YouSaid · the spoken record

Cooney

lines on the record: 108
first: 2001-01-18
most recent: 2001-08-02
sittings or episodes: 18
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

“Ireland takes very seriously the politically binding commitments it has entered into in the Programme of Action and will work actively and cooperatively with other countries in the fulfilment of these, both inside and outside the Security Council.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355 (2001) · source
“Our debate today is a welcome signal that the Council maintains a strong interest. It is important that the Council, in its own actions, reflect the thrust of the Programme of Action. The Council is already doing this in the attention it has begun to pay to the problem of child soldiers and in the importance it is attaching in post-conflict situations to the effective disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants and the effective disposal of their weaponry. We have heard a number of very practical proposals today, not least those put forward by Ambassador Durrant; these are worthy of further discussion. The Small Arms Conference was an important step in a process that must be followed up.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355 (2001) · source
“This is particularly true in the case of small arms and light weapons and places a special responsibility on the European Union to check the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects and to cooperate in the alleviation of its consequences. Fifthly, the problem must be addressed in a comprehensive and integrated manner. Finally, international cooperation between concerned Governments, their licensing and judicial authorities, as well as the enforcement agencies, is essential if progress is to be made. In your paper for this open debate, Mr. President, you invited us to reflect on the Council's contribution to the implementation of the Programme of Action of the Conference. I think the first thing to say is that the Council can and must show leadership on the issue.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355 (2001) · source
“Action at the regional level is also imperative simply because many of the issues can be addressed only in the context of regional security and through mutual cooperation. Thirdly, it is incumbent on Governments to ensure full compliance with Security Council arms embargoes. Fourthly, it is necessary to examine the issue from both the supply and demand sides. Manufacturing countries must put in place effective controls on gun holdings and also exercise restraint in exporting small arms and light weapons, including through the monitoring of the activities of dubious arms brokers. Although weapons are not manufactured in Ireland, the European Union and the countries associated with the European Union represent a major part of the world's weapons production.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355 (2001) · source
“First, the present capacity of the international community to control small arms and light weapons is unsatisfactory. Secondly, primary action to address the issue of small arms and light weapons must be taken at both the national and regional levels. Action at the national level is essential because it is the primary responsibility of Governments to take action in promoting effective national legislation or administrative measures to regulate trade in small arms and light weapons. All parties must address this issue in an open and self-critical manner in order to achieve tangible progress in the near future. We must not permit the United Nations to be used as a vehicle for reinforcing obstacles deriving from domestic, legislative or constitutional provisions.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355 (2001) · source
“It recognizes that one-size solutions do not fit all and that while the fight against the scourge of small arms and light weapons is one shared by the entire international community and cooperative international action will be needed to defeat it, responses may need to be tailored to meet different regional needs. There is no question that the proliferation of small arms and light weapons is a significant contributing factor in many of the conflicts that come to the attention of the Security Council. It also underlies many of the cross-cutting problems the Council is obliged to address - for instance, child soldiers and the increasing suffering of women and children in armed conflict. It is possible to draw a number of conclusions from previous Security Council discussion on small arms and other, associated issues.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355 (2001) · source
“The Conference was both the culmination of a long preparatory process with many activities at subregional and regional levels around the world and the launching pad for what Ireland hopes will be a dynamic follow-up process. While Ireland, with its partners in the European Union and a number of other countries, would have liked to see even stronger commitments emerge from the Conference, we very much welcome and endorse the very significant achievements that were reached. The Programme of Action represents a reasonable balance between different and sometimes competing interests.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355 (2001) · source
“First allow me to welcome you, Mr. President, to the Security Council today. Ireland is very pleased that you are here today to chair this important debate at the very beginning of the Colombian presidency. I would also like to take the opportunity to congratulate the Chinese delegation on the manner in which they conducted their presidency last month. Later in today's debate, Belgium will make a statement on behalf of the European Union. Ireland fully associates itself with that statement, and I will therefore be brief in my remarks. We welcome the President's initiative in ensuring that the Council picks up the question of small arms quickly in the follow-up to the recent United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, which was so ably chaired by Ambassador Camilo Reyes of Colombia.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355 (2001) · source
“We very much hope that when we look at the Secretary-General's next report, in October, further challenges will have been met, that the elections will have been successfully held and that the drafting of East Timor's constitution will be well under way. This is a crucial phase, and it is important that this Council continue to show its strong and steadfast support for East Timor.”
