YouSaid · the spoken record

Dejammet

lines on the record: 838
first: 1995-11-09
most recent: 2000-03-09
sittings or episodes: 128
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

“I should like to inform the Council that I have received letters from the representatives of Angola, Cape Verde, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe in which they request to be invited to participate in the discussion of the item on the Council's agenda. In conformity with the usual practice, I propose, with the consent of the Council, to invite those representatives to participate in the discussion without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure. There being no objection, it is so decided. At the invitation of the President, Mr. Van Dunem "Mbinda" (Angola) took a seat at the Council table; Mr. Leao Monteiro (Cape Verde), Mr. Santos (Mozambique), Mr. Andjaba (Namibia) and Mr.”
1998-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3850 (1998) · source
“In favour: Bahrain, Brazil, China, Costa Rica, France, Gabon, Gambia, Japan, Kenya, Portugal, Russian Federation, Slovenia, Sweden, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America The President (interpretation from French): There were 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 1148 (1998). The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on the agenda. The meeting rose at 11.25 am.”
1998-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3849 (1998) · source
“The Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Members of the Council have before them the report of the Secretary-General on the situation concerning Western Sahara, document S/ 1998/35. Members of the Council also have before them document S/ 1998/60, which contains the text of a draft resolution prepared in the course of the Council's prior consultation. _\, vuukuj A/zu It is my understanding that the Security Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution (S/ 1998/60) before it. If I hear no objection, I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now. There being no objection, it is so decided. A vote was taken by Show of hands.”
1998-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3849 (1998) · source
“"The Security Council will remain seized of the matter." This statement will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/1998/1. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Security Council will remain seized of the matter. The meeting rose at 1.10 pm.”
1998-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3848 (1998) · source
“"The Security Council expresses its full support for the Special Commission and its Executive Chairman, including in his forthcoming travel to Iraq to continue his discussions with officials of the Government of Iraq aimed at the full implementation of the relevant resolutions and at increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of the operations of the Special Commission to this end. In this context, the Council recalls the statements of its President of 3 December 1997 and 22 December 1997 and encourages the efforts reported to it by the Executive Chairman. "The Security Council requests a full briefing by the Executive Chairman on these discussions as soon as possible after they have taken place, so that it can decide as necessary on an appropriate response on the basis of the relevant resolutions.”
1998-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3848 (1998) · source
“"The Security Council recalls the statement of its President of 29 October 1997 in which the Council condemned the decision of the Government of Iraq to try to dictate the terms of its compliance with its obligations to cooperate with the Special Commission. "The Security Council reiterates its demand, contained in resolution 1137 (1997), that Iraq cooperate fully and immediately and without conditions or restrictions with the Special Commission in accordance with the relevant resolutions, which constitute the governing standard of Iraqi compliance.”
1998-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3848 (1998) · source
“I should like to draw the attention of the members of the Council to document S/1998/26, which contains the text of a letter dated 12 January 1998 from the Permanent Representative of Iraq to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council. Following consultations among members of the Security Council, I have been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council: "The Security Council deplores the statement of the Iraqi official spokesman of 12 January 1998 and Iraq's subsequent failure to fulfil its obligations to provide the Special Commission with full, unconditional and immediate access to all sites. The Council determines that this failure is unacceptable and a clear violation of the relevant resolutions.”
1998-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3848 (1998) · source
“The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Security Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Members of the Council have before them the letter dated 12 January 1998 from the Executive Chairman of the Special Commission established by the Secretary-General pursuant to paragraph 9 (b) (i) of Security Council resolution 687 (1991) addressed to the President of the Security Council, document 8/1998/27; and the letter dated 13 January 1998 from the Permanent Representative of Iraq to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council, document S/1998/28.”
1998-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3848 (1998) · source
“In favour: Bahrain, Brazil, China, Costa Rica, France, Gabon, Gambia, Japan, Kenya, Portugal, Russian Federation, Slovenia, Sweden, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America The President (interpretation from French): There were 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 1147 (1998). The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The meeting rose at 11.25 a.m.”
1998-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3847 (1998) · source
“I should like to draw attention to the following other documents: S/1997/984, letter dated 12 December 1997 from the Charge d'affaires ad interim of the Permanent Mission of Yugoslavia to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General; and S/ 1997/ 1002, letter dated 22 December 1997 from the Permanent Representative of Croatia to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary- General. It is my understanding that the Council is ready to vote on the draft resolution before it. Unless I hear any objection, I shall put the draft resolution (S/ 1998/ 16) to the vote now. There being no objection, it is so decided. A vote was taken by show of hands.”
