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

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“We are in favour of the partnership between the United Nations and regional organizations being further strengthened in this area. It also seems to us that the contribution that non- governmental organizations can make also needs to be taken into greater consideration and incorporated more systematically. There are many actors here - the United Nations and regional and non-governmental organizations - and the wide range of actors involved in promoting the rule of law and peace-building means that we must be careful to ensure the proper coordination of their efforts to avoid duplication and lack of clarity.”
2004-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5052 (2004) · source
“For example, as regards the elections, we believe that everything possible should be done to ensure that they take place in a climate of sufficient security and freedom. Indeed, their credibility is at stake. Secondly, we need to benefit from the vast experience that has been acquired on the regional and national levels. In that regard, it should be noted that regional organizations have increasingly accumulated genuine expertise. In Europe, for example, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Council of Europe and, of course, the European Union - whose presidency will speak shortly - are often partners of the United Nations in restoring sustainable peace, as in Bosnia and Herzegovina or in Kosovo.”
2004-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5052 (2004) · source
“First, we should build dimension of the rule of law into an overall approach to the restoration of peace. That, indeed, is what the Security Council does - perhaps not yet as well as we would wish it to do, but it has begun to follow that course. I believe that the action undertaken in Haiti in that regard is a good example in that respect, because, right from the start - with the first Council resolution - respect for human rights, the combat against impunity and the need to restore the rule of law were affirmed as goals and fully integrated into measures to restore security. However, we should have no illusions. The Organization's actions must be well thought out; they cannot be undertaken in haste.”
2004-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5052 (2004) · source
“France supports the recommendations of the Secretary- General, in particular those addressed to the Council. In our view, the Security Council has a special responsibility in the area of the restoration of justice and the rule of law in countries at war or which are striving to emerge from conflict with the assistance of the international community. It seems to us that it is incumbent on the Council to take into account, right from the outset of peace processes or operations, the dimension of justice and the rule of law. We believe that it should also draw on the experience acquired by the international community as a whole in that regard; that it should fulfil its responsibilities, in particular in the area of combating impunity; and, finally, that it should bolster its preventive action. I shall take up briefly each of these points.”
2004-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5052 (2004) · source
“Mr. De La Sabliere (France) (spoke in French): The Secretary-General has promised to make the strengthening of the rule of law and justice in post- conflict societies a priority for this Organization. France fully supports that resolve and thanks the United Kingdom for having placed this key issue on the agenda of the Security Council. Heeding the recommendation you made, Mr. President - with which I fully concur - that we limit the length of our statements, I shall confine myself to underscoring orally the main points of the statement that I have prepared. I will circulate it in written form to delegations so that they may consult it if they so wish. The excellent report of the Secretary-General gives a useful account of the experience acquired and makes specific proposals for future progress.”
2004-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5052 (2004) · source
“The toll in human lives, which is increasing daily, and the material damage resulting from the ongoing operation in Gaza, are unjustifiable. France regrets that, once again, the Council has been paralysed on this issue that is pivotal to international peace and security.”
2004-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5051 (2004) · source
“Mr. De La Sabliere (France) (spoke in French): France voted in favour of the draft resolution submitted by Algeria, Pakistan and Tunisia. The text called for the immediate cessation of Israeli military operations in the north of the Gaza Strip. It also included a condemnation of acts of terror and reaffirmed the need for the speedy implementation of the road map. Those two factors were essential, in our View, and ensured that the text was balanced. We consider it crucial that the Council react rapidly to the continuing deterioration in the situation in the north of the Gaza Strip and appeal to reason. France acknowledges the right of Israel to defend itself against the heinous terrorist acts perpetrated against its people, but it must do so in strict compliance with international law.”
