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

“Unverified or politicized information does not help to promote any initiative of the Security Council or its committees. We note the importance of the experts exercising sensible caution with respect to the information they receive. The goal of the procedure provided for in the resolution adopted today - whereby the Panel of Experts shall provide the 1737 Committee with a preliminary programme of work, with subsequent regular discussions between the Committee and the Panel - is to further enhance the effectiveness of the efforts of that monitoring mechanism. We believe that these efforts can help to ensure useful leadership by the Committee of the Panel's work.”
2011-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6552 (2011) · source
“Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): Russia voted in favour of resolution 1984 (2011), which extends the mandate of the Panel of Experts of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006) on sanctions against Iran. The Panel is an important component of the Iranian sanctions regime and does useful and practical work in assisting the 1737 Committee. It collects and verifies facts about possible violations of sanctions, carries out analyses and prepares recommendations and assessments. The results of the Panel of Experts' work are reflected in its reports. In that connection, it is most important for the Panel to comply strictly with its mandate, act impartially and independently, and use reliable sources of information when preparing its conclusions and recommendations.”
2011-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6552 (2011) · source
“In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm that the task of overcoming the global HIV/AIDS epidemic is a priority for Russia. Our country actively participates in international efforts in that area, including as a donor to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. We have contributed $317 million to the Fund. In our view, the special role of the United Nations is to mobilize, coordinate and implement a common response to HIV/AIDS. Once again, we emphasize the importance of coordinated actions by all parts of the Organization in that area.”
2011-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6547 (2011) · source
“The epidemic also negatively affects the potential of women to participate in conflict prevention and settlement. A whole range of Security Council resolutions on women, peace and security have laid a solid foundation for work in that area. The United Nations Secretariat should take appropriate steps to develop approaches and implement measures for United Nations peacekeeping forces to respond to HIV/AIDS. Moreover, the leadership of United Nations missions should carry out practical actions at the country level, in coordination with United Nations funds, programmes and specialized agencies, including the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children' s Fund, the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Population Fund.”
2011-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6547 (2011) · source
“We favour additional efforts to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS for military and civilian staff of United Nations peacekeeping operations. The idea of introducing the posts of HIV/AIDS special advisers and coordinators in peacekeeping operations deserves to be studied. Also significant is working with troop- and police-contributing countries to provide appropriate preparation of personnel before the deployment of missions and to improve relevant national prevention policies and programmes targeting uniformed personnel. We must be aware that women and children continue to be one of the most vulnerable categories in the context of HIV, particularly in conflict and post- conflict situations. They are frequently either combatants or victims of sexual exploitation by parties to conflict.”
2011-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6547 (2011) · source
“Since the adoption of the milestone resolution 1308 (2000) of the Security Council, some progress has been made. At the same time, the ongoing burden of HIV/AIDS in countries where United Nations peacekeeping operations are under way requires continuous efforts to react to the challenges of the epidemic. Of particular importance is possible assistance from peacekeepers in efforts by specialized international bodies to prevent HIV/AIDS among the civilian population, to overcome social alienation and discrimination due to HIV/AIDS and to create and build relevant national capacities, in cooperation with national and local governmental bodies and the population. We should look at ways to ensure the continuity of measures begun in the framework of peacekeeping operations during longer-term peacebuilding processes.”
2011-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6547 (2011) · source
“The Council should continue to focus on considering the issue of fighting HIV/AIDS in the context of conflict and post- conflict situations, including during United Nations peacekeeping operations. That is where we see the real added value of its contribution to the collective work of the United Nations. HIV/AIDS is not a source of conflicts, but conflicts create conditions that contribute to the spread of the epidemic and also complicate efforts to curb it. Affected countries require appropriate and targeted support from the United Nations. In that connection, we welcome the coordination and cooperation between the Secretariat' s Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. On the whole, we agree with their approaches and assessments of priority areas for work.”
