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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“In that context, we are pleased that the future interim Iraqi Government will continue to enjoy the support of the United Nations within the framework of the clear mandate, adapted to circumstances, provided for in the resolution. Thirdly, the sovereign Government may at any time ask that the mandate of the multinational force be revised or that it end, and such a request will be binding on the Security Council. Moreover, the mandate is limited in time: it will be re-examined within 12 months, and in all likelihood it will end at the end of the political transition, whose expiration date - 31 December 2005 - is explicitly mentioned. Until then, the multinational force and the Iraqi forces must act in accordance with international law, particularly the law of armed conflict.”
2004-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4987 (2004) · source
“Several provisions of the draft resolution were adjusted to comply with that principle, particularly those on the control of the Iraqi armed forces and security forces, the coordination of international aid, the use of the country's natural resources and the conditions for making foreign advisers available. Secondly, the various stages of the political process are endorsed by the resolution, particularly the timetable for elections and for the end of the transition, no later than the end of 2005 . We already know that the organization of the national conference planned for July by Mr. Brahimi and, above all, the holding of the elections no later than in January 2005 will be crucial. Those elections must be organized freely and democratically and must permit all Iraqis to vote.”
2004-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4987 (2004) · source
“Perelli - to whom we pay tribute - while taking the security conditions into account. On the second point, the aim was to take into account the change resulting from the restoration of Iraqi sovereignty to retool the mandate of the multinational force while spelling it out clearly within the framework of international law. Throughout the negotiations, France was both demanding, because the stakes are considerable, and constructive, because we believe that the unity of the international community is needed more than ever before. On many points, the final text meets the demands sought in the French and German proposed amendments. Accordingly, first of all, the interim Iraqi Government will have complete responsibility and authority to govern the country.”
2004-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4987 (2004) · source
“The first two elements are, in our opinion, essential for the Iraqis to support the current political process and for them have confidence in the new Iraqi Government. The third enables the role of the United Nations in the settlement of crises to be preserved and, to the extent possible, ensures the security of those who will act on behalf of the Organization in the field. From the first informal consultations in the Security Council, France had emphasized the importance it attached to the mandate that the Council would entrust to the United Nations and to the legal framework for the action of the multinational force. On the first point, the aim was to allow the Iraqis to take maximum advantage of United Nations expertise in extending the activities of Mr. Brahimi and Ms.”
2004-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4987 (2004) · source
“Mr. De La Sabliere (France) (spoke in French): France voted in favour of resolution 1546 (2004), which the Council has just adopted unanimously. My country approached the discussion of this resolution with three goals for the Iraqi people and for the United Nations: first, to ensure that after 30 June the Iraqi interim Government will have all the attributes of sovereignty and complete authority to govern the country, in spite of the need to maintain a very large foreign military presence; secondly, to give the Iraqi people credible assurances that the political process is continuing and that the presence of foreign troops is temporary and limited in time, in order to clarify the political outlook of the Iraqi people and to assure them that the coming transition period will end as soon as possible; and, finally, to entrust to the United Nations a mandate which guarantees the credibility of the Organization and which is realistic in the light of what it can do in the present circumstances in Iraq.”