2001-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4351Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Finally, we would urge full cooperation in investigating the allegations raised by Ireland in May that some women, abducted from East Timor during the conflict, are being held in West Timor in conditions of sexual slavery. Ireland is fully committed to a sustained involvement in East Timor, both bilaterally and on the part of the United Nations. Considerable and encouraging progress has been made in East Timor. This is a tribute both to the courage and vision of the East Timorese people and their leadership and to the professionalism and dedication of the staff of UNTAET. We are in a critical stage of the national self- realization of East Timor.”
2001-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4351Resumption1 (2001) · source
“These include active implementation of the memorandum of understanding, concluded in 2000, on cooperation in legal, judicial and human rights matters. They also include cooperation with UNTAET and subsequently with the independent East Timorese authorities in prosecuting crimes against humanity and humanitarian law in East Timor, and the pursuit of an early appeal against the extremely light sentences given to the six individuals guilty of the murder of the three staff of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Atambua on 6 September 2000. Another such action would be an indication that those refugees who for the moment have apparently elected to remain in West Timor would, were they to change their minds, be allowed to return to East Timor in full security.”
2001-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4351Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Before we make decisions in this regard we should await the report that the Secretary-General has said he will issue in October. We believe that, pending that report, the military component of UNTAET should be maintained in its present form until the new Government in East Timor has established itself. The long-term stability and prosperity of East Timor will be greatly enhanced through a close and harmonious relationship with its neighbour, Indonesia. These are challenging times for Indonesia, but there is no doubt that the international standing of the new Government in Jakarta would be significantly strengthened if it were to take early action in relation to a number of issues regarding its relations with East Timor.”
2001-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4351Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Equally disturbing is the concern expressed in the report that some militia elements have adopted a strategy of biding their time until independence in the belief that the international military presence will be removed from East Timor. The militias must not be given such hope, no matter how false or groundless. Moreover, they must be disarmed and disbanded. As regards the presence of international troops, we believe that the significant efforts of the international community should not be compromised or endangered by a premature reduction in military strength. Concrete decisions should not be taken at this time, particularly about the peacekeeping and policing components. We should reflect on the recommendation of the Secretary-General and monitor developments on the ground, especially during the election period.”
2001-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4351Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We agree with the recommendation of the Secretary-General that an effective human rights component should be an important part of the successor mission, and we are encouraged by the important human rights work currently being carried out by the Human Rights Unit of UNTAET. Yet despite the encouraging political developments, we remain concerned about the security situation in East Timor. In particular, as we were reminded on the weekend, the situation on the border with West Timor is of concern. In this respect we note the reference in the Secretary-General's report to illegal cross-border trade and movement, which have been associated with serious security incidents. This is deeply worrying.”
2001-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4351Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We strongly believe that the international presence in East Timor should be commensurate with actual requirements and calibrated to a careful timetable of scrutiny and review. In this context we have taken careful note of Mr. Ramos-Horta's appeal that the desirable downsizing of the United Nations presence should take full account of the ongoing needs of East Timor. The recommendation in the Secretary- General's report that international staff should act increasingly in an advisory capacity and in technical areas where local expertise has not yet developed is most sensible and worthy of further consideration. We believe that this assistance is vital for the process of Timorization, whereby East Timor will acquire the administrative strength and institutional capacity to successfully manage its own affairs.”
2001-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4351Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The Secretary-General in his report of last January stated that, once independent, East Timor would still require substantial international support through an integrated mission mandated by the Security Council and funded from assessed contributions. We are pleased to note in the current report that planning for such a presence is being undertaken by the Working Group on the Post- UNTAET Planning in East Timor, together with an Integrated Mission Task Force in New York. We also note from the Secretary-General's report that the plan will be refined to reflect the structure of an independent Government of East Timor, which of course will only become clear once the Constituent Assembly's deliberations have progressed.”
2001-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4351Resumption1 (2001) · source
“I would like to welcome Special Representative Sergio Vieira de Mello and Mr. Ramos-Horta. Later in today's debate Belgium, as President of the European Union, will be making a statement to which Ireland fully subscribes. I make the following points in my national capacity. It is not an exaggeration to state that today's meeting takes place at an historic time for East Timor, as the country approaches elections to the Constituent Assembly, the drafting of the constitution and the achievement of independence. An enormous amount has been accomplished in the last two years, but as Mr. Vieira de Mello has confirmed today, much remains to be done.”