2011-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6547 (2011) · source
“Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We are grateful to you, Mr. President, for having taken the initiative to hold today' s very timely meeting of the Security Council, on the eve of the high-level meeting of the General Assembly, where Member States will adopt a comprehensive political declaration on the key areas for a global response to the challenges of HIV/AIDS. Surmounting that complex threat requires comprehensive and coordinated work by the entire United Nations system. Of particular importance are coherent actions and appropriate distribution of tasks among the General Assembly, the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council, in accordance with their prerogatives under the Charter. It is important that the Security Council' 5 actions in that area are incorporated into system-wide efforts.”
2011-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6547 (2011) · source
“Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): In the spirit of our close cooperation during the mission itself, Ambassador Rice has just briefed the Council in both our names.”
2011-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6546 (2011) · source
“Of key importance in this regard is strengthening constructive cooperation among the countries of the Great Lakes region to resolve common transborder problems and development of economic cooperation.”
2011-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6539 (2011) · source
“We welcome the development of dialogue and partnership relations between the Government of the Democratic Republic and the United Nations Mission to take stock together of the situation regarding prospects for the United Nations peacekeeping presence. We note the Mission's adopting of a range of measures to enhance the effectiveness of the protection of the civilian population, which provides for an early warning mechanism in vulnerable regions and is intended to bolster the confidence of the peaceful population in its activities. Such steps are already yielding palpable positive results. To uphold long-term stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the international community should focus its attention on assisting the Government to resolve issues related to peacebuilding.”
2011-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6539 (2011) · source
“Priorities here include the reconstruction and strengthening of institutions of State authority in areas freed from armed groups. Resolving those issues is increasingly topical in the context of upcoming general elections, bearing in mind that preparations for their conduct are at the very forefront of political life in the country. This period might be marked by growing political and social tensions. Undoubtedly, providing electoral support to the country by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) is an important task. Such assistance must be provided on the request of the National Independent Electoral Commission in an unbiased way, strictly within the framework of the existing mandate.”
2011-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6539 (2011) · source
“In that context we welcome the efforts by the Great Lakes countries to create joint mechanisms for border control and for managing and certifying the proceeds of mineral resources in the country, in particular agreements of the special high-level meeting in Lusaka in December last year. A key task is stepping up assistance to the Government of the country for security sector reform. Despite the Government's efforts, progress in this area remains limited. At the same time, the bottleneck in the process of integrating former combatants exacerbates problems within the regular armed forces. It is important to ensure full-fledged implementation of the agreements between the Government and the Congolese armed groups of 23 March 2009.”
2011-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6539 (2011) · source
“An alarming factor is the alliances created by Congolese and foreign rebels to achieve their goals and maintain their control of the illicit proceeds from mineral resources. We firmly condemn the punitive actions by the armed groups against the peaceful population, attacks on peacekeepers and the seizure of hostages, including those from humanitarian organizations, for ransom. We note that the number of human rights violations in those territories is not decreasing. Those crimes must not go unpunished. It is quite obvious that resolving the issue of armed groups in the eastern part of the country will be possible only through a comprehensive and holistic approach, one involving a broad spectrum of political, economic, legal and military-political instruments.”
2011-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6539 (2011) · source
“Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We would like to welcome the Minister for International and Regional Cooperation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mr. Raymong Tshibanda, to today's meeting. We believe that the process of settling the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has seen substantial positive progress. The prevailing relative stability throughout the country is evidence of the country's move towards a post-conflict reconstruction phase. At the same time, in the eastern provinces of the country, serious threats to security remain because of the activity of a number of armed groups. The military capabilities of those groups remain fairly high.”
