YouSaid · the spoken record

Chowdhury

lines on the record: 1,172
first: 1997-03-06
most recent: 2009-08-07
sittings or episodes: 146
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 morning, we heard the Secretary- General's Representative underline how reconstruction and reconciliation efforts could be at risk because of resource constraints. We remain concerned, learning from the Secretary-General's report that much of the recent release of the World Bank's credit will be consumed by further debt-servicing. We believe that the Central African Republic should be considered for debt relief as soon as possible. Bangladesh would support the Secretary- General's call to the donors in that vein to assist the Central African Government to meet the multifarious challenges on a stronger footing. This will have an important impact on the country's overall economic stability.”
2001-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4261 (2001) · source
“In the country's current economic situation, this is likely to have a spiralling effect on the social situation. The Secretary-General has underlined that the resentment might intensify. In that regard, we appreciate the Government's recent announcement to pay part ofthe arrears ofthe civil servants. We strongly encourage the Government to continue its efforts in that direction. Fourthly and finally, let us turn to the role of the international community. Following last May's meeting, we expected bilateral and multilateral donors and the multilateral financial institutions to support the Central African Government in a much more robust manner. Although the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have recently released some financial resources, the bulk of the commitments remains unfulfilled.”
2001-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4261 (2001) · source
“We would encourage the Government to initiate dialogue. In that respect, we would urge the Representative ofthe Secretary-General to use his good offices to focus on this aspect. Secondly, as to human rights, while we are happy to see a diminishing of summary executions, we are equally concerned at the "neighbourhood justice" that is alarmingly taking over in the Central African Republic. The Secretary-General in his report has portrayed a worrisome human rights situation in various dimensions. This is another area where we would once again ask for the urgent attention of the Secretary-General's Representative, in consultation with the Government ofthe Central African Republic. Thirdly, we are particularly concerned at the long-unpaid arrears of civil servants and the resulting discontent.”
2001-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4261 (2001) · source
“The last time the Council considered the situation in the Republic was in July. At that time, my delegation committed its total support for the important role BONUCA had been playing. Later in the meeting, we shall have the pleasure to listen to the Central African Republic Minister for the Promotion of Civic Responsibility. We look forward to hearing his perspective on the situation in his country. Since the institution of the United Nations Peace- building Support Office in the Central African Republic, we have seen some progress in achieving peace and stability in the country. However, we still find a number of concerns prevailing on the ground. First, as to the absence of national reconciliation, it is important that the Government and the opposition get into dialogue to consolidate peace and national reconciliation.”
2001-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4261 (2001) · source
“We thank the Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Peace-building Support Office in the Central African Republic (BONUCA), Cheikh Tidiane Sy; World Bank Vice-President Mats Karlsson; and the Acting Deputy Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa of the United Nations Development Programme, Frederick Lyons, for their briefings. Bangladesh warmly welcomes the presence among us of The Honourable Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation of Mauritius, and we thank him for his very important statement. We should like to offer particular words of appreciation to Mr. Sy and his team on the ground for their tireless efforts towards securing peace and supporting institution-building in the Central African Republic.”
2001-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4261 (2001) · source
“The momentum he has build up in our combat against HIV/AIDS will be remembered as one of his lasting legacies during the period we have found him as our colleague and friend at the United Nations. Today is the final day for Ambassador Holbrooke in his office as the United States representative to the United Nations. I would like to applaud him, as the representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations as well as on my own personal behalf, for the brilliant and substantive contributions he has made during his short tenure at the United Nations. His vision, his commendable initiatives and his outstanding leadership will be remembered by all of us long after he is gone, and what a remarkable farewell speech he made to us today. We will miss you, Richard.”
2001-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4259 (2001) · source
“In each peacekeeping resolution adopted by the Council, there is now a reference to the need to train peacekeepers in HIV/AIDS. Bangladesh, as a major troop-contributing country, has initiated practical education and awareness-raising in the training of our peacekeeping troops. In this context, Bangladesh also recognizes the wide-ranging measures taken by the United Nations Secretariat, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) in particular, to effectively implement the Council's decisions. We very much appreciate the statement made by Under- Secretary-General Guehenno at the beginning of our meeting. In conclusion, I pay tribute to Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, whose vision and persistence has re-energized the United Nations in its fight against one of the gravest threats that humankind faces today.”
