YouSaid · the spoken record

Campbell

lines on the record: 67
first: 1995-12-20
most recent: 1996-12-12
sittings or episodes: 8
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

“The challenges that lie ahead are formidable and will require all involved to show generosity, a readiness to compromise, a willingness to embrace reconciliation and, above all, a determination to build trust and overcome past enmities once and for all. It is our hope that 1997 will see the progressive diminution of the remaining tensions and suspicions, and the fostering of a spirit of constructive and positive cooperation between the different communities, from which can grow lasting stability and economic prosperity based on mutual respect, democracy and the rule of law.”
1996-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3723 (1996) · source
“In this context, the European Union has made clear its dismay at recent developments in Serbia following the local elections and has stressed that democratic norms, including rights of peaceful assembly and free speech, must be respected. Compliance with these norms is a key factor in the development of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia's relationship with the European Union. An opportunity for the peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina to move forward in peace now exists. They will have the full support and encouragement of the European Union and of the international community as they endeavour to rebuild their lives and reconstruct their country.”
1996-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3723 (1996) · source
“The successful holding of municipal elections by summer 1997 under the supervision of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE): In this regard, the European Union underlines the importance it attaches to ensuring a full, free and open political debate, including full participation by and free access for all opposition parties to the mass media. The European Union has made it clear to those involved that the future development of relations with it will depend on how they perform in these areas. We see the application of conditionality of this type, in a regional context, as an important contribution to the peace process overall.”
1996-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3723 (1996) · source
“Full compliance by the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and other States with the orders of the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, particularly by those that have failed to cooperate fully with arrest warrants issued by the Tribunal and to surrender indictees to the Tribunal for trial: The European Union, in reiterating its strong support for the work of the International Tribunal, reminds the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina that their obligations under international law take precedence over any provisions in their local or national legislations. Full respect for freedom of expression, including a free and independent media: The European Union believes this to be an essential precondition for ensuring a democratic society in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
1996-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3723 (1996) · source
“The elimination of obstacles to the early, phased, safe and orderly return of refugees and displaced persons to their homes: The European Union welcomes the efforts being made by other bilateral donors, by United Nations agencies - in particular the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees - and non- governmental organizations in establishing projects designed to facilitate the return and reintegration of refugees and displaced persons to all areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We call upon all the parties to cooperate fully with them in their work.”
1996-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3723 (1996) · source
“Of particular importance in this respect will be the need for effective action in the following areas: Full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. Marked progress in establishing freedom of movement and communication between the entities: Urgent steps must be taken to reduce incidents of intimidation and harassment.”
1996-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3723 (1996) · source
“As we embark on the next 12 months of consolidation, the focus must be on the areas where progress has been slow and on examining ways of accelerating this. Our common objective is to urge the authorities at all levels in Bosnia and Herzegovina to work as expeditiously as possible towards the establishment of a fully functioning multi-ethnic State with institutions that enjoy the support and confidence of all citizens. To this end, the European Union reaffirms its willingness to contribute, through all the means at its disposal, to the consolidation of peace and self-sustaining stability in and around Bosnia and Herzegovina. It will continue to monitor closely the progress that is being made and will react as appropriate whenever it believes that commitments are not being met.”
1996-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3723 (1996) · source
“The Council of Ministers and the collective presidency can, and must, set an example to other institutions at the national and local level by showing that it is possible to make them function effectively to the benefit of all the peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and not solely to the advantage of the individual entities of which they are composed. The recent Conferences in Paris and London of the Peace Implementation Council have provided a set of guiding principles for a two-year civilian consolidation period together with a comprehensive Action Plan for the next 12 months. Underpinning both is the requirement that all parties implement fully the Peace Agreement, including cooperation with the International Tribunal.”
1996-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3723 (1996) · source
“The diversity of the support mechanisms, ranging from humanitarian assistance to reconstruction and assistance for transition to a market economy, has a single aim: that Bosnia and Herzegovina should develop into a just and stable political society with a market-based economy anchored in the future Europe. One of the fundamental components of political stability and successful economic development in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the establishment of effective institutions. The European Union underlines the importance of establishing these institutions without delay. We welcome the setting up of the Council of Ministers and call upon all its members to work together constructively and in cooperation.”