2004-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4987 (2004) · source
“We were very happy about the exchange that we had this morning and about the exchanges that we will have with other Iraqi officials in coming days.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“Given that situation, it should be possible to include those principles in the resolution under discussion if we deem it necessary to send a clear and credible signal to the people of Iraq that their Government will be fully responsible and that the temporary presence of the multinational force does not mean their sovereignty is being challenged. Finally, it is the opinion and the expectations of the Iraqi people that should guide the Council's work. The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iraq has already mentioned several of the points to which I have referred. We would be very grateful to him if he could provide us with further information on those points. We also hope that we will have the opportunity to continue our discussions with him.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“Can we take the risk of repeating the Fallujah scenario, when one of the major challenges the new Government will face is the effort for national dialogue and reconciliation in the run-up to the elections. We believe it is critical that the Iraqi Government - in any case, the Government resulting from the elections - be able to decide freely to terminate the mandate of the multinational force. That decision is up to it alone. I note that the principles I have just mentioned have all been the subject of agreeing public statements by high-level leaders of the Coalition and of countries not belonging to the Coalition, including mine. It therefore seems that there is broad consensus on those principles.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“Without getting into details and modalities, the general principles and parameters of that cooperation and partnership must be specified in the resolution. The Iraqi interim Government must have complete authority over its security forces and its armed forces. It is the Government's decision whether to make those forces available to the multinational force, if they deem it necessary or desirable to do so. The Iraqi forces should therefore not be engaged in the operations of the multinational force without the consent of the Government of Iraq. We also believe that the multinational force should carry out its mandate in close coordination with the Iraqi Government. The Iraqi Government's prior consent must be obtained for certain large-scale operations that could have significant political implications.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“Zebari has just said - maintaining a multinational force in Iraq will remain necessary for some time in order to help stabilize the country and assist Iraqis in assuming full responsibility for their security as soon as possible. We do not think that those two demands are contradictory - not necessarily, at least. It is possible to reconcile the restoration of sovereignty with the maintenance of a significant foreign military presence. A sovereign Government and the multinational force can coexist, while respecting both the full authority of the Government and the operational effectiveness of the force. However, from our point of view, it is not enough to decree that there be cooperation or a partnership between the Government of Iraq and the multinational force.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“The discussions that we have been having in the Security Council for several weeks now have demonstrated, in my view, that all of its members share the same objective: the full and entire restoration of Iraqi sovereignty on 30 June; indeed, that is what Mr. Zebari told us earlier in his statement. The Iraqi Government that has been formed should, as of 30 June, have full and complete authority in all areas. Aside from the issue of its composition, we believe that the Government's credibility in the eyes of Iraqis will depend on its ability to govern fully and in complete independence. At the same time, we all know that - as Mr.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“Mr. de La Sabliere (France) (spoke in French): I am pleased to welcome Mr. Zebari and to congratulate him on his confirmation as Minister for Foreign Affairs. We have taken note of the formation of the Iraqi interim Government that will begin to function on 30 June. We hope that that Government will be fully successful in the very difficult task that will be facing it until the elections. France, for its part, is prepared to work with the Government of Iraq and to contribute to the economic and political reconstruction of the country. I should also like to tell Mr. Zebari how useful his presence here today is. The Security Council has for several weeks been discussing a draft resolution that is crucial to the future of Iraq, and it must, of course, be fully aware of the views and expectations of the Iraqi authorities.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“As has often been said in the Council, a lasting and solid peace process in Liberia is a guarantee for peace and security throughout the region. In conclusion, I express our satisfaction at the efforts for coordination among the United Nations operations in West Africa. My country has always urged such coordination. We have always believed that the sharing of information and logistic resources, joint efforts at the borders and coordination on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes are indispensable for strengthening the effectiveness of each operation. We hope that the United Nations operations will continue on that path.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4981 (2004) · source
“That task is certainly the most difficult one and will require a lasting effort by the entire international community. France will participate alongside its partners in the European Union. The second challenge is the rebuilding of the State and basic public services. That is essential for the people of Liberia to benefit from the newly recovered peace. The third challenge is to hold free and transparent elections in October 2005. In Liberia, as elsewhere, credible elections are the sole guarantee of a successful end to a crisis. The success of those elections and the commitment of all parties to the democratic process are the measure by which one will be able to judge the solidity of the peace process in Liberia.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4981 (2004) · source
