there must be a reform of the judicial and penal system in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and that the fight against financial crime must be encouraged. Here again, we think there is a decisive role for UNMIBH; with additional human and financial resources it can proceed to the consolidation of peace and the economic development of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“For its part, the multinational Stabilization Force (SFOR) has played an indispensable role in helping to create an environment that will foster the civilian aspects of the Peace Agreement. We welcome the good cooperation between the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United Nations International Police Task Force (IPTF), and the way in which they have coordinated their activities on the ground. We note with satisfaction that UNMIBH is considering improving the structure of the IPTF so that it can better focus its work on other activities - as it has done in the sphere of human rights. We agree with the Secretary-General's analysis, as contained in his recent report, and we agree with him about the future role of the United Nations.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“On behalf of my delegation, I wish to reaffirm our commitment to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and to the enjoyment by the populations of that country of their constitutional rights. We are concerned by the constant refusal, particularly in the Republika Srpska, to provide services to minorities; we believe that there must be no discrimination against those populations and that they should have access to basic health care. As citizens of their own country, their health should not be subject to political considerations; all those in need should have access to adequate care. The international community has a role to play in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“Those people have the right to return to their places of origin if they so desire, with the assistance of the High Commissioner for Refugees, in accordance with annex 7 of the Dayton Agreement and thanks to the generous assistance of the host countries. In this regard, we commend the efforts being made by United Nations agencies, the European Union, bilateral donors and others, including non-governmental organizations that set up and carry out projects to facilitate their freedom to return if they so desire, to ensure their safety and to improve their future economic prospects. We take pleasure in noting that the Open City initiative is continuing. Local communities that have chosen to declare open cities should be encouraged, and should be given financial assistance.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“It is therefore important that all the parties commit themselves with determination to honour their commitments stemming from the Agreement, first and foremost by ensuring the proper functioning of their common institutions. We are pleased to note today that progress has been achieved in several areas. Nevertheless, as was pointed out by the delegations that preceded us, much remains to be done in order that the peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina can live together in complete peace and security. We note with bitterness that the humanitarian situation in that country remains difficult. The future of a large number of refugees and displaced persons remains uncertain.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“We have seen that the peace process is continuing, but the progress achieved has been very slow, and sometimes even modest. This means that there is a great deal yet to be done. It is obvious that the success of all the activities intended to establish durable peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina depends essentially on the implementation of the Dayton Agreement, and that however important the role of the international community, it is up to the authorities of that country to work towards the establishment of a lasting peace. It is also up to them to work responsibly towards the implementation of the Agreement into which they freely entered.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“As we approach the Christmas holiday, which is the best time for each and every one of us to renew or consolidate family ties, I would like, on behalf of my delegation, to express our affection for the families of the 12 men and women of the International Police Task Force (IPTF) and the Office of the High Representative who lost their lives in the tragic helicopter accident last 17 September. I wish to extend the heartfelt condolences of my delegation to all those families in their suffering. Bosnia and Herzegovina has the sad distinction of having numerous conferences and debates focused on its tragic destiny - among them those of the Security Council - aimed at finding a fair and peaceful settlement of the conflict tearing it asunder.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“Mr. Cabral (Guinea-Bissau) (interpretation from French): My delegation would like to thank you, Sir, for being so kind as to preside over this open meeting of the Security Council on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Your presence among us bears witness to the important contribution of your country, Costa Rica, to international affairs. I would like, with your permission, to take this opportunity to underscore the important role of the delegation of Costa Rica in the Security Council and to say how much we have appreciated being able to cooperate with it under the skilful and diligent guidance of Ambassador Fernando Berrocal Soto.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“We hope that when the plan is adopted, and when the Secretary-General submits his latest thoughts on the need that we are already recognizing today - that of increasing oil revenues - on behalf of my delegation, I hope that this Council will be true to itself and that it will respond to this heartfelt call to all of us to stand up, show our humanity, respond to this urgent distress call and respond favourably to the need to help the Iraqi people - its children and its elderly people, who are all suffering and who are looking to us this evening for a glimmer of hope.”
