YouSaid · the spoken record

Churkin

lines on the record: 3,923
first: 2006-05-16
most recent: 2017-02-02
sittings or episodes: 536
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 confident that the early adoption of our proposals will help to avoid or to minimize the negative consequences of nuclear accidents in the future.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“As of today, among the major sources of energy, nuclear energy is not only environmentally friendly and cost-effective, it is also a safe source of energy - if one treats it responsibly, of course. A mandatory condition for the use of nuclear energy is ensuring and maintaining a high level of physical and technical safety. The accident at Fukushima demonstrated the need to strengthen the international legal basis for ensuring the safety of nuclear energy facilities, in terms of building and operating such installations. In that respect, in 2011 the Russian Federation introduced amendments to the Convention on Nuclear Safety and to the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident and also initiated the strengthening of the IAEA nuclear safety standards.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“We are also concerned that States are not hurrying to assume their specific legal obligations in that area. In particular, the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and the Amendment thereto, as well as the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, have not yet become fully universal legal instruments. The Russian Federation intends to build on its capacities in the area of nuclear energy, viewing it as one of the strategic areas for our country's development. We are certain that despite the gravity of the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, alternatives in the near future to nuclear energy do not exist. Without that, it will not be possible to meet the challenge of supplying humankind with energy.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“We are strengthening our system for monitoring the movements of nuclear and radioactive materials, including customs controls. In the area of Murmansk, we are developing a pilot programme for the prevention of illicit trafficking in radioactive materials. We have set forth in greater detail our achievements in the area of physical nuclear safety in our memorandum prepared for the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit, which has been published on the official website of the Russian Foreign Ministry. It is unfortunate that, for various reasons, many countries have still not given due attention to those important issues. The world continues to face the threat of nuclear terrorism and the possibility of trafficking in nuclear materials and radioactive substances. In that context, export-control measures are not always sufficiently effective.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“The recent Nuclear Security Summit held in Seoul saw the President of the Russian Federation announce Russia's plan to hold in Russia, in the third quarter of 2012, exercises under the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism on the theme of curbing the illicit movement of nuclear material and radioactive sources. We anticipate that they will involve numerous representatives from Member States participating in the initiative from various regions worldwide. We also hope that they will serve as a concrete contribution to developing the unique and important area of ensuring physical nuclear safety. In the area of nuclear crime, we are currently accelerating our work within the country as well as our international cooperation.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“On Russian territory, no nuclear material or installation entails a level of physical protection that could cause fear. Russia continues to enhance those protections according to the norms governing physical and technical nuclear security. We are maintaining our consistent policy of supporting international efforts aimed at strengthening nuclear security across a broad spectrum on this topic, including through the organization in Russia of international training courses to train experts in that area on various subjects. We are pleased with our engagement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on those issues. Our reaffirmed intention to support the Agency in that area is represented by our decision to earmark, beginning in 2010, annual voluntary contributions to the IAEA Nuclear Security Fund.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): As one of the more advanced nations from the standpoint of developing nuclear energy technologies, the Russian Federation attaches great importance to ensuring the maintenance of a high level of nuclear security, not only in our country but also worldwide. We are fully implementing our international obligations in the area of nuclear disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear security, and we reaffirm the political obligations in that context set forth in the final documents of the Nuclear Security Summits held in Washington, DC, and Seoul. In Russia, the physical protection of nuclear material remains at the requisite level. All nuclear material in our territory and corresponding installations has been provided with reliable, physical protection.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“We are now at an extremely critical juncture. It is essential that all Syrian parties, including the armed opposition, quickly refrain from violence, strictly abide by the Annan plan and begin to organize a broad-based 12-29516 negotiating process. Russian will continue to be prepared to make its active contribution to meeting this challenge.”
2012-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6751 (2012) · source
“The observers, which will include a Russian officer, will face a difficult challenge. They will need a high degree of professionalism, courage and objectivity. It is necessary to establish favourable conditions for the work of the observers, including from the perspective of ensuring security. We now await the Secretary-General's early submission to the Council of specific proposals for launching a broad- scale United Nations observer presence following consultations with the Government of Syria. We also agreed to the resolution based on the need to support the Annan mission. Russia not only welcomed the decision of the Secretary-General to appoint Mr. Annan but, countering those who predicted the allegedly inevitable failure of the Envoy's mission, we also provided vigorous and effective support.”