1996-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3723 (1996) · source
“Unless they are prepared to assume full responsibility for the functioning of their State, the continued support of the international community, through the provision of very significant human and financial resources, cannot be guaranteed. It must therefore be clearly understood that without the fullest commitment from the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to meeting their obligations under the Peace Agreement, the European Union will have to reconsider the scope of its engagement in the peace process. The European Union and its member States have been in the vanguard of the international community's contribution to Bosnia and Herzegovina - providing, in 1996, more than $1 billion in financial assistance, including humanitarian aid.”
1996-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3723 (1996) · source
“We also pay tribute to the men and women of the many nations that participated in the multinational force (IFOR), established under resolution 1031 (1995), for the major contribution that they have made to the peace process. We also acknowledge the dedicated work of the High Representative and his team, as well as the International Police Task Force (IPTF), and we welcome the commitment that has been made to reinforce their respective roles for the period ahead. The next stage must to be build on the achievements of the last 12 months. The responsibility for doing that and for bringing about reconciliation and economic, political and social regeneration lies principally with the authorities and the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
1996-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3723 (1996) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The following associated countries align themselves with this statement: Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. Iceland has also aligned itself with this statement. The draft resolution before the Security Council this evening marks a reaffirmation by the international community that it is willing to support the consolidation of peace and democracy in Bosnia and Herzegovina by continuing to provide the necessary stable and secure environment within which the important objectives of the Peace Agreement can be achieved. The European Union, many of whose members will participate in the follow-on multinational stabilization force, welcomes the decision to authorize the establishment of the force.”
1996-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3723 (1996) · source
“The rights and immunities under international law of the United Nations and its specialized agencies must be fully respected. Likewise, the security of all international personnel involved in the provision and distribution of humanitarian aid must be guaranteed. The European Union and its member States are the largest donors of aid to Afghanistan. This is a role which we are willing to continue, and we look forward to a dialogue on the modalities of cooperation ensuring assistance for all the people of Afghanistan, irrespective of their gender or ethnic background. In conclusion, the European Union urgently repeats its call on all parties to cease their armed struggle and to find a peaceful means to resolve their differences. The alternative can only be further destruction and denial of the most basic rights of the Afghan people.”
1996-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3705 (1996) · source
“The European Union can no more accept discrimination on the basis of gender than it can tolerate discrimination on the basis of race or religion. We wish accordingly to express particular concern over the recent measures restricting the education of girls and female employment. We support fully the statements made on 7 October to this effect by the Secretary-General and subsequently by his spokesman, as also the statement made by the High Commissioner for Human Rights on 4 October. We recall in particular that among the instruments formally signed by Afghanistan is the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. The European Union furthermore condemns without reservation the recent violation of the United Nations office in Kabul.”
1996-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3705 (1996) · source
“In particular, the flow of arms into Afghanistan from outside its borders must end. The European Union also remains concerned about the use of Afghan territory for the production of drugs and the training of terrorists. The European Union reaffirms its commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Afghanistan. Only negotiation and cooperation between the parties can offer the opportunity for the emergence of a new, stable Afghanistan to which all its people can freely owe allegiance. No society can achieve an acceptable degree of peace, justice and stability without full respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms. The European Union calls therefore on all the parties in Afghanistan to act in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and to respect human rights.”
1996-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3705 (1996) · source
“The European Union calls for the immediate cessation of armed hostilities and urgently exhorts the leaders of all the Afghan parties to renounce the use of force and to engage in political dialogue, which alone can bring about a peaceful settlement of the present conflict. The European Union attaches great importance to the readiness of the United Nations to assist this dialogue and to support every effort undertaken to resolve the conflict by peaceful means. The Union further reaffirms its full support for the United Nations Special Mission and expresses its appreciation for the intensive work undertaken by the special envoy of the Secretary-General, Mr. H011, and his team. They must be given every support in their important task. The European Union urges all States to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of Afghanistan.”
1996-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3705 (1996) · source
“I am grateful for this opportunity to address the Council on behalf of the European Union. The following associated countries have aligned themselves with this statement: Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. Iceland and Norway also wish to align themselves with this statement. Conflict in Afghanistan has for far too long divided its people and brought destruction and suffering to that country. Recent developments have seen an intensification of hostilities, which continues to prejudice the essential conditions for peace and stability, without which a society cannot make economic or political progress.”