2001-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4351Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We do remain concerned, however, about the situation of refugees and internally displaced persons. We recognize that significant progress has been achieved and urge the authorities in the country and elsewhere to make further progress on this issue and on implementing property-rights laws, both of which are essential to the normalization and stability of the region. We note Mr. Klein's comments on the bringing to justice of the perpetrators of crimes committed under previous regimes. We would encourage all parties in the region to make further progress on this extremely important issue and to cooperate fully with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. We support, in this context, the efforts of the Stabilization Force in apprehending indicted war criminals.”
2001-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4330 (2001) · source
“We are pleased that the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH) is monitoring police investigations into the violence in Banja Luka and Trebinje. I should like to ask Mr. Klein to what extent he believes that this political incitement has been generated by those who have drawn economic profit from past political instability. UNMIBH has certainly made significant progress in restructuring the law enforcement agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly the police. Nevertheless, problems linked to low salaries, housing, judicial follow-up and low minority representation are worrying. Again, I should like to ask Mr. Klein if this is something that is common throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina or that is more marked in certain areas. We welcome very much the reported progress on illegal migration and trafficking.”
2001-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4330 (2001) · source
“It is important to bear in mind, however, that the challenge is to establish not just a multi-ethnic society, but a multi-ethnic society that recognizes and accommodates cultural and ethnic identities which transcend international borders. In this task, we are in many ways breaking new ground. It is the key to reconciliation and long-term peace in the Balkans and a task that simply has to be completed. A regional approach is essential and there is a responsibility on all States of the region to strengthen their inter-State relations. We condemn the recent actions of nationalist parties, which have heightened ethnic tensions, and we urge all parties to work within the legal institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina to promote their legitimate interests.”
2001-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4330 (2001) · source
“I should like to thank Special Representative Jacques Klein for what I found to be a very thought-provoking presentation, in terms of both the immediate challenges and the long-term strategic options for Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was an intervention that, I think, will bear careful re-reading. The representative of Sweden will shortly make an intervention on behalf of the European Union, to which we fully subscribe, so I will limit my remarks to one or two particular points. On the basis of the Secretary-General's report, we agree that the democratization and development of Bosnia and Herzegovina are essential to the overall stability of the Balkans.”
2001-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4330 (2001) · source
“During the Council's visit to Kinshasa, a friend of the Congo described the country - blessed as it is by its great natural and human resources - as a safe to which the key had been lost. The inter-Congolese dialogue gives the Congolese people the opportunity to refashion that key and thereby unblock their enormous potential and put it to use to the benefit of the entire Congolese people.”
2001-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4327 (2001) · source
“Nevertheless, like my Singaporean colleague, I would point out that the mere presence of the United Nations on the ground will create a sense of expectation to which we must be ready to respond as developments unfold. I would like to conclude on a positive note by urging that all Congolese parties work closely with the facilitator of the inter-Congolese dialogue, Sir Ketumile Masire, and his team to bring about early progress in the establishment of viable democratic government in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The success of the inter-Congolese dialogue is essential to the long-term peace and stability of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the wider region.”
2001-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4327 (2001) · source
“As regards the dire humanitarian situation of the Congolese people, which is highlighted by the Secretary-General, we support the call for the establishment of humanitarian corridors to allow resumption of trade in food and other goods between Kinshasa and eastern and northern provinces. We call on the Government and the rebel groups to work together to this end. We note that it is envisaged that the role of MONUC in the transitional phase will be limited to monitoring developments and reporting on them to the Council. We fully agree that the parties to the conflict bear the primary responsibility for the safety of the civilian population. We also recognize the practical limitations placed on the United Nations, not least because of the geographical and logistical difficulties of the operation.”
2001-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4327 (2001) · source
“We welcome too the intention to attach to MONUC specialists in human rights, humanitarian assistance, child protection and gender-awareness, and we hope that they will be able to provide support to the local authorities in developing their own capacity. We support, too, the emphasis placed on the gender perspective and stress that the particular impact of the conflict on women and girls should be factored into all aspects of MONUC's work. We particularly support the appointment of a Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General who is to be charged with coordination within MONUC and between MONUC and other United Nations agencies and donors.”
