YouSaid · the spoken record

Chassoul

lines on the record: 52
first: 2002-05-20
most recent: 2004-12-14
sittings or episodes: 5
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

“This is why we join in the appeal that the High-level Panel addressed to the Council to commit itself to protecting civilians.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“All of this must be carried out with the greatest amount of transparency possible with a View to preserving the good reputation of the Organization and avoiding impunity. In short, we believe that it is indispensable for the Secretary-General to give a thorough revision of the norms that currently are governing the investigation of cases of sexual exploitation perpetrated by staff of the United Nations and associated staff. Protection of civilians in armed conflict is the most important activity that the United Nations can carry out. Unfortunately, as has been indicated by the High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change, this Security Council has not shown itself to be willing or able to protect civilians effectively.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“In no case should accused be permitted to use their official status in order to avoid justice, and the Organization should strip them of any immunity they may enjoy because of their status. When the accused have been transferred to their country of origin, the evidence should be provided to all States that have jurisdiction so that they may commence procedures to extradite. Troop-contributing countries must comply in prosecuting or extraditing any of their military staff who are accused of such criminal activity. The Security Council can assist in this connection by including the norm of ant dedere aat jadicare in all of its resolutions that establish peacekeeping operations. When the International Criminal Court has jurisdiction, the evidence should be transmitted to its Prosecutor.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“We believe that the Organization must set an example in combating impunity, and that it is imperative that the Secretary-General make public the results of the investigations. Unfortunately, the rules of confidentiality currently included in the Secretary- General's 9 October 2003 bulletin on sexual exploitation (ST/SGB/2003/l3) create an atmosphere of impunity. If there is evidence of criminal conduct, the staff involved must immediately be separated from service and all evidence must be made available to the competent authorities so that they can begin appropriate criminal proceedings with a view to facilitating criminal investigations. So far as possible, the individuals involved should be subject to the jurisdiction of the territory in which the events occurred, or to that of the victim's home country.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“However, we must express our serious concern about the worrisome accusations of sexual exploitation and abuse of women and children by staff affiliated with the United Nations. Unfortunately, if we are to believe the press reports, such criminal acts are occurring with increasing frequency in various peacekeeping operations, involve a large number of staff and military personnel and are truly becoming a systemic problem. If the accusations are true, the United Nations is losing its ability to serve and protect societies destroyed by war. Such grotesque acts, which are true crimes against humanity, fly in the face of the basic principals of our Organization and call for immediate action by Member States. We urge the Secretary-General to pursue and expand the investigations under way on sexual abuses in the field.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Similarly, it is necessary for parties to conflicts to strictly observe the provisions of the Geneva Conventions, their Additional Protocols and the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. Even more important, it is necessary to do away with trafficking in small arms and light weapons to groups or States in conflict. Such weapons and ammunition fuel armed conflict. We therefore think it is necessary to adopt a binding international instrument prohibiting the transfer of weapons to any non-State armed group or to any State which is violating human rights or international humanitarian law. United Nations personnel must take the lead in providing humanitarian assistance. We must recognize the heroic work of the many Blue Helmets and civilian staff who are making extraordinary efforts to help civilian populations.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“In fact, once the parties, rightly or wrongly, perceive humanitarian workers, or the Organization as a whole, as having taken sides, the safety of those workers is imperiled. In that connection, we believe that all humanitarian staff should follow the wise example of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Internationally, it is necessary to do away with impunity. Any attack against or clash with civilians constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law and is a war crime under customary international law and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Such criminal acts must be investigated and punished by the competent authorities. In that connection, we should emphasize the constructive role that the International Criminal Court can play.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“The presence of such groups not only diverts assistance intended for legitimate refugees, but also increases the risk of refugee camps becoming targets of armed attack. We believe that it is necessary to pay particular attention to child victims of armed conflicts, particularly child soldiers and children who have been victims of sexual violence. The reintegration, rehabilitation and education of minors is, in the long term, the best way to break the cycle of violence. Similarly, greater emphasis should be put on the disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration of combatants. At the same time, we must respect the impartiality and independence of humanitarian personnel with a view to guaranteeing their safety and security.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“The Security Council should request that the Secretariat provide monthly reports on the humanitarian needs of populations that are victims of armed conflict. Such reports must be specific, identifying real needs and flagging priorities; they must be comprehensive, covering all armed conflicts afflicting the world, even when they have not formally appeared on the agenda of the Security Council. Moreover, the international community must respond more effectively to the needs of refugees and internally displaced persons. It is not enough to meet the basic physical needs of refugees. Their safety and security must also be guaranteed. It is vital to ensure that refugee camps are not infiltrated by armed groups trying to recruit, politicize or militarize refugees.