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

“We are grateful to you, Mr. President, for scheduling this briefing by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This follows the logic of the meeting we had in March on the humanitarian situation in Iraq. Today's meeting also represents the first follow-up to the provision made in resolution 1327 (2000) for humanitarian briefings on conflict situations. We appreciate the very useful briefing given by Ms. Carolyn McAskie. We also thank her for sharing with us a nicely bound and very informative folder.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4237 (2000) · source
“We hope that the United Nations will be present in East Timor well into the future, as Mr. Vieira de Mello says it must be. We look forward to the Council's involvement in that process.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4236 (2000) · source
“The fourth is the process of Timorization through capacity-building. Mr. Vieira de Mello said that this should not end with the independence of the territory, and I think that it is very important that the Council bear this in mind - and not only the Council: I believe that subsequently the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council will be involved in development activities in East Timor. The final point relates to a smooth transition by the end of 2001 through an effective process of Timorization, with executive and legislative power handed over to the East Timorese people. We believe that to be an important matter that should be borne in mind. We look forward to the expected general elections to a constituent assembly, which should take place by mid-2001.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4236 (2000) · source
“The first relates to reconstruction. I think Mr. Vieira de Mello's consultations with the World Bank are very appropriate in that regard; we also look forward to the Brussels meeting next week. The second relates to the UNTAET assets to be retained in East Timor, particularly essential hardware. We believe that the proposal made by Mr. Vieira de Mello is of great importance; the Council should act upon it. We would ask the Secretariat also to work with all relevant agencies and bodies to ensure that it is implemented and that the assets remain in East Timor. The third has to do with the pace of withdrawal of UNTAET troops. We agree with Mr. Vieira de Mello that this will depend basically on the security situation and on capacity-building in East Timor. We would like to see appropriate follow-up on that.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4236 (2000) · source
“The difficulty is to have justice delivered speedily in cases of known violence; this, we expect, would have a positive impact on national reconciliation. National reconciliation, or at least its local manifestation, is an important factor in speeding up refugee repatriation. It is important that this is understood in the right perspective by both the East Timorese people and those they will reconcile with. We hope that both sides will adequately support the good work of UNTAET in this area. We strongly feel that the foundation of durable and peaceful relations between the territory and Indonesia lies in harmonious relations between the peoples of East Timor and of West Timor. That should be the objective of all endeavours. In Mr. Vieira de Mello's presentation, we identified five areas which we believe should be supported by the Council.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4236 (2000) · source
“Cooperation between the Indonesian armed forces and police and their counterparts in UNTAET is essential to minimize cross-border incidents. We welcome the setting up of the Joint Border Commission in that regard. We further welcome the adoption of recent Indonesian legislation for the establishment of a human rights tribunal which would help in the process of delivering justice in cases of gross human rights abuses and of murders of United Nations personnel. The issue of justice and reconciliation has been emphasized many times over in the report and in statements made today. We agree with that focus; this issue has important implications for the future of the territory. It is also linked with other problem areas.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4236 (2000) · source
“We believe that the discussions held during the Council mission will help the Government to redouble its efforts to achieve the declared objectives. In that regard, we agree with the report's recommendation that the Government and UNTAET should work together. Recent repatriation of refugees from among ex- Indonesian armed forces reservists from East Timor (MILSAS) is an example that points in the right direction. It shows that with the right steps taken by all sides, the refugees need not languish in the camps for an indefinite period. We support the idea of reinvigorating the bilateral talks between the Government of Indonesia and UNTAET. We welcome the efforts of the Indonesian Government in preventing cross-border incursions into East Timor.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4236 (2000) · source
“We are happy to note that Indonesian ministers assured the mission of their Government's commitment to resolving that issue. Moreover, in the Indonesian Government report to which I referred earlier, that Government reaffirmed its intention to work closely with the relevant agencies, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to prepare for registration of refugees as a matter of urgency. Problems that still stand in the way are continued militia intimidation and extortion of refugees in camps, lack of information about conditions in East Timor and ensuring a safe and secure working environment for humanitarian and aid agencies, enabling them to return.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4236 (2000) · source