2012-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6751 (2012) · source
“Based on respect for Syria's sovereignty, we have cautioned against destructive attempts at external interference and against imposing any kind of illusory fixes. We supported today's Security Council resolution owing to the need for a rapid deployment to Syria of the United Nations advance observer mission. The resolution addresses requirements both for the Government of Syria and for opposition groups to fully cooperate with monitors and fulfil the Annan six-point proposals. On the initiative of Russia and a number of other members of the Council, the initial draft resolution underwent substantive changes to make it more balanced, appropriately reflect realities and take into account the prerogatives of the Syrian Government in receiving the observer mission on its territory.”
2012-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6751 (2012) · source
“Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): For many months now, the situation in Syria 12-29516 has, understandably, been the subject of the constant attention and alarm of the international community. There have been to many casualties and too much suffering for the Syrian people, with too many destructive consequences if the crisis continues to ratchet up - not only for Syria itself but for regional peace and stability. From the very beginning, Russia has firmly and consistently called for the non-use of force by all parties and has emphasized the need for a political solution to the problems confronting the country through an inclusive political dialogue conducted by the Syrians themselves.”
2012-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6751 (2012) · source
“It is important that the resolution adopted by the IAEA Board of Governors in November and the 8 March statement by the Chinese representative to the Board of Governors on behalf of the P5+1 both refer to those principles and confirm the resolve of the international community to find a comprehensive political diplomatic settlement.”
2012-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6737 (2012) · source
“At the same time, we oppose attempts to artificially inflame the atmosphere around that subject. After two rounds, the talks between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Iran should continue. We expect a speedy resumption of dialogue between the six international mediators with Iran, at which the Iranian nuclear programme will be one of the key topics of discussion. For our part, we are doing our utmost to achieve a comprehensive, long-term settlement to the situation concerning the Iranian nuclear programme, using exclusively political diplomatic means through dialogue between the P5+1 group and Iran in a spirit of mutual respect and on the basis of phased mutual principles.”
2012-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6737 (2012) · source
“Russia fully complies with all Security Council sanctions against Iran. In that context, we believe that the effectiveness of the sanctions regime and the overall integrality and unity of the international community's actions on outstanding issues related to the Iranian nuclear programme are undermined by introducing further unilateral restrictions. In a number of cases, they have an extraterritorial effect. That is categorically unacceptable from an international legal point of View. The members of the international community must scrupulously fulfil the relevant Security Council resolutions and not exceed their remit. We do not deny the gravity of the problem of restoring trust in the exclusively peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear programme. We share the concerns in that regard.”
2012-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6737 (2012) · source
“We thank the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), Permanent Representative of Colombia Nestor Osorio, for his briefing on the Committee's work. In the reporting period, the Committee pursued its active work addressing the tasks facing it. In View of the heightened sensitivity of the problem of sanctions, it is particularly important for the Committee to act in a balanced, objective manner and not breach the terms of its mandate. That needs to continue in the future, and also applies to the Committee's Panel of Experts, working under its leadership and giving this body practical assistance. It is important for the activities of the experts to be built on an impartial and independent basis, using only credible sources and reliable information.”
2012-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6737 (2012) · source
“We have joined the ranks of donors and international financial institutions, including in providing our own resources, including $500 million for the enormous CASA-1000 transnational energy project. In conclusion, I stress yet again that achieving long-term stability in Afghanistan will be possible only through a comprehensive approach on the part of the international community and the phased, careful transfer of responsibilities for the situation to the Afghan authorities. We will ensure that, by strengthening the coordinating role of the United Nations and coordinating the activities of external players in the interest of the Afghan people, peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region as a whole.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“This is particularly true concerning the political sphere and the security situation. Little mention is made of the terrorist threat and not one word is said about Al-Qaida. The basic Security Council sanctions resolutions are not mentioned. With respect to the drug problem, the report conveys the impression that there is no problem. A successful resolution of the problems facing the international presence, in particular UNAMA, will require a completely objective analysis of the situation in the country. Russia is working to broaden its assistance to Afghanistan. We are prepared to cooperate in rebuilding economic facilities built by Soviet specialists, and to jointly undertake projects to construct hydroelectric stations, infrastructure, and oil and gas plants.