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“It is scandalous that, in this day and age, humanitarian personnel do not have access to more than 10 million people who urgently need basic foodstuffs, water, housing and vital medical care. It is also worrisome that in some 20 armed conflicts humanitarian access is denied or hampered to the neediest civilians. In that context, the United Nations and influential countries must urge parties to conflicts to permit humanitarian access. The Security Council should, if necessary, adopt compulsory measures within its powers to facilitate the distribution of such assistance. We think it is necessary to create a mechanism to keep forgotten crises on the political agenda of the international community, donor countries and the Security Council: crises that fail to attract the attention of Governments or of the international press.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“In all those cases, the action of the international community was weak, tardy and insufficient. The Security Council must take more decisive action to prevent armed conflicts and resolve conflicts rapidly and peacefully. The Council must seriously consider how to set up the machinery for rapid action, and the Secretariat must set up an effective early- warning system. Today's humanitarian crises could have been averted if the Council had been warned in time and if it had had the necessary political will. Likewise, it is indispensable for the Security Council and the United Nations as a whole, to implement the 10-point platform of action to protect civilians as presented by Mr. Egeland a year ago. In particular, it is indispensable to guarantee continuous humanitarian access to the most needy and vulnerable civilians.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“To massacres and extrajudicial killings, we must add sexual slavery, forced disappearances, recruitment of minors, deportation or transfer of populations, torture, rape and mutilation. Frequently, those crimes are part of a policy of genocide or a campaign of systematic violation of fundamental rights. Military operations frequently produce excessive collateral damage, including the bombing of defenceless towns, cities, hospitals and schools. We cannot forget the pictures of mutilated children in Liberia and Sierra Leone, the bombed towns in the Sudan and the extermination in Rwanda and Burundi. Nor can we forget the refugee camps in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or the destruction in Haiti. In those cases, it was the civilians who paid. And they continue to pay the price of armed conflict with their blood.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Mrs. Chassoul (Costa Rica) (spoke in Spanish): Permit me at the outset to congratulate you, Mr. President, on having convened this debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. The protection of civilians is essentially the raison d'etre of the Organization and of its efforts to preserve international peace and security. I should also like to thank Mr. Jan Egeland, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, for his valuable briefing at the beginning of this debate. Each and every one of us is being targeted. In 2001 alone, more than 16 billion units of ammunition were manufactured - that is more than 2 bullets for each person on the planet. Every minute of every day, a person is killed.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“We have accordingly proposed the creation of the post of United Nations high commissioner against counter-terrorism, with its own office, which would assist the Security Council, the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council. We believe that the new body should take over not only the activities now carried out by the Counter-Terrorism Committee and the 1267 Committee, but also the counter-terrorism activities of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the assistance, coordination and information work done within the Secretariat. In addition, that office should become a facilitator for coordination and cooperation among the various national agencies that are working to combat terrorism, such as the ministries of justice, the judicial agencies and the police forces of the various States Members of the United Nations.”
2004-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4976 (2004) · source
“The submission of lengthy and repetitive reports is a heavy burden for countries that are overwhelmed by increasingly detailed and lengthy questions. It is essential to establish better coordination among the various United Nations bodies responsible for counter- terrorism activities. As we indicated earlier, my delegation is convinced that combating terrorism should become a permanent activity of the United Nations. We believe that coordinating the international fight against terrorism should be entrusted to an independent, professional and permanent body located in the heart of the Organization's structure.”
2004-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4976 (2004) · source
“In keeping with the basic principles of human rights and due process, if it proves necessary to take measures against such individuals or their assets, the relevant judicial authorities must be provided with concrete evidence showing that the measures are justified. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, for example, has stated that if a person is arrested without such detention being ordered or supervised by the competent judicial authorities, there is a clear risk not only of that person's legal rights being undermined, but also of his or her physical safety being jeopardized. For that reason, we believe that a mechanism should be set up that will enable States to have ready access to relevant information. In this regard, the mechanisms already established by Interpol should be used.”
2004-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4976 (2004) · source
“The information provided is in some cases insufficient to identify with certainty the persons subject to coercive measures. For that reason, the Committee should provide States with more information, so as to enable them to clearly identify such persons. At the same time, confidentiality in the work of the Committee must be maintained, so as to prevent further information leaks that would erode Member States' trust in that body. In addition, in order to facilitate judicial and police cooperation, it is essential that there be sufficient substantiated evidence and open judicial investigations concerning each and every person who appears on the list.”