“We can all agree that this is a tall order for the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET). The issue of slow disbursement of funds has been raised by Council members in the past. Given the urgency with which reconstruction must be pursued, we agree with the recommendation that, for UNTAET, increased budgetary flexibility should be granted to facilitate execution of its mandate. We therefore support all the recommendations that were made in the Council mission's report in that regard. We are happy that the robust and decisive action of UNTAET peacekeepers has succeeded in reducing militia violence in East Timor. We also share the satisfaction of the mission with regard to the progress made so far by UNTAET in the implementation of its mandate. The refugee issue remains a great cause of concern.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4236 (2000) · source
“That message relates to the need for an international presence in East Timor for some time after the territory's independence. In other areas too there will be a need for a strong international commitment of financial and technical assistance. The recommendation of the report about reallocating a part of the peacekeeping assessed budget to training the local police force points in a similar direction: if we do not do it now, the need for maintaining an international police force will be even greater. The judiciary is under-resourced and cannot cope with the demands placed on it. Delivering justice, in respect not only of petty crimes but also of the serious ones committed in the wake of the referendum last year is very important. In short, the whole issue of capacity-building requires more attention and resources.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4236 (2000) · source
“With regard to the mission's visit to Indonesia, we feel there was a clear need for Council members to see for themselves the result of the efforts of the Government of Indonesia and also to discuss how the Council could work together with the Government to find a solution to the issues raised in its resolution 1319 (2000). We were pleased to receive the 10 November report of the Indonesian Government on follow-up of the Council mission, to be issued as document S/2000/1125. We welcome the commitments made by that Government in various areas of concern, and we look forward to their effective realization. On East Timor, we get a clear message from the report of the mission, confirmed by Mr. Vieira de Mello in his presentation this morning.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4236 (2000) · source
“We thank you, Mr. President, for scheduling this meeting on the situation in East Timor. I welcome once again in our midst Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, Special Representative of the Secretary General. We very much appreciate his focused, informative and useful briefing on the latest developments in East Timor and his projections for the future of the territory. A week back we had the report from the Council mission to East Timor and Indonesia (S/2000/1105). Let me once again express the appreciation of Bangladesh to Ambassador Andjaba and other members of the Security Council mission for a very useful undertaking. Ambassador Andjaba for the second time has shown wise and effective leadership of the Council's missions to the troubled territory. We owe him a special debt of gratitude.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4236 (2000) · source
“Here, my delegation would like also to express its deep appreciation for the continuing efforts of the Secretary-General to contribute to a lasting solution of the Palestinian issue, including his present involvement in the dispatch of a fact-finding mission to the area. We believe that subsequent deployment of international monitors would help ease the situation in a big way. Bangladesh has lent its support to the Middle East peace process from the very beginning. We have not lost trust in its ultimate success. We urge the Palestinians and the Israelis to make their best endeavour to put an end to the violence which has vitiated the atmosphere in the region. Bangladesh strongly believes that, once violence is shunned and once dialogue begins, the peace process can indeed be revived.”
2000-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4231 (2000) · source
“This afternoon's news of further violence is, again, very disturbing. Resorting to force and violence has only served to deal a mortal blow to the peace process. It is sad that the Middle East situation had to deteriorate so fast, particularly when it seemed that the peace process was about to make a breakthrough. We would like to commend the Palestinian leadership for its commitment to reaching a peaceful solution to the Middle East issue. Reaching an agreement at Sharm el- Sheikh, against all odds, was eloquent testimony to the Palestinian leadership's commitment to peace.”
2000-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4231 (2000) · source
“We believe that a just, lasting and honourable resolution of the whole Arab-Israeli conflict can be achieved through the implementation of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 425 (1978). I would like to express my delegation's deep concern and anxiety about the volatile situation in the Middle East caused by continuing violence, by heavy loss of life among innocent civilians and by Israel's continued use of excessive force and acts of provocation against the Palestinian people in the occupied territories. We condemn such provocation in the strongest terms. The latest Israeli missile attack does not stand up to any logic. The bombing of a school bus, which claimed two civilian lives and injured schoolchildren, was a cowardly act of terrorism, and we condemn it.”