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“The outcome of the Third Ministerial Conference of the Paris Pact, which took place in Vienna on 16 February, is of significance in that context. We are concerned about the information in the report on UNAMA indicating that more than 3,000 Afghan civilians died in 2011, representing 8 per cent more than in the previous year. An increasing number have died as the result of air strikes by coalition forces in Afghanistan. We continue to deem it necessary to ensure that all parties in Afghanistan uphold human rights and the norms of international humanitarian law, and that no harm be done, even unintentionally, to the country's population and infrastructure. It is important to note that the picture painted in the Secretary-General's report is oversimplified. Some problems are noted only in passing.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“The Afghan drug trade is currently a direct and open threat to international peace and stability. It is the source of financing for terrorist activities. We can only combat the threat together. Unfortunately, the trends in that area do not give rise to hope. The production of opiates increased by almost 60 per cent in 2011. The key aim here is to eradicate the fields of drug crops and the infrastructure for producing drugs. It must become a real priority for international security forces. Of course, we need to react to the difficult situation along the whole of the drugs trafficking route running from Afghanistan, but without strict, stringent measures to eradicate drug crops we will only be treating the symptoms.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“Our long-term efforts must not have been be in vain. ISAF troops must fully carry out their mandate to eradicate threats emanating from Afghanistan. I would like to remind the Council that the mandate of the coalition was given by the Security Council. We would therefore be right to expect a final Council report before a withdrawal of the coalition forces takes place. We need to be careful when we talk about national reconciliation. We are convinced that that is only going to be productive if the process is led by the Afghan Government itself. An important aspect of national reconciliation and a settlement in Afghanistan is the implementation of the sanctions regime pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) and the three key basic principles. Of serious concern is the production of, and illegal trade in, drugs in Afghanistan.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“Against the background of the ill-preparedness of national armed forces and police to clamp down on the threat of drugs and terrorism on their own, of particular concern is the ongoing worsening of the situation related to the escalation of violence on the part of Taliban and Al-Qaida fighters. Unfortunately, oil often gets poured on the fire by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). The recent unfortunate incidents that have produced intense reactions among Afghans attest to that fact. We deem it ill-considered to set artificial deadlines for withdrawing international forces from Afghanistan. We must not forget that one of the main tasks given to those forces by the international community was to ensure the establishment of viable national security structures that could maintain basic order in the country.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We welcome Mr. Jan Kubis and thank him for his extensive briefing. The achievement of an effective and long-term Afghan settlement is a key task for the international community. The conferences in Istanbul, Bonn and Vienna have confirmed our joint commitment to achieving the aims of the Kabul process. The efforts undertaken must lay a solid basis for the development in Afghanistan of democratic processes, socio-economic recovery and the establishment of that friendly country as a peaceful, independent, prosperous and neutral State that is free from the threats of terrorism and drugs. However, despite the efforts of the Afghan authorities and those of the international community, the situation in Afghanistan is still far from stable.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“We support the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Libya. Nevertheless, we are convinced that all issues must be dealt with by political means through dialogue. Otherwise, the situation in Benghazi is going to turn into a tragedy.”
2012-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6731 (2012) · source
“There is information that there is a special training centre for the Syrian so-called revolutionaries in Libya, supported by the authorities. Its cadets are being sent to Syria to attack the legitimate Government. That is completely unacceptable on any legitimate grounds. That action is undermining stability in the Middle East. Given the fact that Al-Qaida is active in Syria, the question arises of whether the export of revolution is turning into the export of terrorism. Colonel Al-Qadhafi said that he was involved there as well, but surely issues need to be dealt with in their respective countries. It is clear that the transition period in Libya has been very difficult. Just a few days ago, in the east of the country, there were signs of separatism and the use of the force.”
2012-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6731 (2012) · source
“We believe that the matter should have been properly resolved and that responsibility lies not only with NATO and the Security Council, but also with the new Libyan authorities. Their consideration of the matter of civilian casualties as a result of the airstrikes will show their commitment to the protection of human rights and will contribute towards national reconciliation. We call on the Secretary-General to work for a joint statement of the United Nations and NATO in order to bring the issue of civilian casualties as a result of the NATO airstrikes to a close. Secondly, we have expressed concern about the uncontrolled proliferation of Libyan arms in the region. However, it is not only weapons that are going abroad.”
2012-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6731 (2012) · source
“Nevertheless, there was an International Commission of Inquiry of Libya of the Human Rights Council. On 2 March, there was a report (A/HRC/19/68) that mentioned the deaths of dozens of civilians as a result of the airstrikes. But what we have, instead of a direct and honest reaction from NATO, is that things have gone back to square one. On 5 March, it was announced that no statement could be made about the casualties because "it was unable to verify the figures". As we can see, NATO is coyly attempting to avoid responsibility with regard to a highly sensitive humanitarian matter. We expect NATO to recognize the existence of civilian casualties, to apologize and to say that it is ready to pay the appropriate compensation.”