2011-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6539 (2011) · source
“We believe that the Committee should continue to devote priority attention to assisting States in implementing resolution 1540 (2004) and coordinating the activities of the international community to that end. We stand ready to continue to support such measures, including within the framework of our ongoing cooperation on issues related to resolution 1540 (2004) with participating States of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The Russian Federation will continue to undertake focused efforts to fulfil the tasks set by the Security Council to forge a reliable system under the auspices of the United Nations to counter the black market in weapons of mass destruction.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“Resolution 1977 (2011) enshrines the leading role of the United Nations and the Security Council in these fields and creates conditions conducive to bolstering multilateral efforts in this area. The 1540 Committee plays a key role in coordinating and enhancing the effectiveness of such efforts. We believe that the Committee and its Panel of Experts worked fruitfully during the reporting period to promote the further intensification of activities by the international community to counter proliferation- reIated risks and threats. We welcome the measures aimed at making the Committee's work more regular and systematic. It is important that these efforts continue.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“We fully back the participation of CTED pursuant to its existing mandate in the efforts of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force as well as its cooperation with the panels of experts of specialized Security Council committees. Russia attaches great importance to the Security Council's adoption last month of resolution 1977 (2011), which reaffirms the very large-scale tasks of resolution 1540 (2004) and extends the mandate of the 1540 Committee for a further 10 years. We have used resolution 1540 (2004) as one of the main international instruments in preventing weapons of mass destruction, their means of delivery and related materials from falling into the hands of non-State actors, first and foremost, terrorists.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“In that context we welcome the outcome of the CTC's special meeting in Strasbourg with international, regional and subregional organizations on the topic of preventing terrorism. We endorse the intention of the Chair of the CTC to organize work on using the outcome of the special meeting to strengthen cooperation with regional organizations. We note the close regular contacts of the CTC, the 1267 Committee and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) with the conference 11-3390] of the heads of special services, security organs and law enforcement agencies of partner States of the Russian Federation's Federal Security Service on terrorism. We welcome the assistance provided by the CTC through CTED.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“We attach special importance to enhancing efforts to counteract the radicalization of public opinion and the ideologies of terrorism, violent extremism and incitement to commit terrorist acts. To this end, the Russian Federation initiated the CTC's adoption of a plan of action to implement resolution 1624 (2005). It provides for broader dialogue with States on all aspects of the resolution and analysis of successful experiences to disseminate it more broadly and prepare a comprehensive report on the situation in this field. We expect effective implementation of the plan and will actively participate in that work. To forge a robust network of antiterrorist cooperation under the aegis of the United Nations, it is important to bolster CTC contacts with international and regional organizations.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“We again urge States, pursuant to resolutions 1735 (2006) and 1904 (2009), to submit to the Committee requests to include on the sanctions list individuals and organizations linked to the Taliban and Al-Qaida, including those financing their terrorist activities from the proceeds of drug trafficking. Resolution 1963 (2010), adopted last December, directs the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its Executive Directorate (CTED) to pay greater attention to issues of preventing and suppressing terrorism. We actively contributed to adopting that approach, which, in our view, secures wider support for and more effective implementation of the Security Council's antiterrorist decisions and organically fits into the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“As before, we believe that excluding former terrorists from the sanctions list is possible only on an individual basis. Here we considered groundless any proposals for the flexible or simplified de-listing of the Taliban, including the proposal for a sunset clause, which would lead to weakened control by the 1267 Committee over this process and to de facto automatic de-listing. We back the Committee's efforts to ensure greater transparency in the work without prejudice to its effectiveness, and its efforts to update the sanctions list to bring it in line with the current terrorist threat. We consider the work of the Ombudsperson useful and her present mandate as optimum.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“It is enough to recall that to date the Taliban have been backed by motley international groups, including foreign terrorist organizations. That is why it is virtually impossible to draw a distinction between the accomplices of Al-Qaida and purely Afghan Taliban. Here, we view the initiative to split the sanctions list into two, for Al-Qaida and for the Taliban, as unwarranted and fraught with the risk of loss of focus in the international antiterrorist track. We back the policy of the Afghan leadership for national reconciliation and the reintegration into society of those members of illegal armed groups who are not tainted by crimes against the Afghan people, who have rejected violence and links with Al-Qaida and who recognize the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“In the Russian Federation, a number of successful operations to neutralize underground groups in the northern Caucuses were carried out. Clearly, a key event was the elimination of Osama bin Laden. The Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) concerning Al-Qaida and the Taliban and associated individuals and entities remains one of the main participants in the Council's activity in the counter-terrorist field. We view as premature and unjustified the claims that the link between the Taliban and Al-Qaida are weakening and that flexible sanctions can serve to isolate the unreconciled Taliban and adherents of Al-Qaida. The idea that the Taliban might acquire a nationalistic character does not bear scrutiny.