2004-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4976 (2004) · source
“As regards our experience in implementing resolution 1267 (1999) and subsequent resolutions, I would like to underscore that the implementation of these sanctions is a highly complex process and, accordingly, requires time in order to carry it out correctly. In Costa Rica, for example, implementation requires coordination among various public agencies, including the department of intelligence and security, the directorate-general on foreign immigration, the police force, and the offices of the superintendents- general of financial institutions, of securities and of pensions, as well as cooperation among all the country's public and private financial institutions. Moreover, the list of individuals subject to sanctions is difficult to work with.”
2004-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4976 (2004) · source
“For this reason, Costa Rica fully supports all measures that may be necessary, in keeping with international law, to dismantle the criminal Al Qaeda network and the Taliban. Fortunately, to date, no individual associated with Al Qaeda or the Taliban has been located on Costa Rican territory, and it has been determined that they do not possess assets in our country. Concerning the list presented in keeping with resolution 1526 (2004), I wish to stress the point that on 30 April the Government of Costa Rica presented the Chairman of the Committee with an exhaustive report on the measures my country has taken to implement sanctions against Al Qaeda and the Taliban; we hope that the report will be circulated as soon as possible as an official document of the Security Council.”
2004-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4976 (2004) · source
“Mrs. Chassoul (Costa Rica) (spoke in Spanish): Allow me to begin by thanking Ambassador Heraldo Munoz, Permanent Representative of Chile, for his briefing on the work of the sanctions Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) concerning Al Qaeda and the Taliban and for the list submitted pursuant to paragraph 23 of resolution 1526 (2004) (S/2004/349, annex II). Costa Rica has always been firmly committed to combating international terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. My country strongly endorses the measures adopted by the Security Council to bring to justice those responsible for committing and preparing terrorist acts and to prevent such criminal acts from being committed.”
2004-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4976 (2004) · source
“We believe that it is essential to preserve and to consolidate the achievements of that mission, in the fulfilment of the Security Council's own responsibilities towards international peace and security. The Rio Group vehemently calls on the Security Council to find a solution to the present impasse that respects the letter and the spirit of the Rome Statute and that ensures the effectiveness and the legitimacy of that body. We therefore call on the Security Council to bear in mind the desire of the entire international community to possess an effective and impartial instrument ensuring the punishment of the authors of the most serious crimes committed against humanity.”
2002-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4568 (2002) · source
“We are therefore concerned at any initiative attempting to substantially modify the provisions of the Statute by means of a Council resolution. To adopt this kind of proposal would exceed the competence of the Security Council and would have a serious impact on the Council's credibility and legitimacy. As well, the States members of the Rio Group cannot fail to express our great concern at the fact that the entire peacekeeping system might be jeopardized by an erroneous interpretation of the provisions of the Rome Statute. We are concerned at the fact that on 30 June the resolution to extend the mandate of the peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina was vetoed.”
2002-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4568 (2002) · source
“In our opinion, the proposal is completely without legal foundation because article 16 of the Rome Statute, invoked by the proposal's advocates, refers to an entirely different situation. We believe that the Rome Statute already provides the necessary safeguards for preventing a politicized or inappropriate use of the ICC. In this context, we support the Secretary-General's assessment of the proposal, as set out in his letter of 3 July of this year The States Members of the Rio Group cannot accept any erosion of the Rome Statute. We consider it essential to maintain the integrity of its provisions, and we note that any proposal for its modification must respect the established norms and procedures of general international law, of the law of treaties and of the Rome Statute itself.”
2002-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4568 (2002) · source
“Similarly, on 4 June, the General Assembly of the Organization of American States urged its member States "to participate in the meetings of the Preparatory Committee of the International Criminal Court, with a view to ensuring optimal Operating conditions for the Court once it is established, in the context of unwavering protection of the integrity of the Statute of Rome." (AG/RES. 1770 (MFG/01) para. 2). In this context, the member States of the Rio Group cannot fail to express their concern at the Security Council's consideration of the proposal to grant absolute immunity to the personnel of peacekeeping operations, in violation of the letter and the spirit of the Rome Statute.”
2002-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4568 (2002) · source
“The Rio Group welcomes the creation, and supports the prompt establishment of, the International Criminal Court (ICC) as an effective, independent and impartial judicial entity with the authority to judge crimes that violate the dignity of human beings. This past 12 April, our heads of State - gathered in San Jose, Costa Rica, where they took note of the entry into force of the Rome Statute - underlined the historic importance of the creation of the ICC and urged countries that had not acceded to or ratified the Statute to do so promptly.”