1998-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3847 (1998) · source
“The President (interpretation from French): The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Members of the Council have before them the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Mission of Observers in Prevlaka, document S/ 1997/ 1019. Members of the Council also have before them document S/ 1998/ 16, which contains the text of a draft resolution prepared in the course of the Council's prior consultations.”
1998-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3847 (1998) · source
“The situation in Croatia Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Mission of Observers in Prevlaka (S/1997/1019) The President (interpretation from French): I should like to inform the Council that I have received a letter from the representative of Croatia, in which he requests to be invited to participate in the discussion of the item on the Council's agenda. In conformity with the usual practice, I propose, with the consent of the Council, to invite that representative to participate in the discussion without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure. There being no objection, it is so decided. At the invitation of the President, Mr. Simonovie (Croatia) took a seat at the Council table.”
1998-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3847 (1998) · source
“For two years they all contributed decisively to the conduct of the business of the Council. Expression of thanks to the retiring President The President (interpretation from French): I should like also to pay tribute to my predecessor, Ambassador Berrocal Soto of Costa Rica, for the service he rendered as President of the Council during the month of December 1997. I express my deep appreciation to him on behalf of the members of the Council for the great skill he demonstrated as President, and I should also like to thank him for having called on us to participate in a meeting presided over by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica. Adoption of the agenda The agenda was adopted.”
1998-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3847 (1998) · source
“As this is the first meeting of the Security Council to be held this year, I should like to wish a happy new year to all the members of the Security Council, as well as to all Members of the United Nations and to the Secretariat and, in particular, to welcome the new members of the Council: Bahrain, Brazil, Gabon, the Gambia and Slovenia. We all look forward with confidence to their participation in the work of the Council, and we are convinced that their experience and wisdom will be of invaluable assistance in the discharge of the Council's responsibilities. I should like also to express the Council's gratitude to the outgoing members for their active and decisive contributions to the Council's work. The representatives of Chile, Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, Poland and the Republic of Korea well deserve it.”
1998-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3847 (1998) · source
“France in that regard thanks the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Coordinator of United Nations Operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Eide, for his efforts in support of the peace process, and we today assure Ms. Elisabeth Rehn, who is to succeed him, of our full support.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“The High Representative charged with the implementation of the civilian aspects of the Peace Agreements will continue to play a central role in coordination in this respect. The tireless efforts of Mr. Carl Bildt and those today of Mr. Carlos Westendorp have greatly contributed to the successes achieved in Bosnia and Herzegovina since the end of hostilities. The High Representative may rely in this regard on the constant support of my Government. The United Nations is also making an important contribution to stabilizing the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region through the work of the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina and, in particular, of the International Police Task Force.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“This is a joint effort under a single chain of command and in accordance with identical rules of engagement. The policy followed in this domain is decided by the NATO Council. The French officers present in Bosnia and Herzegovina today, like others, follow those directives set jointly by the allies and strictly apply the rules of engagement laid down by NATO for the apprehension of persons sought by the Tribunal. The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina calls for additional efforts by all, especially by the parties. Only one year remains before the completion of the consolidation plan and only a few months before the holding of the next general election. Thus, this is an urgent matter. The Peace Implementation Conference that has just taken place in Bonn clearly indicated the path to be followed.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“France, which was involved in the creation of the Tribunal from the beginning, France, whose army paid a heavy price in the service of peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina - 70 dead, 700 wounded - was deeply shocked by recent statements in the press questioning the conduct of States participating in the Stabilization Force (SFOR) in the implementation of the Tribunal's decisions. As recently confirmed by the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), all of the allies and the countries participating in the Stabilization Force, indeed, share the same resolve to ensure that indicted war criminals are brought to justice. The arrest in central Bosnia of two indicted persons, which has just taken place, is an example.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“Beyond these difficulties that relate to the functioning of central institutions, progress still needs to be made in many areas - strengthening of democratization, developing of pluralistic media, reform of the police and the judiciary and in the struggle against corruption. France underscores also the importance of improving the situation with regard to respect for human rights and the return of refugees and displaced persons. To date, of more than 2 million refugees, fewer than 200,000 have been able to go home. France unequivocally urges that all indicted persons be handed over to the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. There again, the primary responsibility for handing over the war criminals being sought falls to the parties.