1996-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3705 (1996) · source
“We also acknowledge the contributions of the three observer States - Portugal, the Russian Federation and the United States - which have done so much to bring the peace process to its present stage, and of the Secretary- General's Special Representative, Maitre Blondin Beye, whose untiring efforts are so valued by all. The European Union furthermore recognizes the vital role of UNAVEM. III in support of the peace process and wishes to express its appreciation to the troop-contributing countries, without whose participation UNAVEM. III would not be in a position to undertake its important work. In conclusion, the European Union joins with others in stressing that the peace process in Angola can be successful only if the leaders of the Angolan people themselves exert the political will to follow through on their commitments and obligations.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“The European Union and its member States have been among those that have provided significant political and financial support for these activities. We therefore View with the greatest concern the obstacles which UNITA has been putting in the way of the demining operations. The European Union wishes to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the efforts of the Southern African Development Community, whose leaders met in Luanda last week and whose Foreign Ministers we are pleased to see participating in the debate in this Chamber today.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“The European Union and its member States have already provided considerable amounts of humanitarian, reconstruction and development aid over the years and can be counted upon to continue to respond as specific needs are identified. Recent security incidents involving humanitarian organizations have hampered the delivery of humanitarian aid and are a source of great concern. The security of international personnel must be guaranteed. Another matter of particular concern to the European Union - and indeed, to the entire international community, and, of course, first and foremost to all Angolans - is the widespread presence of anti-personnel land-mines throughout much of Angola. We are gratified that UNAVEM. III has accomplished so much already with regard to demining, but we call earnestly for an acceleration of the programme.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“We accordingly call most ardently on UNITA and its leader to respond more rapidly to the demands of their own people and of the international community as a whole, and to fulfil the terms of the agreements which they have freely entered into. As this debate clearly demonstrates, UNITA bears the main responsibility for the problems arising at this crucial juncture in the peace process. The European Union will be following closely any action which the Security Council may decide to take in this regard. The European Union stands ready to assist the long- suffering people of Angola and is confident that the international community as a whole will not be found wanting in this regard.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“This includes the return of the deserters to quartering areas. It is with great concern that the European Union has received the latest progress report of the Secretary-General on UNAVEM. III. The Secretary-General states that the progress achieved towards the implementation of the Lusaka Protocol has been disappointing. It is clear that the implementation process is substantially behind schedule and that the lack of mutual trust between the Government and UNITA continues to jeopardize the attainment of lasting peace. It is essential that no effort be spared to ensure the early formation of a Government of National Unity and Reconciliation.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“III), the opportunity has at last been given to the Angolan people to reclaim a society free from the ravages of war and open to the economic development and progress which they so richly deserve. The international community attaches the greatest importance to seeing this process put in place and brought to a successful conclusion. It is for this reason that the European Union urges that commitments entered into under the peace Accords, the Lusaka Protocol and relevant Security Council resolutions be honoured. The Union reminds UNITA in particular that the quartering of troops, their demobilization and disarmament, as well as the completion of the formation of the Angolan Armed Forces, are crucial components of the peace process and must be adhered to in full and without further delay.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“Mr. President, allow me to offer you my congratulations and pay tribute to your leadership as you have assumed the presidency of the Council. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The following associated countries, Cyprus - the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia - have aligned themselves with this statement. Iceland and Norway also wish to align themselves with this statement. For all too many years, the conflict in Angola has drained the resources of the country and brought destruction and deprivation to its people. With the signing of the Lusaka Protocol and the establishment of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“It calls upon their leaders, through their actions and their words, to lead their people back to the path of peace. Personal contact between President Arafat and Prime Minister Netanyahu is clearly essential in the present circumstances. Accordingly, the European Union urges these two leaders to come together with the least delay to resume the dialogue which alone can lead to the peace which their people earnestly seek and deserve.”
1996-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3698Resumption1 (1996) · source
“We again urge all parties to resume negotiations on the basis of the principles already accepted by both parties in the Madrid and Oslo agreements. We recall, in particular, that it was agreed between the sides that negotiations should include the question of Jerusalem, noting its importance for the parties and the international community, not least the need to respect the established rights of religious institutions. We recall also that the essential principles on which the successful conclusion of negotiations should be based have been enshrined in Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 425 (1978). Today the European Union exhorts the parties to refrain from any action which might lead to any further escalation of the violence in the occupied territories.”
