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

“Mr. Dejammet (France) (interpretation from F rench): The conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been raging for almost eight months now. It involves not only Congolese rebel groups but approximately half a dozen African countries, and military operations are being conducted over an ever- widening area of the territory of that country. Regional organizations, the Organization of African Unity and the United Nations have not remained inactive since the outbreak of the crisis, but we must acknowledge that their appeals for a cessation of hostilities have not been heeded. In our debate today - requested by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and approved by the members of the Council - we must explore ways and means to achieve a peaceful settlement of this conflict.”
1999-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3987 (1999) · source
“In this context we do not doubt for a moment that the adoption of this resolution and the extension of the mandate of MINURCA will provide an outstanding opportunity for the authorities and the Central African political parties to make progress in their dialogue and in national reconciliation. Any other attitude would be damaging to the pursuit of the United Nations Mission and to the Central African Republic itself.”
1999-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3984 (1999) · source
“Among the most important points that the Security Council will be taking into account during these evaluations are the pursuit of constructive and consensual dialogue among all the Central African political parties in order to allow for the effective functioning of the new national assembly and calm preparations for free and equitable presidential elections; the continuation of the restructuring of the Central African armed forces; the implementation of economic and financial objectives defined in cooperation with the international financial institutions; and respect for the commitment that was solemnly made by the Central African Government itself - and for which we congratulate it - to avoid involvement in any external conflict.”
1999-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3984 (1999) · source
“The French delegation believes that the achievement of the commitments made by the President of the Central African Republic in the letter that he addressed to Secretary-General on 23 January 1999 is essential. As was most clearly stated in the statement made on 18 February 1999 on behalf of the Security Council by its President, the success, the future mandate and the continued presence of MINURCA in the Central African Republic are closely linked to the implementation of these commitments. Further, the observable progress in their implementation will be reviewed every 45 days, as set forth in the draft resolution that we will be adopting.”
1999-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3984 (1999) · source
“It would be a grave mistake for Central African authorities and political leaders of any stripe to believe that the simple presence of MINURCA would make it possible to resolve all the problems the country must deal with. First, this is because MINURCA's mandate is time-limited; the draft resolution specifies that the Mission must end on 15 November 1999 at the very latest. Second, this is because, obviously, the responsibility for national reconciliation devolves, above all, on the Central Africans themselves. Finally, this is because it is essential to implement as soon as possible the structural reforms on which the long-term recovery of the Central African Republic depends.”
1999-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3984 (1999) · source
“38) The successful holding of legislative elections on 22 November and 13 December 1998 was also an important stage in the reestablishment of national institutions which had been almost entirely destroyed by the successive rebellions that battered the country in 1996. It would be regrettable if the success of these elections were now tarnished by sterile political quarrels. The formation, during the holding of these elections, of the first restructured unit of the Central African armed forces and the continuation of the demobilization programme supported by the United Nations Development Programme were two encouraging signs of the will of the Central African authorities to restructure their military forces. This satisfactory progress, however, should not obscure the fact that serious difficulties remain.”
1999-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3984 (1999) · source
“Mr. Dejammet (France) (interpretation from French): The draft resolution that we shall be adopting on the extension of the mandate of the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic (MINURCA) marks an important stage in the pursuit of the process of peace and national reconciliation begun in January 1997 with the conclusion of the Bangui Agreements. MINURCA has made significant achievements since the beginning of its deployment on 15 April 1998. The gains of the Inter-African Mission to Monitor the Implementation of the Bangui Agreements (MISAB) have been preserved, and the Central African Republic has remained, as the Secretary-General states in his 18 December 1998 report, "an island of relative stability in an otherwise war-torn region". (S/1998/1203, para.”