2001-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4327 (2001) · source
“We reluctantly concur with the Secretary-General that as a result there is not presently sufficient basis for further action by the United Nations in sustaining and supporting the initiatives taken by the parties in these areas. However, we also agree with the Secretary- General that preparations for phase III of MONUC'S operations, as envisaged in the Secretary-General's seventh report, should proceed. We feel that particular effort should be made to address the situation in the Kivus, as resolution of the conflict or conflicts there is central to ending violence in the wider region. We particularly welcome the proposal to deploy a civilian component to advise and assist the local authorities in discharging their duty to ensure the security of the population.”
2001-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4327 (2001) · source
“And we call for all parties, in particular the Governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zimbabwe, to refuse all support to the so-called negative forces, as well as to Mayi-Mayi groups violating the ceasefire. The exploitation of the resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo by foreign Governments, which is a result of the conflict, must end with immediate effect. Turning to the proposal of the Secretary-General, we regret that only Angola and Uganda have so far provided MONUC with information on the numbers, dispositions and armaments of forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in respect to the withdrawal of foreign forces and disarmament, demobilization, repatriation, reintegration and resettlement.”
2001-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4327 (2001) · source
“Ireland believes that this has been acknowledged and welcomed by the parties and that it has allowed the Council to make a real contribution to the modest progress that has been achieved to date. It is in that spirit that we express our concern at the reported incidents of non-cooperation by the Mouvement pour la liberation du congo (MLC) and the Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie (RCD). We call on the MLC to complete the programme of redeployment of its forces in sector one, and on the RCD-Goma to comply with the Council's demand that it withdraw its troops from Kisangani. We urge all foreign Governments to implement their commitments under the Lusaka Agreement to withdraw their forces from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2001-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4327 (2001) · source
“Since then there have been some positive developments, but there have also been disappointments. The onus is now on the signatories to the Lusaka Agreement to honour their commitments under the Agreement and to resist the temptation to use the ceasefire and the redeployment of forces to seek advantage over their fellow signatories. All sides must accept that the conflict is over and that the future lies in cooperation and the mutual and progressive implementation of the Lusaka accord. In its various resolutions and statements, and in its various meetings with the parties, the Security Council has always striven to demonstrate a sense of balance and proportion in its demands.”
2001-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4327 (2001) · source
“I would also like to recognize the constructive and forward-looking intervention of Foreign Minister She Okitundu, and to thank him for the warm welcome that was extended to the Security Council delegation during our recent visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Of course, like others, I would also like to pay tribute to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Kamel Morjane, and to the men and women of MONUC for their untiring work on behalf of the international community. Sweden will later speak on behalf of the European Union. Ireland fully associates itself with that intervention. The Security Council mission returned from the Great Lakes region reasonably optimistic about the prospects for a resolution of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2001-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4327 (2001) · source
“I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Guehenno for introducing the Secretary-General's latest report, which outlines proposals for the transition to phase III of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC). I would also like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Children and Armed Conflict, Mr. Otunnu, who is of course no stranger to this table, for his report. Ireland shares his many concerns and welcomes reported progress on the demobilization of child soldiers - although, of course, much, more needs to be done.”
2001-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4327 (2001) · source
“We also agree with the two-pronged approach to the closure of terrorist camps, as outlined in paragraph 52 of the report. We note with interest the recommendation in paragraph 32 regarding aircraft turbine fuel and fluids for armoured personnel carriers. But on that point, I would be grateful for clarification that this proposal relates to military flights and that any restrictions could be implemented without inadvertently affecting humanitarian flights.”
2001-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4325 (2001) · source
“The practical aspects of that structure, including the modalities for cooperation with neighbouring States, should now be discussed in the sanctions Committee, which has the relevant expertise, with a view to presenting recommendations to the Council as soon as possible. In order for such a mechanism to be effective, it must, we believe, have sustainable and continuous funding. When costings become available, Ireland will consider offering assistance in the light of available resources. Many of the other recommendations of the Committee of Experts are also worthy of consideration and should be further examined by the sanctions Committee. We appreciate the emphasis placed on the significance of drug trafficking, and we fully agree that this must be addressed as part of the overall problem.”
2001-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4325 (2001) · source
“I shall try to be brief. I would like to begin by thanking Ambassador Menkerios and the rest of the Committee of Experts for their report (S/2001/511), which was compiled in difficult circumstances and which contains many useful recommendations. I would like also to take this opportunity to recognize the energy and leadership of Ambassador Valdivieso in his chairmanship of the Afghanistan sanctions Committee. As the wider issues of Afghanistan will be discussed later this month, I shall restrict my comments here to the report of the Committee of Experts. Ireland supports the recommendation of the Committee of Experts that an office for sanctions monitoring and coordination be established in a central location with sanctions enforcement support teams working with border control services in the countries neighbouring Afghanistan.”