1996-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3698Resumption1 (1996) · source
“We renew our call upon Israel to give clear practical demonstration of its confirmed intention to implement fully the agreements already reached and to carry forward the peace process. We stress the crucial importance, for the achievement of a just, comprehensive and lasting peace, of the respect for the key principles agreed upon by both parties: self-determination for the Palestinians, with all that that implies, and land for peace. The Heads of Government of the European Union, at their meeting in Florence last June, reaffirmed that peace in the Middle East is a fundamental interest of the Union. The peace process alone can lead to security and peace for all the countries and peoples of the region. We remain dedicated to our support for this process.”
1996-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3698Resumption1 (1996) · source
“The European Union further asserts the full applicability of the Fourth Geneva Convention in this regard. In particular, the European Union opposes measures by any party which would prejudge the outcome of the permanent status negotiations. The European Union recalls its statement of only yesterday in which it urged all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and to work to avoid confrontation. Following the most recent loss of lives, it all the more urgently calls upon the leaders of the parties jointly to commit themselves to putting an end to the present violence. At the same time, they should recognize that the only solution is to pursue the current peace process with renewed vigour. It is vital that international confidence be re-established and commitment to the peace process demonstrated.”
1996-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3698Resumption1 (1996) · source
“The European Union deplores the killings that have occurred as a result of this latest violence. We also fear the deleterious effect that these events - the most serious since the signing of the Declaration of Principles three years ago - may have on the peace process in the Middle East as a whole. There can be no doubt that the current incidents are a most serious setback to this process, which we all support. The European Union is committed to its policy on the status of Jerusalem. This policy is based on the view that East Jerusalem is subject to the principles set out in Security Council resolution 242 (1967), notably the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force, and other Security Council resolutions pertinent to Jerusalem.”
1996-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3698Resumption1 (1996) · source
“The atmosphere among the Palestinian people has become so charged by the frustration arising from the absence of any real progress in the peace process over recent months that a spark such as this was enough to ignite a wave of violence and destruction. It is particularly distressing that this violence should be taking place among people whom we had all hoped would increasingly have seen themselves by this stage as active partners in a peace process which has been welcomed throughout the world. The lack of progress in the peace process, together with such decisions as the lifting of the freeze on settlements, the failure to redeploy Israeli troops from Hebron and the aforementioned incident, are undermining the developing partnership between the Israeli Government and the Palestinian Authority.”
1996-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3698Resumption1 (1996) · source
“May I offer you, Sir, our sincere congratulations and good wishes on your assumption of the presidency of the Council. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The following associated countries - Bulgaria, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia - have aligned themselves with this statement. Iceland and Liechtenstein also align themselves with this statement. It is with the utmost dismay that the member States of the European Union learned of the latest grievous outbreaks of violence in Jerusalem and throughout much of the occupied territories. The catalyst for breaking the peace on this occasion was the regrettable opening of a tunnel connecting some of the most sacred and archaeologically important sites in the Holy City.”
