YouSaid · the spoken record

Dahlgren

lines on the record: 246
first: 1997-08-14
most recent: 2003-02-25
sittings or episodes: 45
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

“Let me also add that Sweden fully concurs with the statement made by the representative of the United Kingdom on behalf of the European Union.”
1998-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3867 (1998) · source
“President Patasse and his Government have so far made considerable progress in fulfilling their commitments to economic, social, security and electoral reform, as expressed in the letter dated 8 January 1998 from President Patasse addressed to the Secretary- General. In this context, we note with satisfaction that a National Reconciliation Conference will take place later this month. Much remains to be done, however, to implement outstanding reform measures. In conclusion, may I express Sweden's gratitude to the States that participated in MISAB and to France for their contributions to peace and stability in the Central African Republic. The task of MINURCA will be to build upon the success of MISAB.”
1998-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3867 (1998) · source
“The United Nations presence in the Central African Republic - the Special Representative and MINURCA - will be multifunctional. This is an important result of thorough discussions among the members of the Security Council: one which Sweden very much welcomes. We are looking forward to the appointment of the Secretary-General's Special Representative, who has been given a strong political mandate within MINURCA as well as a key coordinating role for the United Nations in the Central African Republic. The success of MINURCA will depend on the continued cooperation of all parties in the Central African Republic.”
1998-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3867 (1998) · source
“It will also, indirectly, have an important stabilizing effect in the region. The regional security is precarious, and any deterioration of the situation in the Central African Republic could have perilous consequences. It is noteworthy that MINURCA will be the first entirely new United Nations peace operation in more than three years. The establishment of MINURCA will demonstrate the determination of the United Nations and of the Security Council to assume their responsibilities with regard to the maintenance of international peace and security in Africa, as well as elsewhere. It is, indeed, fundamental that the Security Council should be ready to decide on actions throughout the spectrum of conflict resolution: from early warning, prevention, mediation and other such instruments to peacekeeping and, if need be, enforcement.”
1998-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3867 (1998) · source
“The decision we are about to take, to establish a multifunctional United Nations peacekeeping operation in the Central African Republic, is an important step for the country, for the region and for the United Nations. It will give the Central African Republic much-needed international political and security support in the crucial process to elections that lies ahead. Partly through the commendable efforts of the Inter-African Mission to Monitor the Implementation of the Bangui Agreements (MISAB), conditions in the country have improved. But the security situation remains fragile. The presence of the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic (MINURCA) will play a significant role in building security and in strengthening democracy and the rule of law in the Central African Republic.”
1998-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3867 (1998) · source
“Sweden has studied carefully the various proposals put forward to find a solution to the current situation, which has a negative impact on both Libya and the international community at large. We will also take into consideration today's open and hopefully constructive debate. We will do so bearing in mind that Security Council resolutions must be fully complied with. It is our sincere hope that with full respect for this fundamental principle, it will soon be possible to find a solution to this matter.”
1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source
“The Security Council does not impose sanctions lightly. The aim must always be to obtain a specific result, not to punish a State or its people. Negative humanitarian consequences of sanctions should be minimized. In the case of Libya, the sanctions are designed to avoid humanitarian implications for the Libyan people. We have carefully studied the report of the recent United Nations mission to Libya. The sanctions Committee, a subsidiary organ of the Security Council, recently reiterated its willingness to continue to consider applications for special permission for humanitarian flights, including for religious purposes, as provided for in resolution 748 (1992). Sweden strongly supports this position in the sanctions Committee.”
1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source
“One of the victims was in the service of the United Nations. He also happened to be a personal friend of mine. The sanctions on Libya remain in force as a direct consequence of the Libyan Government's continued refusal to cooperate fully in the efforts to seek clarity and justice in conformity with the relevant Security Council resolutions. More specifically, Libya has not complied with the Council's demands regarding the surrender for trial of two suspects in the Lockerbie case. In this context, we have noted the positive assessment recently made by independent legal experts appointed by the Secretary-General on the possibilities for the two suspects to receive a fair trial in Scotland. We note also that the United Kingdom has offered to allow international observers to attend such a trial.”