2012-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6731 (2012) · source
“Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We would like to welcome the Prime Minister of Libya to the Security Council Chamber. He faces great challenges, and we would like to wish him every success in overcoming them. In the presence of the Prime Minister, we would like to mention three issues that were not raised in the briefing. The first point is about the civilian casualties as result of the NATO airstrikes on Libya. The Security Council gives the issue great importance because the civilian deaths were caused by actions that it had sanctioned, whereas they were intended to protect civilians. On 3 November, the Secretary-General of NATO stated that Libya had no confirmed civilian casualties as a result of the airstrikes and that no further investigation was therefore needed.”
2012-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6731 (2012) · source
“Given the clear complications of carrying out justice in Somalia, we are in favour of creating a relevant structure with an international component. Russia continues to participate in international operations to combat piracy off the coast of Somalia. We will continue to pursue a policy of comprehensive support to Somalia and active participation in the efforts of the international community to facilitate a solution to the Somali situation.”
2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source
“The Russian Federation provides humanitarian assistance to Somali refugees in neighbouring countries, especially Kenya, and makes significant contributions to United Nations programmes. We support measures adopted under Mr. Mahiga's leadership to coordinate and expand the United Nations presence in Somalia as required by the security situation. The outlook for the fight against piracy off the coast of Somalia is still dim. Piracy is flourishing and continues to destabilize the region, taking a large economic and moral toll on the international community. We welcome the determination in evidence at the London conference to counteract that scourge as part of a comprehensive anti-piracy strategy, including creating an effective system aimed at bringing pirates to trial.”
2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source
“We must bear in mind that force can only be a complement to a broad political process, which the Somalis themselves have the full responsibility to drive forward. In that light, they must work for unity within the Transitional Federal Institutions, put an end to personal score-settling and mobilize their energies to carry out the provisions of the road map, namely, advancing the political process and securing State authority over the recovered territories. We must reject any attempts to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia. Although the effects of the famine have somewhat abated, the humanitarian crisis in Somalia continues and the number of refuges is unfortunately growing as military action against Al-Shabaab continues, affecting even the capital Mogadishu itself.”
2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source
“It is vital to begin implementing the resolution's provisions as soon as possible. Any attempts to engage Al-Shabaab in dialogue are unacceptable. It is a group on the United Nations sanctions list for Somalia. Its goals - particularly since allying with Al-Qaida - are patently clear and do not include renouncing terrorism or further attempts to destabilize the situation in Somalia. Somalia is awash with weapons, a circumstance that inevitably provokes violence. Given that reality, it is more important than ever to strengthen the arms embargo overall and to cut off weapons channels for the extremists, including those coming from Libya and other volatile regions in Africa and the Middle East.”
2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source
“Of paramount importance right now are the timely suppression of Al-Shabaab and the prompt completion of the main transition objectives within the deadline set. We welcome the recent successes of Kenyan, Somali and Ethiopian troops in southern and central Somalia. However, extremists continue to control a major part of the South of the country and, judging by the latest reports, they are actively regrouping and making alliances, both with local likeminded groups - such as in Puntland - and with Al-Qaida abroad. Terrorist acts continue in Mogadishu, where the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) is an important stabilizing force. The recent adoption of resolution 2036 (2012) creates new possibilities for strengthening AMISOM military capabilities, making possible a broader and more intensive campaign against Al-Shabaab.”
2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source
“Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We are pleased to welcome you, Mr. President, to the Security Council Chamber. We are grateful to the Secretary-General for his report (S/2012/74) and to Special Representative of the Secretary-General Mahiga for his assessment of the situation in Somalia. Above all, we would like to congratulate our British colleagues on successfully holding the London conference on Somalia. We hope that it will make a significant contribution to the process of resolving the situation in Somalia, which has entered a critical phase. Achieving the goal of stabilization and laying the foundation for statehood in Somalia requires coordinated, dynamic efforts on the part of the international community, political will and the full commitment of the Somali Transitional Federal Government.”