2002-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4568 (2002) · source
“Mrs. Chassoul (Costa Rica) (spoke in Spanish): I have the honour of addressing the Security Council on behalf of the 19 member countries of the Rio Group: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, the Dominion Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela and, of course, that of my own delegation, Costa Rica. Mr. President, we are pleased that you have convened this open debate to respond to a grave problem that brings into conflict the system of peacekeeping operations and the international community's resolve to create a permanent mechanism of criminal law.”
2002-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4568 (2002) · source
“African leaders are increasingly active in the prevention and resolution of the conflicts afflicting their continent at the same time as they are promoting the economic and social development of their peoples. The international community and the Security Council have the obligation to fully support them.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“That requires an ongoing and sustained effort by the African peoples themselves and by their leaders in order to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and of the rejection of violence. It is indispensable to ensure decent living conditions for all the continent's inhabitants to satisfy their basic needs, ensure respect for fundamental rights and enable them to resolve their differences democratically. What is needed is a firm policy of strengthening civil authorities and reducing spending on arms, redirecting military spending towards education, health, housing and social investment. Today we see positive signs of a better future for the people of Africa. We have witnessed the end of some armed conflicts, the strengthening of democratic institutions and growing respect for human rights and democratic legitimacy.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We believe that this function of the Special Representative should be institutionalized. However, we are aware that the task is hindered by a lack of coordination among the capitals and by the competition and rivalry among the various actors and organs. Special Representatives will be able to effectively coordinate international actions only when all the actors effectively recognize the primacy of the United Nations on the issue of conflict prevention and resolution and when those actors subordinate their narrow interests to the goals and strategies adopted by the Security Council. Considering the terrible consequences of armed conflicts for the peoples of Africa, we believe that those conflicts must be prevented before they break out.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“A possible solution to the coordination issue is the creation of groups of friendly countries. But that is an instrument that can be used only if the number of actors is small, if those actors possess a high degree of political commitment and if their interests generally converge. If those conditions do not exist, such a mechanism will not work. Furthermore, groups of friends should never replace the Security Council as the main centre for decision-making on behalf of the international community. Alternatively, increasing the authority of the Secretary-General's Special Representatives might solve some of the coordination problems. The most successful Special Representatives have been those who served as go-betweens among the countless international actors and who, in that fashion, were able to channel various efforts in the field.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The problem of the lack of coordination is not limited to the relations between the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council, but can be found in all endeavours of the international community in which various actors are attempting to prevent or resolve conflicts. We have sometimes seen how countries with influence on the parties, various international organizations, diverse groups of mediators, the United Nations and non-governmental organizations promote contradictory or redundant initiatives. In the area of emergency humanitarian assistance, one can find some projects with an excess of resources while others, equally important, are neglected. Those difficulties are aggravated by the duplication of mandates, competition for resources and influence and a multiplicity of political goals.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“If economic, technical and human resources are not allocated and if the indispensable political support is not forthcoming, peacekeeping in Africa cannot be effective. One cannot build peace if one does not tackle the underlying causes of conflicts. The development of democracy requires not only the establishment of electoral mechanisms but also a long process of cultivating a democratic culture. Sustainable development is impossible if the necessary resources are not provided for economic development, poverty alleviation and unemployment and without access to international markets. Social development requires the inclusion of human rights as a guiding principle of national policy. The task is enormous and requires the firm and resolute support of the entire international community.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“They should then decide what improvements to the existing instruments and mechanisms are required. In essence, what is required is a period of serious reflection, long-term vision, constructive criticism and genuine joint efforts. We believe that a series of periodic seminars or retreats, bringing together representatives of the States members of both organs and the Secretariat would be a first step in that direction. We should not delude ourselves by thinking that greater coordination between the two organs will automatically improve the effectiveness of the United Nations in promoting peace and development in Africa. The real problem is not a lack of coordination but a lack of resources and a lack of clear goals and concrete mandates.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“In order to develop true synergy between the efforts of the Economic and Social Council and the Security Council, their activities must be coordinated from the very moment when they are first developed and proposed. A common and detailed strategy must be crafted within which the activities of the two organs will coincide and complement each other. Decisions cannot continue to be adopted in isolation. We must create a framework within which members of the two organs can jointly assess the situation in Africa in all its aspects and can together design a common strategy in response. Further, the members of the Security Council and of the Economic and Social Council should jointly, with representatives of the Secretariat, evaluate the activities that the two organs are already carrying out in Africa.