1999-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3984 (1999) · source
“Otunnu's initiative aimed at including the demobilization and reintegration of children within the Arusha peace process is an excellent, concrete example that we should bear in mind in the action we take under your leadership, Mr. President.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“Thus, my country has begun the necessary internal procedures for ratification of Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, and France hopes to be able to adhere to it this year. The important thing, in conclusion, is that we always act pragmatically. In each and every one of the situations before the Council, we must hear the views of the humanitarian agencies on the consequences for civilian populations. These elements must also be taken into consideration in the peace processes, as can currently be seen in the contribution made by International Committee of the Red Cross to the negotiations in Rambouillet this very day. Mr.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“Bellamy in her very strong statement and to the work of UNICEF, as well as to the forceful, very efficient, rapid and precise work accomplished by Mr. Otunnu. The enlistment of children in a war dooms a country's future for generations. It means there will be no more education, and only learning how to kill one's neighbour and engender a cycle of violence. The Geneva Conventions and the Convention on the Rights of the Child guarantee the protection due children under the age of 15. It is without doubt imperative for that age to be raised to 18. We support the efforts made by Ms. Bellamy and Mr. Otunnu in this direction. But the primary responsibility in this field resides, in the last analysis, with States.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“Of course, with regard to this question of resort to armed force, it will be necessary for us to establish very clear mandates so that tasks will not be confused and the neutral and impartial nature of humanitarian aid will not be undermined. The International Committee of the Red Cross is quite rightly devoted to that principle, but we should perhaps more often envisage the cooperation that can be provided by peacekeeping forces to alleviate the needs of populations - for example, by introducing a demining or disarmament component in the mandate of these forces or by adding some specifications and provisions for the demobilization of children. I will dedicate my final words to the issue of children and to pay tribute both to the comments made by Ms.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“This can be seen, inter alia, in the establishment of international tribunals. Let us simply recall that the Council will have an important role to play with regard to the International Criminal Court once it is in operation. The last element concerns the authorization by the Council of resort to armed force. This may be indispensable to ensure the security of populations and humanitarian action. In some cases it is armed force alone that can make it possible to create a humanitarian space, corridors of access and protection for the delivery of aid. That objective must be borne in mind, even though relatively recent examples in history have unfortunately shown that the efforts of certain countries - including Canada - have not been successful and have had very regrettable consequences.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“But it must be used appropriately to target those responsible and not to increase the suffering of populations, especially those who are most vulnerable. In this respect, we endorse the conclusions of the Council regarding the recommendations of the various chairmen of the sanctions committees. This reflection must be continued while bearing in mind the contributions made by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in order to limit collateral damage to the civilian population as much as possible and to take its needs into account. The fourth direction in which we must work is the fight against impunity. Wherever necessary we must conduct investigations and see to it that they are given the necessary follow-up. Major progress has recently been made.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“We consider it necessary to strengthen international cooperation in this respect, in accordance with the provisions of the Charter. Our objective in this field should be to achieve the same success as that which was achieved in the extremely rapid adoption of the Ottawa Convention. We cannot fail to thank Canada and the International Committee of the Red Cross once again for the tireless energy they applied to that work, which resulted in success, and to congratulate them. The report that is to be published by the International Committee of the Red Cross next month on the problem of the spread of small- calibre arms and light weapons should be an opportunity for further consideration of this fundamental problem. The third instrument is that of sanctions. This instrument is available to the Security Council, and it should be used.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“While a number of conventions have been drawn up in the course of the last century to ban certain categories of weapons - especially weapons of mass destruction and anti-personnel mines - light weapons and small-calibre arms continue to cause more and more harm by virtue of their accessibility, even to children. The Security Council must therefore see to it that arms embargoes are implemented. In this respect, we should recall resolution 1209 (1998), which was adopted by the Security Council last November, on illicit arms movements to Africa and within Africa. The European Union adopted a joint action last month in order to combat the accumulation and the destabilizing spread of small-calibre weapons and to help reduce existing stockpiles.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“Otunnu's project with the United Nations Children's Fund to prepare radio programmes to make it possible to sensitize children, and of course adults as well, regarding respect for the rights of children. Finally, just a word to say how very right Mr. Sommaruga and Mr. Otunnu are in warning against attempts to demonize. Some might be tempted to demonize a given leader, but we sometimes see, subsequent to such attempts, that the country of that leader is also demonized. That can lead to a spiral of threats and sometimes even violence. The second obligation that concerns us has to do with weapons, in particular with small-calibre arms and light weapons.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“These are inalienable principles that, in accordance with human rights conventions, cannot be suspended for reasons of security or law enforcement and whose violation constitutes a war crime. Missions of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights can contribute to strengthening this prevention on the ground and to supporting the establishment of national judicial systems and legislation that will make it possible to deal with violations of humanitarian law. At a time when almost everyone has access to the most sophisticated means of information and communication, it is important to make good use of those means. This goes along with the comments made by Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, who the other day denounced the use of the media as a tool of mass conflict. In this connection, I also support Mr.