2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source
“We hope that Ireland will pursue efforts in that matter. We hope that the philosophy of the Irish chairmanship set out by Mr. Gilmore goals will allow the organization to overcome the crises of recent years and to adapt to the new global realities. We are ready to work with the Irish chairmanship and all other participating States on this issue. We wish Mr. Gilmore every success in addressing the current urgent challenges facing the OSCE.”
2012-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6715 (2012) · source
“We believe that the lasting settlement of conflicts is possible only through substantive, creative negotiations towards compromise, involving all concerned parties. To that end, the OSCE chairmanship should take into account that some of the so-called frozen conflicts no longer need to be so. Our approach must take account of new geopolitical realities. We hope that the work of the OSCE in 2012 in that area will be based on the agreed principles of settlement: consensus, the rule of international law, the peaceful settlement of conflicts through negotiations within existing forums, the unacceptability of the use of force, and consent by all parties to conflicts to the measures proposed by the OSCE. We support efforts to reform the OSCE to make its work more effective, especially by reviewing its founding document.”
2012-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6715 (2012) · source
“An important challenge is to develop confidence- building measures in the use by member States of information and communication technology to bolster the United Nations global efforts to improve international information exchange and security. We hope that the outcome of the annual security review conference, as well as the conferences on combating drugs and terrorism, will make major regional contributions to these global efforts, including those conducted under Security Council auspices. The OSCE human dimension requires rethinking, above all in rejecting selectivity on country and thematic issues and to give due prominence to important themes in human rights issues. Crisis resolution remains one of the key functions of the OSCE.”
2012-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6715 (2012) · source
“Such cooperation should be based on the solid foundation of the United Nations Charter, especially Chapter VIII, taking due account of the relative advantages of these global organizations and mechanisms. There is no doubt that the Security Council holds the principal responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. The OSCE enters the new year with a solid set of tools for establishing a community of equal and undivided security, stretching from Vancouver to Vladivostok. First and foremost is the problem of transnational threats and challenges, such as combating drugs, the framework for police activity and the counter-terrorism mandate of the OSCE. We look forward to the completion of agreements on the strategic instruments and the adoption of relevant decisions.”
2012-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6715 (2012) · source
“Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We welcome the Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland, Mr. Gilmore. The priorities of the Irish chairmanship presented to the Security Council establish a solid base for implementing well-designed plans, which it is our hope will allow that organization to reach a qualitatively new level. We all want to see an OSCE that is more effective and meets the interests of all its member States. 12-2284] The Russian Federation advocates a comprehensive development and improvement of cooperation between the United Nations and its Security Council, on the one hand, and regional and subregional mechanisms on the other, among which the OSCE occupies an important place.”
2012-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6715 (2012) · source
“They may make every effort and do everything necessary to fulfil their professional duty, but if they claim to be unable to confirm this or that assertion, or the involvement of particular individuals in the crime, then the international community will not accept them as convincing. We must understand that we are putting Mr. Williamson in a bind. In order to avoid such a dilemma, we again offer our support for the Serbian initiative to establish a special mechanism to involve the United Nations in this investigation.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“Williamson is a closed group of which little is known, and its members have not gone through the kind of vetting process that would normally take place when a jury is established, simply because certain 28 countries, including the United States, have their political agendas. I stress that we recognize Mr. Williamson as a highly professional specialist, and he has been put into a very difficult situation. To help him, we must set up the kind of mechanism described in the Serbian initiative. It would be under United Nations and Security Council auspices because, unless such a mechanism is set up, no outcome of the investigation undertaken by the Task Force that is not based on confirmed facts and the conclusions of the Marty report will be accepted as convincing.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“Of course, it is important that cooperation and contact be established between the Task Force and interested parties because it is the only existing investigation mechanism. Of course, we should support it and cooperate with it. Now, with regard to impartiality, we all know that in politics perceptions are as important as facts, and sometimes more important. We all know that, for example, in the United States of America, where we work, and in many other countries there is a jury system for trials. The jury selection sometimes takes longer than the trial itself. Some candidates are removed not because they are bad people or because they are not professionally trained, but simply because their perceptions may not be impartial, which could have an impact on the case. I am convinced that the Task Force set up under Mr.