2001-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4325 (2001) · source
“I would echo Ireland's full support for the facilitator, Mr. Nelson Mandela, and would agree on the usefulness of reinforcing the resources of the Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Jean Arnaud, in Bujumbura. I can only stress and repeat the message which the mission conveyed to the Front pour la defense de la democratie and the Forces nationales pour la liberation that the opportunity exists now to respond to the appeals of the Security Council mission and to engage in dialogue in an atmosphere free from violence. This is an opportunity which, frankly, it would be foolish to spurn.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323Resumption1 (2001) · source
“It is important that all those parties subscribe to our wish, which is to see the reintegration of the national territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the assumption by the Congolese people, at long last, of control over their own political and economic destiny. I took careful note of what was said this morning by the Secretary-General on the need for a substantial increase in economic and humanitarian support to the Democratic Republic of the Congo; I can only say that we saw ample evidence of the need for that support during our visit to the region. On Burundi, again I share the general consensus that the situation is indeed precarious. There is an urgent need to address the differences between the parties and to overcome what are in effect mutually exclusive preconditions, which are blocking the road to peace.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323Resumption1 (2001) · source
“I think it is important to realize that we are reaching a delicate stage in this process. The violence is more or less over, but at the moment the Democratic Republic of the Congo is effectively divided into three zones under three separate administrations, each with its own foreign backers. The time is arriving when those in control of those zones -the Government in Kinshasa, the Front de liberation du Congo (FLC) and the Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie (RCD (Goma)) - will be called upon to demonstrate their courage and indeed their patriotism by engaging fully and without reservation in the inter-Congolese dialogue.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323Resumption1 (2001) · source
“I think the mission was impressed by the greater openness of President Joseph Kabila and indeed by the positive and warm chemistry amongst the members of the Political Committee of the Lusaka Agreement, which, I think, gives us hope and which I personally feel is a much better gauge of the prospects for the future than the hostile and sterile rhetoric that ricocheted around the region while we were there and of which we heard rather unfortunate echoes this morning. I think we were particularly encouraged during our mission by the growing consensus that long-term stability in the region depends on the dismantling, through disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation, of the so-called negative forces operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323Resumption1 (2001) · source
“I cannot let the occasion pass without offering praise to the leader of the mission, Ambassador Levitte, who led the mission with a combination of delicacy and elan which perhaps only a Frenchman could conjure up. Nevertheless, it was a very special performance. Having repeated what a lot of the others have already said, let me say that one ofthe main features of our mission was that, in the wide and varied contributions we made, we managed rarely to repeat ourselves. So I will not go through all the points that many of my colleagues have raised. But I would like to offer one or two reflections. First of all, let me speak of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where I think the general consensus is that we are seeing good progress.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323Resumption1 (2001) · source
“I would like to start, if I may, by thanking the Governments and the heads of State who received us for their warm welcome to the region, and for the long hours they devoted to our mission during the time we were there. I would also like to thank the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) and the United Nations representatives in the region for the organization of the visit and, indeed, to pay tribute to the courage and dedication of those people, who are out in the field a long way from home, in a situation that can often be dangerous. Like others, I must echo the special tribute to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Kamel Morjane, and to the Representative of the Secretary-General in Burundi, Mr. Jean Arnault, for the tremendous work they are doing in the area.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323Resumption1 (2001) · source
“I shall be brief. I would like to thank Mr. Guehenno for his briefing and for the good news that he has brought today. We agree with his proposal relating to elements for the message that the Council should send out from today's discussion. I would like to make just one point, relating to the work of the Boundary Commission. We agree with his suggestion that the Council urge the parties to cooperate with the Secretary-General with a view to removing the obstacles to the start of work of the Commission. But we would also like the Council to remind the parties of their obligation to provide financial contributions to the work of the Commission as a tangible demonstration of their commitment to this process.”
2001-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4310 (2001) · source
“Lastly, on missing persons, we fully support the idea of a joint mechanism or a joint committee to clarify the fate of missing persons, but we would like to see a representation of all affected communities on such a mechanism.”