2000-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4231 (2000) · source
“Violence, violence and more violence. This is the only news we are getting out of the Middle East for nearly two months. Given the alarming deteriorating situation in the area, this meeting could not have been more timely. Permit me at this point to offer my delegation's sincere thanks to you, Mr. President, for convening this open meeting of the Council on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. We offer our sincere condolences to the families of all victims of recent violence in the region. At the outset, allow me to reiterate Bangladesh's total and unwavering support for the legitimate and inalienable rights of the Palestinian people for a sovereign and independent homeland of their own.”
2000-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4231 (2000) · source
“Kouchner's briefing that the basic structure of all the municipalities will be in place by the end of this year. This is a good step forward. We agree fully with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General when he says in the circulated briefing note: "For Kosovo, we will require an interim constitutional document to govern relations between the various levels of democratically elected authority. UNMIK will also have to define Kosovo's Central Authority without prejudice to final political solutions for the region." In conclusion, we again congratulate Mr. Kouchner and the personnel in UNMIK on their dedication and efforts in successfully organizing and conducting the municipal elections in Kosovo.”
2000-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4225 (2000) · source
“In the context of the elections in Kosovo that have taken place and the new leadership in Belgrade, it may be time to ask how the Kosovars and their leaders view the changed political climate and renewed international attention to Belgrade. What is the possibility that the problems associated with refugee return and of detained and missing persons will be solved with the change in the leadership in Belgrade? With the elections over in Kosovo, UNMIK may initiate the process of gradual and well-phased transfer of some administrative responsibilities to the newly elected municipal leaders. What is the time frame envisaged for such transfer, and to what extent are UNMIK's responsibilities expected to be relieved upon assumption of responsibilities by the elected leaders? We are pleased to learn from Mr.”
2000-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4225 (2000) · source
“Choosing their own leaders would have facilitated the process of return and settlement. Fifth, change in the leadership in Belgrade. This obviously has generated mixed feelings in the area. Rather than welcoming wholeheartedly the changes in Belgrade and looking forward with hope, many in Kosovo view the developments with uneasiness, and probably with apprehension. On the one hand, there are now greater expectations that many long-standing problems in Kosovo will find greater opportunities for early solution in the new setting. On the other, the Kosovars may view these developments as a setback for their aspirations.”
2000-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4225 (2000) · source
“The skilful conduct of the process, with virtually no violence and no provocations, deserves credit by the international community. Third, outcome. The outcome of the elections are important indicators of how the Kosovars View their future. That the majority of the Kosovars are inclined to place trust in moderate leadership only underscores the aspirations of the population for peace. Although there are still deep scars from the wounds of the recent past, still many preferred to look forward to a new era for Kosovo rather than seek ways for revenge. Fourth, participation of Serbs. We regret the failure of the Serbs living in Kosovo to participate in the elections. There was nothing to be gained by boycotting participation in a democratic process. It is true that many of them are still waiting as refugees to return to their pre-war homes.”
2000-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4225 (2000) · source
“I remember very well our visit to observe the registration of voters in the outlying areas in Kosovo during the Security Council mission there earlier this year. Mr. Kouchner was able to generate sufficient confidence and hope in the Kosovars for their transition into an era of democratic tradition. By holding these elections, he has carried out one of the most significant steps in the mandate given to him by the Security Council. Second, participation. The wide participation in the electoral process of candidates as well as of voters shows how enthusiastically the Kosovars participated in the electoral process. The outreach programmes of UNMIK, like the town hall meetings, proved effective, having a turnout of more than 80 per cent at the polls.”