2004-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5051 (2004) · source
“Withdrawing from Gaza only after destroying it can only provoke more hatred, violence and despair. France calls upon Israel to put an end its deadly actions and calls upon the Palestinians to give up violence, which leads nowhere. Following the Quartet's appeal to the two parties on 22 September, France appeals to reason. Only a mutual ceasefire and the prompt resumption of negotiations can break the sterile and tragic cycle of violence and promote the solution of two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. I shall conclude by saying that we have taken note of the draft resolution submitted by Ambassador Baali. We hope that discussions can begin on that basis in order to reach, if not consensus, at least the broadest possible agreement.”
2004-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5049 (2004) · source
“At a time when reports note that several UNRWA schools in Jabaliya have been occupied by Israeli forces, we reaffirm the need for Israel to respect and protect UNRWA facilities, in particular its schools and clinics. The French authorities also condemn the continued launching of home-made rockets by armed Palestinian groups against Israeli territory. Such acts are entirely unacceptable. The Palestinian Authority must put an end to those launchings and prosecute the perpetrators. It must strongly reaffirm that violence is counterproductive and that no cause can justify blind terrorist attacks against civilians. The violence that has been unleashed in the last six days has imperilled the hope of peace brought by the prospects of a withdrawal from Gaza.”
2004-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5049 (2004) · source
“The French authorities condemn the disproportionate use of force by Israel and the massive deployment of troops and armoured vehicles in densely populated urban areas. We also deplore Israel's practice of targeted assassination of Palestinian activists. That practice is contrary to international conventions and democratic values and can only fuel the spiral of violence. As an occupying Power, Israel must act strictly within the framework of international law and must comply, in particular, with the Fourth Geneva Convention. It must make sure that there is ongoing, unfettered access by humanitarian organizations, in particular the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), to the civilian populations that are affected.”
2004-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5049 (2004) · source
“Mr. De La Sabliere (France) (spoke in French): First I would like to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for the month of October and to say how much we appreciated the leadership of Ambassador Yafiez-Barnuevo last month. Our thanks go to him. The French authorities are extremely concerned by the ongoing deterioration in the situation in the northern part of the Gaza Strip over the past week. The large-scale Israeli military operation initiated in the evening of 28 September in Jabaliya, Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya has produced great casualties and is unjustifiable. We have heard with dismay that at least one third of the victims have been under the age of 18.”
2004-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5049 (2004) · source
“In conclusion, the Council, like the international community as a whole, can act only in close cooperation with the African Union. In is in that spirit that France contributed its assistance to the African Union's mission to Chad.”
2004-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5043 (2004) · source
“We are fully aware that deploying in that region of the Sudan an international presence composed of unarmed observers and military personnel responsible for security is not an easy undertaking. There needs to be significant planning and logistic support, as President Obasanjo has told the Council. We realize as well that it is desirable to have cooperation and assistance from Member States that possess experience in this area. France and the European Union are ready. I think we need to act quickly. 3,000 or 4,000 men are not too many and are probably sufficient. My country will do its utmost within the institutions of the European Union to ensure that the Union can support the African Union as effectively as possible.”
2004-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5043 (2004) · source
“In particular, it must provide safety and security for the population in Darfur and combat impunity. For their part, the rebels must end the violence and not hinder the delivery of humanitarian assistance. All the Sudanese parties must participate in good faith in the negotiations at Naivasha and Abuja. And, as the Secretary-General said, the parties must demonstrate their willingness to compromise. The second base of our action is that the African Union must receive all the assistance from the international community that it needs. In this crisis, the African Union has an irreplaceable role in backing up the international community's demands and promoting the necessary cooperation of the Sudanese Government.”
2004-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5043 (2004) · source
“We are now reflecting on how the Council could work most effectively. Any comments from President Obasanjo on ways to improve cooperation between the African Union and the United Nations and the Council would enrich our process of reflection. On the question of Darfur, I have no questions at this stage because the questions I had in mind have been formulated very well by preceding speakers. I have nothing to add to that list of questions. I would like simply to take this opportunity to stress before the Council the main lines of my country's action in the Security Council. The first is that we believe we should be very demanding of the Sudanese. The Council's recent message to the Sudan in resolution 1564 (2004) must be heeded and acted on. It is a clear message: the Sudanese Government must fulfil all its obligations.”