1996-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3698Resumption1 (1996) · source
“Similarly, the European Union urges Governments, non-governmental organizations and the private sector to cooperate in the development and application of appropriate technology for the low-cost, effective and safe clearance of land-mines. The eradication of land-mines has now emerged as an international priority. The European Union will continue to play its full role in ensuring that every opportunity is taken to combat and end the indiscriminate use and spread throughout the world of anti-personnel land-mines and to contribute to solving the problems already caused by these devices.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“The recent Conference on Mine Clearance Technology, hosted by the Government of Denmark, with the joint support of the Department of Humanitarian Affairs and the Department of Peace-keeping Operations, has shown that the development and use of new, specialized equipment which will considerably enhance the mine clearance technology of mine affected countries is not far off. The European Union seeks the broadest possible support in all relevant forums, including the upcoming session of the General Assembly, for the very positive recommendations of the Conference on Mine Clearance Technology, especially regarding the elaboration of international standards for humanitarian mine-clearance operations.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“The Council of Ministers of the Union has adopted a decision to contribute $4.6 million to finance the work of the United Nations Mine Action Centre in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. Also, the Western European Union is considering the contribution it can make to demining. The first and foremost need is that of prevention - the elimination of anti-personnel land-mines through a complete ban worldwide. The European Union draws some hope from the increased resolve being shown by the international community to seek solutions for the detection and ultimate destruction of land-mines.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“In particular, they have already contributed $9 million to the Voluntary Trust Fund established by the Secretary- General - by far the largest contribution. To this can be added the $80 million spent over the last four years on clearance projects, often as part of the Union's wider development, rehabilitation and humanitarian programmes in which a clear and beneficial working relationship has been established with the appropriate United Nations agencies. Most recently, the European Union has funded mine-clearance operations directly or with non- governmental organizations in Afghanistan, Cambodia, Angola and Mozambique. The Union and its member States are playing a major role in the military and civilian implementation of the Peace Accords in the former Yugoslavia.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“The European Union Joint Action on Anti- Personnel Land-Mines, adopted in May 1995, contained important elements on assistance in mine clearance. In addition, for the past three years we have introduced a resolution on assistance in mine clearance to the General Assembly. Last year's resolution was sponsored by 56 Member States and, like those of previous years, was adopted by consensus. The resolution sets out in clear and unambiguous terms the range of political and practical steps to be taken by the international community, but especially by afflicted countries, to carry out mine-clearance operations. The European Union and its member States have contributed significantly to mine-clearance efforts.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“The aftermath of mine deployment must continue to be given the utmost importance. Assistance in mine clearance and efficient and effective demining programmes, including the establishment of national mine-clearance capacities by afflicted countries, are issues to which the international community is devoting very significant human and financial resources. But much more remains to be done. It should not be forgotten that the primary responsibility for demining lies with the parties responsible for the laying of the mines. These are, of course, not always in a position to honour this obligation. The extent to which the United Nations will have to bear responsibility must depend on the capacity of the parties to take this obligation upon themselves. The European Union has been to the fore in initiatives in this matter.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“Schools can then be established to train local field staff in standardized mine clearance, survey, communications and paramedical skills, and to provide a source of feedback on local problems so that techniques can be improved. The European Union will study with interest the views which will be put forward by other speakers at today's important meeting. Where appropriate, we will support initiatives which will lead to a more effective integration of mine-clearance activities into the mandates of peace-keeping operations. Our objective should be to ensure that there is as much clarity and precision as possible given to the respective roles and functions of the various agencies of the United Nations system. The ideas that emerge from this debate could be further developed in the Special Committee on Peace-keeping Operations.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“This would be essential in responding to the need to open or establish vital infrastructure, thereby enabling the early resettlement of refugees and the recommencement of the process of economic rehabilitation and regeneration. It also applies to the implementation of mine awareness programmes at the local level, and it applies to the creation of in-country mine clearance training programmes. United Nations experience in mine clearance activities in many afflicted areas has shown that development of an indigenous demining capacity is the most successful way to tackle large scale mine clearance operations. The first step in this process is the production of a national de-mining plan and an organizational structure to put it into effect.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“Other steps should also be considered. These could include ensuring that when a peace-keeping mandate is being prepared, the responsibilities for mine clearance programmes of DPKO, DHA and the parties to the conflict are clearly defined, with more attention being given to timetables and the allocation of specific tasks from the very conception of the operation. It is important that the level of financing likely to be required is taken into account at the start of the operation. Due care should be taken in establishing the delineation within the United Nations system of responsibilities. This applies to the establishment of mine clearance priorities.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“The case of Cambodia provides just one example of this. We welcome therefore the increased importance which the relevance of demining in peace-keeping operations is being given within the United Nations Secretariat, and we strongly encourage the efforts being made to improve coordination between the relevant departments in this regard. Effective and timely coordination must be assured between the Department of Peace-keeping Operations (DPKO) and the Department of Humanitarian Affairs (DHA). Other relevant departments and agencies of the United Nations should also be closely involved. We also attach importance to this coordination being fully reflected in the field structures through the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General. Due regard should be given to the long-term responsibilities of DHA in demining activities.