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“That is why it would be desirable to increase the level of cooperation and coordination between the two organs, thereby effectively implementing Article 65 of the Charter. The question is, therefore, how to enhance that interrelationship. In recent years, various initiatives have been undertaken to allow some members of the Economic and Social Council to attend meetings of the Security Council and vice versa. Last year, a plenary meeting of the two organs on an equal footing was unsuccessfully mooted. Were those proposals to be implemented, they would improve communication between the two organs, although they would not, per se, guarantee better coordination of their operational activities. Regrettably, the mere exchange of information or coordination of independently developed activities is insufficient.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The Security Council has a mandate to maintain international peace and security in the face of political and legal disputes and armed threats to peace. The Economic and Social Council, however, is mandated to promote economic and social development and universal respect for human rights. To the extent that each organ carries out its respective tasks in full, their efforts will reinforce each other and bear optimal fruit. If economic and social development and full respect for human rights are not achieved, however, a lasting peace will not be achieved in Africa. At the same time, while armed conflict persists, it will be impossible to achieve true economic and social development on the continent.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“It should promote the dissemination and deepening of democracy in all spheres of society. It is necessary in parallel to ensure that the democratic process is not distorted or corrupted by leaders who foment discord in order to promote their private ambitions at the expense of the well-being of the community. As regards coordination between the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council, we feel that it is essential to improve the activities of each organ in conflict prevention and resolution on the African continent. Their respective mandates press them to adopt specific measures and recommendations to improve the political, economic, social and military situations of the continent. Nonetheless, we must not forget that those two bodies have clearly distinct attributions and competencies.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Moreover, assistance in and monitoring of electoral processes should not be confined solely to the first series of elections in a post-conflict period, but should extend throughout the period of democratic consolidation. Holding one election does not indicate a return to normalcy; on the contrary, it is only the first step towards a democratic existence. Unfortunately, the international community often considers that its work is done once the first elections are over. Experience has shown that this conclusion is wrong. We believe that the United Nations should provide assistance to consolidate democracy on an ongoing basis. Our Organization should promote both the strengthening of social and political mechanisms that promote free competition through periodic elections, as well as transparent, responsible and open governance.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Its experience in this field is considerable, ranging from the provision of security for electoral centres to the preparation of electoral roles. Secondly, the United Nations can cooperate in demilitarizing the electoral process in order to avert fraud, voter intimidation and violence during the voting process. To that end, it is necessary to demobilize and disarm ex- combatants. Thirdly, the Organization can help political leaders to respect the outcome of the electoral process. To that end, it is essential to create institutional mechanisms to guarantee the legitimacy of elections and to provide peaceful resolutions of ideological, political and economic differences. These tasks require careful preparation and implementation. United Nations involvement during the transitional period is crucial in this respect.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Democracy cannot be built in a day. The existence of electoral mechanisms does not guarantee the existence of genuine democracy, which is a long-term and continuous process, requiring ongoing efforts of coordination and concertation, respect for the will of the majority and for the rights of minorities, understanding and negotiation. Genuine democracy exists only within a flourishing culture of mutual respect and when there is general acceptance of both the existence of common principles and objectives and of legitimate differences of opinion and legal avenues for dissent. The United Nations can cooperate in holding clean and fair elections in post-conflict situation in three different ways. First, the Organization can cooperate directly in the preparation and holding of elections.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We are also grateful for the 13 May letter of Ambassadors Mahbubani and Koonjul, setting out clear guidelines for this debate. That useful document, which has helped us to focus our statements and to define the contents of the debate, is a sound precedent that should be maintained. Costa Rica fully supports United Nations monitoring of electoral processes in Africa. We recognize that this activity has facilitated the peaceful settlement of various conflicts, not only in Africa, but also on all the continents. Suffice it to recall the examples of El Salvador, Cambodia, Kosovo and the Central African Republic, where the United Nations played an indispensable role in preparing and coordinating elections held following the end of the respective armed conflicts. We must, however, be realistic about this task.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Mrs. Chassoul (Costa Rica) (spoke in Spanish): Allow me to start by congratulating you, Sir, on your well-deserved presidency of the Council for the month of May. Costa Rica admires the work carried out by Singapore over the past 18 months as a non-permanent member of this organ. We have noted Ambassador Mahbubani's leadership and the constructive and critical role played by his delegation. We believe that his work clearly demonstrates the importance of the presence within this organ of smaller countries in guaranteeing its effectiveness and legitimacy. We welcome the convening of this interactive meeting on the work of the ad hoc Working Group on Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa as an opportunity to have a candid exchange of views with its Chairman, Ambassador Jagdish Koonjul, and the other members of the Security Council.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We believe that the Security Council, UNTAET, UNMISET and the other multilateral collective security mechanisms are the real guarantors of the independence of East Timor. The new nation consequently does not need armed forces to feel secure. We would have preferred the Security Council to discourage the creation of the Defence Force and resolutely to promote the creation of a culture of peace in East Timor. We therefore invite the new Government of East Timor to abolish its Defence Force and courageously to allocate the largest possible sum of resources to the economic and social development of its people.”