2004-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5043 (2004) · source
“My delegation is convinced that the Security Council has every interest in working closely with regional organizations, in particular with the African Union, whenever that strengthen the Council's actions. Our respective actions complement one another. We have seen that in Burundi. We see it today in the Darfur crisis, to which I will return. As well, there is cooperation with subregional organizations, and my Government is very gratified to cooperate with the Economic Community of West African States with respect to West Africa, in particular Cote d'Ivoire. My question is both simple and complex. I am asking myself about how to enhance that cooperation's effectiveness. Might the solution be cooperation on a case-by-case basis? Or should cooperation be somehow institutionalized? I do not know.”
2004-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5043 (2004) · source
“Mr. de La Sabliere (France) (spoke in French): At the outset, we greatly welcome President Obasanjo, whose presence honours us. We have listened attentively to his comments. Very briefly, before I address the question of Darfur, I shall comment on cooperation between the Security Council and the African Union. In short, the Council deals on a daily basis - unfortunately - with crises afflicting the African continent. We note that, at the same time, Africans are the first to be involved in resolving those crises. As President Obasanjo has said- and we are well aware - we have a new Africa. Africa is shouldering its responsibilities collectively and with determination.”
2004-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5043 (2004) · source
“It is our hope that the very clear message from this Council will be properly heard and well understood by the Sudanese Government and all the parties involved in the crisis. Our demands are clear and must be followed up by action. As I said earlier, no one in Darfur, throughout the Sudan or elsewhere should have any doubt that the Council will continue to act resolutely.”
2004-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5040 (2004) · source
“We feel that resolution 1564 (2004) responds to those objectives and is therefore a good text. France would have wished, however, that it had obtained an even higher number of votes in favour. We place great importance in the Council's unity, which we believe to be crucial in this crisis. It is in that spirit of desire for unity and consensus that we will continue to work in the days and weeks to come to prepare for our next meeting, because the Council now awaits the Secretary-General's report on the implementation of resolution 1564 (2004) by end of the month, pursuant to resolution 1556 (2004). In conclusion, I wish to note that today's resolution offers fresh hope to the civilian population of Darfur.”
2004-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5040 (2004) · source
“Pronk also pointed out, we are still waiting for the Janjaweed militia to be disarmed as soon as possible and for the perpetrators of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law to be identified and punished. To that end, the Council, together with the entire international community, must tirelessly pursue its efforts and actions, requiring our unflagging resolve. We must act with concern for effectiveness in terms of saving human lives. The situation in Darfur, as throughout the Sudan, is complex and our path narrow. Nothing can be done without the exertion of strong pressure. We must also energetically support the African Union. Its role is essential if the international community's requirements are to be met and the necessary cooperation of the Sudanese Government is to be secured.”
2004-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5040 (2004) · source
“Mr. De La Sabliere (France) (spoke in French): France voted in favour of the resolution that the United States submitted to the Council for consideration. We have always stated that we should pursue the sole objective of saving human lives. To that end, the Council must act resolutely and responsibly. Indeed, that is the message that we have repeatedly heard from the Secretary-General, whose presence we welcome here today. First, we must be resolute. We have heard the briefing by Mr. Jan Pronk, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Sudan. Some progress has been made on the ground, as Mr. Pronk noted and the Council acknowledges in resolution 1564 (2004). Clearly, we cannot stop there. As Mr.”
2004-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5040 (2004) · source
“These demands, reiterated by the Security Council today, are in keeping with the position that it has regularly adopted for more than 25 years. The Council is not committing an act of interference by denouncing the risk to international peace and security represented by the current crisis. Rather, if it refrained from taking action, the Council would be sanctioning the inadmissible interference by a State in the internal affairs of another sovereign State. France believes that by responding firmly today the Security Council is showing its confidence in the future of Lebanon. That future must include the full restoration of its sovereignty - not increased external interference.”