2001-04-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4309 (2001) · source
“Guehenno's report that he emphasized to the communities there the need to do this. Secondly, there is a need for the early return of refugees. This has already been dealt with at some length, but all I would do is encourage the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo to continue to give a high priority to its efforts in this regard. As to the release of the remaining Kosovar Albanian political prisoners, we have already welcomed the action of the Yugoslav authorities in adapting and implementing an Amnesty Law, but I must say that I was surprised to hear from Mr. Guehenno that over 400 Kosovar Albanians are still in detention. I would just like to ask why this is so and how soon they will be released.”
2001-04-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4309 (2001) · source
“I will try to be as brief as possible. I should like to start by thanking Mr. Guehenno for his very informative briefing and for the thoroughness with which he has answered many of the questions that have been put to him. Sweden is going to speak in a minute on behalf of the European Union, so I will make only a few brief comments here. We would like to re-emphasize the need to ease frictions between the Albanian Serb and other communities in Kosovo. I would therefore just like to mention a number of areas where we feel there is room for earlier confidence-building measures in this regard. First, on the unacceptable level of violence against minority ethnic groups, we feel that the Council must insist that those with influence in their communities use that influence correctly to oppose such activities. I warmly welcome Mr.”
2001-04-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4309 (2001) · source
“The recent incidents in Dili and Viqueque, and attacks against UNTAET personnel along the borders - as detailed by Mr. Annabi - reinforce the need for strong security measures. As well as enabling refugees to return home safely, the security environment should enable the resumption of humanitarian efforts and ensure that elections can be prepared and carried out in a calm and safe manner. I was pleased to hear from Mr. Annabi that lessons are being drawn from the recent incidents with a View to further action. Finally, like others, I would have raised the tax issue and I am grateful to Mr. Annabi for his response, but I would echo your own remarks, Sir, concerning that issue.”
2001-04-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4308 (2001) · source
“While the recent operations organized by the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration are positive, the approximately 100,000 refugees remaining in camps must be able to return to East Timor before 20 June 2001, in time to register for the elections there. We would echo the views expressed by Jamaica and Colombia in this regard. Action must also be taken to address the situation of East Timorese women who were abducted during the conflict, some of whom are allegedly still being held and subjected to abuse in West Timor. We would be grateful for further information regarding this issue. Fourthly, the overall security situation continues to give cause for concern.”
2001-04-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4308 (2001) · source
“We have taken careful note of the information provided recently about the financial and personnel needs for the elections and are examining the specific requests closely in the context of our ongoing bilateral assistance programme for East Timor. Secondly, we welcome the development of the judicial system in East Timor and the first measures taken against those accused of serious crimes committed in 1999, as well as the establishment of a Truth, Reception and Reconciliation Commission. The initial steps taken by the Government of Indonesia to investigate violations of human rights and international humanitarian law are welcome and should be continued. Thirdly, Ireland remains concerned about the refugee situation in West Timor.”
2001-04-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4308 (2001) · source
“Let me first welcome you, Sir, to the chair and wish the United Kingdom well for its presidency of the Security Council. I would also like to endorse your decision to bring this kind of briefing into open session. I would like now to thank Mr. Annabi for his most informative briefing today, which was enlivened by his reflections on his own recent visit to East Timor. Given that we had the opportunity in January to put our position on the record 4 and, as has been mentioned, we will be having substantial debates on East Timor next month and probably in July - I will limit myself to a few matters of particular importance. First, we welcome the recent progress towards the eventual preparation of a constitution and the holding of democratic elections.”
2001-04-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4308 (2001) · source
“The sponsors would be very happy to accept amendments that would help secure its passage. Ireland intends to continue to use its position as a member of the Security Council to work constructively with fellow members to contribute to real progress in the Middle East and to ending the long suffering of the people of that region.”
2001-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4305 (2001) · source
“I know that this is not a view shared by all at this table, but it is necessary for the essential guarantee of safety and cooperation, without which no Member State could be expected to provide the required personnel. But there is a further and ultimately more important consideration. The Middle East peace process at the current critical juncture needs the full support of the international community. The Security Council has an overriding responsibility to channel this support and in particular to give the Secretary-General a strong mandate to engage the parties on the way forward. The alternative draft resolution sponsored by four European members of the Council and Ukraine could provide a broader base of support for such progress. We hope that work can continue on this draft text.”
2001-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4305 (2001) · source