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“For our part, we would emphasize five elements. The first is preventive in nature and involves the dissemination of the fundamental norms of humanitarian law, which is one of the obligations contained in the Geneva Conventions. As we know, the International Committee of the Red Cross is involved in this work, but we must actively support the work of disseminating and making common knowledge of the norms of humanitarian law. This entails education about human rights and respect, in both wartime and peacetime, for the fundamental principles relative to the human person, such as the right to life and the prohibitions against torture, the deportation of populations, disappearances and illegal detentions.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“Everyone has mentioned here that conflicts are in fact no longer confined to struggles between clearly identified national interests or to clashes between States that, for the most part, are adherents to treaties and conventions. That ensures a certain reciprocity and occasionally allows those international instruments to be observed. We are today witnessing a proliferation of parties to conflicts, many of which are not State actors. This leads to a situation that is much more complex and gives us cause to think about what instruments can be implemented in order to deal with this new state of war and to ensure respect for humanitarian law in accordance with common article 1 of the Geneva Conventions. Many of the preceding speakers have already indicated quite concretely and precisely what the priorities are.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“Tribute also must be paid to the thousands of volunteers who often work at risk of their lives and who reflect honour on the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Henri Dunant, the first recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. This struggle is more necessary today than ever before in order to ensure respect for the fundamental and very simply rules of international humanitarian law, according to which defenceless persons must not be attacked. In the light of the debate we held last month, however, and particularly in the light of the statement made by the Under-Secretary- General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, we must focus today on the means of action available to us.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“In an era when every gesture is broadcast by the media, I think we need to be aware of and grateful to the International Committee of the Red Cross for the way it works in silence and with such effectiveness. It performs this work with the greatest sense of human respect and dignity and strives daily and tirelessly to alleviate the sufferings of peoples, regardless of their origin, race, religion, gender or status. In this fiftieth anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, I therefore believe that it is time to pay tribute to President Sommaruga and the unflagging work of the International Committee of the Red Cross under his leadership to ensure respect for the human condition.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“Mr. Dejammet (France) (interpretation from French): I wish to thank Canada and especially you, Sir, and the Permanent Representative of Canada for your very welcome initiative of convening the Security Council and inviting the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Director General of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict to express their views on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. At the outset, I wish to pay a very special tribute to the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross, which it carries out with the greatest discretion.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“Does he believe that new standards of international law must be introduced in View of the changing nature of armed conflict, the fact that the civilian population has become by far the main victim and target, and that the distinction between civilians and combatants is becoming increasingly blurred? Mr. President, this debate, which you have taken the initiative of convening, must not only lead to the Security Council's becoming more active in monitoring and responding to conflicts politically, militarily or at the humanitarian level; it must also lead us, together with the Secretariat, to reaffirm certain principles and also to reflect on ways of supplementing or fine-tuning them if necessary.”
1999-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3968 (1999) · source
“This is not a theoretical question; it arose recently in very practical terms in several conflict situations in Africa and in Afghanistan. In other words, what are the acceptable limits on the constraints that local authorities may seek to impose on the presence and the work of humanitarian personnel? This is a serious question that involves ethics, the agencies' responsibility vis-a-vis their immediate obligation to provide assistance, and also respect for more general legal principles. My last point relates to the topic of existing standards, and in a way it is a question for Mr. Vieira de Mello.”
1999-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3968 (1999) · source
“The humanitarian response cannot always substitute for dealing with conflicts and their causes. Sometimes the representatives of humanitarian agencies bear a heavy responsibility, the heavy responsibility of saving, "We are doing what we can, but the problem goes deeper and it is up to the Security Council to take political decisions, and sometimes also military decisions." We must realize that the Council cannot completely shed this responsibility, entrusting it to the humanitarian actors. Another responsibility weighs heavily on those in charge of humanitarian agencies: to what extent can those agencies accept departures from the principles of neutrality and non-discrimination in order to carry out their mission?”
1999-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3968 (1999) · source
“Within the Council, of course, we already know that we must strive from now on to define precise mandates, to distinguish the political, military and humanitarian tasks to be done, and to preserve the neutrality of humanitarian activities. As several speakers have said, such as the Ambassador of Slovenia, we must in any case remain well aware that, by leading to extensive movements of refugees and displaced persons, the risks of humanitarian catastrophes can themselves threaten peace and international security. Thus, the Security Council has the responsibility and the duty to provide a response to this. To be very specific, we must be well aware of the challenging tasks facing those who deal with humanitarian problems. One of these tasks is indeed distinguishing between the humanitarian and the political solution.”