1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source
“Sweden welcomes this opportunity for an open and thorough debate in the Security Council on the tragic circumstances leading up to the Council's decision to impose sanctions on Libya. The fundamental issue at hand, and the reason for the decisions taken by the Security Council in this matter, is the scourge of terrorism. International terrorism constitutes a threat not only to individual human lives, but also to international peace and security. We must never forget the victims of the bombings of Pan Am flight 103 and UTA flight 772. On behalf of my Government, I wish to express my deepest sympathy to their families, some of which are with us here today. There were also three Swedish nationals on board Pan Am flight 103. My country therefore has a particular interest in seeking clarity and justice in this matter.”
1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source
“Thirdly, this draft resolution means that if Iraq complies with all its obligations under relevant resolutions, it will be possible for the Security Council to lift the sanctions, as stipulated in its resolution 687 (1991). Fourthly - and very important for us - the Security Council' 5 responsibility for international peace and security, as laid down in the Charter of the United Nations, must not be circumvented. The last paragraph of the draft resolution is an expression of the need to safeguard this responsibility. The Council will remain actively seized of the matter, and the Council will ensure implementation of this resolution. In conclusion, in our View the United Nations means working together. And working together will lead to results. Sweden will vote in favour of the draft resolution before us.”
1998-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3858 (1998) · source
“Let me start by expressing our pleasure in seeing you preside over this important meeting of the Council. In our View, the draft resolution on which we are about to vote contains four very important messages, each addressed in a separate paragraph. First, the draft resolution endorses the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Secretary-General and by the Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq. We all recall that the Secretary-General undertook his important mission to Baghdad with the full support of the Security Council. In this draft resolution, it is made clear that the Council is also backing the outcome of his mission. Secondly, the Security Council is determined to see the resolution implemented and will not tolerate a violation. The Council's message is firm and clear: a violation would have severest consequences for Iraq.”
1998-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3858 (1998) · source
“It will no longer be necessary once Iraq fulfils the requirements of all relevant Security Council resolutions and the sanctions are subsequently lifted. Meanwhile, the Government of Iraq continues to have a responsibility for the needs of its population, of course, and must also cooperate fully with the United Nations in the implementation of this complex and unprecedented humanitarian programme. At the same time, the United Nations, on its part, must continuously make sure that the process is running as smoothly as possible. We believe that a unanimous vote in favour of this draft resolution would send a clear and important signal to the Iraqi Government at this point. We are also convinced that such a demonstration of unity would be conducive to the talks in which the Secretary-General will soon be engaged in Baghdad.”
1998-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3855 (1998) · source
“Through the adoption of this draft resolution, crucial resources will be made available for medicine and food, as well as for other sectors such as water, sanitation, agriculture and electricity. The expanded programme will support vulnerable groups, in particular children, and the effectiveness and flexibility of the programme will be further enhanced when the distribution plan envisaged for the implementation of the draft resolution is approved. By adopting the draft resolution before us, the Security Council will demonstrate its determination to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Iraq. But the oil-for-food programme alone cannot satisfy all the humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people and was never intended to do so. We should keep in mind that the oil-for-food programme is a temporary arrangement.”
1998-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3855 (1998) · source
“It has been clear to us all that something had to be done urgently to address the alarming humanitarian situation and to alleviate the plight of the Iraqi population. A significant expansion of the so-called oil-for-food programme could meet that end. That is why, together with the United Kingdom and Portugal, Sweden engaged in an effort to try to put the recommendations contained in the report of the Secretary-General into a Security Council resolution. Our aim was to find common ground that would enable this Council to give unanimous support to an expansion of the humanitarian programme in Iraq. A comprehensive approach is the proper response to the needs of the people of Iraq.”
1998-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3855 (1998) · source
“This afternoon, the Secretary-General is arriving in Baghdad on a crucial mission to try to defuse a crisis that has been the focus of worldwide attention for weeks. Not only are the good offices of the Secretary-General being utilized in their most direct form, but he has also embarked on his trip with the full and unanimous backing of the Security Council and United Nations Member States. I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of my Government, to restate our firm wishes for his success in seeking a peaceful, diplomatic solution to the current crisis. A couple of weeks ago, we received the supplementary report of the Secretary-General on the humanitarian situation in Iraq. It is worrying reading. In almost all sectors - food/nutrition, health, electricity and others - the situation is described as grave and deteriorating.”
