YouSaid · the spoken record

De La Sabliere

lines on the record: 1,423
first: 2002-12-04
most recent: 2007-07-25
sittings or episodes: 233
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

“The United Nations, whose support has been crucial to the success of the transition, must now withdraw and make way for others. In that respect, the principle of gradual disengagement that we discussed recently with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, who has honoured us with his presence, enjoys consensus and should be supported by a commitment not only from donors and investors, but also from States of the region. That will play a very positive role in the service of peace in Burundi, and we will follow it very closely as we assess the situation. The second issue is the problem of the Forces nationales de liberation (FNL), which continues to pose a challenge. We must commend the mediation efforts of the Tanzanian authorities to encourage that movement to join the peace process.”
2005-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5315 (2005) · source
“Establishing the rule of law constitutes the third challenge to the future of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Government needs to demonstrate the full resolve necessary to that task. The international community, and especially the countries of the region, should offer it unwavering support. In Burundi, the transition has been a success. The Burundians can be proud of what they have accomplished. The peace and national reconciliation process has set a stunning example for the region. Throughout our stay in Burundi, two issues were at the heart of our discussions and, I believe, remain core concerns. First, how are we to ensure the consolidation of the role of the international community, beginning with the United Nations, in the new phase that has begun following the restoration of peace?”
2005-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5315 (2005) · source
“Secondly, given the actions of armed groups, security in the eastern part of the country is a matter of concern, which the mission discussed at great length during its visit. Whether the armed groups are Congolese or foreign and whether or not they pose a serious military threat, it is the Congolese people who are the first to suffer from their actions. We must therefore help the Democratic Republic of the Congo in its effort to reform the armed forces to enable them fully to address the problem. Courageous efforts have already been made in Ituri and in the Kivus, specifically in Virunga National Park. In accordance with its mandate, the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) is providing support for those efforts.”
2005-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5315 (2005) · source
“Members of the Council may also refer to the mission's report (8/2005/716), which addresses other matters and makes several recommendations. The peace process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is on the right path. However, there are still considerable challenges to overcome. First of all, the elections in which the Congolese people fervently hope to participate will require enormous efforts, especially as regards logistics. A strict timetable must be followed between the holding of the referendum scheduled for 18 December and the legislative and presidential elections that must occur prior to the end of the transition period, namely, 30 June 2006. On several occasions during its visit, the mission emphasized the importance of adhering to that date.”
2005-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5315 (2005) · source
“Mr. De La Sabliere (France) (spoke in French): Three weeks following the return to New York of the mission to Central Africa that it was my honour to lead, I am pleased to welcome the holding of this further meeting, which provides an opportunity for representatives of the countries we visited to address the Council. I should first like once again to express our gratitude to them for the reception afforded the mission in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. Rather than reiterating what I said here three weeks ago, at the 5305th meeting, I should instead like briefly to point out the key lessons learned from the mission regarding the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi.”
2005-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5315 (2005) · source
“In the area of education we are concerned about the increasing segregation of students according to their ethnic origin. It is due to the progress that has been made that we can thus envision the gradual dismantling of the international trusteeship, along with a concomitant transfer of authority to the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina. That process should be undertaken within the next year. France and the European Union, for their part, will continue to stand side-by-side with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although a High Representative may no longer be needed, the Special Representative of the European Union will continue to play the essential role of providing support and advice to the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina and ensuring coordination among the various forms of the European presence there.”
2005-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5306 (2005) · source
“Once again, we pay tribute to the activities of the High Representative, who has played a decisive role in bringing about the success of the negotiations. However, that process should not encourage us to diminish our efforts. Bosnia and Herzegovina has not yet completed either its process of reconciliation or its integration with Europe. First, its efforts to cooperate fully with the Tribunal must be continued and strengthened. The arrest and transfer of all accused persons to The Hague - in particular Karadzic and Mladic - is essential in order to satisfy both its international obligations and its own needs to complete the reconciliation process. The reform of the defence forces and the police, where many practical measures remain that still need to be worked out or implemented - needs to be pursued further.”
