YouSaid · the spoken record

Cheok

lines on the record
15
first
2006-05-05
most recent
2008-08-27
sittings or episodes
3
sources
un-security-council

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  1. “If an analytical report is not possible, perhaps we could consider a more free-flowing debate on the Council's role over the preceding year. An open debate could be organized in the Security Council to take stock and receive feedback. Member States could make statements on what they considered to have been triumphs and shortcomings. Council members could also give their views. That might expose the Security Council to some criticism, but I think it would also lead to some praise. Ultimately, that is what feedback is about. And if we all behave constructively, this can only increase the sense of buy-in on the part of States that are non-members of the Council, because they will have had a chance to express their views. Ultimately, we all need to work together to improve the Security Council's working methods.”

    2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968Resumption1 (2008) · source

  2. “I realize that there is sometimes a trade-off between access and efficiency in decision- making, but making informal consultations off limits to all but Council members seems a bit rigid. For example, would Council members not benefit from having the main protagonists on any issue provide their views and even answer questions in informal consultations from time to time? This need not interfere with Council decision-making, because invited countries could be asked to leave before the Council begins its deliberations. Finally, we have asked repeatedly for a more analytical annual report. But, that is seldom achieved, because, understandably, it is difficult to square the viewpoints of 15 Council members.”

    2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968Resumption1 (2008) · source

  3. “There remain questions of access, many of which have been referred to by previous speakers this morning and this afternoon. States that are primary protagonists on various issues addressed by the Security Council do not always have the opportunity to speak and express their points of View in Council meetings. And even when it is decided that meetings will be open, those decisions often come so late that States are unable to prepare properly to make substantive contributions to the debate. Perhaps one suggestion would be to establish an agreed time frame for concluding negotiations on the format - ideally, 48 hours before the debate - in order to give involved States the opportunity to prepare. Questions about access also extend to informal consultations, to which you yourself, Mr. President, previously alluded.”

    2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968Resumption1 (2008) · source

  4. “We recognize the Council's crucial role and its grave responsibilities. We also see that the Council has made many positive changes in its working methods, and we are very grateful for that. We can only commend the successive Chairs of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions - Japan, Slovakia and Panama - for their tireless efforts in that regard. The note by the President of the Security Council (S/2006/507) is another example of the Council's engagement on the issue of working methods. But the question is whether the reforms are sufficient and whether they are institutionalized to the point where there can be no backsliding. Naturally, we in the 8-5 group feel that the Security Council could go further.”

    2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968Resumption1 (2008) · source

  5. “I too would like to express appreciation to you, Mr. President, for the convening of this open debate in the Security Council. There is always some sensitivity when it comes to discussing the Council's working methods, so we are especially grateful to you for this opportunity. Obviously, my delegation also aligns itself with the statement made by the representative of Switzerland on behalf of the group of five small countries - the 8-5 group. That said, I would like to make some additional comments that focus primarily on the question of access. Let me begin by stressing that the 8-5 should not be seen as an adversary. The group's aim is not to grandstand or to undermine the Council; it is the opposite. It is about trying to make the Security Council more consultative and consistent, so as to get more buy-in from non-members.”

    2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968Resumption1 (2008) · source

  6. “We need to help it to put conditions in place to allow for its development as a stable and cohesive nation. In tandem, we need to assist with capacity-building for its institutions and its people. The Secretary-General's report correctly states that this will be a long-term commitment. The United Nations has been at the core of those efforts since Timor-Leste's independence. It will remain at the core of those efforts for the next few years. We should remain committed. If we get this right, we can all look forward to a brighter future for Timor-Leste.”

    2006-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5512 (2006) · source

  7. “To a large degree, institutional failures in the National Police Force of Timor-Leste and in the Armed Forces of Timor-Leste were at the core of this crisis; they need to be rebuilt. Moreover, there is a need for political reconciliation. Timor-Leste will also need electoral support in the run- up to and during the 2007 elections. Timor-Leste is in a transitional phase, and having both a large United Nations police presence and a smaller military component is essential. Those two components will contribute to the restoration of stability and law and order until the Timorese themselves are ready to fully reassume those roles. Albert Einstein once said, "I never think of the future. It comes soon enough." Let me be a bit presumptuous and disagree. We need to think about Timor-Leste's future.”

    2006-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5512 (2006) · source

  8. “If those are the views of Timor- Leste's leaders, then we should listen. The people of Timor-Leste are the ultimate stakeholders in this exercise. Nation-building is a delicate process. Timor- Leste's troubles are a vivid reminder that reverses are possible, but that is no reason for discouragement. We should take setbacks in our stride, as rarely has there been a case of absolutely smooth sailing in nation- building. Indeed, this is motivation for us to stay the course and ensure success in the face of difficulty. The Secretary-General's report rightfully identified priority areas. Ensuring security and stability is crucial. Here, we must thank Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and Portugal for their superb efforts. Security-sector reform is also key.”