1998-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3855 (1998) · source
“Sweden supports the extension of the Security Council's authorization to MISAB until mid-March. We also see the need for a continued international presence in the Central African Republic after the end of MISAB's mandate. The United Nations is responsible for international peace and security. We therefore support the proposal that the follow-up to MISAB take the form of a United Nations operation. We look forward to the detailed concept of operations which the Secretary-General intends to submit to the Security Council. We attach particular importance to the preventive and multifunctional aspect of the envisaged United Nations operation. The military and civilian components of that mission will need to pull together in close cooperation with United Nations agencies and the Bretton Woods institutions.”
1998-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3853 (1998) · source
“The International Monitoring Committee and the Inter-African Mission to Monitor the Implementation of the Bangui Agreements (MISAB) are playing an important role in facilitating a return to peace and security in the Central African Republic. Today, we wish to express our particular appreciation to all those involved in these efforts - to the Chairman of the International Mediation Committee, President Bongo, to its members, to the troop contributors and other contributors to MISAB, and to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Progress has been achieved over the past year in implementing the Bangui Agreements. We hope that concerted efforts will now be made to implement the outstanding provisions, as set out in the letter dated 8 January 1998 from the President of the Central African Republic to the Secretary-General.”
1998-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3853 (1998) · source
“In order to achieve the remaining goals, there is need for a strong civilian police presence in Angola - strong in numbers and in ability. MONUA's civilian police perform essential tasks in the human rights field, including their efforts to strengthen the rule of law and measures to support and assist the Angolan National Police. In this connection, we also welcome the ongoing efforts to strengthen MONUA's human rights component. We look forward to the Secretary-General's comprehensive report in mid-March, including his recommendations on the possible reconfiguration of MONUA and his Views on the United Nations presence in Angola after 30 April 1998.”
1998-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3850 (1998) · source
“Sweden supports an extension of the mandate of the United Nations Observer Mission in Angola (MONUA) for another three months. The continued presence of the mission will contribute to paving the way for a more secure and stable political environment in Angola. We support the retention of a military task force in Angola, as proposed by the Secretary-General, which will be able to assist in the fulfilment of remaining military tasks within the peace process and be able to respond to security needs on the ground. Since MONUA was established in June 1997, the civilian aspects of the peace process have gained in importance. We hope that the peace process is now irreversibly moving into a peace-building phase.”
1998-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3850 (1998) · source
“The recent agreement between the Government of Angola and the Uniao Nacional para a Independencia Total de Angola (UNITA) on a timetable for the finalization of the peace process is a most welcome sign of progress. The agreement raises the hope that the parties now are ready to complete the remaining tasks in the Lusaka Protocol. The reports that President dos Santos and Mr. Savimbi are planning to meet in Angola soon are also encouraging. There are still difficulties on the way ahead, however. The responsibility for achieving sustainable peace in Angola primarily remains with the Angolan parties themselves. That being said, we continue to see an important role for the United Nations in assisting in the completion of the peace process.”