2005-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5306 (2005) · source
“Central institutions in the main governmental sectors - including defence, justice, taxation and public broadcasting - have helped to launch the process of European integration for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The latest significant reform - the law concerning the police - has just overcome its last obstacle with the vote of 5 October of the National Assembly of the Republika Srpska. With the establishment of the principle of an integrated police force for Bosnia and Herzegovina, that reform has made it possible to meet the last requirement for the opening of negotiations with the European Union concerning a stabilization and association agreement, which should be in place by the end of the year. That is a major step forwards towards building a stable and democratic Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2005-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5306 (2005) · source
“The large number of returned refugees, the growing improvement in relations with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, the inquiry by the Republika Srpska into the Srebrenica massacre and the absence of all ethnic and inter-ethnic violence are all signs that Bosnia and Herzegovina is putting conflict behind itself and becoming a stable and democratic State, moving closer towards meeting the standards and values of Europe. The progress made over the past two years in building a central unified State has been remarkable. Important reforms have been implemented and have made it possible for the country to become unified economically.”
2005-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5306 (2005) · source
“Mr. De La Sabliere (France) (spoke in French): I should like to begin by thanking Lord Ashdown for his briefing. I would also like to pay tribute to the outstanding job he has done throughout his term in office. The progress we are witnessing today owes a great deal to his tireless dedication. I think we can state assuredly without mistake, that, without him, Bosnia and Herzegovina would not have made so much progress in its process of rejoining Europe. Ten years after the signing of the peace agreement, relations among the three peoples concerned have greatly improved.”
2005-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5306 (2005) · source
“On behalf of all members of the mission, I thank the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Council secretariat team, which was strengthened in order to carry out the mission and to meet the needs of security, logistics and communications. Without them, without Carolyn McAskie and Bill Swing, to whom we should pay tribute for their work, and without the teams assembled on the ground to assist the Security Council, we could not have carried out this mission successfully in the period of barely a week.”
2005-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5305 (2005) · source
“Today in Burundi we need, together with the authorities, to consider a gradual withdrawal. It seems to me that, with the assistance of the Secretary- General and of Mr. Guehenno and his team, we should, whenever necessary, when a mandate is being renewed, really think about the changes that need to be made and what needs to be adjusted. Of course, we are not talking about change for change's sake. Very often mandates simply should be renewed unchanged. But it seems to me that we need to cultivate the Council's capacity for adaptation. I would like to conclude by thanking my Council colleagues who took part in the mission for the trust that they placed in me throughout our trip and for their indulgence, even though very often - with their consent, of course - I set for them a very heavy workload.”
2005-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5305 (2005) · source
“It can be applied to other crises - in C6te d'Ivoire, for instance, with the recent creation of the International Working Group. One can see, therefore, that the Security Council, which has supported those groups, and very often has even created them, has been able to adapt and evolve. It is closer now to the field than it has ever been. I believe that this is a positive development. The fact that our colleague Kenzo Oshima went from Kinshasa to the Horn of Africa to help us better to assess the situation is an example of this evolution, which, I think, is something we should continue to promote. Let me make one other general comment. Over the past few years, the scale and the mandate of MONUC have changed so as better to take into account the situation in the field and to remedy deficiencies and shortcomings.”
2005-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5305 (2005) · source
“We know that United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) and the United Nations Office in Burundi have more than 23,000 women and men in the field. I believe that in both cases - and I think this is a positive element; certainly I found it reassuring - there is a clear-cut policy on the part of the international community, which is remarkably united in this regard. Another cause for satisfaction is the fact that the Council's work is reflected in the field by ongoing diplomatic activities, held, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the context of the International Committee to Accompany the Transition, which itself is a transitional entity. I say this because I think that this has more than just subregional significance.”