2001-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4259 (2001) · source
“These include the public and the private sector and the communities. Fourth, the scientific community should receive full support to speed up its work to develop effective vaccines. Fifth, effective treatment should be made available to people at costs that affected societies can afford. Finally, and most importantly, adequate resources must be made available to fight the epidemic, to develop preventive measures and to mitigate the harm already done. We will have an opportunity to build a formidable alliance against the epidemic through our collective commitment and action in the upcoming special session of the General Assembly. Our meeting in the Council today will undoubtedly give the world a strong signal of support and show our determination in standing together against a common enemy of humanity.”
2001-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4259 (2001) · source
“Success stories from 20 different countries, encompassing a wide variety of economic, social and geographic backgrounds, show how effective strategies can considerably reduce HIV infection rates. We believe that a number of elements must be pursued with earnestness to spread this success around the globe. First, the ongoing global efforts need strengthening. The special session of the General Assembly on HIV/AIDS this June is expected to forge a new global partnership in our fight against HIV/AIDS. Second, our approach needs to be holistic and multisectoral. AIDS is not only a health problem; its impact crosses all levels of society. Combined response involving all aspects of social, educational, welfare and economic planning is needed. Third, new and sustained partnerships of the key stakeholders must be built.”
2001-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4259 (2001) · source
“The challenge may be staggering, but humanity has not remained silent with inaction. The fight against HIV/AIDS may be difficult and prolonged, but we have not given up. Scores of leaders in the Millennium Summit referred to the terrible death and destruction that AIDS had been bringing to people, and pledged to act firmly. The scourge may be spreading, but there are examples of success where an explosive epidemic was reined in. This is encouraging. A new report jointly issued by six United Nations agencies last December emphasises that "AIDS epidemics are not inevitable." An estimated 3 million people have died in the year 2000, but the report argues against accepting the inevitability of a worsening of the AIDS scenario.”
2001-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4259 (2001) · source
“It threatens to destroy the economies of highly affected countries and to wipe out a generation of young people. The developing countries are already home to 90 per cent of its victims. We have had the opportunity to discuss the seriousness of the threat at our meetings last January and July. The special relationship between poverty and AIDS came out quite strongly. The Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Dr. Peter Piot, is present here today, for a third, very useful interaction with the Council. Before I quote his words, I would like to convey to him our appreciation for the important statement he made today. Now I quote him. "AIDS creates poverty, AIDS deepens poverty, and AIDS makes poverty harder to escape from." AIDS and poverty work together in a destabilizing, destructive alliance.”
2001-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4259 (2001) · source
“In Council resolution 1308 (2000), we stressed that HIV/AIDS, if unchecked, may pose a risk to stability and security. As the ramifications of HIV/AIDS extend into the very fabric of society, its long-term social and economic impact is grim. Due to its global reach, the implications for peace and security are ominous. Africa is the most affected, but no one region or country is immune. AIDS has the potential to spread like wildfire, particularly in the developing parts of the world, if we fail to contain it in a holistic manner. HIV causes AIDS, but it is social factors, such as poverty, that are a major force behind its spread. Patterns of behaviour- fed by ignorance, misinformation and social stigmatization - have led to a disease so widespread that it has left millions of breadwinners dead and their children orphaned.”
2001-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4259 (2001) · source
“Just over a year ago, last January, during the United States presidency of the Security Council, the issue of HIV/AIDS was first introduced into the Council's agenda. Ambassador Holbrooke pioneered a significant and far-reaching initiative in establishing the need for discussing, in this forum, non-traditional threats to international peace and security. We are aware of the difficulties he faced initially in breaking this new ground, but his persistence and effective reasoning prevailed. During our subsequent deliberations, we realized how useful the Council debate and the action thereafter were for the international community as a whole. It is therefore fitting - as you have said, Mr. President - that we are discussing the issue of HIV/AIDS in the Council, with the participation of Ambassador Holbrooke, on his last day in office.”
2001-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4259 (2001) · source
“It is particularly so when the hangover from the past contributes little to the transition into a modern society. We should give the Kosovars at least some time before inferring that progress is not fast enough. During all that time, they need our constant support and encouragement. We wish the new Special Representative all success in his onerous undertaking of leading the United Nations Mission to a successful conclusion.”