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“That conditionality must be perceived in a positive light: those who cooperate in good faith in the implementation of the Agreement, whether at the central, local or municipal level, can be assured of our support. This huge effort, however, cannot lead to a lasting restoration of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina unless necessary reforms are undertaken and the central institutions are able to function in a more satisfactory manner. Respect for the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina and implementation of the physical and political conditions needed for the operation of those institutions at all levels are priorities.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“A simple comparison with the situation that prevailed only two years ago in Bosnia and Herzegovina fortunately enables us to see that there has been progress. The military side of the Peace Agreement has been largely completed. A considerable effort of reconstruction has been undertaken in the country, and for this we must congratulate the authorities. The European Union is honoured to be far and away the largest contributor of aid towards the restoration of the economic structures of Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, it is to be recalled that continued international assistance is linked to respect by the parties for the obligations in the Agreement.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“Mr. Dejammet (France) (interpretation from French): Allow me to say how honoured we are today to be holding our proceedings under the presidency of the Foreign Minister of a country that has become a symbol of the quest for peaceful settlement of disputes and implementation of the rule of law. We are entering the third year of the implementation of the Peace Agreement in Bosnia and Herzegovina and are also at the mid-point of the period of consolidation. The consolidation plan adopted last year for a two- year period rested on a new rationale - that of a conditional, contractual approach to the peace process. That approach can be summed up easily: there is no credible alternative to the Peace Agreement, and the responsibility for implementing it falls primarily to the elected authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“Let me cite some information from the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund. Infant mortality went from 24 per 1,000 in 1990 to 168 per 1,000 in 1996, a sevenfold increase. Deaths among children under five years of age have tripled, going from 1,500 per month to 4,500 per month in 1996. Since 1990 the mortality rate among those over 50 has tripled. I shall say no more. Those are the facts. It is good that a consensus could emerge on this perceptive and sombre diagnosis and on the need to remedy the humanitarian situation. My delegation will support the draft resolution, which reflects that consensus. We hope that the consensus will hold in two months' time when we will have to adopt the necessary reform of resolution 986 (1995).”
1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3840 (1997) · source
“Specifically, we are thinking of seeking more flexible formulas to avoid setting three- month ceilings on oil sales, which create crises and disruption on the oil markets. The direction as set out in the draft resolution is clear, but we must quickly draw the proper conclusions. It is intolerable that the Iraqi people should continue to suffer forever. These are no mere words; the suffering is real. According to United Nations agencies, 11 per cent of children under age five suffer from acute malnutrition and 31 per cent from chronic malnutrition. The Secretary- General observes that the food ration of 2,030 calories is inadequate, and must be improved and increased. United Nations observers report an exceptionally serious deterioration in the health infrastructure, which is an underlying reason for the high infant mortality rate.”
1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3840 (1997) · source
“It is good that the Council has been able on these three main points to indicate clearly the course and the spirit that should govern our consideration of the supplementary report that will be submitted by the Secretary-General. The Council has also been able to demonstrate pragmatism and realism on the distribution plan. As the plan could not be prepared in time, the Council will agree to propose a mechanism that will make it possible to case this problem, for no longer than one month. During that period, oil sales will enable Iraq to buy medicines, health supplies and food without interruption. Also, to make the system more flexible, the draft resolution would allow the time frame to be reviewed.”
1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3840 (1997) · source
“The aim would be to increase food rations and improve the distribution of medicines and health supplies, and also, as noted in the report of the Secretary-General, to repair infrastructure. The condition of the infrastructure is extremely poor; this is one of the main reasons for the current lamentable health situation of the Iraqi people. Very significant resources are required for this purpose. The figure most often mentioned by the humanitarian agencies and non-governmental organizations in Baghdad is $4 billion, against the present $2 billion. I think that figure is a reasonable one, pending consideration of this matter by the Secretary-General.”
1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3840 (1997) · source
“Transparency must be increased, especially in the financial area and with respect to the motives, or pretexts, for delaying the approval of contracts. The Secretariat staff must be enlarged so that more tasks can be delegated to it, as with the sale of Iraqi oil, where most of the supervision is being carried out by the overseers. The second point outlined in the draft resolution is that the procedures for authorizing and acquiring goods could be significantly improved. The Council agrees. I am certain that in his assessment the Secretary-General will propose useful measures in this respect. The third and last point is that an increase in resources and thus in the oil income allocated to humanitarian aid is indispensable. The Council would clearly indicate that it is inclined to permit such an increase.”