2005-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5305 (2005) · source
“The success of the peace processes in the region is important not only for its peoples, which have suffered so much; it is important also for promoting cooperation, on a solid footing, among the countries of the region. Such cooperation, in various forums and particularly in the context of the Great Lakes Conference, is crucial in the context of stability. Let me add that the success of our common undertaking in Central Africa is of an importance that goes well beyond the subregional level; indeed, I think that it is important for the whole of Africa. That in itself explains the Council's having visited the region every year - for six years now, I believe. It explains the significant support provided by the international community for the process.”
2005-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5305 (2005) · source
“We understand that the Government of Burundi remains open to the resumption of negotiations. The Security Council, for its part, last year expressed its readiness to consider the imposition of sanctions, and we reminded our interlocutors that that option was still available. If I may, I should like, in conclusion, to make a few general comments - perhaps rather personal ones - about the work of the Council, which I have been prompted to formulate as a result of this visit. My first comment is more general. The Security Council visited Central Africa this year for the sixth time. I believe that the members of the Council were motivated once again by a concern successfully to promote the peace process in a region to which stability and lasting peace must be restored; these are pivotal to its development.”
2005-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5305 (2005) · source
“It seems to me that the Partners Forum, created in New York two months ago, is the obvious framework for such a dialogue. But we also believe - and this wish was unanimously expressed by the members of the mission - that the Peacebuilding Commission should be set up as quickly as possible. In our talks we often spoke of the benefits that Burundi could derive from the creation of the Commission. Finally, there is the question of the Front National de Liberation (FNL). This is a topic that everyone was thinking about; it came up in all our talks. There has been great disappointment in that respect. Perhaps it is not too late for the movement to join the peace process; some people still want to believe that that is possible. In any event, it is not acceptable for the FNL to engage in acts of violence against the new democratic institutions.”
2005-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5305 (2005) · source
“The United Nations and the legitimate authorities of the country, with full respect for the sovereignty of Burundi - as the mission frequently reiterated in its meetings - but also with a concern for peacebuilding, an issue that kept coming up in the subregion, must agree on a specific and concrete plan for gradual disengagement. The second point relates to the role of the international community in the context of an exit strategy. There must be a successful transition from peacekeeping to peacebuilding. Above and beyond the gradual withdrawal of the United Nations Operation in Burundi, we told the Burundian authorities that we wished to see a dialogue held, under the best possible conditions, with the international community, so that together we can find the best possible way of helping Burundi.”
2005-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5305 (2005) · source
“In Burundi, we met a young Government, freshly elected and resolved fully to implement the reforms that were undertaken during the transitional period. Three topics in particular predominated in our discussions. The first was the presence of the United Nations, which is now in question. Its support was decisive in achieving the transition in Burundi, as noted by the head of State and by all the officials with whom we met. But now that the transition has been completed, the question arises - quite naturally - of disengaging the mission, or of withdrawing at least its military presence. We spoke at great length with our interlocutors on this subject, and, according to my understanding, there was agreement on a gradual withdrawal. That is what the authorities of Burundi told us; that is the principle involved.”
2005-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5305 (2005) · source
“In Ituri, those operations are already permitting a stabilization of the situation. They have begun in the Kivus, particularly in Virunga Park. They must be continued. We said to all our interlocutors that what the countries of the region must do, in the face of these armed groups, is to continue to strengthen their cooperation. Mechanisms already exist - such as the Tripartite Commission - and they should be utilized, particularly in order to exchange information. We recalled, in the clearest terms, the need for everyone to respect the sovereignty of neighbours. We also asked the Governments to ensure that the armed groups cannot receive cross-border support. The arms embargo must be respected. The illegal exploitation of natural resources, which finances arms trafficking, must no longer be tolerated.”
2005-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5305 (2005) · source
“I now turn to the problem of armed groups in the east, which was mentioned as a main topic of concern by all the heads of State with whom we met. In the eastern Congo, everyone - beginning with President Kabila - now recognizes that the presence of armed groups is a burden, particularly on the Congolese people. Today, it is the people who are the victims of violence, atrocities and plundering. There is an obligation to act, but the problem also exists for the neighbouring countries. The Congolese forces, with the support of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), are now engaged in forceful action against the armed groups. These operations are courageous; I believe that they should be commended. Much was asked about this in our conversations.”