1999-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3968 (1999) · source
“This will lead us, as we reflect on the maintenance of peace, to anticipate humanitarian problems and, above all, the need to protect innocent civilian populations. We must strive to act before there is a crisis, as, for example, recently when we held a debate on peacekeeping, trying to do all we could in advance to avoid humanitarian disasters. Here again there are examples that show this is possible. I am thinking for example of the multinational force authorized by the Council, Operation Alba in Albania. But we also have to keep in mind the shortcomings, setbacks and failures; I am thinking of our inability at the end of 1996 to avoid the disaster in eastern Zaire, the humanitarian tragedy that took place in that region of Africa, as everyone knows. This leads us to reflect on how to draw lessons from past experience.”
1999-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3968 (1999) · source
“We must take long-term measures, as we have, for example, in establishing International Criminal Tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, which are charged with trying those responsible for serious violations of international law. Another long-term and positive undertaking is the establishment of the International Criminal Court, which will sanction violations of the Geneva Conventions. This is a major step forward, and France, which is proud to have supported early on to the establishment of the International Criminal Court, hopes that it will soon be able to take action. However, in the short run, during which we are almost daily confronted with crises that are at once political and humanitarian, we Council members must strive to provide a response, and to do so immediately.”
1999-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3968 (1999) · source
“Sergio Vieira de Mello paid to the representative of Russia for the role his country played in the release of Vincent Cochetel, a member of the humanitarian staff of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Clearly, we must remind ourselves of these principles, and we are being given the opportunity this year, it being the anniversary year of several conventions: the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, and also of course the Hague Conventions. These anniversaries should lead us to take action to ensure that these Conventions are better respected and ultimately to strengthen the guarantees they provide. But beyond these necessary reminders, beyond the work we can do to strengthen these legal instruments, we, the members of the Security Council, must act.”
1999-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3968 (1999) · source
“This is a fundamental right. It is often flouted. Sometimes it is respected, which proves that sometimes in difficult situations it is possible for there to be respect for some principles. In this connection, Mr. Vieira de Mello was right to mention the crisis in Guinea- Bissau where, happily, it has been possible to provide assistance to the parties involved. Another fundamental principle is the protection of refugees and displaced persons. Yet another, of course, is the distinguishing and separation of civilians from combatants. In the report submitted to us in September the Secretary-General once again stressed the urgent need to make this distinction. Other principles include protection of hospitals and, lastly, protection of humanitarian personnel. Since here again there is a good example, I would like to join in the tribute that Mr.”
1999-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3968 (1999) · source
“It is striking that now 90 per cent of the victims of armed conflicts are civilians, whereas it used to be that this 90 per cent represented combatants. Civilian populations have become the principal Victims of conflicts, and sometimes deliberate targets. I am thinking in particular of the most vulnerable group: children. It is therefore essential, as Mr. Vieira de Mello said, that measures be taken to raise the minimum age at which children can be inducted into armed forces and to ensure better, effective protection of children during armed conflicts. But this, we must admit, is but one example of the significant worsening of respect for humanitarian law in recent years. Of course, everyone knows the principles. They remain fundamental. These principles include assured and unimpeded access to victims and to all affected populations.”
1999-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3968 (1999) · source
“Mr. Dejammet (France) (interpretation from French): Allow me to join all those who have thanked you personally, Mr. President, for suggesting and convening this meeting and for having invited your compatriot, Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, to share his views. As always he has expressed them in an extremely clear, precise, well-documented and thought-provoking way. We trust that this debate convened on your initiative, and which was so ably opened by the Under- Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, will indeed encourage the members of the Council to continue to give thought to these matters so that this fundamental issue of simple respect for human beings caught up in conflict situations can really begin to be resolved. We are all aware of the considerable change that has occurred in recent years in dealing with these complex problems.”