2004-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5028 (2004) · source
“It has regularly reaffirmed those objectives. Today, the future of Lebanon is being seriously threatened by Syria's interference in the political life of the country and, in particular, in the electoral process - the reason for the current crisis - as well as by the continued occupation and the persistent presence of armed militias. France is deeply concerned that Lebanon might retreat from the objectives that are constantly reaffirmed by the international community. That is why the rapid mobilization of and a decisive response by the Security Council seemed essential to us. The withdrawal of foreign forces from the entire territory of Lebanon and the dismantling of Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias should be delayed no longer. The electoral process should proceed without any foreign interference.”
2004-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5028 (2004) · source
“Mr. De la Sabliere (France) (spoke in French): France welcomes the adoption of resolution 1559 (2004), which we co-sponsored. Lebanon has been through several decades of upheaval. It has been confronted by war. Its internal stability and the stability of the region have been repeatedly and seriously threatened. After the war, Lebanon began to rebuild, and it is committed to strengthening the rule of law, faithful to its democratic aspirations. After a very troubled period, Lebanon must be able to restore confidence and prosperity. That will come through the full restoration of its sovereignty and the free exercise of democracy. Since 1978 - and long since it took note of Israel's withdrawal - the Security Council has been calling for respect for the territorial integrity, political independence and sovereignty of Lebanon.”
2004-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5028 (2004) · source
“Michel Barnier, France's Minister for Foreign Affairs, during his trip to Darfur on 27 July, we believe this to be an extremely serious crisis. Despite the fact that the worst has been averted due to the outstanding work done by non-governmental organizations, a humanitarian disaster is still possible. We hope that the Sudanese authorities will understand the message being sent by the Council today, namely, that the determination we are asking of them goes hand in hand with our conviction that a humanitarian catastrophe can be avoided in Sudan. Lastly, I would like to add that France is pleased by the support given to the resolution by the member States of the African Union. Their contribution to resolving this humanitarian crisis is pivotal to the efforts being made.”
2004-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5015 (2004) · source
“The resolution calls for the Secretary-General to report to the Council on this matter within 30 days, and monthly thereafter. The Council will then assess the implementation of the commitments made. Failing that implementation, the Council will have no other choice but to plan for other actions, including measures provided for in Article 41 of the Charter. This is in line with the conclusions reached by European Union ministers at the latest meeting of the General Affairs Council. We are convinced, however, that the authorities in Khartoum will do what is necessary. As the resolution states, it is also essential that rebel groups respect the ceasefire and engage in peace talks without preconditions. As stated by Mr.”
2004-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5015 (2004) · source
“It must also ensure that people who have suffered so much are no longer subjected to human rights violations and abuses. The Government of Sudan has made commitments to the Secretary-General with regard to access for humanitarian aid. We welcome the fact that that matter appears to have been resolved. But the Government's commitments also involve the security situation, in particular with regard to the disarmament of the Janjaweed militias - whose behaviour has been atrocious - and the arrest and bringing to justice of their leaders and accomplices. The Security Council will monitor that situation closely on a regular basis. Moreover, the Council expects to receive a report in the next few days from the representative of the Secretary-General following the joint mission now on the ground.”
2004-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5015 (2004) · source
“Mr. De La Sabliere (France) (spoke in French): France was a sponsor of the resolution we have just adopted on the situation in Darfur. Along with the efforts of the Secretary-General, the resolution, which is in line with the Council's policy in recent weeks, combines dialogue and strong pressure on the Government of Sudan to protect the population of Darfur. That is our only goal in the resolution. The primary responsibility of the Government of Sudan is to protect its population. Given the nature of this crisis, the international community cannot remain on the sidelines. Beyond the effort to be made to provide humanitarian assistance - which must still be developed further - the international community must ensure that there is access in the provision of that aid.”