1998-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3850 (1998) · source
“The time has not yet come to relax the international involvement in securing the peace process in Bosnia and Herzegovina. My country is committed to continuing its full support for the peace process in Bosnia and in the region at large. We remain convinced, however, that the success of all our efforts in the civilian implementation, including through the IPTF, is contingent upon the continued existence of a credible international military force in Bosnia. Sweden is prepared to continue to contribute to such a force after SFOR, provided that it is still United Nations-mandated, led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and with United States participation on the ground. In this context, we warmly welcome the statement made today by the President of the United States, Mr. William Clinton.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“In this context, we noted with satisfaction the declaration in Geneva yesterday by the representative of the Republika Srpska that "all spontaneous minority returns from asylum countries as well as from the Federation are supported". I am convinced that when this is put into practice it will trigger similar movements elsewhere in the region. The setting up of functioning common institutions as well as the adoption and implementation of key pieces of legislation are already overdue. These matters need to be addressed fully and without further delay. Last, but certainly not least, the indicted war criminals have to be brought to the Tribunal in The Hague. It is increasingly disturbing that some of them are allowed to continue to exercise decisive control over political life in Pale.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“In this connection, continued demining activities and removal of illegal checkpoints are of major importance. Like the High Representative, Sweden believes that efforts in 1998 should be focused on free media and on a democratically controlled police. It is also essential to enable refugees and displaced persons to return to their homes, including those in so-called minority areas. The success of refugee return during 1998 will be crucial for the whole reconciliation process. Of particular importance is the call, at Bonn, for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to introduce a regional approach for refugee return, covering Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia as well.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“From the very outset of the Dayton Peace Agreement, Sweden has stressed the importance of having a long-term perspective of its implementation. After so many months of suffering and destruction, it does take time to rebuild confidence and acceptance among ethnic groups to live together again. Although that long-term perspective cannot at all times be expressed in binding resolutions, Sweden is satisfied that, in practice, the international community increasingly acts with this perspective in mind. The determination that was expressed through the Bonn declaration last week is a clear indication of this. Among the tasks ahead is to ensure that the elections in September 1998 will be free and fair. The issues of freedom of movement and functioning nationwide communications have to be moved forward.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“By extending the mandate of the United Nations Mission, including the IPTF, the Security Council will send a clear signal of its continued commitment to peace implementation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. When looking at the progress in peace implementation, due respect should also be given, of course, to the thousands of initiatives and decisions taken by individuals and non-governmental organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Together, they have demonstrated that there does indeed still exist a Bosnian identity, transcending ethnic lines. Unfortunately, the contribution to the process by the leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina has so far not been convincing. It is disappointing that many of the key issues are still unresolved, mainly because the political leaders stick to old nationalistic approaches.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“This progress is mainly due to the improved coordination of the international community's efforts, with guidance from the High Representative, the Contact Group, the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council and the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As regards the United Nations Mission, I want to pay a special tribute to Mr. Kai Eide, under whose skilful leadership the Mission has effectively carried out its mandate. I would particularly like to highlight its successful programmes for reform and restructuring of the local police, both in the Federation and more recently in Republika Srpska. The close cooperation and efficient distribution of responsibilities between the International Police Task Force (IPTF) and the Stabilization Force (SFOR) should also be mentioned.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“Three major elections have been held - parliamentary in September 1996, local elections in September 1997 and, most recently, special elections in the Republika Srpska. In phases, the election processes have increased the possibilities of advancing the civilian implementation of the peace accords. Of particular importance is also the recent increase in the number of indictees held in custody by the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. Although far from sufficient, recent developments have at least opened the perspective of a viable future for hundreds of thousands of individuals, and paved the way for further progress. In Bosnia and Herzegovina today, islands of normality do exist, both in political and civic life.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“Mr. President, let me start by saying that it is an honour for me to participate in this debate under your distinguished presidency. Expectations were high when the Dayton Peace Agreement was reached two years ago. Here and there, they might have been too high, which has caused frustration and impatience in many quarters. Against this background, it is important not to lose sight of what has actually been achieved. After the success of military implementation, we have witnessed the establishment of a collective presidency and a Council of Ministers. We have seen increased freedom of movement, economic revival in certain areas and progress in the field of arms control and confidence- and security-building measures. The media situation has improved.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“Sweden welcomes the fact that both the Tajik Government and the United Tajik Opposition appear determined to pursue this process in a cooperative spirit. The level of violence, in particular in the central part of the country, still gives rise to concern. In order for UNMOT to carry out its mandate, its safety and its ability to perform its tasks unhindered must be guaranteed. As we continue to follow closely events in Tajikistan, the safety of international personnel will continue to require our particular attention.”
1997-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3833 (1997) · source
“In assisting the parties to implement the inter-Tajik agreements, the United Nations will be making a broad contribution ranging from the political and military fields to the coordination of international humanitarian assistance and the reintegration of refugees. This, we feel, is a good example of how the joint capacity of the whole United Nations system can be used to support the peace process and lay the groundwork for the post-conflict reconstruction and long-term recovery of war-torn societies. Implementing peace agreements is rarely a smooth process. It requires considerable good faith and constant efforts by the parties. In Tajikistan, progress has been achieved in a number of areas.”