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We express our gratitude to the Permanent Representatives of India, Germany and South Africa for their reports on the work of the Committees they respectively head. The Russian Federation views the stepping up of efforts in the work of these Committees as an important precondition to enhancing the effectiveness of the Security Council's contribution to countering global terrorism, which remains one of the main threats to international peace and security. This fact is amply demonstrated by regular reports of new terrorist acts in various regions of the world. At the same time, there are many examples of successful actions by the participants in the counter-terrorist coalition of States.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“The international community has, more than once, looked at these serious crimes; once we overlook them, we cannot do so a second time. We are convinced that we will revisit this issue in the Security Council in the near future.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“It should be granted adequate resources to ensure the functioning of a reliable witness-protection programme. In carrying out its work, the mechanism should work closely with interested States, UNMIK and EULEX. Its progress and results must be reported to the Security Council through the Secretary-General. We are convinced that carrying out a detailed, de-politicized and independent investigation will be in the interests of establishing truth and reconciliation in the province. We believe that arguments made today by Mr. Jeremie are more than convincing. We do not understand the aspirations of some colleagues in the Security Council to limit the investigation to EULEX, which has never done anything like that.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“The situation with regard to the return to Kosovo of internally displaced persons - including the Serbian population - continues to be unsatisfactory. There are many reasons for this situation, not the least of which is the fact that returnees do not have certainty about their own security. On 19 April, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia sent a letter to the Secretary-General setting out the approaches of the Serbian side to the issue of carrying out an investigation in connection with the well-known report by Dick Marty about illegal trafficking in human organs in Kosovo. We support the proposal contained therein to establish, by decision of the Security Council, an international investigative mechanism accountable to the United Nations.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“We believe that in this case the international presences to which I have referred acted as an instrument of the Kosovo Albanian authorities, bringing to the north of the province the rules and ways established by the authorities in Pristina. We call on EULEX and KFOR to observe the status neutrality stipulated by their mandate. We share the concern of the Serb authorities and the Serbian Orthodox Church about the situation that developed in connection with the transfer by NATO forces to the Kosovo police of the responsibility for protecting the most significant Serbian cultural and religious heritage sites. We believe that these actions could cause additional tension in Kosovo in the area of security, especially given that cases of theft and vandalism against Serb holy sites were once again documented during the reporting period.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“There is also the uncontrolled resettlement there of the Albanian population, which was not agreed with all interested parties. All of this will inevitably lead to an escalation of tension. Of serious concern is the operation carried out in Zubin Potok on 15 February by the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), with the support of the Kosovo Force (KFOR) and the Kosovo Albanian police, to detain - as they stated - local criminal elements. In fact, the purpose was to detain importers of oil products from Serbia who refused to pay taxes into the Kosovo Government coffers. In the eyes of the local population, this operation stood out as an act of intimidation.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“We believe that the European Union, which is mediating the talks, must provide an appropriate place for the United Nations at the talks, especially given the possibility that the Organization may provide assistance. UNMIK should continue to provide maximum assistance for a settlement of the Kosovo issue, as well as to carry out its duties to ensure Kosovo's external representation in regional and international organizations and mechanisms. We consider unacceptable the unilateral actions of Pristina and international presences in the north of Kosovo aimed at changing realities on the ground. In this context, we draw attention to the potentially explosive situation in the northern part of the province. There have been attempts to Albanicize local Kosovo police units and to extend the activities of Kosovo custom officers to the north.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“We believe that it is necessary to have an official presence by representatives of the United Nations Mission in Kosovo at meetings held in the framework of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, given the need for the Security Council to receive adequate information about the progress and the substance of the talks and for the purposes of the quarterly report of the Secretary-General. That need also stems from the agenda of the meetings themselves. As we know, participants in the talks discuss issues directly related to UNMIK, such as Pristina's chairmanship this year of the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA). In that regard, I would like to recall that UNMIK is the signatory of CEFTA for Kosovo.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“Russia's position on non-recognition of Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence remains unchanged. We support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Serbia. We also believe that resolution 1244 (1999) remains fully in force and is binding for all as the international legal basis for Kosovo's settlement, as well as for ensuring security in the province. Moreover, the Security Council should continue to play a leading role in addressing the issue of Kosovo. We welcome the resumption of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. We are convinced that a viable solution to the Kosovo issue can be reached only through negotiations.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We would like to thank Mr. Zannier, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Kosovo, for introducing the report (S/2011/28l) of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). We welcome the participation of Mr. Vuk J eremic', Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia, in today's meeting of the Security Council, and we share his views. We listened closely to the statement by Mr. Hoxhaj. However, we must direct a comment at the Secretariat. As Mr. Hoxhaj was speaking in his personal capacity, the text of his speech should not have been distributed as it was. We are firmly convinced that this mistake by the Secretariat will not be repeated.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): Sir, you are absolutely right, but we have listened to three very important statements. It seems to me that it may be useful to discuss those statements before the Council gives its final endorsement to the text.”