2004-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5015 (2004) · source
“It would be better to create a realistic dynamic process between the United Nations and regional organizations. It is on a case-by-case basis, using a pragmatic approach, that we will manage to make progress. The presidential statement you will soon be making, Sir, encourages us to move in the right direction. France fully supports those commitments.”
2004-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5007Resumption1 (2004) · source
“We can also promote the role of regional organizations in post-conflict situations, following the withdrawal of a United Nations peacekeeping operation, by involving the regional organizations at an earlier stage in the strategy for addressing the crisis. It seems to us that, in promoting such coordination, our Council must remain, as I said earlier, far-reaching, but also realistic. Given the broad variety of situations and the fact that regional organizations are not all committed at the same level, I am not sure that we could a priori set up a framework for procedures for the division of labour, which might turn out to be more of a constraint than a benefit. Excessive formalism might get us involved in an approach that at this stage might be artificial.”
2004-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5007Resumption1 (2004) · source
“That is the objective. In the short term, it must be given specific application. So, for example, why not work on the handover of a regional operation to a United Nations operation? Such a transition must be properly prepared and give rise to an in-depth exchange with the Security Council. I must say that was not the case recently. We could have been more forthcoming and could have received the African Union here in New York during the establishment of the United Nations Operation in Burundi. We must see to it that there is greater consultation in future. We also need to improve our concerted action with the new mechanisms acquired by the African Union.”
2004-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5007Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Moreover, it is certainly not desirable for the United Nations always to be called on to come to the rescue, and we will certainly heed any proposals that might be made by the high-level panel in that field. We therefore need in particular to seek to enhance mechanisms for crisis prevention. The regional organizations can very often - more easily than the United Nations because of their proximity, something that has been said several times today - bring into play their early-warning mechanisms and therefore provide the United Nations with valuable information, which must be reciprocated. Progress has also been made in our relations with the African Union, but we can clearly do more to develop the principles laid down in Article 54 of the Charter and to strengthen concerted action between the Security Council and regional organizations.”
2004-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5007Resumption1 (2004) · source
“We would recall also the contribution made by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) recalled here earlier, which last year was referred to at length during the debate held under the Bulgarian presidency. In that context, which is now more favourable, the question arises as to what more can be done today to improve existing cooperation between the United Nations and some of the regional organizations. I think that we are all asking what our approach should be. I think we need to be both far-reaching here and pragmatic - far-reaching because, as we have noted for several months now, the United Nations cannot do everything on its own. Factors for instability are numerous, and the need for peacekeeping is continuing to increase.”
2004-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5007Resumption1 (2004) · source
“The African force made it possible to bolster the ceasefire at a time when the United Nations was not yet ready to deploy a peacekeeping operation. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) - whose representative we have just heard - also deserves our praise for the pivotal role it played, with very limited resources, in conflicts such as the ones in Liberia and in Cote d'Ivoire and in the settlement of the most recent crisis in Guinea-Bissau. The Organization of American States is firmly committed to Haiti, and we welcome that. Reference should also be made to the efforts of the Inter- Government Authority on Development in Somalia and those of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community in the Central African Republic.”
2004-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5007Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Finally, we should not forget that the European Union is also acting to strengthen the capacity of regional and subregional organizations in Africa through its peace support facility, which makes it possible to finance African peacekeeping operations such as the African Union observation mission, which is currently deployed in Darfur. I would like also to pay particular tribute to the African Union, which has made major progress in the establishment of an African standby force and an early- warning system, which will contribute to strengthening its capacity for conflict prevention and resolution. Nor can we forget the commitment of the African Union in Burundi, which was decisive for the peace process n that country.”