1999-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3968 (1999) · source
“Tariq Aziz, which would have made possible the comprehensive review of Iraqi disarmament provided for in Security Council resolution 1194 (1998)." I would like to thank the Secretary-General for the statement that he issued this evening when faced with the facts while the Security Council was holding consultations. We have always supported the Secretary-General's tireless and persistent actions to ensure that the law prevails, despite the obstacles and pitfalls encountered. The Secretary-General reminds us once again today, a sad day for the United Nations, that the Organization's duty will be to play its role.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3955 (1998) · source
“Mr. Dejammet (France) (interpretation from French): I would like to read a communique issued this evening by the French authorities, which is as follows: "France deplores the chain of events that led to the American military strikes against Iraq and the serious human consequences that they may have for the Iraqi population. "It regrets that the Iraqi leaders were not able to demonstrate the spirit of full cooperation called for by the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding of 23 February 1998 between the Secretary-General of the United Nations and Mr.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3955 (1998) · source
“Therefore, there is a need for approaches to include, as much as possible, all the dimensions. It is in this context that the activities of peace-building must be taken into account, planned for in advance by the Security Council. This is the reason why we wish to thank you, Sir, for having convened this debate. I think that we will be more and more aware of this need to deal with the fundamental aspects of peace-building from the very outset of a crisis.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source
“If we wish these programmes to succeed and to achieve the established objectives, then they should be developed in a spirit of respect for diversity of the needs and characteristics of each country, such as cultural characteristics, and linguistic characteristics in particular. Otherwise, there are real risks of rejection and ultimately failure. The maintenance of peace and the solution of conflicts hinge on an integrated approach to all aspects involved. It would be erroneous to isolate the military dimension from the other aspects, be they economic, social, cultural or institutional. The numerous crises which the Security Council has dealt with over the last few years are no longer exclusively classic inter-State conflicts but are very often - indeed most often - complex internal conflicts.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source
“A second stumbling block, the lack of continuity between the different stages of international action after a conflict, can do major damage to the effectiveness of peace- building actions, in particular following the completion of an operation's mandate. An appropriate transition must be planned in order to avoid an interruption of programmes or the substitution in emergency situations of new partners who have a different approach from that which had been followed previously. I repeat, the Security Council must have this element in mind when it decides on the ending of an operation. Finally - and this is the third stumbling block - the temptation to impose artificial and predetermined models in the various activity sectors for peace-building on the countries or parties involved must be fought off.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source
“That having been stated, the success of peace-building depends on the will of the parties to the conflict to really put an end to hostilities as much as on the mobilization of the international community. Experience has shown that three stumbling blocks must be avoided. First of all, there is the competition between the protagonists and the temptation to go it alone. Close coordination is indispensable to ensure that all of the activities involved in fact are aimed at the stated objective. Redundancies, duplications, even contradictions represent a waste of very meagre resources. The special representative of the Secretary-General, therefore, has a pivotal role to play in ensuring coordination and avoiding overlapping and wastage; moreover, promising experience has been acquired in this area.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source
“When there is no peacekeeping operation, or after it has been completed, peace-building activities which are deemed necessary to launch or to continue should then be the subject of the appropriate agreements between the country or countries involved, on the one hand, and the various protagonists who can contribute - that is, United Nations programmes and agencies, regional organizations, donor countries and non-governmental organizations - on the other. But all of this, I repeat, in no way eliminates the importance and even the necessity of anticipating, at the outset of thinking on a peacekeeping operation, the peace- building activities which then must follow so that we can have a general and understandable overview, and especially so that we have an idea of the necessary financing.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source
“Then the parties to the conflict, the United Nations, some countries which are more vigilant than others or present in the field must cope with the enormous task of peace-building, and this involves the medium- and long-term mobilization of all necessary means. This is why it is important for the Security Council to take into account in advance the aspects of peace- building so that they might be integrated into a comprehensive and sure strategy for the necessary financing. Therefore, these aspects must be duly provided for within the mandate which defines a peacekeeping operation when that operation is decided upon. That mandate forms the framework for action by the United Nations and the international community.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source
“In this regard, France welcomes the decision of the Secretary-General to emphasize the problem of light weapons and small-calibre weapons and their illegal trafficking, most particularly in Africa. We know that Mali originally made proposals on this subject which are now in the process of implementation. Peace-building in regions of the African continent which have been devastated by conflicts indeed hinges on decisive action to cope with the dissemination of light weapons and small-calibre weapons. The prevention of the resumption of conflicts which the Security Council deals with or has dealt with is obviously a continuing concern. All too often, international attention dwindles once the acute crisis period has passed and once the media have focused interest elsewhere.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source