2005-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5305 (2005) · source
“Moreover, measures must be taken to ensure that the new integrated brigades receive the equipment that they need. It is also essential that the Government pay the soldiers regularly and adequately. The third problem is related to governance. Re- establishing State authority is more than ever a priority. It must be carried out with respect for the rule of law. Priority in the area of good governance must apply to the integrated brigades that I just mentioned and to the adoption of the report of the European Union mission to provide advice and assistance for security sector reform in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The mission reiterated that point several times during its interviews, particularly with the head of State, Vice- President Ruberwa and the Minister of Defence.”
2005-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5305 (2005) · source
“In particular, measures must be taken to make up for the delays in voter registration in the provinces of Equateur and Bandundu. The Congolese authorities must also ensure that citizens are well informed. The second problem is integrating the army and the police. Progress has been made in demobilizing ex- combatants and in restructuring the army and the police. However, that progress must continue and expand. We have asked the Congolese authorities to redouble their efforts in this area. In fact, the armed forces integration programme was interrupted after its first phase. Six brigades have been formed, whereas nine had been planned, to ensure security in the east. Our message, in keeping with our terms of reference, was that there was no more time to lose in starting the second integration phase.”
2005-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5305 (2005) · source
“That progress is commendable, as was stressed by the mission, but we also recalled that there are still significant problems to be resolved. The first problem concerns the elections. The electoral timetable is tight. There has been some delay. The mission stressed to each of our interlocutors that it was essential that the voting take place on schedule. It is imperative that the date of 30 June 2006 be respected. The electoral law - an essential element of the operation - must therefore be considered carefully by Parliament. It must be promulgated the day after the adoption of the constitution, which - I repeat - is scheduled for 18 December. Then, it is essential that the elections be open to everyone. No one must be excluded or feel excluded from the process.”
2005-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5305 (2005) · source
“This morning, without going over it in detail, I should like to highlight certain points, particularly with regard to the main problems that we discussed with our interlocutors. I shall first discuss our visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Everyone we met there believes that there is a momentum for transition. Everyone spoke with us about the desire of the Congolese to vote. In fact, according to the Independent Electoral Commission, the milestone of 20 million persons registered to vote has been achieved. Everyone is now looking towards the next votes - the referendum on the constitution on 18 December and the legislative and presidential elections - and the transition will end in less than eight months.”
2005-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5305 (2005) · source
“The Security Council mission that I had the honour to lead last week in five Central African countries was an opportunity to renew the Council's support for the process of peace and national reconciliation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in Burundi. First, on behalf of all the participants in the mission, I should like once again to thank the authorities of the five countries that we visited - the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania - for the warm welcome that we received everywhere. The report of our mission is available. Everyone can read it and become familiar with the recommendations that we have submitted to the Council.”