2001-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4258 (2001) · source
“It must take into account the essential inputs for a well-functioning economy, including housing, utilities and employment. While there is an ongoing effort to address the immediate needs, investment must at the same time be made to lay the foundations for a long-term solution. Before concluding, I would like to thank Under- Secretary-General Guehenno for briefing the Council on the situation arising from reported depleted uranium contamination in Kosovo. It will be our responsibility to keep the matter under close watch. Kosovo has come a long way in a relatively short span of time, from a war-ravaged inter-ethnic hotbed to a society with cautious optimism for a peaceful future. The task of building a self-governing society from the ruins of war is enormous.”
2001-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4258 (2001) · source
“We expect a comprehensive solution to the missing and the detained, rather than intervention in individual cases, which would take a long time. The prospect has significantly brightened with the establishment of democratic government in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. It is unfortunate that we have yet to see any breakthrough in this regard, in this politically sensitive and at the same time humanitarian issue. We would urge the Kostunica Government to take urgent initiatives in this regard. We would like to hear a report on the outcome of the mandate of Ambassador Amneus. Sixthly, there is the matter of development and reconstruction. The effort to construct a vibrant, market-oriented economy in Kosovo with a view to building institutions for eventual integration with the rest of Europe should continue.”
2001-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4258 (2001) · source
“It is necessary at this point to enhance the facilities necessary to handle large-scale returns. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has a special role to play. The fifth priority is missing persons and detainees. The uncertainty regarding the fate of the missing persons remains a matter of great anxiety and torment for various ethnic communities in Kosovo. This continues to be a major source of tension in inter- ethnic relations and an obstacle to the return to normalcy. We welcomed the decision to appoint Ambassador Henrik Amneus as Special Envoy, as his mandate covers all persons deprived of liberty, including prisoners, detainees and missing persons in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.”
2001-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4258 (2001) · source
“Participation by all the population of Kosovo, all ethnic groups, is important. Third is the judiciary. A greater level of judicial activity has been seen, particularly recently, with the increase in the number of persons and material resources. The addition of about a dozen international judges, seized mainly with war crimes and ethnically related crimes, has contributed to significant improvement in the area. An effective judiciary is, needless to say, important for establishment of the rule of law. Fourth is the issue of refugee return. The return of nearly a million refugees from June 1999 to date, both spontaneously and through organized efforts, is a great success. Although the rate of return was expected to fall in winter, it is conceivable that the flow will go up with the approach of spring.”
2001-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4258 (2001) · source
“Careful attention should be given to ensure arrangements that will make all people feel safe. With the number of police now approaching the target level, and with much better functional administration, there is now a brighter prospect that an end can be brought to violence. Second is the matter of elections. One of the remarkable achievements in Kosovo was the holding of municipal elections last October. The process demonstrated the desire to exercise democratic rights and move towards self-governance. The outcome also points to how the majority of the people view their future. It was reassuring for the world to see that the Kosovars inclined towards the moderate leadership and their aspiration to live in peace. The logical next step would be to hold Kosovo-wide general elections.”
2001-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4258 (2001) · source
“His predecessor has left behind a firm foundation on which to build. Still, the task ahead is huge and by no means an easy one. We are convinced that with his experience, wisdom and dedication, the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General will give the United Nations Mission in Kosovo new dynamism. I will mention some of the immediate priorities that the new Special Representative will need to focus on. The first is curbing violence. That will be one of the main issues on his agenda. Violence and killing must stop, irrespective of the ethnicity of the population. It is true that the ethnic hatred is now scaled down substantially, compared to a year before. But it is still smouldering. Wounds are raw, and untoward incidents could easily flare up and quickly get out of control.”
2001-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4258 (2001) · source
“I thank Under- Secretary-General Guehenno for his elaborate briefing on the situation in Kosovo. Last week Mr. Kouchner handed over his charge as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General. That concluded his 18-month-long responsibility in one of the most difficult areas where the United Nations is involved in peacekeeping, with the added responsibility of governance. In this year and a half, Mr. Kouchner was able to reach out to the victims of a damaged and divided society with courage, compassion and urgency. That was critical in addressing the priorities of a population devastated by war. We heartily welcome Mr. Hans Haekkerup as the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Kosovo and as the head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).”