1997-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3833 (1997) · source
“The United Nations has been closely involved in the negotiations towards peace in Tajikistan. The United Nations and the international community should now demonstrate their endurance as well as their support for the next crucial phase of consolidating peace in that country. The Government of Sweden therefore supports an expanded mandate for the United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan (UNMOT) as well as an increase in the size of the Mission. We welcome the integrated approach taken by the Secretary-General in recommending enlarged responsibilities for the United Nations in Tajikistan.”
1997-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3833 (1997) · source
“The unity demonstrated in the Council today will send a clear message: that Iraq must rescind its decision and cooperate with the United Nations Special Commission fully, immediately and without conditions or restrictions. For these reasons, Sweden supports the draft resolution before us.”
1997-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3831 (1997) · source
“Through diplomatic means, the Iraqi Government should now be made to understand that cooperation with the international community is in its own interest and in the interest of the Iraqi people. It is the continuing and unanimous determination of the Security Council that Iraq's weapons of mass destruction must be eliminated. The draft resolution reflects that determination. It also underscores that full cooperation with the Special Commission and implementation of the relevant resolutions is the only way forward towards having the sanctions lifted. If Iraq wants to find an audience for its grievances, it should not challenge the international community and provoke the United Nations, but should cooperate and establish itself as a credible partner for dialogue.”
1997-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3831 (1997) · source
“Instead, it has continued to violate its obligations to cooperate fully and unconditionally with the Special Commission. In addition, it has implicitly threatened the safety of the reconnaissance aircraft operating on behalf of the Commission. This is in flagrant violation of Iraq's obligations under relevant resolutions. It warrants a firm and clear response from the Security Council. My delegation feels that the draft resolution before us is an appropriate response consistent with earlier Council resolutions. The measures will affect only those individuals who are responsible for, or are participating in, instances of non-compliance. Innocent Iraqi civilians will not be affected.”
1997-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3831 (1997) · source
“The question before us is not only whether or not Iraq is cooperating with the United Nations Special Commission and its weapons inspectors. What we have seen is a clear refusal to abide by the decisions of the Security Council, and thereby also a challenge to the entire United Nations. When the Council in October again demanded that Iraq comply with its obligations, Iraq shortly thereafter set out unacceptable conditions for the work of the Special Commission in the country. The Security Council swiftly demanded that Iraq rescind its decision. My Government commends the Secretary-General for his initiative, which then followed, to send a high-level mission to Baghdad to try to avert a potentially serious threat to international peace and security. Regrettably, Iraq did not grasp that opportunity to find a solution to the crisis.”
1997-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3831 (1997) · source
“Innocent Iraqi civilians will not be affected. Full cooperation with the Special Commission and implementation of the relevant resolutions is the only way forward in order for the sanctions to be lifted. The Government of Iraq carries a heavy responsibility towards its own population if it continues to defy and further delay the completion of the mandate of the Special Commission. Sweden supports the draft resolution before us. Its adoption by the Security Council will send a message which should be clearly understood by the Government of Iraq.”
1997-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3826 (1997) · source
“The mandate of the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) was given by the Security Council in order to ensure that Iraq's weapons of mass destruction are eliminated so as to safeguard peace and security. Iraq must cooperate fully with the Special Commission. The Security Council has determined that Iraq must allow the Special Commission immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access in Iraq. Iraq has flagrantly and repeatedly violated its obligations under relevant resolutions. Such violations are unacceptable and warrant a firm response from the Security Council. The draft resolution before us is a firm and adequate response. The measures will target only those individuals preventing UNSCOM. from having access to sites it wishes to inspect or from conducting interviews in order to fulfil its task.”
1997-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3826 (1997) · source
“In particular, when dealing with economic sanctions great care must be taken to prevent innocent civilians from being made to suffer twice, first under an unlawful regime and then under international sanctions. The Council must always be guided by humanitarian considerations. Appropriate measures have to be taken to allow humanitarian assistance to reach those in need. In the deliberations preceding today's decision, Sweden has been guided by these considerations. Sweden supports the draft resolution before us.”