“In that connection, we note with great interest the action taken by the Liberian Government and UNMIL to restore State control over natural resources. We encourage the Liberian authorities to continue their efforts in that direction. The Council will continue closely to follow the progress made on that issue with respect to the criteria set out in resolution 1521 (2003). Significant progress has therefore been made. However, to achieve lasting stability, Liberia must still face three major challenges. The first challenge is the lasting demobilization of combatants, which comes up against two hurdles. The first hurdle is to reduce the number of weapons in circulation, and we are concerned by the difficulties that seem to be encountered in recovering weapons. The second hurdle is to reintegrate ex-combatants into civilian life.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4981 (2004) · source
“I must say that the information we have heard is very encouraging. It is encouraging for three reasons. First, it is encouraging because the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), now at a staffing level of just over 14,000 persons, is today able to deploy over the entire territory. Secondly, it is encouraging because - and this is essential - as Mr. Klein has told the Council, the disarmament process has been resumed. The fact that 34,000 ex-combatants - if I remember the figure correctly - have been disarmed gives hope for new stability in Liberia. Finally, it is encouraging because security sector reform is under way. Chairman Bryant mentioned the issue of lifting the sanctions imposed on his country pursuant to resolution 1521 (2003).”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4981 (2004) · source
“Mr. de La Sabliere (France) (spoke in French): As this is the first time my delegation is taking the floor in a public meeting this month, at the outset I wish you, Sir, all the best during your presidency for the month of June. I also thank Ambassador Akram for the manner in which he conducted the Council's work last month, which we greatly appreciated. First, I welcome the presence among us of Chairman Bryant. On behalf of France, I take this occasion to commend him on the remarkable effort he is making for his country's recovery. We all know that his task is great. I simply wish to tell him that today he can count on my country's support, and on that of the Council, I am sure. I also thank Mr. Klein for his briefing on the situation in Liberia, which we listened to with great attention.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4981 (2004) · source
“Secondly, let me recall that the fight against terrorism in general and against Al Qaeda in particular cannot be waged in isolation. In the framework of the Group of Eight, France took the initiative at last year's Evian summit of establishing the Counter-Terrorism Action Group to improve technical assistance and training for third countries, in particular developing countries. We also provide bilateral support in enhancing practical counter-terrorism measures. Finally, we work to promote in-depth political dialogue among Member States on the question of terrorism. As Ambassador Mufioz said, and as the presidency of the European Union will also say, the fight against terrorism cannot be dissociated from respect for human rights. To the contrary, the fight against terrorism cannot be won without full respect for human rights.”
2004-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4976 (2004) · source
“In this spirit we strengthened the monitoring regimes not only here but also in the European Union or with the Group of Eight. Non-governmental organizations have been included on the list of the Committee against Al Qaeda. We need to press forward with determination in the control of financial flows. Regular review of the resolution gives us this possibility. Among other things, we need to develop mechanisms for registering funds transfers so as to prevent the abuse of informal systems such as the hawala or human cash couriers. The strengthened links between the 1267 Committee and the Counter- Terrorism Committee will make it possible to improve our shared knowledge, particularly concerning the financing of terrorism.”
2004-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4976 (2004) · source
“Indeed, that is what the member States of the European Union have done, as evidenced by the Declaration on Combating Terrorism adopted on 25 March this year. In this regard, my delegation welcomes the adoption of Security Council resolution 1526 (2004) in January, which has made it possible to strengthen and improve the provisions for combating Al Qaeda and the Taliban. That resolution should, inter alia, make it possible act more effectively in controlling financial flows. My delegation believes that that is indeed a priority aspect in the fight against Al Qaeda. Bank investigations and the transparency of financial movements are a key element in the struggle against terrorism. In particular, I would like to underscore the matter of the diversion of funds intended for charitable or humanitarian purposes.”
2004-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4976 (2004) · source
“Mrs. D'Achon (France) (spoke in French): My delegation also wishes to thank Ambassador Munoz for his very comprehensive briefing and for all the work he is achieving as Chairman of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) concerning Al Qaeda and the Taliban. We concur fully with him in his analysis and observations. My delegation associates itself with the presentation to be made shortly by the Permanent Representative of Ireland on behalf of the European Union. Therefore I will confine myself to two observations. First, my delegation wishes to reaffirm that, given a changing and persistent threat - as attested to by the cowardly attack in Madrid on 11 March - the international community must remain mobilized. We should not let our guard down. On the contrary, we should strengthen our unity to combat this scourge.”