2005-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5305 (2005) · source
“As I said earlier, to be effective, the fight against proliferation requires that all States shoulder their responsibilities in the area and recognize the benefits they can derive. I believe that the Committee can provide assistance in that respect by identifying regions, requirements, partnerships and models and drawing conclusions in order to make concrete progress. The establishment of zones free of weapons of mass destruction has played a major role in the elaboration of the regional security policies of the countries of the South, and the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones could in future also strengthen international security. Resolution 1540 (2004), which encourages cooperation among States, provides an opportunity in that direction.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“Today we wish to say that the Committee is very useful. It is now gaining a full understanding of the control systems for sensitive installations and materials worldwide - an understanding that really has no equivalent in disarmament forums. We should use that understanding to better direct our own efforts. Of course, we can continue to request reports, but it might be more effective to make better use of the existing database in order to identify priorities; match up requests for and offers of assistance; and identify intelligent responses to resolution 1540 (2004) of which note could be taken, such as the information we have culled from reading the reports submitted by India and South Africa.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“Many States had felt that, by resolution 1540 (2004), the Security Council was legislating in their place, but they now seem to better understand the objectives of the resolution and are passing laws to ensure compliance with its provisions. France is convinced that the threat of weapons of mass destruction, their means of delivery or related materials falling into the wrong hands poses a very serious threat for all States. We draw attention to that problem in all forums in which we participate - in the G-8, the European Union, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and today in the General Assembly, to which we have submitted a draft resolution on radiological terrorism that we hope will be adopted by consensus. The renewal of the 1540 Committee's mandate will have to be discussed a few months hence.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“The visits made by the Committee and the group of experts to Member States represent an important part of their work. It is important that such visits focus on States requiring the greatest assistance for the full implementation of the sanctions determined by the Council. I wish to devote particular attention to the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) at a time when, under your chairmanship, Sir, it is presenting an assessment that France believes to be very positive. This battle was not easily won, but now the Committee is working quickly, and the group of experts has carried out an exceptional in-depth analysis of the national reports. We believe that the position of States vis-a-vis resolution 1540 (2004) is shifting, as seen at the recent seminar organized by Argentina in Buenos Aires.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“The Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) concerning Al-Qaida and the Taliban and associated individuals and entities is also making considerable efforts to improve its working methods. We welcome the adoption of resolution 1617 (2005), which has provided useful clarifications. The resolution calls on the Committee to review its guidelines in order to enhance its effectiveness. We believe that such a review is necessary. It is particularly important to enhance transparency in the context of the Committee's procedures for listing and delisting and in those relating to humanitarian exemptions. Such transparency, which justice demands, will improve Member States' understanding of the work of the Committee and therefore contribute to enhancing their cooperation.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“Under the chairmanship of Ambassador Loj, the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) has caught up, to a significant extent, with its backlog in considering State reports. We are also pleased that it now includes the implementation of resolution 1624 (2005) on incitement to terrorism in its discussions with States. We now hope that it will be able to devote more time and resources to visits on site. The visits that have already taken place have enabled us to make a much better assessment of the efforts of States to implement their obligations pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) than would have been possible working from written reports alone. Those visits have also enabled us better to determine what assistance States may need in future. We therefore hope to see an increase in CTC visits.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“In the months to come, as we consider the Secretary-General's strategy in this area, we must ensure that the Council's place in that common effort is fully recognized. The adoption by the General Assembly of a universal definition of terrorism would provide a solid foundation for that strategy. In the meantime, we must regularly assess the progress achieved. In the near future, the Council will be focusing on the comprehensive examination of the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate provided for in resolution 1535 (2004). Although the Directorate now has all the human resources that it needs, we must commit ourselves to undertaking a genuine debate on action in support the Committee so that we can determine its priorities.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“Mr. De La Sabliere (France) (spoke in French): The Council has shown that it is capable of responding firmly to terrorist acts aimed at destabilizing States and jeopardizing international peace and security. It has done so by unequivocally condemning such acts, as well as by demanding that those responsible and their supporters be tracked down and brought to justice. Furthermore, for some years now the Council has been committed to patient work aimed at strengthening the capacity of all the members of international community to combat terrorism. Indeed, that is the raison d'etre of the three Committees that have just submitted their reports. The Council is making an invaluable contribution to the international struggle to combat terrorism, which is now an important item on its agenda.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“Earlier I described situations where the United Nations took action on the ground alongside regional organizations and where they are able to take action in the same country. That coordination is not easy or automatic. I believe it requires an effort on the part of both the United Nations and regional organizations in order for that developing coordination on the ground to go as well as possible.”
2005-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5282 (2005) · source
“I believe that it would be very useful for the draft resolution to be adopted to refer to that in the paragraph concerning the report of the Secretary- General. In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm France's support for all those efforts, which should enable the Council, to which the Charter assigns the primary responsibility for international peace and security, to better involve regional actors in its mission, but also to thus strengthen the effectiveness of the peace efforts that are the foundation of the Organization and that bring us together today. I simply wish to add that this effort for cooperation and coordination should take place especially in the field.”