2011-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6532 (2011) · source
“Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): Before the Council adopts the presidential statement, I should like to propose that members engage in consultations.”
2011-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6532 (2011) · source
“Ensuring the security of the civilian population during the peacebuilding period is primarily the responsibility of the relevant State. The task for the United Nations is to provide active support in establishing law-enforcement structures to counter crime.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“In that regard, we share the concern expressed today by Ms. Amos with regard to the situation in Libya. The statement by a representative of the coalition with regard to resolution 1973 (2011) is not in line with the reality. In conclusion, we would like to mention one other issue that, in our view, is important. We believe that the protection of civilians is crucial not only during the acute phase of an armed conflict. Following the cessation of active hostilities, the phase of political settlement and peacebuilding begins. At that time, civilians frequently fall victim to various armed groups, looters and forces that have not yet disarmed. We believe it extremely important to avoid the emergence of distinct security vacuums during the period of transition from armed conflict to peacebuilding.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“Moreover, undertaking such international measures, in particular those involving the use of force, is possible only with the authorization of the Security Council, in strict compliance with the United Nations Charter and within the framework established by the relevant Security Council resolutions. In the light of the ambiguous experiences in protecting civilians during peacekeeping operations sanctioned by the Security Council, we believe that it is necessary once again to clearly reaffirm that it is unacceptable for United Nations peacekeepers to be drawn into armed conflict and, in effect, to take the side of one of the parties when implementing their mandate. The noble goal of protecting civilians should not be compromised by attempts to resolve in parallel any unrelated issues.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“Under the norms of international law, the responsibility for the actions of such groups lies with the States that hire them. In that regard, we welcome the recent decision of the United Nations Human Rights Council on drawing up a draft international legal document on the human rights aspects of the activities of such security groups. Certainly, the Governments of States involved in conflicts bear the primary responsibility for protecting the population living on their territory. At the same time, all parties to armed conflict are responsible for the security of civilians. The activities of the international community should assist national efforts in that area.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“Moreover, the majority of civilian casualties are children, women and the elderly, who are generally considered vulnerable groups. Recently, our attention has focused on a number of country situations where the issue of the protection of civilians is particularly acute. I am referring primarily to Afghanistan, Libya and Cote d'Ivoire. We resolutely condemn premeditated attacks on civilians, as well as civilian deaths resulting from the indiscriminate or disproportionate use of force, which is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. We advocate thorough investigation of such incidents and punishment of the perpetrators. That also applies to the activities of private security groups, which quite often violate the rights of the civilian population.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We are grateful to Ms. Amos, Mr. Le Roy and Mr. Simonovie for their briefings. The issue of the protection of civilians holds a prominent place on the Security Council's agenda. We welcome regular discussion of the topic and the close attention to the various aspects of the protection of civilians when setting up and extending country mandates. We also consider useful the recent initiative of Brazil on holding consultations on all questions of protection on the Council's agenda. In our View, that helps the Security Council to develop a comprehensive approach to the issue of protecting civilians and to avoid duplication in the work of the various bodies of the Secretariat. Despite all the efforts to protect civilians, thousands of people die during conflicts, as before.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“In this context, we consider any attempt to impose any sort of constitutional reform on the Bosnian sides from the outside unacceptable. Such unilateral actions could worsen the situation in the country, as shown by the sadly well known case of the Butmir initiative. In our view, the only way to find a solution to the political crisis is through dialogue leading to mutual concessions by the sides. We believe that decisions on the key questions of a settlement should be taken in the international forums we have agreed upon, namely, the Security Council and the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council.”