2001-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4258 (2001) · source
“Bangladesh has proposed that the permanent members contribute 5 per cent of the troops of all peacekeeping missions, thereby showing that they intend to live up to their Charter responsibility. Consultation cannot be meaningful unless there is real partnership. Procedural refinements, as we said before, cannot resolve the substantive problem of the commitment gap. We see Council-TCC-Secretariat consultation as part of a continuous exercise in the decision-making process on United Nations peacekeeping operations. Better consultation mechanisms involving TCCs at different stages of Council decisions on peacekeeping missions would certainly provide the key to avoiding some of the difficulties experienced in the recent past. The lessons learned should guide us through our future actions.”
2001-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4257Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Secretariat support for keeping a record of such meetings should be made available as necessary. Fifthly and finally, we should provide peace operations, where necessary, with contingency arrangements. We feel that missions in volatile situations should, from the beginning, have a contingency plan with the necessary provisions and facilities. This last point brings me to the question of the gap in troop commitment. This constitutes a major concern for many countries, including potential troop contributors. As recognized in resolution 1327 (2000), addressing this problem will require the assumption of this shared responsibility by all Member States. Members of the Council, in particular the permanent members, cannot shy away from assuming their own.”
2001-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4257Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We would favour the inclusion of this proposal in a presidential statement that the Council could adopt as a follow-up to this debate. Thirdly, we should recognize TCCs as concerned parties in respect of a given conflict area with regard to the issues, including the question of calling for a Council meeting. Fourthly, let me touch on Council follow-up of the consultations with the TCCs. Under the existing practice, the President is required to give to the Council, in the course of informal consultations, a summary of the views expressed at each meeting with the TCCs. Council Presidents have been making only brief references to such meetings. We believe that there is room for more substantive discussion in the Council on the content of such meetings.”
2001-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4257Resumption1 (2001) · source
“In addition, many TCCs feel that, if need be, the Secretariat should share briefing notes informally with them. Secondly, Council-TCC-Secretariat consultations should be in a format that allows for the free exchange of views in a truly interactive manner. It should continue to be possible for the TCCs to exchange views with the Council through its President. Many TCCs at the meeting this morning favoured the setting up of a practical and worthwhile mechanism for consultation between the TCCs and the Security Council, in line with the Brahimi Panel recommendations. We believe that there is a lot of merit in the proposal to set up an ad hoc subsidiary organ of the Council for effective participation of the TCCs in the decision-making process of the Council.”
2001-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4257Resumption1 (2001) · source
“First, the substantive content and nature of the Secretariat briefing must be in line with the letter and spirit of Council resolution 1327 (2000). The Secretariat should go beyond generally available information and analysis of situations. The TCCs should be taken into confidence. Political briefings should include a frank assessment of the developments, and they should tell the TCCs what they need to know. Military briefings by the Secretariat should include concept of operations and should report on key military factors such as chain of command, force structure, unity and cohesion of the force, training and equipment, risk assessment and rules of engagement. The presidential statements that have been mentioned provide for the circulation of an informal paper or background information prior to the holding of such meetings.”
2001-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4257Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We have also recognized the critical importance of peacekeeping operations having, where appropriate and within their mandates, a credible deterrent capability. The Council has also committed itself to ensure that the mandated tasks of peacekeeping operations are appropriate to the situation on the ground. The implementation of these commitments will meet some of the fundamental concerns of the TCCs. The adoption of resolution 1327 (2000) has not brought substantive changes in the practice as yet. Our task here is to see to it that the Council commitments do not become empty rhetoric. We have heard very loud and clear the concerns and the views of the TCCs. Sharing many of the views expressed here by them, and based on our own experience as a TCC and as a current Council member, we urge action in five areas.”
2001-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4257Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The objective of such consultations is to foster a common understanding of the situation on the ground, of the mission's mandate and of its implementation. Clearly, the necessary provisions are there. We have to see their implementation in practice. We recognize that improvements have been made in the Council-TCC-Secretariat consultations over the years. The experience of the recent past, however, shows that there is a serious need for further progress in implementing relevant decisions and in making use of the existing mandated mechanism. Improving interaction - and I mean substantive interaction with the TCCs - is at the heart of our peacekeeping reform. It is important to note that, in its follow-up to the Brahimi report, the Council has resolved to give peacekeeping operations clear, credible and achievable mandates.”