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): I would like to briefly address two issues. First, I was intrigued by Minister Jeremie's very interesting proposal that the Security Council visit Kosovo. As I understand, Mr. Hoxhaj also believes that such a visit to the province is important to obtaining an objective and correct understanding of developments there. The Security Council programme of work for this year is still not fully determined, so I propose that the Security Council discuss such a possibility to see if it can be part of our work programme for 2012. Now, I should like to return to the matter of investigating the human organs issue and the Special Investigative Task Force led by Mr. Williamson. I take it as a positive sign that the Security Council has spoken about the work of that group for the first time today.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“Their support would be an important contribution to ensuring justice and the rule of law and to guaranteeing that the investigation will not once again be brushed under the carpet. We hope that those countries that view this initiative negatively will change their positions. The humanitarian importance of this problem is too great.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“There is a clear conflict of interest here. We recall that Carla del Ponte, the former Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, noted significant problems with the investigation being led by international entities and the Kosovo authorities into organ trafficking in Kosovo. We note the unsatisfactory situation with regard to witness protection, as confirmed by the Council of Europe. There is no progress here; key witnesses are simply rubbed out. In this regard, we call on the new non-permanent members of the Security Council to support the Serbian initiative to establish a Security Council mechanism to follow up on the findings of the Marty report.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“Finally, we are concerned at the way EULEX is investigating facts revealed by Dick Marty, Special Rapporteur of the Council of Europe, on the illegal trade in human organs in Kosovo. These very grave facts point to the criminal involvement of some current Kosovo leaders. The investigation must be impartial and worthy of trust. It is with this in mind that we advocate the transfer of the investigation to the Security Council. At the moment, the investigation is looking into the involvement of some Kosovo leaders in illegal trafficking in human organs, and is being undertaken by those countries which in the past helped these very people come to power in Kosovo. As we know, a leading role was played here by the United States. And - what an amazing coincidence - it is a United States citizen who is heading the ongoing investigation.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“The international community must pay greater attention to the Orthodox holy sites and congregations. We share the concern of the Serbian authorities and Orthodox Church with regard to the imminent hand- over of protection responsibilities for important Serbian cultural and religious cultural sites from KFOR to the Kosovo Police. We believe that this development may cause further uncertainty in the security of Kosovo. We would like to obtain clarification with regard to the reasons and parameters for the coming drawdown of EULEX and the planned conditions for transferring the police and customs functions it inherited from UNMIK to Kosovo institutions. Why this is being done without the approval of the Security Council, which sanctioned the deployment of the European mission?”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“The disappointment of the Serbian population, who feel that they are not supported or protected by the international presence in Kosovo, is expressed in the setting up of roadblocks and the plan of Serbian municipalities in the province to hold a referendum on the issue of the legitimacy of the Kosovo Albanian authorities. We believe that, in seeking a solution, we must use only peaceful means within the framework of dialogue with all interested parties. We are convinced that, despite efforts to repudiate the role of UNMIK, the Mission remains the principal international civilian presence in Kosovo, pursuant to resolution 1244 (1999). We insist on the full implementation by UNMIK of its mandate, including with regard to the foreign representation of Kosovo in regional and international organizations and mechanisms.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“Resolution 1244 (1999) imposes the obligation on the international presence to provide unrestricted access for humanitarian aid. The situation in Kosovo remains bleak. We note the breakdown in the policy for the return of internally displaced persons to Kosovo and the growing exodus of the Serbian population from the province. The situation is only partly reflected in the Secretary- General's report. We intend to give this issue priority attention during the forthcoming visit to Kosovo in late February by the Russian High Representative on human rights, democracy and the rule of law.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“Yet these issues are of key importance for the security of the province. We have serious doubts about the report's claim that the international presence - the Kosovo Force (KFOR) and the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) - respect the principle of status neutrality and resolution 1244 (1999). It is precisely their failure to respect the latter that has led to conflict with northern Kosovo Serbs and obliged UNMIK, as noted in the report, often to act as a fire brigade. Force must not be used in this situation, and we must ensure that a political settlement is found to emerging problems. We can only be alarmed at the actions of EULEX in December 2011 with regard to a Russian humanitarian aid convoy in northern Kosovo. Russia itself decides to whom and at what level it will provide humanitarian assistance.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“Hoxhaj's clarification with regard to relations between the EU and Serbia, and for his formulation of the instructions received from Brussels in that regard. Russia's position of not recognizing Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence remains unchanged. Resolution 1244 (1999) remains fully in force and binding as an international legal basis for settlement in Kosovo. With regard to the Secretary- General's report on the activities of UNMIK, I would like to make the following comments. The current trends in the province are generally correctly reflected in the report, but in diluted form. It clearly distances itself from the real situation and security of minorities, the preservation of Serbian cultural and religious heritage, and the return of internally displaced persons.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source