1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3840 (1997) · source
“It is truly unacceptable that only 15 per cent of phase II contracts have been approved and that 15 per cent of phase I goods have not yet arrived at their destinations in Iraq. Admittedly there has been some progress in the past few months: on the initiative of the Secretary-General, the distribution plan has been computerized; monitoring has been reorganized and consolidated through the establishment of the Office of the Iraq Programme, also on the initiative of the Secretary- General. I note too that the procedures in the Committee established by resolution 661 (1990) have somewhat improved, permitting contracts to be approved more rapidly under phase II than they were under phase I. But much remains to be done.”
1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3840 (1997) · source
“That time-frame will enable us to conduct a thorough review of the matter and to consider it on the basis of the proposals that the Secretary-General will be making, which we trust will be as concrete as possible. The draft resolution is clear. The Council would welcome the report of the Secretary-General and would note with appreciation the recommendations in that report. The Council would then express its determination to avoid any further deterioration of the current humanitarian situation. The Security Council would then indicate three main ways to reverse the trend. The first of these is to improve the procedures of the sanctions Committee. The Committee will be reporting to the Council no later than 30 January 1998.”
1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3840 (1997) · source
“Mr. Dejammet (France) (interpretation from French): It was necessary to extend the humanitarian provisions of resolution 986 (1995). But, in the light of the report of the Secretary-General, for which we thank him, and in the light of the scope of the humanitarian disaster in Iraq, such an extension is not enough. We should have gone further. Some, including France, felt that it would have been possible to broaden the existing machinery and substantially increase the available funding. Several delegations did not feel that the moment had come to improve resolution 986 (1995) despite the urgency of the situation and despite public statements to that effect made here just a month ago. We can be pleased, however, that everyone agreed at least on the need to tackle this matter very quickly, within two months.”
1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3840 (1997) · source
“France will make available to the new mission 36 gendarmes and policemen, as well as the senior officer who is currently heading the police force.”
1997-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3837 (1997) · source
“However, these arrangements, as the draft resolution makes clear, do not constitute precedents for other operations of the same kind. France will continue to contribute financially to the mission under the terms of United Nations resolutions on this subject. In this regard, we took note with interest of the document submitted to us during unofficial consultations this morning that gives the picture of contributions made, payments outstanding and amounts due. It is agreeable for France to see that it is fully paid up with regard to past contributions for the financing of United Nations missions. We hope that this example, which fortunately is not the only example, will be followed by all Member States. We will also give a contribution in staff comparable to the one we gave to the United Nations Transition Mission in Haiti.”
1997-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3837 (1997) · source
“Within the group of Friends of the Secretary-General for Haiti, France participated in the preparation of the draft resolution now before the Council. France will vote in favour of the text. The draft resolution proposes the establishment of a United Nations civilian police mission for the next 12 months. This mission will be responsible for helping the authorities to continue with the work of professionalizing the Haitian National Police. While continuing the work already undertaken by the United Nations, the new mission will mark a change compared to previous missions. This mission will be entirely composed of civilian police. Specific arrangements have been made, inter alia, in the area of the security of United Nations monitors.”
1997-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3837 (1997) · source
“As stressed by President Preval in his letter of 29 October addressed to the Secretary-General, this police force, which has been in action for only two years, still needs support to complete its development. The Secretary-General's report notes that the current situation in the country remains fraught with uncertainty. There are still many difficulties - political, social and security difficulties. It is therefore essential that the security of the population be guaranteed by a police force which is competent, effective, and which enjoys the trust of the people. For all these reasons, France supports the request of the Haitian authorities to establish a civilian police mission. It also supports the recommendations made by the Secretary-General to that end.”
1997-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3837 (1997) · source
“Mr. Dejammet (France) (interpretation from French): The support of the United Nations has played an essential role in the establishment in Haiti of a police force that respects legality. The strengthening of the national police is essential for the consolidation of democracy and a State based on the rule of law in Haiti. Following earlier United Nations missions, the United Nations Transition Mission in Haiti (UNTMIH), whose mandate ends on 30 November, has supported efforts made by the Haitian authorities, particularly in the area of police training. United Nations monitors have also provided assistance to the Haitian National Police in carrying out their daily tasks.”