2001-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4257Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Further, the Council, in its resolution 1327 (2000) of 13 November 2000, made specific provisions for the substantive improvement of these consultations as an institutional mechanism for strengthening cooperation. These provisions, coming as part of the follow-up to the Brahimi report, are particularly important. In the resolution, the Council decided that the existing system of consultations should be strengthened significantly; such consultations will be held through private meetings with troop-contributing countries; these meetings can be held, inter alia, at the request of a TCC; and these consultations will take place at different stages of an operation, and in particular when a change in a peacekeeping mandate is being considered.”
2001-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4257Resumption1 (2001) · source
“As a policy issue, we are strongly in favour of involving TCCs in the decisions of the Council, as per the provisions of Article 44 of the Charter of the United Nations. The Council's commitment to this effect was expressed in November 1994 and March 1996 presidential statements. As for the format of such consultations, the two presidential statements envisaged three types of meetings: the regular Council-TCC-Secretariat meetings, ad hoc or emergency consultations between the Council and the Secretariat, and TCC-Secretariat meetings for briefings by special representatives of the Secretary-General and force commanders. It was, however, specified that these arrangements were not exclusive and could effectively take a variety of forms, including informal communication by the TCCs with the Council's President and its members.”
2001-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4257Resumption1 (2001) · source
“President, and that of the Deputy Secretary- General, Louise Frechette, elaborated effectively the fundamental issues of our debate. The question of cooperation with troop-contributing countries has assumed greater significance with the evolving nature of United Nations peace operations. As a major troop- contributing country, with two decades of experience in different parts of the world, Bangladesh naturally attaches substantial importance to strengthening the collaboration of the TCCs with the Council and the Secretariat. We have found the statements made by TCCs to be full of useful ideas and assessments. These statements and those of others deserve to be reflected in a presidential statement, the issuance of which Bangladesh will support.”
2001-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4257Resumption1 (2001) · source
“It is an honour for us to have you, Mr. Foreign Minister, presiding over the Council today. We are grateful to the Singapore presidency for taking the initiative in arranging this debate on a theme that is very relevant to the work of the Council and closely connected to the maintenance of international peace and security. We also applaud the Singapore presidency for the format of today's meeting: giving an opportunity to the troop- contributing countries (TCCs) to present their views ahead of the Council members. We find that some TCCs will speak later, and we hope that their views, too, will be taken into account. We are very grateful to Ambassador Mahbubani for providing a comprehensive background paper facilitating today's deliberations. This morning, your own opening statement, Mr.”
2001-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4257Resumption1 (2001) · source
“With his leadership and statesman-like vision, he has done a laudable job in Kosovo. We congratulate him for his success and we wish him the best in his future endeavours.”
2000-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4249 (2000) · source
“The recent opening of the ninth non-governmental resource centre by the institution-building pillar of UNMIK is a further step forward. The full involvement of civil society is indispensable in lending effective support to the efforts of the local administration. Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) generated a difficult and sometimes impossible set of tasks for the special representative of the Secretary- General in Kosovo. We have seen over the years the determination and dexterity of Mr. Kouchner in handling those issues. The Security Council mission to Kosovo in April, which I had the honour to lead, saw at first hand the activities and initiatives of Mr. Kouchner with regard to the future in Kosovo. His mission has been extremely challenging and came at the most difficult moment.”
2000-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4249 (2000) · source
“This should be accompanied by gradual transfer of authority to the municipalities. Training provided by the Institute for Civil Administration, which opened in Kosovo last September, will be helpful in this regard. All political parties and sectors of society should be prepared to extend assistance in discharging the responsibilities of the elected officials. The United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) also has the special responsibility in ensuring that the local population is progressively involved in the bodies of interim administration. Finally, civil society. We support the continued efforts of UNMIK to create a favourable environment for non-governmental organizations, other civil society structures, and local women's organizations in Kosovo.”