2004-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4976 (2004) · source
“In addressing the new demands before it, it is indeed important that the Security Council take the time to think, independently of the consideration of any particular conflict, about the conditions in which it organizes its peacekeeping activities and about how it is to meet these new challenges.”
2004-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4970 (2004) · source
“The Secretary-General's mention of the French-speaking police was quite appropriate in that respect. The British proposals on the establishment on a regular basis of a list of resources, both available and lacking, and of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations's priorities are also, we believe, on the right track. Lastly, we must also consider ways to improve the political follow-up of missions. Not only is such follow-up important in and of itself for the Security Council's credibility and the effectiveness of missions, but it could also contribute to better resource management. My delegation thanks you, Sir, for having convened this debate.”
2004-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4970 (2004) · source
“First, with regard to the internal functioning of the Secretariat, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations already has considerable means and yet sometimes encounters difficulties, particularly with respect to deploying new operations in the field. It must be said that there are many new operations currently under way and that they involve very cumbersome work for the Department. In that regard, developing a checklist of the bottlenecks restricting the Department's capacity might allow us to pinpoint areas for reform. We should already be considering ways of giving the Department of Peacekeeping Operations more budgetary flexibility, enabling it in particular to address the recruitment problems it encounters. We must also find ways better to inform Member States on the Department's needs.”
2004-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4970 (2004) · source
“The special representative's involvement in establishing the mission will allow operations to be deployed under his authority in a more coordinated fashion. Existing processes for cooperation with troop- contributing countries should be revitalized and other contributors, including the financial ones, should be more closely involved. To that end, we feel, on the one hand, that the provisions of resolution 1353 (2001) could be better exploited, and that, on the other, the working group on peacekeeping operations could be better utilized. Above and beyond the military aspects, we feel that two other ideas should be explored.”
2004-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4970 (2004) · source
“In the context of recent advances, we would also note the role played towards the successful outcome of such interventions by the European initiative on the rapid deployment of tactical teams or support programmes for the development of regional peacekeeping capacities, particularly African capacities. My third and last question is: How can we ensure better utilization of available resources? We must build on our progress by further improving the operational capacities of United Nations peacekeeping. The integrated planning of missions must be further developed. My delegation is convinced that the special representative of the Secretary-General should be appointed as rapidly as possible after the adoption of a resolution creating an operation, as was done with Mr. Klein in the Liberia operation, if memory serves.”
2004-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4970 (2004) · source
“We know that a considerable number of civilian posts in missions are currently unfilled. One might wonder whether it might not be more appropriate to associate agencies with the implementation of certain civilian tasks in order to allow us to use our tools more coherently. In the same vein, cooperation with regional organizations, which frequently have faster reaction capacities than the United Nations, should be reinforced. The success of recent operations undertaken by the European Union in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, by the Economic Community of West African States in Liberia and by the African Union in Burundi attest to the effectiveness of such an approach.”
2004-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4970 (2004) · source
“We believe that the Security Council must be increasingly firm on those two points; otherwise, estimates of heavy financial constraints will ultimately become the decisive criterion for the creation or extension of mandates. Secondly, is it possible to better distribute the burden of implementing peacekeeping operations? Whatever reforms may be envisaged, we feel that the main responsibility for the maintenance of peace remains with the Security Council and must do so. In the field, it falls to the special representative of the Secretary-General. One might consider, however, whether it would not be possible to further call on the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations to undertake certain civilian missions that would be integrated into peacekeeping operations.”