2004-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5007Resumption1 (2004) · source
“The representative of the European Union took the floor earlier, and I am pleased, as we take stock once again, to be able to say that the European Union is now firmly committed to strengthening its capacity to support the crisis-management activities of the United Nations - be it in Kosovo, in Bosnia or in Macedonia. In the context of the continuation of Operation Artemis in Bunia, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the European Union is also now acting under the European Union-United Nations declaration of 24 September last in the area of crisis management.”
2004-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5007Resumption1 (2004) · source
“I think that we can say that great progress has been made in the past few years, and even in the past few months, by regional organizations in the areas of conflict prevention, the diplomatic management of crises, and the maintenance of peace - be it prior to United Nations action, in taking over from it or in supplementing its work. We are obliged to note, however, that not all of the regional organizations can progress at the same pace; that, naturally, they act according to their own capacity; and also that a particular effort is being made by some of those organizations. I do not wish to refer to all of them, but I will mention a few of the organizations that are making that particular effort.”
2004-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5007Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Mr. De La Sabliere (France) (spoke in French): At the outset, I should like to express my delegation's pleasure at seeing you, Sir, preside today over the work of our Council. We believe that the theme selected by the Romanian delegation for this debate is both useful and relevant. Indeed, it allows us to pursue our thinking following Mexico's initiative last year regarding the need for enhanced cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations. Given the growing needs in the area of peacekeeping, regional organizations have a pivotal role to play in backing the actions of the United Nations and in supporting it. What is our situation now?”
2004-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5007Resumption1 (2004) · source
“I, too, should like to conclude by thanking the Secretariat for all its efforts and for having made the mission possible. It was quite a difficult mission, because we visited many countries in only a few days.”
2004-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5000 (2004) · source
“But as for me, what I saw rather encouraged me. In Sierra Leone, the real problem is the exit problem and what will happen after the United Nations force leaves. It should not destabilize or jeopardize Sierra Leone. Clearly, the problem is economic in nature. Thus, economic growth - a current goal - which is due to the current United Nations presence, should not be lost. With respect to Guinea-Bissau, substantial efforts are being made. Those efforts should continue, with the assistance of the international community. In that connection, the fact that in this specific case, we conducted a mission together with our colleagues from the Economic and Social Council, including Ambassador Kumalo, has been very useful, and we were able to work together in that country. I think that in Burundi we could continue the experiment.”
2004-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5000 (2004) · source
“Those commitments relate to the restoration of the normal functioning of the Government and to adopting by 28 July three texts provided for in the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement: laws on nationality, property and the electoral commission. In the presence of the President of the National Assembly and the Prime Minister, President Gbagbo said that if those laws were not adopted by 28 July, a special session would be held in August to do so. We shall follow that situation very closely. Commitments were made also regarding the possible establishment of a United Nations radio station and the signing of a headquarters agreement. In Liberia, we saw an increase in the strength of United Nations force in a country which has emerged from a war that completely destroyed it. We can see the vastness of the task.”
2004-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5000 (2004) · source
“I shall comment only briefly on individual situations. The report to be issued discusses them in detail and makes recommendations. I would simply say that on C6te d'Ivoire there are some encouraging signs, but I think we have all come back rather concerned. The Security Council has delivered its messages, which are contained in its resolutions and statements. I think the Council has done that clearly and firmly. It must now follow the situation closely. Those who hinder implementation of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement or continue to attack the United Nations should bear their responsibility, as the Security Council stated in its presidential statement of 25 May 2004 (S/PRST/2004/l7). We shall follow the situation closely. Interesting commitments have been made. We should monitor them closely.”
2004-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5000 (2004) · source
“One of the concerns of the Sierra Leonean authorities is that the process of settling the conflict in the country should not be adversely affected by transfers of weapons and combatants who might come into Sierra Leone. It is a fact that the situation there is not developing at the same pace, and there is therefore a special concern at the regional level to try to better deal with the problem of small arms and the movement of former combatants. An arms moratorium exists, but there is no doubt it is insufficient because weapons are still in circulation. I do not know in what framework, but the Security Council should, in cooperation with ECOWAS, return to this issue. It is a difficult issue because it is not easy to be effective in this area. But I think that it is necessary to return to it, as Ambassador Jones Parry suggested.”