2002-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4537 (2002) · source
“Developing countries that are truly committed to the well-being of their people cannot afford to waste scarce resources on armies or weapons. On the contrary, we need to devote our meagre resources to economic development, social justice and democratic institution-building. Furthermore, the existence of armies has harmful political and social effects. Unfortunately, armed forces are frequently sources of tension, repression and violations of democratic principles. They exacerbate conflicts, promote the arms race and make it difficult to resolve disputes peacefully. Many armies violate human rights and radicalize various sectors of society. In this context, Costa Rica notes the creation of the East Timor Defence Force. My country would have preferred to see the birth of East Timor as an independent nation without an army.”
2002-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4537 (2002) · source
“The Timorese people can henceforth rely on the fraternal friendship and firm solidarity of the people of Costa Rica. As I said in my statement on behalf of the Rio Group, the tasks of economic development and the consolidation of the political system confronting the new Government are enormous. Regrettably, the resources available, both at the local and international levels, are limited and insufficient. The new Government will have to wisely design its development priorities and the corresponding budgetary allocations. Like East Timor, Costa Rica is a small developing country, and it has therefore confronted similar challenges. More than 50 years ago, our country discovered that the resources devoted to defence were a heavy burden on our national economy and that this limited our possibilities for progress.”
2002-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4537 (2002) · source
“The independence of East Timor is an example of the success and effectiveness of the work of the United Nations when it is backed by the resources and political support of all its Members. Today is a joyful day not only for East Timor but also for the entire international community. We hope that it will soon be possible to celebrate the admission of East Timor to the United Nations as one more Member State. This concludes my statement on behalf of the States members of the Rio Group. My next comments will be made in my national capacity on behalf of Costa Rica. The people and the Government of Costa Rica wish to convey sincerest congratulations to the people and the Government of East Timor on the occasion of their independence.”
2002-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4537 (2002) · source
“The Rio Group supports the mandate of the new Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET), which is aimed at ensuring the stability and viability of the new political and administrative structures, the training of the Police Service, the administration ofjustice and security of the population. We welcome the appointment of Ambassador Kamalesh Sharma to head the Mission. In the medium term, East Timor needs a strong flow of investment and development assistance with a view to ensuring the economic viability and political stability of the new State. During the second stage, focusing on the economic development of East Timor, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Economic and Social Council must play a fundamental role in coordinating the work of the international community.”
2002-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4537 (2002) · source
“Sergio Vieira de Mello, in the preparation of East Timor's independence, the holding of the first elections, the drafting of the new constitution and the creation of the new nation's basic administrative and political structures. We hope that the lessons learned in this effort at peace-building will be effectively incorporated in the practice of the Security Council. Nonetheless, the task is not over. The international community must continue to support the Government and the people of East Timor. In the short term, East Timor needs the political, military and financial support of the United Nations, the Bretton Woods institutions and the international community in general.”
2002-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4537 (2002) · source
“Among these tasks, the Rio Group attaches highest priority to that of consolidating, preserving and promoting democracy and human rights in East Timor, since these are the indispensable prerequisite for ensuring justice, equity, freedom, peace and sustainable development for all the people. At the same time, the new authorities must emphasize the development and implementation of education, health, housing and poverty-reduction programmes. The countries members of the Rio Group appreciate the excellent work of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) and the work of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr.”
2002-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4537 (2002) · source
“We know that the task confronting the new Government of East Timor is enormous: to rebuild its economy and society following the tragic events that occurred at the end of 1999; to consolidate a democratic system that is respectful of human rights; to create effective administrative and judicial institutions; to coordinate the development efforts and the administration of the natural resources of the new nation; to develop existing human resources and to strengthen them through education and health programmes; and to be effectively integrated into the international community.”
2002-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4537 (2002) · source