1997-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3837 (1997) · source
“We are, however, convinced that the United Nations should now help the Tajiks restore peace to their country and rebuild it. The maintenance of international peace and security has never been risk-free; the United Nations must shoulder its responsibilities, because a lack of support from the Organization could hamper the rapid and complete implementation of the General Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and National Accord in Tajikistan. It is in that spirit that France supports the expansion of the mandate of UNMOT.”
1997-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3833 (1997) · source
“Mr. Dejammet (France) (interpretation from French): The Tajik parties are engaged in a process of national reconciliation. This is a long and difficult undertaking, but the Government and the opposition alike are increasingly demonstrating their readiness to cooperate. We welcome in particular the intention stated by the two parties to establish a joint security unit to provide security mainly in the central part of the country, which remains the most exposed area. The French delegation is fully aware that the security situation in Tajikistan remains precarious. That is why we attach great importance to the measures the Secretary-General will be taking to provide, as far as possible, for the protection of the personnel of the United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan (UNMOT) and of the international organizations in the field.”
1997-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3833 (1997) · source
“Over the past seven years, the average calorie intake has fallen by a third, infant mortality has increased by 124 per cent, and life expectancy has dropped from 65 to 57 years. The exorbitant price paid by the Iraqi population cannot go on rising indefinitely, amidst general indifference. Only compliance by Iraq with its international obligations can put an end to this situation.”
1997-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3831 (1997) · source
“Then, and only then, can discussions be undertaken in a positive climate to explore prospects for resolving the crisis and to take into account the significant progress that has been made on the substance, notably in the nuclear and ballistic areas. Only complete and effective cooperation with the Special Commission will make it possible to implement paragraph 22 of resolution 687 (1991) regarding the lifting of the embargo and to ensure the reintegration of Iraq into the international community. The Iraqi population is not responsible for the current situation, but it is suffering terribly. It is worth recalling the figures that appear in the United Nations Development Programme's annual Human Development Report.”
1997-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3831 (1997) · source
“The clear will of the authors of the draft resolution to take into account the views of all States members of the Council was decisive in this respect, and should be commended. We still hope that this message will be heeded. We reiterate the urgent appeal we have constantly addressed to the Iraqi authorities for reason to prevail, urging them to rescind their decision and refrain from any action incompatible with Security Council resolutions. Then, and only then, will it be possible to discuss their concerns regarding the working methods of the Special Commission and the manner in which it discharges its responsibilities.”
1997-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3831 (1997) · source
“In the coming days we must persevere in our active search for a diplomatic solution, and we must avoid any counter- productive attitude. We must bear in mind our basic goal: the continuation, under favourable conditions, of the work of the Special Commission on the ground. Nothing would be worse than to call into question the main strength of resolution 687 (1991) and United Nations relations with Iraq. The system of ongoing verification and monitoring cannot be suspended; the security of the region is at stake. It is a good thing that the draft we will be voting on commands unanimity in the Council. For France, this was a very important condition, since we must in crisis situations maintain the unity of the Council. This consensus lends more weight and force to the message to be sent to Baghdad.”
1997-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3831 (1997) · source
“Bona fide diplomatic activities are authorized and do not, unlike other missions, require prior authorization of the Committee established under resolution 661 (1990). The mechanism for lifting the sanctions is clearly spelt out: as soon as Iraq again complies with the Special Commission's right of access, sanctions will be lifted. The Council's authority is maintained. The Council is still master of its judgements and future actions. That in particular is the thrust of paragraph 8. As was spelt out in the French-Russian joint declaration, we continue to advocate strongly that any action with regard to Iraq be considered and led strictly within the framework of the Security Council. The language of the draft for which we shall be voting has therefore been carefully weighed. It does not encourage or justify any escalation.”
1997-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3831 (1997) · source
“This reaction will not take place in a vacuum. Resolutions 1115 (1997) and 1134 (1997) have already urged Iraq to cooperate fully with the Special Commission. These words were not heeded, much to our regret. The reaction of the Council that we will be expressing must, however, be balanced and commensurate with the realities of the situation. The nature of the sanctions - that is, travel restrictions - was already covered in resolutions 1115 (1997) and 1134 (1997). In fact, these sanctions will not worsen the situation of the Iraqi people, who are already sorely tried by seven years of economic embargo. The search for a peaceful solution to end the current crisis will in no way be hampered by the travel bans covered in the text we will be voting for.”