2000-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4249 (2000) · source
“This is a very high number. Efforts aimed at solving the cases of missing persons, irrespective of their ethnic origin, should be intensified. We welcome the establishment, in October, of the Bureau for Detainees and Missing Persons. The fate of detainees is likely to improve with the passing of legislation in the Yugoslav Parliament, which we hope will pave the way for their release. We continue, however, to remain concerned that an unacceptably high number of persons are still missing from Kosovo. We would urge that initiatives be redoubled to determine the whereabouts of these unaccounted individuals. Thirdly, the local government. Following the successful holding of municipal elections in October, it is now necessary to focus on the building of institutions for governance and administrative capacity at the municipal level.”
2000-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4249 (2000) · source
“It is encouraging that the situation in Mitrovica, a hotbed of inter-ethnic tension for a long period, has considerably improved. There was also a noticeable drop in violence in Kosovo in the pre- election period, but the improvement has not been S/PVAZA') sustained. We are concerned about the incidents in the Presevo Valley in mid-November which triggered an influx of almost 5,000 people. We are, however, encouraged by the commitment of the authorities in Belgrade to work towards the return of the displaced persons and by their commitment to adopt measures for reducing discrimination against ethnic Albanians through their integration in the local police and political structures. Secondly, detained and missing persons. The Secretary-General's report says that there are still 800 detained outside Kosovo and about 3,500 are still missing.”
2000-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4249 (2000) · source
“Mr. President, we welcome amongst us the presence of Mr. Svilanovic, Foreign Minister of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. We believe his presence in the Council contributes to the involvement of the new Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Government in support of the Council's efforts to achieve an early resolution of outstanding problems in Kosovo. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Minister Svilanovic for his initiative in setting up a truth commission on the war crimes committed in the territory of the former Yugoslavia. We also appreciate the briefing and update given by Assistant Secretary-General Annabi. A number of important issues have been discussed in the report of the Secretary-General in document S/2000/ll96. In today's meeting, I will focus on the following four points. First, the security situation.”
2000-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4249 (2000) · source
“Bangladesh welcomes the timely initiatives towards stabilization of the border region between Guinea-Bissau and Senegal. We also welcome the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States and its Chairman, President Konare, to achieve peace and stability in the region and in Guinea-Bissau. Our special appreciation also goes to the Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Samuel Nana-Sinkam, for his continuing efforts in Guinea-Bissau on behalf of the United Nations.”
2000-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4238 (2000) · source
“All constraints on successful DDR have to be addressed - not least of which is the question of timely funding - for there to be successful implementation of the peace process in Guinea-Bissau. Thirdly, during the recent incidents a large number of people were internally displaced. They need the urgent attention of the international community. Fourthly, sustainable development makes peace sustainable. Lasting peace in Guinea-Bissau depends on economic regeneration. The efforts of the Government can be successful only with significant international assistance. We hope that the resources needed will be forthcoming at the next round table, scheduled for February 2001 in Geneva. Fifthly, and finally, peace in Guinea-Bissau depends on peace in the region.”
2000-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4238 (2000) · source
“We would like to highlight five critical areas among the urgent tasks facing Guinea-Bissau in this transition. First, strengthening democratic institutions and practices would prevent any relapse into violence. All parties concerned, and especially the former military junta in Guinea-Bissau, must therefore continue to uphold the results of the elections held last December and respect civilian rule in the country. Secondly, without a successful process of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR), permanent peace will elude Guinea-Bissau. The Secretary-General has noted in his report that a pilot DDR project is to start in January 2001. This matter needs urgent attention.”
2000-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4238 (2000) · source
“Those challenges were quite apparent during the past week, when the former military junta - or at least a part of it led by General Ansumane Mane - challenged the democratically elected Government, flouting constitutional order and threatening to plunge the country back into chaos and violence. We are happy that the moves orchestrated by General Mane and his supporters have failed. Democracy and constitutional order have been upheld in Guinea-Bissau. This has to be consolidated by furthering cooperation and reconciliation in the country so that a smooth transition from conflict management to post-conflict peace-building can take place. We are encouraged by the statement made by the Vice- President of the World Bank that covered this and related areas.”
2000-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4238 (2000) · source
“It is a special pleasure for Bangladesh to see you, Madam President, presiding over the Council's meeting this morning. I agree with the Secretary-General that we should have women presidents more often. The presence in the Council today of the Vice- Prime Minister of Guinea-Bissau, Mr. Faustino Imbali, is very much welcomed by us, as is his statement. We thank the Secretary-General for his important statement and his specific recommendations relating to the situation in Guinea-Bissau. In his last report, the Secretary-General identified the progress made towards post-conflict peace-building in that country, as well as the challenges to that process.”