2000-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4225 (2000) · source
“I warmly welcome Mr. Bernard Kouchner's coming to brief us in the Council. Some major developments have taken place in the region since he last briefed us in September. His update and views are therefore timely for the Council. His briefing this morning was very thorough, well balanced and with a statesmanlike perspective. I thank him for that. The brief that he has shared with us is also very much appreciated. I would like to make the following points. First, holding of elections. We welcome the holding of the elections in the municipalities in Kosovo. We particularly congratulate Mr. Kouchner and his team in the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) on the extensive and painstaking preparations for the elections.”
2000-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4225 (2000) · source
“Each situation being unique and having specific problems, Council decisions will, of course, have to be based on evolving realities and considerations. However, an objective assessment and some advance planning would certainly be helpful in taking the right decision at the right time. We shall continue to pursue this common objective.”
2000-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4223 (2000) · source
“I am speaking of the non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Both humanitarian and developmental NGOs are there long before United Nations peacekeepers arrive, and they remain there long after peacekeepers leave. They share a significant part of the peacekeeping and peace-building job. The Security Council should recognize their role and contribution. The Council would do justice to its own responsibility by setting up an institutional mechanism for cooperation and coordination with the NGOs. Such a mechanism will help the Council avoid many of the mistakes of the past. In deciding on the conclusion of a peacekeeping operation, it would be extremely useful to keep the experience of past peacekeeping operations in view. It will be difficult to define general parameters for ending peacekeeping operations.”
2000-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4223 (2000) · source
“Peacekeeping is one of the phases in the continuum that may also include conflict prevention, peacemaking, peace enforcement and peace-building. The continuity must be maintained through appropriate and timely transition. The smooth transition that we are seeking will require closer coordination between the Security Council and other organs of the United Nations - the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council - as well as the relevant funds and programmes. The role of the Bretton Woods institutions, of course, remains critically important. To that end, we propose setting up an institutional mechanism of consultation among all relevant actors for elaborating such a comprehensive transition strategy. There are other extremely important actors that share the peace and security mission of the United Nations.”
2000-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4223 (2000) · source
“The Council decision, it is implied, was not based on an objective assessment of the situation. We are struck by the conclusion in paragraph 13 of document S/2000/1072 that "some key Council members pursued objectives in their own perceived national interests at the expense of making firmer commitments to resolve the Haitian conflict." This raises a very interesting area of debate: harmonizing the objective of peacekeeping with the perceived national interests of Security Council members. The contrary situation - that is, compromising national interests for the sake of the objectives of peacekeeping mandates - would be an idealistic proposition. The debate might sound philosophical, but it is worth engaging in if we seriously mean to do peacekeeping right. The maintenance of international peace and security is a continuous process.”
2000-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4223 (2000) · source
“Two fundamental weaknesses are pointed out. The first was the failure to provide sufficient assurances to the Liberians to vote freely; the second was the failure to address the regional dimension of the Liberian conflict. The Liberians voted for Charles Taylor, it is argued, out of fear that, if not elected, Taylor would unleash a reign of terror. Given the experience of Sierra Leoneans having their hands chopped off by Revolutionary United Front (RUF) elements, such fear cannot be ruled out. The question remains as to what else or what more - the Council should or could have done. Addressing the regional dimension, questions remain about the possibilities of Council action beyond the imposition of the arms embargo. In the case of Haiti, the United Nations peacekeeping operation appears to have left with a mission half-accomplished.”
2000-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4223 (2000) · source
“The Council decision on the conclusion of peacekeeping operations in general follows a pattern: assist implementation of the ceasefire agreement through monitoring the ceasefire, assisting in disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, assisting humanitarian assistance and supervising the electoral process. The withdrawal is decided, on the basis of the Secretary-General's report, following elections. Three case studies have been presented in the background paper by the presidency: Mozambique, Liberia and Haiti. Mozambique represents a success story, but much of the success is attributed not to the United Nations doing it right, but to a great extent to chances and coincidences. Liberia has emerged as a case of an unaccomplished or half-accomplished mission, although it followed the usual process of termination.”