1997-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3831 (1997) · source
“We must remain firm on this principle, which is in keeping with the Charter of the United Nations. Persistent diplomatic efforts were made to seek a way to end the crisis. From the start, France supported the initiative of the Secretary-General to send a mission to Baghdad to persuade Iraqi leaders to reverse their decision. Here I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his courageous initiative, as well as the members of the mission, whose work was commendable, but unfortunately without success. We ourselves made repeated efforts in our discussions with the Iraqi authorities to convince them to rescind their decision. Until the last minute, we believed reason would prevail. Unfortunately, that was not the case. So today we require a strong and unanimous reaction from the Security Council to send a clear signal to Baghdad.”
1997-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3831 (1997) · source
“Mr. Dejammet (France) (interpretation from French): France regrets that Iraq did not wish to rescind its unacceptable decision to limit its cooperation with the Special Commission. We were among the first to express our disapproval of this decision, which violates resolutions of the Security Council. We very quickly agreed to a strong, unanimous statement by the President of the Council condemning Iraq's attempt to dictate the conditions of its cooperation with the Special Commission and demanding total cooperation from Iraq. In the days that followed, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of France and Russia recalled, in a joint statement dated 1 November, that resolutions of the Security Council are mandatory for all States and must be fully implemented. No discrimination with regard to any Member State can be tolerated.”
1997-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3831 (1997) · source
“We deem it unfortunate that this suggestion was not taken into account. We also regret that a number of suggestions - which in our View would have helped improve the text by making it more strict and precise - were not acted on, because we believe that that final effort, which would not have taken much time, would probably have enabled us to get closer to the very desirable objective to which I referred earlier: unity within the Council. We could have demonstrated the Council's solidarity with the Special Commission and thus also strengthened the Commission's work in order to achieve all of the objectives of resolution 687 (1991). It is in the light of these considerations that we were compelled to abstain in the voting.”
1997-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3826 (1997) · source
“The resolution's preamble acknowledges that progress has been achieved. That is good and shows that efforts were made by all Council members to reflect the conclusions reached by the Commission. But in this same vein, because progress was made, we think that the Executive Chairman of the Special Commission should have received some encouragement, however modest, to continue with his efforts and enhance further the effectiveness of the Special Commission's cooperation with the Iraqi authorities. We regret that that appeal was not heeded. We had hoped also that the Council, in the future exercise of its prerogatives, would continue to use very precise wording in its work in order to avoid situations in which people who are not directly responsible for the problems encountered might find themselves facing sanctions.”
1997-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3826 (1997) · source
“We deem it positive that those Council members who took part in the discussion of the text were able to demonstrate their unanimous agreement with that basic truth. However, bearing in mind the idea of proportionality referred to earlier, we had wanted the wording of the text to be such that it would not give rise to any hasty or erroneous interpretations, such as the belief that an additional sanctions process had already been set in motion - contrary, I repeat, to the appeal that we felt was contained in the report of the Special Commission. We regret that the wording of certain paragraphs, which could have been improved upon, might lead some to believe that additional sanctions already existed. For that reason, we regret that the technical proposals that could have done away with these ambiguities were not approved.”
1997-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3826 (1997) · source
“We based the abstention which we just exercised on a consideration of the merits of the text of the resolution, but also in the light of a very strong principle, which was expressed with great conviction by the Executive Chairman of the Special Commission. This principle highlights the advantage, as far as possible, of seeking unity within the Council so as to underline the authority of the activities entrusted to the Special Commission by the Council. And it is this unity - which for some years now the Council has shown in its actions in regard to important texts pertaining to Iraq - that, we feel, has contributed to the achievement of the significant progress noted in the last report. We agree that the text we have just voted on respects a fundamental principle: the sovereignty of the Council in its decision-making process.”
1997-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3826 (1997) · source
“Mr. Dejammet (France) (interpretation from French): Like all the members of the Security Council we are motivated by the desire to see Iraq discharge its obligations in regard to the resolutions of the Security Council and, with this end in mind, by the wish to strengthen our support for the work of the Special Commission, and to make sure that the cooperation between the Special Commission and Iraq produces the anticipated results as soon as possible. We based our judgement on the report submitted to us by the Special Commission, a report in which many of us found sections that were - happily and finally - positive. We also noted the recommendations of the Executive Chairman of the Special Commission, which did not contain any request for the immediate imposition of additional sanctions.”
1997-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3826 (1997) · source