2000-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4238 (2000) · source
“The key to the resolution of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to comprehensive peace in the Great Lakes region lies in the full implementation of the relevant Council resolutions. That should take place without any further delay. I would conclude by recalling the wise advice of President Mandela. Speaking about the rebel groups in Burundi, he said that surrender of weapons by rebels cannot be realistically expected until they can become fully involved in the peace process. He mentioned that the African National Congress did not give up arms until it was allowed to be fully engaged in the political process. There should be useful wisdom in the words of an elder statesman for the authorities in Kinshasa and other, neighbouring capitals.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4237 (2000) · source
“The United Nations, like the parties to the conflict, cannot ignore the regional dimension of the conflict. It has been repeatedly mentioned here that there is no military solution to the crisis. Lusaka represents a package. The United Nations has welcomed it and remains committed to help in its implementation. If the parties so require, we would, in principle, have no problem with a Lusaka-II or Lusaka- III. We should support all serious efforts that advance the prospects of peace. It should be recognized by all parties that an inclusive political process is a prerequisite to any credible disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme. It is regrettable that the provisions of the relevant Security Council resolutions remain without compliance, although they are mandatory for the concerned parties.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4237 (2000) · source
“The Council will have to take a serious decision on continued engagement by the United Nations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as the mandate of MONUC comes to an end after the technical roll-over. The progress that we expected from the different diplomatic initiatives has proved elusive so far. This is certainly a source of serious concern. We, however, continue to believe that the United Nations must remain engaged in the Democratic Republic of the Congo while efforts continue in order to create conditions for the full deployment of MONUC. We hold the view that the existence of a peace agreement should not be an obstacle to a peace settlement. If need be, while maintaining commitment to the Lusaka Agreement, the parties could, in order to move forward, agree to additional provisions like the Kampala disengagement plan.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4237 (2000) · source
“The RCD's recapture of the town of Pepa complicates the situation and challenges the role the United Nations could play there. The dire humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as in other conflict zones, is the direct consequence of conflicts. The long-term solution of the humanitarian crisis lies in a political settlement. Humanitarian assistance cannot be an alternative to a political settlement. The Council had extended the mandate of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) by two months to allow for political and diplomatic initiatives for the full deployment of the United Nations mission.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4237 (2000) · source
“It is unfortunate that all actors- internal and external - continue to justify the war by insisting that they have their stakes. As the war is fought at the expense of the Congolese people, it would seem, from the behaviour of the belligerents, that the people alone have no stakes or that their lives or their right to peace and prosperity have no place in the belligerents' minds. It is this point that High Commissioner Sadako Ogata tried to impress upon the leaders during her June visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, when she said, "Don't forget the people and, as you negotiate, don't ignore the human cost of the war." The failure to recognize the human cost of the war is demonstrated by the continued ceasefire violations by all parties. The recent ceasefire violations in the north of Katanga are deeply deplorable.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4237 (2000) · source
“It is appalling that 16 million people, or 33 per cent of the country's population, remain in critical need of food, and that a large number of people suffer epidemic outbreaks of cholera, meningitis, dysentery, malaria and haemorrhagic fever. Women and children are most affected by this crisis. The recent leadership wrangles in the Congolese Rally for Democracy-Liberation Movement (RCD-ML) has claimed at least 40 lives in Bunia and has forced about 1,000 people out of the country. Such fratricidal wars must stop. We call upon the parties to immediately halt all military action and open humanitarian corridors for these people. We also urge members of the United Nations with influence on the parties to secure necessary humanitarian access to these areas.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4237 (2000) · source
“The humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has continued to deteriorate; the number of displaced persons has increased; more people are being driven from their hearth and home; more people are being forced out of the country; there is renewed fighting in Kisangani or the Kivus or Equateur; there are casualties; there are gross violations of humanitarian laws and human rights; belligerent parties continue to recruit children and send them to the front line for combat; the situation is grave, but humanitarian access in many areas remains difficult. That has in essence been the substance of the quarterly reports of the Secretary-General and the periodic briefings given by the Secretariat over the year. The situation, as Ms. McAskie has informed us today, has not improved in any of these areas.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4237 (2000) · source