2004-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4970 (2004) · source
“Such assessment must be carried out regularly and thoroughly, regardless of a mission's age. We believe that the Council must also regularly ask itself about a mission's effectiveness: when has a mission attained its objectives? When can a peacekeeping operation result in depriving local actors of any sense of responsibility? Secondly, we believe it is important to make greater use of the approach taken recently in resolution 1528 (2004), on C6te d'Ivoire. That approach consisted of envisaging an exit strategy when establishing the mission. Such a search for a long-term View of the development of peacekeeping operations should, in our View, be accompanied by careful planning of handover to development and transition actors - particularly United Nations agencies, funds and programmes and international financial institutions.”
2004-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4970 (2004) · source
“Missions within a particular subregion are now better coordinated, particularly in terms of sharing logistical support. Finally, the adoption of resolution 1353 (2001) has enabled us to enhance coordination among the Security Council, the Secretariat and troop- contributing countries. We should ask ourselves whether that progress is sufficient. We believe that it is not - that we must devote greater thought to the matter. Three questions can be posed in that connection. First, is it possible to limit the duration of peacekeeping operations? It is difficult to do so, but we must try hard, first of all by systematically assessing the duration and adaptation of mandates and the adequacy of mission staffing, depending on the development of the situation on the ground.”
2004-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4970 (2004) · source
“We also owe it to the mobilization and dedication of men and women who have come from many troop-contributing countries. This capacity to adapt has also been translated into conceptual innovations; I will cite three of them. First is the development of complex operations, which now include peace-building strategies. Peacekeeping operations thus find themselves entrusted with missions ranging from the implementation of rapid- deployment projects to disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programmes, to strengthening the rule of law or even to human rights activities. The most recent mandates we have adopted with regard to Cote d'Ivoire and Haiti are good examples. I am also struck by the fact that the United Nations has improved its capacity to take into account a regional approach to crisis management.”
2004-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4970 (2004) · source
“We note a recent change of direction in the peacekeeping dimension. The complexity of operations is steadily growing. The number of operations and that of their staffs are constantly increasing. All of that leads us to think that these trends will only become more pronounced in future, because of the growing demands outlined in the non-paper issued by the Pakistani delegation. I am struck by the figures before us today: 14 operations under way; 51,000 staff, civilian and military combined; four new missions; an increase in expenditures that will bring the budget to more than $3 billion. In the light of those developments, we believe that the United Nations has thus far demonstrated a satisfactory capacity to adapt. We owe that to Jean- Marie Guehenno.”
2004-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4970 (2004) · source
“Mr. De La Sabliere (France) (spoke in French): We are pleased to see you, Sir, presiding today over this meeting devoted to United Nations peacekeeping operations. That reminds us of the important contribution being made by Pakistan to this effort of the international community. The Permanent Representative of Ireland will shortly make a statement on behalf of the European Union that I fully endorse. Therefore, I shall confine myself to a few remarks. I should like at the outset to emphasize that the implementation of the Brahimi report has enabled us to make considerable progress over the past four years in United Nations management of peacekeeping activities. I say that because we believe the Brahimi report remains relevant, and the few points I wish to make are within that context.”