2004-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5000 (2004) · source
“With respect to the Council's relationship with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which my colleague Ambassador Jones Parry just referred to, I was struck by the similarity of our analyses and the complementarity of our actions. I think the Council has been right to cultivate that relationship; we should continue to do so because our approaches are fully complementary. With respect to the regional approach, I shall limit myself to noting that I am especially concerned by the problem of the circulation of small arms and former combatants. Different countries are not moving towards the settlement of their crises at the same pace. Take, for example, Sierra Leone, which has just emerged from crisis.”
2004-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5000 (2004) · source
“Secondly, I think the missions are useful for communicating messages on the implementation of those texts: whether we are satisfied, or, on the contrary, concerned. And finally, I believe that the missions - perhaps not the least of their contributions - also considerably enrich the Council, because in 10 days one can acquire a great deal of information and get a better idea of the situation on the ground. I think that, following a mission, all of us are greatly enriched. With that in mind, we are considering a mission to Central Africa in the autumn. This has already been agreed upon in principle.”
2004-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5000 (2004) · source
“Mr. De La Sabliere (France) (spoke in French): I have little to add to the briefing by Ambassador Jones Parry, whom I wish to commend for the brilliant way he led the mission. Since I have been invited to take the floor, I shall simply underline a few points, most of which have already been raised. First, with respect to Security Council missions, it is not easy for us to organize them due to our schedules. However, based on my experience, having now participated in three of them, I think they are very useful, first of all, because they promote better understanding of the Security Council's concerns and policies as defined in the Council's resolutions and statements. I think that referring to and explaining those texts to concerned parties is a positive contribution.”
2004-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5000 (2004) · source
“It will be up to that Government - which we hope will succeed and with which we are prepared to work - to win the Iraqi people's confidence through its capacity to govern fully in complete independence. That is our wish, for the stability of Iraq and of the region depends on it.”
2004-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4987 (2004) · source
“With regard to the aid that regional organizations might provide to the stabilization of Iraq, France would like the decision-making autonomy of such organizations to be preserved within their own executive bodies. A member of several regional organizations itself, France will make a decision, if it is necessary, when the time comes. Furthermore, it is natural, as the text says, that the agreement of the Iraqi Government be sought. All in all, today the Security Council has assumed its share of responsibility. It has done so by taking into account the demands presented by the Iraqi interim Government, within the limits the Government had set for them.”
2004-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4987 (2004) · source
“However, with regard to the implementation of the multinational force's mandate - particularly the conditions of engagement in the event of sensitive offensive operations - the resolution indicates that the interim Government and the multinational force will have to reach an agreement, but it does not specify what would happen in the event of disagreement. That is why France would have preferred that the text state that the Iraqi interim Government, sovereign in the territory of Iraq, would have the final say in such a case. As that provision was not explicitly requested by the Iraqi leaders, France was satisfied at the final adjustment made to paragraph 11 of the provision. Moreover, France cannot imagine that the multinational force would go against the opinion of Iraq's sovereign Government.”
2004-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4987 (2004) · source
“Finally, the resolution states clearly that, from this point on, the Iraqi armed forces and security forces will not be part of the multinational force. They are to be placed under the sole authority of the Iraqi Government, which will have to decide whether to commit them - if it deems it necessary or desirable to do so - to multinational force operations. France had insisted on those last two points so that the relationship between the interim Government and the multinational force would reflect the sovereignty that the Iraqi interim Government will have after 1 July. We note that our wishes have been largely taken into account, for which we thank the sponsors.”
2004-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4987 (2004) · source