2000-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4223 (2000) · source
“The parameters for the conclusion should include an objective assessment of a given situation in the medium- to long-term perspective. Such an assessment should take into consideration the political, military, humanitarian and human rights aspects and the regional dimension. But the achievement of the objectives set out in the initial mandate of a mission cannot be the only criterion for drastic changes, withdrawal or termination of a mission. A situation may seriously deteriorate when parties to a conflict renounce the peace agreement or resume all-out hostilities. In that case, the situation would require withholding deployment or partial or complete withdrawal, as the case may be. But let us focus on the more usual cases of transition from peacekeeping to peace-building.”
2000-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4223 (2000) · source
“President, to point out that the Brahimi report touches upon the matter only marginally. This is possibly because of the overriding consideration of the difficulties in mandating and deploying peacekeeping operations. The use of the term "exit", which bears a negative connotation, is perhaps not exactly correct in this context. More appropriately, we are concerned here with the conclusion of peacekeeping operations and their transition to the post-conflict peace-building phase. We agree that peacekeeping missions should be supportive of a peace process that has a clear political objective. But the concerns over an exit strategy should not result in an argument of "no entry without strategy" or "no entry without an exit strategy". The conclusion of a peacekeeping operation must be linked to achievement of the mission's objectives.”
2000-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4223 (2000) · source
“It is a particular pleasure for me and my delegation to take part in what you, Mr. President, termed as the piece de resistance of the Dutch presidency: this open debate on the item "No exit without strategy". We thank you very much for introducing the debate on issues relating to the conclusion or termination of United Nations peacekeeping operations. When we plan to start anything well, we should also plan so that it ends well. The question of transition from peacekeeping to peace- building did not receive due attention in our deliberations in the context of reform of peace operations. Council resolution 1327 (2000) addresses issues relating to authorizing peacekeeping operations and defining their mandates. It does not cover strategies or parameters for significant change or the closing of an operation. You are right, Mr.”
2000-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4223 (2000) · source
“The current scale of assessment is an old one and needs urgent updating. The rate of reimbursement to the troop contributing countries, also adopted years ago, needs revision. In conclusion, we wish to underline that the Council resolution today represents a follow-up of the historic second Summit of the Security Council. It is inspired by the solemn commitment of our heads of State and Government. We should ensure that the words in the text are translated into early action.”
2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source
“The lessons learned from East Timor and Kosovo should be studied in elaborating guidelines for future transitional administrations run by the United Nations. Finally, we should recognize that the effective implementation of key decisions and recommendations, such as strengthening the capacity of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, will require additional resources. The Secretary-General has provided an assessment of the financial implications. While we will examine these, we believe we cannot make a serious commitment to implement the resolution while maintaining a cap on the budget of the United Nations. We also believe that the question of the peacekeeping scale of assessment, another area in the competence of the General Assembly, is relevant in the context of our action today.”
2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source
“Addressing the root causes of conflicts is at the heart of maintaining international peace and security. Post-conflict peace- building should also get our fullest attention in the continuum of the process. We welcome the focus on the protection of civilians, especially women and children as the most vulnerable. As the Prime Minister of Bangladesh underlined at the Security Council Summit, peace and security should be understood also in terms of human security. The training of peacekeepers has justly received attention in our action. Training related to HIV/AIDS is of paramount importance. We also underline the importance of training regarding the gender perspective, as called for in resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security.”
2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source
“These consultations, whatever the provisions of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, should be neither traditional troop-contributors meetings nor private formal meetings in the Council Chamber. Rather, they should be in a format that allows a free exchange of views between Council members and troop-contributing countries, and they should include the necessary substantive briefings. We are happy that the Council is renewing its commitment to enhancing the rapid deployment capacity of the United Nations and is supporting the standby arrangements system. For that purpose, appropriate machinery has to be set up in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. It is essential that the Council continue to place emphasis on conflict prevention.”
2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source
“The need for greater coordination among the various mission components 1s equally important. We saw the need for effective coordination in the field in Sierra Leone during our recent mission to the area. Turning to the question of consultation with troop-contributing countries, let me say how strongly we are behind the decision to hold private meetings between the Council and troop-contributing countries at various stages of a peacekeeping operation: at the outset; during implementation; during change, renewal and completion of a mandate; and, in particular, in case of the rapid deterioration of a situation. Our understanding is that such meetings would be in the format used at the 4 October meeting on UNAMSIL.”