2005-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5282 (2005) · source
“Some operations will be classic United Nations peacekeeping operations, and others might be regional actions authorized by the Security Council. Some, as was the case in Burundi, might precede a United Nations operation. Some will allow for a substantial, long-term deployment, while others might be emergency operations. For its part, the European Union is actively developing tactical units to fulfil such emergency operations functions. We look forward to the observations in the report of the Secretary-General on consultations related to the conclusion of agreements establishing a framework for cooperation between the peacekeeping operations of the United Nations and regional organizations, including the contribution of the regional organizations.”
2005-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5282 (2005) · source
“In our work to establish a Peacebuilding Commission, I think it is right to give regional organizations a place in the Commission's consideration of a given situation. I think that the contributions of regional organizations on a case-by-case basis will be one of the conditions for the success of the Peacebuilding Commission and the new, ambitious vision it embodies of joint action among all actors seeking the resolution of a conflict. We are working for, and are increasingly seeing, complementarity among the actions of regional organizations as they contribute on the ground through their presence in peacekeeping activities. We see more and more that regional organizations constitute one of the options for peacekeeping capacities that the international community should have at its disposal in coming years.”
2005-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5282 (2005) · source
“That is a good thing, because it facilitates information and communication. I think it is necessary to have good information and communication going back and forth between the United Nations and regional organizations. My delegation welcomes the fact that progress has been made in that regard, but I think that we can do even better, as Article 54 of the Charter invites us to do. I would add that a concrete step that prevention effort would be for the mandates of United Nations peacekeeping operations to take into account the instruments created by regional structures for marking and tracing small arms. Beyond crisis prevention and management, regional organizations have a role to play in the stages of the political and economic reconstruction of a country emerging from a major crisis.”
2005-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5282 (2005) · source
“The Organization of American States has taken action in Haiti, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe is continuing its work on the Eurasian continent. We now regularly study the relations between the Security Council and regional organizations. I think that at each stage, we have to consider the nature of the value added by cooperation between regional organizations and the United Nations. With respect to the difficult area of crisis and conflict prevention, I think that we are all aware that an effective regional organization often - more often than the United Nations - has the means to play an early-warning role. That is what countries of the region are doing. We increasingly see that they tend to work through regional organizations or get them involved directly.”
2005-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5282 (2005) · source
“The African Union has been able to make a vital contribution to the transition process in Burundi, among other actions, while the Economic Community of West African States has taken action in Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau and Cote d'Ivoire. It has often been seen that subregional organizations work in good harmony and cooperation with regional organizations and the Security Council and that we all arrive together - or at least try to - to make our actions complementary. Quite often, the actions of regional organizations have ensured a presence on the ground on occasions when the United Nations was not yet prepared to deploy a peacekeeping force. That is, in fact, what happened in Burundi.”
2005-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5282 (2005) · source
“The European Union's actions now take place in the framework of the 24 September 2003 joint declaration of the United Nations and the European Union on cooperation in crisis management. The EU is also involved in strengthening the capacities of African regional and subregional organizations through the Peace Facility, which finances operations conducted by regional actors on the continent. In that regard, I pay tribute to the initiatives that African countries have taken. Our Council, which devotes more than 50 per cent of its time to the management or the prevention of crises in Africa, is well aware of them.”
2005-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5282 (2005) · source
“I believe it is accurate to say that today, such organizations are often able to make a major contribution to peacekeeping at every stage and in all its dimensions, from conflict prevention to the rebuilding of a country emerging from crisis. We can see that clearly in our daily work in the Council: they intervene, sometimes, proactively, sometimes by taking over, and sometimes by supplementing United Nations activities. We also note that the capacities of various organizations are not identical and that progress is still needed. But major efforts are being undertaken everywhere, and they must be recognized and continued. As Ambassador Jones Parry underlined, the European Union is actively strengthening its ability to support the crisis management activities of the United Nations. We can see the evidence of that in the Balkans.”