    2006-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5512 (2006) · source

  9. “Martin and his team consulted a broad cross section of Timorese society and international stakeholders. It is clear that their observations and analysis contributed greatly to the quality of the report. This is not just about the United Nations; Timor- Leste's leaders have also spoken. In a letter dated 4 August 2006, Prime Minister Jose Ramos-Horta said that "a robust police, military and civilian element is indispensable to our hard-won peace and freedom. There is a consensus among all stakeholders that the situation in Timor-Leste requires the establishment of a United Nations multidimensional and integrated peacekeeping mission" (5/2006/620, annex). He also spoke of a strong civilian component, a police force of considerable strength and a small military force that would all be under the command and control of the United Nations.”

    2006-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5512 (2006) · source

  10. “We express our appreciation to Special Envoy Ian Martin for his briefing and congratulate Foreign Minister Guterres. It is good to see him again. Timor-Leste is in a time of need. The international community has responded to such need before. In 1999, the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor was established; it was followed by the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor and, recently, by the United Nations Office in Timor-Leste. The question is, of course: What happens next? It is our view that the Secretary-General's report provides the answer. It is an insightful and comprehensive piece with sensible recommendations. It was not conceived in a vacuum; it was based on the assessment mission led by Special Envoy Ian Martin. Mr.”

    2006-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5512 (2006) · source

  11. “Well, this is an opportunity for us to remain engaged and help ensure that Timor-Leste is a continued success. If the circumstances warrant it, Timor-Leste could even be included in the Peacebuilding Commission's agenda so that it can be supported beyond the next 12 months.”

    2006-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5432 (2006) · source

  12. “In turn, the Secretary-General has proposed a small integrated United Nations office that would address the areas where help is needed. We urge the Security Council to support that recommendation. It is a realistic proposal that takes into account Timor-Leste's needs and current conditions. It is not a blind continuation of a mandate. It is the convergence between a new nation that wants follow-up help in its nation-building and an international community that can provide that assistance. This is about commitment. We should not jeopardize what we have all achieved so far in Timor- Leste. Were we to do so, the phrase "penny wise, pound foolish" would come to mind, especially given statistics showing how easily societies that have experienced civil strife can return to those situations. We all speak of successful peacebuilding.”

    2006-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5432 (2006) · source

  13. “Timor-Leste will require electoral, organizational and security-related advice prior to the elections. The Secretary-General's report also mentions other areas where the United Nations can still help in capacity- building. These include defence, the police, border control, the legal system, finance and development planning. Indeed, while commending Timor-Leste for its "impressive progress" (S/2006/251, para. 50), the report adds that "many of the country's institutions are at a nascent stage and will require the continued assistance and support of the international community" (Ibid.). Timor-Leste's leaders seem to share those views. They have asked for a continued United Nations presence after the completion of UNOTIL's mandate. Today, the Council has been privileged to hear a first- hand assessment from Mr. Ramos-Horta.”

    2006-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5432 (2006) · source

  14. “The United Nations has been invaluable. This commitment has underpinned Timor-Leste's progress. But, while Timor-Leste's development has been impressive, we need to stay the course. As a State that also had independence rather suddenly thrust upon it, Singapore knows that nation-building is a fragile thing, a delicate thing where nothing is irreversible, especially in the formative years. That is not a cliche. The Secretary-General's report makes reference to the fragile security situation. As we all know, recently there were demonstrations in Dili involving Timorese armed forces personnel and others. Senior Minister Ramos-Horta and Mr. Hasegawa have given us insightful and detailed briefings on the current conditions. In addition, the first parliamentary and presidential elections are scheduled for next year.”

    2006-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5432 (2006) · source

  15. “Allow me to begin by thanking the Secretary-General for his recent progress report (S/2006/251) on the United Nations Office in Timor-Leste (UNOTIL). I would like to commend UNOTIL and to hail the leadership of Mr. Sukehiro Hasegawa, Special Representative of the Secretary- General. Their work has been exemplary. It is often said that successful endeavours have many parents, while failed ones are orphans. In this context, I am glad to note that Timor-Leste has a large family. Since Timor-Leste attained full independence, its story has been one of determination in the face of adversity, perseverance and success. The Timorese have worked hard to create the conditions for a viable State. Their neighbours have shown foresight and magnanimity. The international community has been generous with its assistance and its support.”

    2006-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5432 (2006) · source