2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source
“Regrettably, when Bangladesh proposed inclusion of that provision, it did not receive consensus. We hope, however, that all concerned have a clear understanding of what is expected of humanitarian briefings. Briefings by the United Nations Military Adviser and by force commanders are a new addition. We commend Canada for its initiative in having the practice introduced. We have found such briefings extremely useful. Beyond all the provisions on briefings, let us recall the Brahimi recommendation that "The Secretariat must tell the Security Council what it needs to know, not what it wants to hear" (para. 64). Indeed, the Secretariat should not make assumptions about the disposition of the Security Council until the 15 members have met and discussed a given situation.”
2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source
“The Council must be able to take well- informed decisions. The Secretariat's advice should be based on an objective assessment of the situation. The briefings should take into account the evolving nature of issues and their relevance for appropriate action by the Council. Bangladesh has strongly supported the emphasis on humanitarian briefings. While working on the Council debate on humanitarian action in March this year, we were reminded of the critical need for closer consultation between the political and peacekeeping departments of the Secretariat and the humanitarian offices and agencies. The Carlsson report encouraged direct participation in the consultations of the whole by the High Commissioners for Refugees and for Human Rights and, when relevant, by United Nations funds and programmes.”
2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source
“The Bangladesh proposal reflects the views of a significant portion of the broader membership of the Organization. Its adoption would have been good for the permanent members, for the people affected by wars and conflicts, and for United Nations peacekeeping as a whole. Unfortunately, the proposal could not be included, in the face of opposition from the permanent members of the Council. The need for assumption of shared responsibility by all Member States, particularly by those with the greatest capacity and means, is recognized also in the implementation report of the Secretary-General. While we yielded for the sake of consensus, allowing adoption of the present resolution within a reasonable time, for us and many others the question remains outstanding. Let me now turn briefly to the issue of Secretariat briefings.”
2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source
“We proposed that the Council recognize that the contribution of troops by Member States possessing the greatest capacity and means, particularly permanent members of the Security Council, is critically important for bridging the commitment gap, facilitating rapid deployment and further increasing the operational effectiveness of United Nations peacekeeping operations. In that context, we proposed that each of the permanent members agree to provide at least 5 per cent, or another agreed percentage, of the troops for each United Nations peacekeeping operation. That symbolic contribution, besides enhancing operational capacity, would demonstrate that the united strength of the whole of the international community was behind each of the United Nations peacekeeping operations.”
2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source
“While the obligation applies irrespective of the geographical location of a given conflict, their absence in some of the major United Nations peacekeeping operations has been increasingly questioned. That trend should be arrested if we mean to strengthen the role of the United Nations in the maintenance of international peace and security. It was with that aim in mind that Bangladesh proposed the inclusion of a paragraph addressing the commitment gap in the text the Council has just adopted.”
2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source
“It is evident that the primary responsibility lies with the permanent members of the Security Council. It is only natural that the Member States that have the final say on any decision on a peacekeeping operation should assume responsibilities and obligations commensurate with their powers and prerogatives. The withdrawal of Jordanian contingents from the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) prompted the Secretary-General to raise a very serious question. He asked, "Can the Council adopt resolutions that require us to deploy troops when those in the Council do nothing, particularly the major countries with large forces?" (Press release SG/SM/7600, 25 October 2000) In recent years, the world has witnessed a downward trend in the involvement of their troops in United Nations peacekeeping operations.”
2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source
“As the report of the Independent Inquiry into the actions of the United Nations during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda - the Carlsson report - (S/l999/1257, annex) puts starkly before the conscience of the international community, the Secretary-General could not gather in two months of canvassing more than 550 troops: one tenth of the authorized strength for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR II). The report states that some countries showed a willingness to contribute but lacked equipment and financing. We have been putting emphasis on the need to have well-equipped, well-trained and well-motivated troops for the success of peacekeeping operations. Our question is where these troops will come from unless all of us chip in.”