1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3840 (1997) · source
“But perhaps we should also recall that all of us seated around this table are also members of that Committee, that if there are shortcomings then we are all responsible, and that if there is any possibility of improving the working methods of that Committee, then perhaps we are all called upon to display more willingness in that regard. Let me say, on behalf of my delegation, that we agree with what the Secretary-General says in his report. We agree with what he advocates. We agree with what he so courageously recommends: that we re-examine the revenues and consider how much we might be able - and I hope in the near future - to add to Iraq's resources, so that the Committee, within the requisite norms, can approve the requests to provide all the humanitarian aid required to meet the needs of the Iraqi population.”
1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3840 (1997) · source
“The draft resolution asks that we spare no effort to ensure that the mechanisms that were created be improved, that certain shortcomings be resolved and that we respond quickly to the pressing needs of the Iraqis for the humanitarian aid that we want to dispatch to them. We have seen that we ought to review the mechanisms, the modus operandi and the very working methods of the sanctions Committee established under resolution 661 (1990). We all agree on the need to contribute constructively to improving the Committee's modus operandi.”
1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3840 (1997) · source
“On behalf of my delegation, I would like to say how much we welcome the great courage shown in recognizing that we have the duty not to remain indifferent to what is happening in Iraq, not to remain indifferent in the face of the suffering of a people that is itself a Victim. We will never forget, of course, that it is the responsibility of the Iraqi leadership to redress this situation. It is up to them to subscribe to and to respect the relevant Security Council resolutions and to ensure that the Special Commission can conclude its work quickly so that the sanctions can be lifted. But in the meantime, this evening we have the responsibility to respond, albeit modestly, to the appeal that has come to us from Iraq, as well as to the message to us from the Secretary-General.”
1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3840 (1997) · source
“In the draft resolution we acknowledge that there are shortcomings; we acknowledge that improvements should be made; we recognize that resolution 986 (1995) established a process that was new, that for the United Nations had no precedent, that could serve as a line of conduct and that would help us implement a proper procedure that would be approved of by the international community as a whole. We saw that it was necessary to correct certain shortcomings and that it was necessary to remember that in Iraq there are children who are suffering, sick people who cannot get treatment and children who do not go to school. We had a duty to respond to those needs, and that is what we have done.”
1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3840 (1997) · source
“This cannot be done since, as everyone knows, it is the responsibility of the Iraqi Government to contribute not only to the development of its country but also to the well-being of its people. However, there is a situation we must all understand. As suggested by the Secretary-General, we must bring a human viewpoint to this debate and remember our common humanity while contemplating what we propose to do. This is the point we have reached, and this is what the draft resolution we are about to adopt is intended to express.”
1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3840 (1997) · source
“From the report submitted to the Security Council by the Secretary-General, the Council has seen that there are serious shortages in Iraq and that it is necessary for all Council members, as well as for the rest of the international community, to respond to the appeal from Baghdad - a distress call from a people which itself is the victim of schemes that are surely incoherent, perhaps irresponsible and most definitely in violation of international law. This evening we have gathered together to tell the Iraqi people that we have nothing against them, that we are aware of their suffering and that in our discussions we wanted to see and to decide how we can contribute to alleviating their suffering. Security Council resolution 986 (1995) was not designed to resolve all of the problems of the Iraqi people.”
1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3840 (1997) · source
“The Council wants to show eloquently that it never intended to punish the Iraqi people; that it rightly wanted to impose sanctions on a Government that had violated the United Nations Charter, though it has always been aware of the suffering of an innocent people. By adopting resolution 986 (1995), the Security Council wanted to indicate clearly its awareness of the realities in Iraq, which remind us that there are vulnerable sectors of society that are suffering and that there are children who do not receive proper nourishment, do not get enough food to turn them into tomorrow's upright men and women - people able to take part in building their country, citizens of the world who could someday sit at this table to discuss and decide with us what should be done in order to bring about world peace, which is something we all desire.”
1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3840 (1997) · source