“The objective is to achieve good governance. This includes assistance in organizing free and democratic elections, the reconstruction and strengthening of State structures, in particular, but not only, in such sectors of sovereignty as justice and the police. Finally, and above all, this often includes, or should include, learning to share power. Recent thinking has demonstrated that, aside from these different guidelines, there also was a need to attach specific importance to appropriate disarmament measures. In many cases, parties to the conflict have built up major weapons stocks which can contribute to a resumption of hostilities or can be disseminated in an uncontrolled fashion, thereby endangering the security of the region.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source
“The first of these categories is the strengthening of confidence and national reconciliation, which in many cases covers the return and reintegration of refugees, the demobilization and reintegration of combatants and the development of dialogue between the former parties to the conflict, as well as respect for human rights. The second category is that of economic reconstruction, which most often includes humanitarian assistance to cope with emergency needs and also rehabilitation or the establishment of economic and social infrastructure, including in the educational system. Demining is also a very important element of this aspect. Finally, the third category, which is part of peace- building, consists in the recreation of institutions - political institutions - which in many cases have been damaged or indeed destroyed by the conflict.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source
“Activities which can assist in peace-building are by nature highly varied, but they all are aimed at strengthening confidence and improving the living conditions in countries afflicted by conflicts in order to prevent the resurgence of violence and to create conditions for a lasting peace. Each situation is unique, and it would thus be presumptuous - even given this general debate in the Council - to try a priori to define the content of such peace-building activities. Nevertheless, on the basis of past and present experience, three major categories have been singled out.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source
“Mr. Dejammet (France) (interpretation from French): The report entitled "An Agenda for Peace" and its supplement stressed the importance of peace-building and proposed guidelines in that connection. The Security Council responded by endorsing assessments of the report in the statement made by the President of the Council on 30 April 1993, document S/25696. The Secretary-General's reform process and his report on Africa (S/1998/318), which the Council discussed on 24 September 1998, provided an opportunity to resume the debate on peace- building and to make a number of proposals.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source
“Thus, this is yet another text responding to the difficulties and gravity of events in Afghanistan and my country will therefore vote in its favour.”
1998-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3952 (1998) · source
“For the time being, however, the fighting goes on and we must acknowledge that negotiations between the parties have yet to resume. The United Front is prepared to open a political dialogue with the Taliban and to conclude a ceasefire. The Taliban, for its part, has shown no readiness to resume the negotiations or to put an end to hostilities. It is therefore fitting that the draft resolution before us, while referring to all the factions, concerns the Taliban first and foremost and lays out the Council's demands to it. It is also appropriate that the draft - like the previous resolution on this topic, which laid out the terms of a settlement - should reflect the idea that the Council is prepared to consider imposing further measures in order fully to implement its resolutions.”
1998-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3952 (1998) · source
“Mr. Dejammet (France) (interpretation from French): The draft resolution before us is necessary. It describes a situation that has become intolerable over the years: ongoing conflict, external interference, discrimination, the assassination of Iranian diplomatic personnel, the murders of high-ranking United Nations officials, humanitarian crisis and unacceptable constraints imposed upon humanitarian agencies and non-governmental organizations. We pay tribute to the tireless and intelligent work of the Secretary-General's Special Envoy, Mr. Brahimi, whose most recent mission helped to reduce tensions in the region. He deserves all our support. We also understand the Secretary-General's proposals, which we believe can be implemented, provided, of course, that all necessary security measures are taken.”
1998-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3952 (1998) · source
“Or do you believe that this is not the role of UNHCR and that you can share your concerns with the local leaders and with the Security Council but that you need to cope with the daily survival problems of these refugees as a matter of priority and cannot beyond that play the political role which perhaps some would devolve upon you? Finally, my last question is really more of an observation. I noted in your intervention that you also foresee drawing up plans for future cases of humanitarian tragedies. You mentioned the case of the Middle East. As my last question I would like to know whether those plans are still relevant; that is to say, whether you still have plans regarding potential refugee flows if drastic crises were soon to affect the region of the Middle East?”
1998-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3942 (1998) · source
“The question is this: with all the practical knowledge that you and your colleagues have about the problems which exist in refugee camps and your knowledge of the wishes and desires of the refugees, are you in a position to share with the members of the Security Council, as well as with the leaders of those regions, your concerns, or perhaps outlines, for a solution to those problems? I am thinking once again, for example, in terms of the Great Lakes region and the refugees who are still there and the misgivings they may still have which prevent them from returning to their native lands. Are you in a position to make known to the leaders of the countries of origin of these refugees what proposals might allow for national reconciliation to facilitate their return?”
1998-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3942 (1998) · source