2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source
“In line with that recommendation, it has been agreed to give a planning mandate to the Secretary-General prior to authorizing any peacekeeping operation. Such an approach does not solve the problem of troop availability. We believe that the commitment gap is a substantive problem and hence cannot be solved by procedural adaptability or innovation. Article 43 of the Charter provides that all Members of the United Nations, in order to contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security, undertake to make available to the Security Council, on its call, armed forces, assistance and facilities, including rights of passage. Clearly, all Member States, the permanent members of the Council included, have a solemn obligation to provide, inter alia, troops for United Nations peacekeeping operations.”
2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source
“The credibility of peacekeeping operations, not the geographical location of a given conflict situation, should be our common concern. The third element is achievability. We believe that mandates should be realistic. But at the same time, realism should not mean abdication of the Council's responsibility. Its Charter responsibility should be upheld through action. We have to make the objective of peacekeeping achievable, not the other way around: the response of the Council should be as the situation demands. We are happy that the Council recognizes the seriousness of the question of the commitment gap. The Brahimi Panel recommends keeping Council resolutions in draft form until a firm commitment of troops is available.”
2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source
“The lack of clarity in the mandates is not because the Council has a dearth of linguistic aptitude; it is the result of what one may call the "tyranny of consensus". Faced with the choice between no action and a weak consensus, the Council has resorted to adopting dangerously ambiguous and unclear mandates. This has raised the expectations of civilians and parties, put peacekeepers in perilous situations and given rise to problems of command and control. We hope that, by adopting this resolution, the Council members will be able to avoid such mandates in future. The second element is credibility. Credibility hinges on the deterrent capability of the forces we put on the ground. Credibility depends also on the commitment of all Member States, including the permanent members of the Council.”
2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source
“The text annexed to this resolution contains critically important decisions affecting the future of United Nations peacekeeping operations. We have noted many caveats and conditions in the text before us. Also, paragraphs have been inserted on peacekeeping doctrine and strategy. We have reservations on these new concepts, which require greater elaboration. Bangladesh strongly believes that the resolution should be supportive of United Nations peacekeeping operations, not an instrument putting constraints on Council action in the maintenance of peace and security. We are happy that the Council resolves to give peacekeeping operations clear, credible and achievable mandates, as recommended in the Brahimi Report. First is the issue of clarity.”
2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source
“It is responsible on the part of the Security Council to be able to take action on the Brahimi Panel report within a reasonable period of time. The working group of the Council deserves our full appreciation for its diligent work. Our special thanks go to Ambassador Curtis Ward for his able leadership in presenting us with a well-articulated text. The broad agreement reached on the recommendations demonstrates our collective commitment to setting United Nations peace operations right. We have just adopted a resolution which will have far-reaching implications. My delegation would have preferred to make this statement before the action on the resolution. However, we believe that it was the consensus to have the statements afterwards.”
2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source
“We believe that the actions identified in the Declaration can complement and fill in the blanks in the recommendations of the Brahimi Panel's report. As I have said, the women have spoken. They have made it clear that they are willing to shoulder their responsibilities and take charge of their lives and peace in their societies. The Council in particular, and the United Nations at large, has to respond through concrete actions.”
2000-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4208 (2000) · source
“The peacekeepers must never violate the trust the civilian populations place in them and can have no impunity for their actions. We believe that it is an opportune moment for the United Nations, and in particular the Security Council, to do much more than it has done so far in promoting women's issues in peacekeeping. The Brahimi Panel's report (S/2000/809) is under active consideration. We have already welcomed its useful recommendations. We noted, however, that a gender dimension of peacekeeping and peace support operations must be highlighted; it is a missing link as far as the report is concerned. We support the Windhoek Declaration and the Namibia Plan of Action on "Mainstreaming a Gender Perspective in Multidimensional Peace Support Operations".”
2000-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4208 (2000) · source