2004-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4970 (2004) · source
“We are all aware that we must make progress on several fronts in order to go forward in the settlement of the question of Kosovo and the protection of all communities. Consideration of that is under way in the United Nations, including UNMIK, as well as in the capitals of the countries most concerned. All of this thinking is welcome. In due course we will have to compare all those proposals. At any rate, we will have to work with full transparency and full cooperation so that the members of the Security Council might be able to take the necessary decisions with full knowledge of the facts.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“It seems that for its part, the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) should without further delay take steps against those press organs that have incited hatred and inter-ethnic violence. The Special Representative quite rightly pointed out that decentralization is a priority for action by the international community. Decentralization could allow for peaceful coexistence among the various communities in Kosovo. There exist several models, including those drawn from the Ohrid agreements. We note that Belgrade has just made proposals, and we welcome its willingness to dialogue on this crucial issue. In conclusion, I wish to say a word about method and emphasize transparency and cooperation.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“In fact, that is what was just affirmed by the Security Council in its statement of 30 April (S/PRST/2004/ 13). I note, however, that the quarterly evaluation of the progress in the latest report of the Secretary-General confirms setbacks on all the standards. I now wish to emphasize two specific topics: the role of the media, and decentralization. The report of the new Representative of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) for Freedom of the Media confirms that the media in Kosovo played a very negative role in the violence in March. Mr. Haraszti has especially highlighted the lack of professionalism, the biased nature of reporting and the lack of pluralism in the media. With the OSCE, the international community must create the conditions so that the Kosovo media might respect basic ethical rules.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“As the Secretary-General has pointed out, the Albanian Kosovo officials, as representatives of the largest community in Kosovo, have a clear obligation to protect and promote the rights of all communities. The feeble commitment of the Kosovar leaders to preventing, and their belated condemnation of, the ethnic violence give rise to questions, even if we note that they disseminated a more encouraging letter on 2 April. Clearly, the burden of proof rests on them. The violence has only strengthened our resolve to see the standards rapidly implemented so that the question of status might be settled. We will pay special attention to progress achieved in multi-ethnicity and reconciliation, the return of displaced persons, dialogue with Belgrade, a code of ethics for the media, and decentralization.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“Mr. De La Sabliere (France) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Mr. Holkeri for his briefing, which comes after the excellent report of the Secretary- General of 30 April (S/2004/348). I welcome among us the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia and Montenegro, Mr. Vuk Drascovic. We have listened to him attentively. I wish to state in advance that I associate myself with the statement to be made shortly by the Ambassador of Ireland on behalf of the member States of the European Union, so I shall confine myself to a few remarks. By way of introduction, I would like to say a few words about the violence last March and its consequences.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“Mr. De La Sabliere (France) (spoke in French): I should like in turn to thank Mr. Passy for his presence and for his statement here today. We listened most attentively to his statement on the activities of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which will certainly prove of great use to us. At a time when the Security Council and the United Nations are increasingly called upon to intervene to resolve regional conflicts that arise every day on the Council's agenda, I believe that we are seeking increasingly close cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations. I wish simply to join colleagues who have spoken before me in asking for Minister Passy's opinion about what activities could be undertaken to strengthen cooperation between the United Nations and OSCE.”
2004-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4964 (2004) · source
“We are convinced that the Council can contribute to the international community's action with regard to proliferation and that a Council meeting at the highest level can, at the appropriate time, lend impetus to the strengthening of international initiatives in this area, which is essential for the security of all States.”
2004-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4956 (2004) · source
“It will include all Security Council members and will adopt all its decisions unanimously. It is States' best guarantee of the dispassionate implementation of this resolution that we intend to carry out. It attests to the sponsors' conviction that the Council can work together on this proliferation issue. France welcomes the fact that the Council adopted the resolution unanimously. That is a strong signal in favour of effective multilateralism. The sponsors benefited from the dialogue that took place to improve the text, thus strengthening support for it within the Council and among all States. France welcomes that success.”
2004-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4956 (2004) · source
“The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and of their means of delivery is a threat to international peace and security. To be sure, the Council's actions must reflect respect for the existing regime, and that is what it does in the resolution we have just adopted, by filling a gap in the regime in the light of a phenomenon that adds an additional dimension to the danger of proliferation. That phenomenon is the involvement of non-State actors, particularly terrorists. The emergence of trafficking networks exacerbates the spread of these weapons. In an era of widespread terrorism, it increases the risk of seeing them fall into the hands of the most dangerous. We now need to begin to implement this resolution in a cooperative spirit. The committee that will receive State reports will now be established.”
2004-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4956 (2004) · source
“Mr. De La Sabliere (France) (spoke in French): France voted in favour of the draft resolution just adopted by the Council. France is committed to the non-proliferation regime and is actively participating in efforts to strengthen it. We contributed to the adoption by the European Union of a strategy in this area. We are working with our partners in all appropriate international and multilateral forums to improve joint action against a threat that concerns everyone. France is convinced that the United Nations - particularly the Security Council - must play its full role in the multilateral anti-proliferation effort; that is why we supported the draft resolution from the outset and were one of its sponsors. With regard to proliferation, the Security Council draws its legitimacy to act from the Charter of the United Nations.”