1997-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3822 (1997) · source
“We believe that efforts made jointly by the United Nations and ECOWAS will greatly enhance the possibility of achieving our common aim: that the military junta relinquish power and make way for the restoration of the democratically elected Government and a return to constitutional order in Sierra Leone. By voting in favour of this draft resolution, Sweden wants to contribute to a solution by peaceful means, without the use of armed violence and without innocent civilians as victims. Sanctions are an important instrument available to the Security Council. Using them means taking on a serious responsibility - a responsibility which Sweden does not take lightly.”
1997-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3822 (1997) · source
“The serious situation in Sierra Leone is a matter of global concern in which the United Nations and the Security Council must take up their full responsibility. We could not agree more with the Secretary-General when he wrote to you, Mr. President, stating "At stake is a great issue of principle, namely, that the efforts of the international community for democratic governance, grounded in the rule of law and respect for human rights, shall not be thwarted through illegal coups." (S/1997/776) Sweden strongly supports regional efforts, notably by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to peacefully restore the democratic order in Sierra Leone. When the region in unison has asked the Security Council to contribute to these efforts by increasing the pressure on the coup leaders, it has our full support.”
1997-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3822 (1997) · source
“What is asked of Albania is that, in cooperation with the international community, it use the resources made available to achieve positive and sustainable results in the fields of security, democratic consolidation and economic reconstruction.”
1997-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3811 (1997) · source
“There is certainly a need to continue to monitor this development closely. Further efforts by the international community will be needed following the withdrawal of the multinational force. If a security-related presence is deemed necessary, the form of such a venture should of course be considered carefully. The current North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) plan to study the prospects for the reconstruction of the national army in the framework of Partnership for Peace cooperation is welcome. Considering the difficult situation in Albania a few months ago, achievements have been remarkable. The international community is ready to support Albania in consolidating stability, democracy and prosperity.”
1997-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3811 (1997) · source
“Vranitzky's efforts so far and his stated willingness to head an OSCE mission designed to coordinate the efforts in the stabilization and reconstruction phase of Albania's recovery. Although working conditions have not been ideal, the Western European Union, through its Multinational Advisory Police Element, is making a significant contribution, helping Albania to build a democratically- controlled and capable police force, which will be needed to guarantee internal security in the future. The security situation in Albania still gives rise to concern. The positive results achieved so far cannot be allowed to be reversed. As the protection force has been scaled down there have been numerous reports on the dangers of a possible security vacuum. Common criminals as well as more organized gangs have increased their activities anew.”
1997-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3811 (1997) · source
“The successful holding of elections in the most challenging of circumstances should be credited not least to the efforts of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and its Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. We welcome the crucial role played by the multinational protection force in providing a secure environment, as well as logistical support, in that election process. Of equal importance was that the force created the conditions necessary for international organizations to provide humanitarian assistance in Albania. For this we extend our appreciation to the troop-contributing countries, in particular Italy, which took the lead in this important mission. Sweden also welcomes Mr.”
1997-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3811 (1997) · source
“Decreasing faith in political institutions, in combination with economic and social hardship, provides fertile ground for civil unrest. The multinational protection force constituted a last-minute response to a grave situation. When assisting Albania to create a stable society and to prevent similar crises in the future, the original causes for the unrest should be borne in mind. If international support is to yield lasting results, Albania needs reconciliation not only in the political arena, but also in the building of democratic institutions. Popular confidence in the impartiality of the public administration is a prerequisite for the return to normalcy. This development will require international contributions of know-how and experience.”
1997-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3811 (1997) · source
“The representative of Luxembourg will speak later on behalf of the European Union. Sweden fully associates itself with that statement. In the last six months, Albania and its people have indeed experienced a difficult and uncertain time. The international community played an important supporting role in overcoming chaos and the risk of civil war, but the key to resolving the situation always remained with Albania itself. For the future, it is equally true that the responsibility for achieving constructive development and reform remains firmly with the people, the Government and all the political forces of Albania. The case of Albania emphasizes the need for the international community to be vigilant about early warning signals of potential conflict and unrest.”
1997-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3811 (1997) · source