2005-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5282 (2005) · source
“Mr. De La Sabliere (France) (spoke in French): I wish to thank Romania for having once again taken the initiative to convene a debate on the subject we are considering today. Given the growing needs in the area of peacekeeping, regional organizations have an essential role to play in both taking over from and supporting United Nations activities. I fully associate myself with the statement made earlier by Ambassador Jones Parry on behalf of the European Union. I wish only to make a few supplementary remarks. Regional organizations have recently made significant progress in giving full effect to the provisions of Chapter VIII of the Charter.”
2005-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5282 (2005) · source
“In the field of conflict prevention, the knowledge of societies which NGOs possess is a valuable asset, as the Council has rightly realized. In terms of the Arria meetings, we need to think about making them more interactive. My delegation is prepared to participate with NGOs in brainstorming on this subject. Let me also take this opportunity to reiterate the proposal already made by France in this forum with respect to the monitoring of civil society via annual reports on the most vulnerable countries. In conclusion, let me reiterate that France welcomes the fact that the Security Council today has publicly reaffirmed the extent to which civil society is an essential part of any peacebuilding endeavour.”
2005-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5264 (2005) · source
“The robustness of any peace agreement depends on the extent to which the emerging society remains active, critical, involved, independent - in short, a civil society. We also need to pay tribute to the efforts of NGOs in the implementation of reconstruction programmes, such as those in the field of demining, to which the Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs alluded, or in the difficult matter of reintegrating child soldiers in wounded, weakened societies that are often torn apart by years of conflict. Finally, let me reiterate France's support for the various institutions which enable civil society to be associated with the work of the Security Council and to express our desire to see them strengthened and used more often. I am thinking in particular of the Arria formula, but also of the meetings organized during Security Council missions.”
2005-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5264 (2005) · source
“And in some cases, too, one of the monstrous manifestations of civil society can be an actual mafia. However, thankfully, civil society is most often a powerful aid to peace. I was simply observing that we should always remain vigilant. Our Council is fully committed to the role of civil society in post-conflict situations. In the wake of the decision taken by our heads of State and Government to establish a peacebuilding commission, I would like to highlight one point: no just, lasting peace can be established through the efforts of the State alone. The case of Mozambique, moreover, illustrates this point. Private actors can contribute, as in Mozambique, in the settlement of conflicts.”
2005-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5264 (2005) · source
“Let us not forget in this respect the role of women and their associations in preventing crises by minimizing their worst effects and by taking action to remedy them. How many times have we been struck by their contribution in the Great Lakes region - a contribution that has been recognized by the Council and one that France fully supports. Nevertheless, we must recognize in this discussion that, like political society, civil society can also be acting wrongfully. The non-governmental actor is sometimes, unfortunately, the proxy for an unscrupulous State. At other times, though thankfully not often, it can even be the vector of violent, criminal action, as the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Tanzania has just underscored in his statement.”
2005-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5264 (2005) · source
“How does civil society play that role? First of all by participating in discussion. When there is discussion in a society criticizing the excesses of public authorities, experience shows that it is much more difficult for a Government to distance itself from the rule of law and, more generally, from good governance. The support provided by the international community to strengthening civil society has therefore become one of the most meaningful elements of the in-depth action to prevent conflict. But civil society does not have the same political legitimacy as institutions. They need to gain that legitimacy, which cannot be done overnight. I am encouraged, however, by the progress made worldwide in acknowledging civil society's role, even in the most fragile countries.”
2005-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5264 (2005) · source
“Mr. De Riviere (France) (spoke in French): My delegation would like first of all to warmly congratulate you, Mr. President, on having organized today's discussion. This meeting and the discussion we are embarking upon are a clear demonstration that the international community today values the contribution that players other than States can make to preventing and settling conflicts around the planet. That in itself is a welcome development. Over the past 15 years civil society has regained its role, and today the companies, unions, associations, and academic institutions - in short, the NGOs in their totality - are receiving deserved acknowledgement of their place in one of the founding missions of our Organization: the role of civil society in conflict prevention and the peaceful settlement of disputes.”
2005-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5264 (2005) · source