2004-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4956 (2004) · source
“We have all said that we advocate effective multilateralism. This text on weapons of mass destruction and non-State players is, above all, implementation of the idea of effective multilateralism on a subject that is of particular concern for all countries. And this is the belief that we have of the importance of what is at stake, which means that France will not hesitate to provide its support to this initiative and become a sponsor of the text.”
2004-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4950 (2004) · source
“We believe that it will go even further towards giving States the necessary assurances by providing that they submit their reports within an improved timetable; by stressing the possibilities for States that lack resources to be able enjoy international assistance; by explaining that the Committee will consider the reports on the basis of unanimity, with expertise from the IAEA and the OPCW; and by ensuring that decisions will be taken only by the Council itself. We believe that the Committee will be able to offer what is known in English as "due process", providing all safeguards to States. France believes that this public debate will help the sponsors to spell out the provisions in this area with respect to the committee which is, so far, that part of the text that could be improved in terms of quality.”
2004-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4950 (2004) · source
“Reference to Chapter VII reflects the seriousness of the situation and the resolve of the Member States. Having said that, I believe that we need to reconcile two messages. The first is that there is a serious threat, which we need to meet with determination - hence, under Chapter VII. The second is that we are resolved to promote implementation based on cooperation and respect for the sovereignty of States and to preclude any coercion that is not justified, considered or authorized by the Council. France is particularly concerned to ensure such a balance and believes that the draft resolution does just that, specifically by virtue of the committee.”
2004-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4950 (2004) · source
“Lastly, there are widespread misgivings with respect to the reference in the draft resolution to Chapter VII of the Charter, which has sparked concerns about a potential use of force to ensure the draft resolution's implementation. I should like to allay that fear by addressing the problem in depth. We believe that we can mitigate this concern by enhancing the follow-up mechanism, which must protect the legitimate interests of States and coordinate Security Council cooperation with them. I should like to explain first that we believe the reference to Chapter VII to be important for two reasons. The first is a legal reason, as the reference provides as a basis for the Council in this area the notion that there is indeed a threat to international peace and security. The second is a political reason.”
2004-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4950 (2004) · source
“Even if this draft resolution - which is exceptional and highly targeted - does not solve every problem, we understand that this issue is one of principle that is very important to many. We have therefore supported incorporating, at the beginning of the preamble, a reference to disarmament obligations. In addition, many countries have sought and continue to seek clarifications on the follow-up mechanism; on the timetable for reporting, which has been deemed too brief; on the vague mandate of the Committee; on the operating period, which has also been deemed too brief; and on the unclear articulation of its relationship to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).”
2004-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4950 (2004) · source
“The draft resolution does not establish those aspects. It does not compel any State to abide by the rules of instruments to which some States have chosen not to accede. The sponsors clearly realize that the text will have even greater impact if it is understood by Member States outside the Council. They have therefore pursued broad consultations that have in particular led them to meet with the Non-Aligned Movement and other groups of States. That work has set the stage for today's debate and increases the chances of seeing it contribute to improving the text. The consultations have forged broad agreement on the gravity of the threat and have enabled us to identify concerns. First, States have clearly expressed the desire to incorporate a reference to disarmament.”
2004-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4950 (2004) · source
“Others are committed to that path, but, faced with this serious threat, the Security Council has a role to play, which it is doing through the draft resolution, based on the idea that the measures to be taken to counter proliferation activities are the responsibility of States. The Security Council cannot take those measures in their stead, but it can decide that they do need to take them. That is what the text seeks to ensure in two specific areas: the criminalization of the activities of non-State actors and the establishment of security measures for sensitive materials, export and border controls, and the monitoring of export and transit brokering activities. The Council is establishing the goals, but it leaves each State free to define the penalties, legal regulations and practical measures to be adopted.”
2004-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4950 (2004) · source