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“The States members of the European Union are collectively the largest contributor to peace-keeping operations in terms of personnel, as well as the largest contributor to the overall budget of peace-keeping operations. Members of the Union have participated in operations over the past 10 years in which the removal of land-mines and other types of mines have derived solely from the specific nature of the peace-keeping operation. It is valuable to consider the degree to which mine clearance activities have been adequately addressed in peace-keeping mandates. A particular concern is that the enormity of the mine clearance task and the costs attached to it have often resulted in the issue being inadequately addressed even where the seriousness and scale of the problem were well known to the United Nations from the outset.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“Given the responsibility of the Security Council for peace-keeping operations, debate here is timely on ways to deal more effectively with these problems in the context of peace-keeping operations and their mandates, which are of special concern to members of the Council and all troop contributors. The problem of land-mines has a threefold dimension: it is a grave humanitarian problem; it is and must be a disarmament priority; it is also a development problem. Only by tackling the problem in all its dimensions can the international community and the United Nations take decisive steps to address the terrible scourge of the indiscriminate use of land-mines.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“Even where peace- keeping operations are in force, parties to the conflict continue to lay mines, thereby increasing the risk to peace-keeping personnel, for whom mines often constitute the most significant danger. The human scale of the destruction is horrific, with, at times, more than 800 people, mostly civilians, being killed each month and thousands more being maimed. The European Union welcomes the decision by the Security Council to hold an open debate to consider the important issue of demining with particular reference to United Nations peace-keeping operations. The human and material costs associated with land-mines are a matter of increasing international concern. The subject is under ongoing consideration in the General Assembly.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“I am grateful for this opportunity to speak on behalf of the European Union. The following associated countries align themselves with this statement: Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia. Iceland has also aligned itself with this statement. Mines and the scale of human destruction which they cause are an issue on which public concern is growing around the world. Most recent estimates suggest that there are up to 110 million unexploded land-mines spread in almost 70 countries around the world. More alarming still is the number of new mines being laid every year: between 2 and 5 million.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“Only a comprehensive political settlement can guarantee the security of all and lay the foundations for economic and social development in the region. The European Union would welcome the adoption of this draft resolution today. It is a clear demonstration of the concern of the international community at the continuing stalemate in resolving this question and constitutes an urgent appeal to the parties for every effort to be made to resume early and conclusive negotiations.”
1996-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3680 (1996) · source
“In this regard, we welcome the steps which the Secretary-General has so far taken to arrange for the provision of mine-protected vehicles and some engineering support. The safety and freedom of movement of the peace- keeping personnel of UNOMIG and the CIS remain of paramount importance, and the fullest cooperation must be provided by all parties to allow them to carry out their mandate in a proper, safe and effective manner. The European Union looks forward to the resumption of negotiations between the Abkhaz authorities and the Government of Georgia. As the President of Georgia writes in his letter to you, Sir, we must not abandon the course of negotiations. It is only through such negotiations that a lasting solution can be brought to this conflict which has already caused too much human suffering.”
1996-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3680 (1996) · source
“We also support the work which the Russian Federation, in its capacity as facilitator, has undertaken to intensify the search for a peaceful settlement to this conflict. We should like to pay tribute to the OSCE, and we welcome the reference that has been made in the draft resolution before the Council today to their collective efforts in a search for a negotiated agreement. The laying of mines in the Gali region and the deaths which have been caused by them are utterly to be condemned. The consequent severe limitation on the capacity of UN OMIG to move freely in the area, together with the closure of the three team bases that have resulted, are totally unacceptable. The European Union urges the parties to take all necessary measures to prevent the laying of mines.”
1996-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3680 (1996) · source
“This attitude on the part of the Abkhaz authorities ignores two fundamental principles to which the European Union remains totally committed: first, full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders; and second, our refusal to allow the valuable work of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) and the Commonwealth of Independent States to be undermined by those determined to pursue their own goals without regard for the well-being of their own peoples. The European Union wishes to express its full support for the efforts which the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy, Ambassador Brunner, and his resident Deputy, Mr. Bota, have made to encourage the parties to move towards a political settlement which is both comprehensive and balanced.”
1996-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3680 (1996) · source
“The comprehensive report of the Secretary-General concerning the situation in Abkhazia, Georgia, shows very clearly that despite the very considerable efforts of the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), insufficient progress has been made in arriving at a mutually acceptable solution to the conflict. The European Union is especially disappointed that in spite of the very positive gestures which the Government of the Republic of Georgia has made in putting forward a framework for political compromise, no serious response from the other side has been made which would allow meaningful negotiations to take place.”
1996-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3680 (1996) · source