2011-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6529 (2011) · source
“We call on the partners in the Steering Board not to dramatize the situation with the referendum but to focus on encouraging dialogue between the sides, which would take into account the concerns of the Serbian side about the activities of the Court and the Prosecutor. We know the validity of the comments and the dissatisfaction by the Serbian side with the activities of the Bosnian courts, which have long remained deaf to the international presence. Of the overall number of convictions by the Bosnian courts, 80 per cent have been in cases against Serbs. We are convinced that any vitally important decisions regarding the future of the country should be taken by the Bosnians themselves, on the condition that agreement be reached among the three State peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Bosniaks, Serbs and Croats.”
2011-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6529 (2011) · source
“We see it as putting pressure on the leadership of Bosnia and Herzegovina in favour of one of the sides. The representative of the International Crisis Group, Ms. Arbour, spoke about this very clearly, saying that it was her View that the High Representative had shattered State institutions and the rule of law. The continuing arbitrary use by the High Representative of the Bonn powers is unacceptable. Our principal position is that the application of the emergency mechanism is justified only in exceptional circumstances involving grave violations of the Dayton Agreement that threaten to destabilize the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina; the current actions cannot be characterized in that way.”
2011-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6529 (2011) · source
“Annex 4 does not contain any reference to a court and prosecutor in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and annex 10 grants the High Representative only the functions of interpreting the Dayton Agreements; it does not give him the authority to impose any changes which would interfere in the political process. Moreover, the President of Republika Srpska spoke very clearly about the absence of separatist thought in the Serb entity. We believe that at this stage the actions of the Republika Srpska leadership do not go beyond their jurisdiction or violate the Agreement. On that basis, we cannot agree with the decision taken by the High Representative on 27 March that overruled the Central Election Commission's decision on the formation of a new Government by the Bosniak entity.”
2011-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6529 (2011) · source
“This approach violates if not the letter then the spirit of Dayton and is counterproductive and dangerous. The legitimacy of these steps is not only disputed by the Serbian and Croat political leaders but was also rejected by the Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina. For all intents and purposes, the process of forming a new Government has been undermined. With respect to the decision taken by the Parliament of the Republika Srpska to hold a referendum on the legitimacy of the actions taken by the High Representative - the subject of the special report - we do not see a direct violation here of the Dayton Agreement. The reference by the High Representative to Violations by the Serb entity of annexes 4 and 10 to the Dayton Agreement is not justified.”
2011-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6529 (2011) · source
“The main problem, in our View, is the unwillingness to take into account the views of the Serb and Croat representatives. We believe that only the representatives of those parties that were Victorious in the elections from each of the peoples would fully reflect the choice of the population. Accordingly, the formation by the ruling party of a coalition that does not include the Serb party the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats, the Croatian Democratic Union and the Croat Democratic Union 1990, which is what the Bosniak leaders are trying to achieve, could lead to a violation of the interests of the Serb and Croat peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We have witnessed with concern the unilateral actions taken by the Bosniak side to form a new leadership of the federation that does not include the leading Croat parties.”
2011-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6529 (2011) · source
“In practice, that means replacing the Office of the High Representative with that of the European Union Special Representative and, to that end, returning to the implementation of the 5+2 agenda set forth by the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council. The process of forming a new Government following the elections of 3 October 2010 is facing serious complications. We believe that the current crisis is caused by the shakeup of State institutions by, first and foremost, the Bosniak leaders. Moreover, a significant share of the responsibility lies with the High Representative, whose measures, taken on the basis of the Bonn powers, have consistently heightened tensions in the country and hindered the quest for an internal compromise.”
2011-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6529 (2011) · source
“In order to gain a more objective view of the processes under way in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we recommend that members of the Council read the letter sent by the President of the Republika Srpska, Mr. Dodik, to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council in response to the High Representative's accusations that the leadership of the Serb entity had violated the Dayton Agreement. We hope that that document will be transmitted by the President to members of the Council. The main task of the international community at this stage of a Bosnian settlement is, in our view, the transfer of responsibility for the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Bosnians themselves.”
2011-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6529 (2011) · source